The Spalding and District Table Tennis League finally limped to a conclusion last week.
The main contenders for the Division Two title – MatDuf and Hurricane Brothers – were present to play their remaining games.
It began with a battle royale between Stewart Duffill (MatDuf) and Dylan Taylor (Win for a Curry).
Duffill took the first end 17-15, but Taylor fought back to win the second 12-10, and added the third for good measure 11-5. With his back to the wall in terms of the title, Duffill first levelled 11-9 and then took the game in the fifth 11-7.
He and partner Jonathan Matthews then won the doubles against Taylor and Tom Chesworth 11-7, 11-9, 11-4.
Finally, they played Castle Sports Ping and Wang and Tony Dorey in another doubles taking that 11-6, 11-9, 14-12.
This completed their fixtures – giving them a total of 43 points.
Meanwhile, Hurricanes were waiting in the hope their opponent from Pingers might show to complete their matches.
With only Phil Knowles available, who had already played all his four, they put in a claim for the matches to the fixture secretary, who after discussion agreed.
This gave them 43 points too. In this instance, the rules state that the number of won matches decide the champion – but both teams had a record of ten victories
The next tie break is the results between the two teams. In this instance both teams won their ‘home’ fixture 3-2.
With there being no other provision, it was decided that the title is to be shared.
Also played was a singles between Knowles and Chesworth, which the former won 11-3, 11-5, 11-7.
In the end five matches, besides Hurricanes and Pingers, were unfinished, and one match never got off the starting blocks.
All these spare games were declared void, making it a disappointing end to a difficult season.
Just one issue remains to be resolved – the final of the Veterans – which is held up by work related issues.
The league’s summer sessions begin at the Castle Sports Complex on Wednesday, May 31.
All will be welcome at these sessions which have a charge of £3. With the League looking to recruit for next season it is hoped there will be plenty of interest.
