Table Tennis County Champions

The following article was written by one of our very talented Year 7 students, Charlie, on the school team’s triumphant win at the recent Under 13’s Table Tennis County Championships.

On Monday 2^nd of December, 4 boys from years 7 and 8 went along to Beechwood Park School, St Albans, to attend the under 13’s county table tennis tournament. Croxley Danes School had made it to this tournament by previously winning their local competition at The Reach Free School.

We first set off from Croxley Danes School at 08:30 in the morning to go to Beechwood Park School. We were all a bit nervous, but excited to play when we arrived. Our first match was against Ashlyns School. Nishan, our player 4, was up first and had a great match and won, then it was Jack’s turn playing as player 3. After a great set of matches in that fixture vs Ashlyns we all managed to win our matches. When we were not playing, we still supported and ensured we encouraged our team mates.

Eventually the time came to play the school that were incredibly skilful, Watford Boys Grammar School. After a great first match by Nishan it was Jack’s turn. Unfortunately, Jack, despite playing really well had his first defeat here by a great Watford Boys competitor. Next it was my turn and I went in to that match knowing I could win. After another brilliant match against Watford Boys, I had won! Now it was down to Liam. We were winning this fixture 2-1 but unfortunately, after 2 sudden death points in both games, Liam narrowly missed victory. Overall, because of how many points we had in total we won the match against Watford Boys Grammar School.

Then it was time to see who went through to the final. In our pool we got through to the final by points difference. In the other pool the winner was Hitchin Boys School. Into the final we went with high hopes. For the last time today we were all ready to play our hearts out. Jack and Nishan were playing next to each other. Nishan suffered his first defeat against a high quality player from Hitchin, however, Jack was playing amazingly using his incredible angles to finish off his opponent. So it was down to me and Liam to do all we could to win and take home the trophy. Liam was playing a stunning player from Hitchin Boys School. But he came through to claim a draw. I was playing next to him and after the first game where I had been leading the whole way, my opponent came back and had a game point which I luckily saved. So it was 10-10 and the next point would take the first game. I was on the back foot from the beginning of the point but luckily my opponent missed a smash. Eventually I managed to win the match beside Liam, who was playing next to me.

In the end after a brilliant tournament, Croxley Danes School came through to win an absolute thriller of a match and we were crowned the 2019 Under 13’s Hertfordshire County Table Tennis Champions!

Many thank to Mr Murphy who supported us throughout and drove us to Beechwood Park School, St Albans in the minibus.