Star Paving Services North Norfolk Table Tennis LeagueTHE league has been buzzing about the North Norfolk Championships. John Paul looked to win both the Open Singles and Veterans for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year, but suffered his first ever singles defeat at the event, losing to eventual Veterans champion Dennis Elliott in the semi-finals, who top-spinned his way to a win in five sets.

Star Paving Services North Norfolk Table Tennis League

THE league has been buzzing about the North Norfolk Championships. John Paul looked to win both the Open Singles and Veterans for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year, but suffered his first ever singles defeat at the event, losing to eventual Veterans champion Dennis Elliott in the semi-finals, who top-spinned his way to a win in five sets.

The Open Singles final was a first ever meeting between teammates Paul and John Batchford - the defending champion levelling from a set down as Batchford froze slightly. However Paul was lacking his usual control and his backhand was misfiring as attacking play saw Batchford win in four sets to become the new North Norfolk Champion.

And his impressive debut continued as he teamed up with Elliott to win the Open Doubles, winning the final against Paul and Plate winner Martin Lawes in straight sets.

In the Handicap events, 2007 champion Anne Armitage defeated 2003 winner Alex Spragg in the final, while Jack Morton and Eric Dolden defeated Simeon Care and Peter Ward in the doubles. Peter Betts won the second division singles final from a set down in a close battle with Tom Baldock-Yaxley, who did likewise with John Vaughan as they won the second division doubles final against Matt Robinson and Simon Halliday.

John Paul has been a great champion winning 11 titles over the last four years and hopefully he will return next year.

The semi-finals of both Handicap Cups took place.

In the singles, Cobras James Baldock-Yaxley, Alex Spragg and Adam Brown hosted Goblins, who won 5-2.

The Goblins also had success in their semi-final of the doubles away to Barracudas - Peter Ward replacing Pooley as the team reached their second final, dropping just two sets during their 6-0 win.

The other doubles semi-final saw Deltas' Stan Baldock, Tom Baldock-Yaxley and Jack Morton host Poacher's Andy Woods, Alan Rutledge and Jon Cheyette. Deltas won 5-2 which means they will face Goblins in both handicap finals.

The final match in the first division of the league has also taken place with Outlaws defeating Specials 8-2.

John Hancock (jnr) ended the season on 69 consecutive singles victories and Colin Humphries also took a maximum, including a five-set win against Ray Howe. John Hancock (snr) beat John Miller in five.