THE 47th season of the North Norfolk Table Tennis League kicks off this week. The league is pleased to again be sponsored by Star Paving Services, with Dave Dewberry recently presenting a cheque to league chairman Chris Pooley.

THE 47th season of the North Norfolk Table Tennis League kicks off this week.

The league is pleased to again be sponsored by Star Paving Services, with Dave Dewberry recently presenting a cheque to league chairman Chris Pooley.

Following the tragic death of Aces' captain Geoff Long during a match last year, Cromer have lost a team but all of the other teams from last season return as the two teams from Cromer are joined by five from North Walsham (Delta again playing at Antingham Village Hall),

four from Trunch, three from Hunworth, two from Gimingham and Gresham's School.

All matches at the latter will again be played at their home venue, however this year if Gresham's team is comprised of adults only they will be happy to play away and notify teams accordingly. (Gresham's matches will start at 7pm, all North Walsham matches at 7.45pm with a 7.30 start elsewhere).

There are eight teams in the first division and nine in the second this season - with promoted Delta and Pirates joining Specials, Outlaws, Sharks, Dolphins, Alpha and Cobras in the first division and relegated Beta and Seals taking their place in the second division alongside Backhanders, Echoes, Poachers, Gresham's School, Goblins, Barracudas and Crosscourts.

The league itself commences on September 27 but, as usual, the action begins with the two Knockout Cups. With 17 teams in the mix, one has to miss out on a place in the last 16 and hence one preliminary round game has to take place in each competition.

Those matches take place this week and in the doubles Crosscourts host Delta while the preliminary fixture in the Knockout Singles is a derby match between Barracudas and Sharks. Specials look set to lock horns with Outlaws at the quarter-final stage of both cups.

Knockout Singles Cup first round draw: Goblins v Outlaws, Specials v Poachers, Gresham's School v Seals, Cobras v Sharks/Barracudas, Crosscourts v Beta, Pirates v Dolphins, Backhanders v Echoes, Delta v Alpha.

Matches take place week commencing September 20.

Knockout Doubles Cup first round draw: Dolphins v Poachers, Gresham School v Backhanders, Specials v Beta, Outlaws v Cobras, Pirates v Seals, Echoes v Delta/Crosscourts, Sharks v Alpha, Barracudas v Goblins.

Matches take place week commencing September 13.