Ashford Match Report – JBL Opening Weekend 23-24
By ATTC Webmaster on Dec 04, 2023 with Comments 0
Report written by Phil Kemp
It was a new experience for all three players as a young Ashford team played for the first time in the Junior British League at the Derby Arena the weekend of 14-15 Oct, 2023.
Owen Xander, Ernie Kemp and Pranav Ghantha were in division seven, playing five matches – three on the Saturday and two on Sunday.
Saturday 14th
On a crisp sunny day (is Derby always this cold!), the team kicked off Saturday’s proceedings with their first match against Draycott 3. Although Ernie managed a good win, the team lost 5–1.
Next up was Cippenham 2. Owen, Ernie and Pranav played really well, and each won one game and lost one game, so the match was tied 3 all. Ernie had a chance to win the match but unfortunately lost his second match 11–13 in the 5th. Ashford had a point on the board.
The last match of Saturday was against a strong Brighton team and although there was some great individual play, unfortunately Ashford lost 6–0.
A tough first day, but all three players enjoyed it and gained some valuable experience to take into day two.
Saturday night gave the team the opportunity to reset ready for their last 2 matches on Sunday.
Sunday 15th
The first match was against Wood Green. Pranav and Ernie both had good 3–0 wins, but Ashford weren’t able to pick up any further wins and lost 4–2.
The final match was against Urban 3. Pranav played some of his best table tennis of the weekend to win both of his games, but even though Ernie and Owen both played well they weren’t able to get a win, so Ashford again lost 4–2.
A Learning Experience
Ashford finished bottom of their division at the halfway stage of the competition, but all 3 players had some great moments and should be proud of themselves. Playing in tournaments is a learning experience and the weekend was enjoyed by all.
Finally, looking at the statistics for the matches, there were some interesting points the team should learn from:
- In 18 of their matches, Ashford lost the first set – get warmed up!
- The team lost 6 of the 9 matches that went to 5 sets – say focused to the end!
- The team played 117 sets in total, winning 42 and losing 75, but lost 20 sets by only 2 points (11-9, 12-10 etc). It’s fine margins between winning and losing!
The second JBL weekend will be held in Derby on the 17th/18th February 2024 and all three players are looking to take this experience and improve on the first weekend.
Results, Tables & Fixtures etc.
For more info please see the British League website: Britsih League
Filed Under: British Clubs League • News
About the Author: Published by the ATTC Webmaster
