Final heartache for Redlands boys

THE boys table tennis team from Redlands Primary School came agonisingly close to a national title on Saturday, falling just a point short.

Their margin of defeat in the final at Hinckley was the closest in 46 years of national schools table tennis competitions and coach Steve Walker was devastated for his youngsters.

He told the Guardian: “It was a great shame. The two best sides met in the last game andit was 4-4, so we went to a countback.”

“The sets were level at 14 each so they counted back points, and there was just one point difference – it was very disappointing.”

There were positives to take from the day however.

He explained: “It was a lovely day, we were very well supported and three of the five boys can play again next year so things are looking good.”

The future is also bright for team member Tom McIntosh, who has been called up for the England Under 11 Boys team for the British Schools International against Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

Steve added: “He was unbeaten all day on Saturday and it’s great for him to be selected, he’s done very well.”

Related topics: