Last week I organised a match with a difference! As well as playing league table tennis in Southport, I also play some ’social table tennis’ at the Aughton & Ormskirk U3A and to celebrate our 5th birthday, we invited other local U3As to a challenge match, the winners to host the event the following year.

Each of the four U3As (Maghull, Mawdesley, Upholland and our own) fielded two teams of 4 players (2 men and 2 women) for what turned out to be a most enjoyable afternoon, with 30 sets of 21-up being played in a spirit of keen competition and sportsmanship. After a mini-league stage and a knock-out stage, Mawdesley  ‘A’ eventually beat Aughton & Ormskirk ‘B’ quite easily in the final to become the first winners of the trophy.

Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided throughout the afternoon as part of the celebration week and we were most grateful for them.

An interesting spin-off is that Upholland U3A will now be setting up a regular table tennis group, and we wish them all the best with that. Maybe by next year they will be strong contenders for the trophy.