The Leeds Mens Table Tennis 2s are through to the next round of the BUCS Northern Conference Cup after recording an impressive 12-5 victory over Sunderland 1s, winning 12 games to their opponents five, and showing real skill in doing so.

The afternoon started well for the Gryphons, when the Wearsiders turned up with only three players and not the required four, meaning that Leeds were already 4-0 up even before the fixtures had actually started, providing the team with an extra boost of confidence.

The team of Bobby Crossley, Reza Kalantar, Harry Morris and Matt Hazelwood then went on to dominate proceedings in a calm and assured manner to ensure their progression to the next round. Crossley powered to victory against all of his opponents and the other Leeds players all managed to win at least one of their games, with many notable victories in straight games occurring throughout the afternoon.

However, despite the initial forfeit which set them on the back foot, the Sunderland players did not give up and showed real perseverance to either run Uni close or win a game themselves and grab a point back for their team. Nonetheless, the Leeds players superiority still shone through and managed to pretty much overcome this resistance.

The most closely-fought and entertaining contest came right at the end in the final game, when the fixture was rounded off with a doubles match. The Sunderland duo facing the Leeds pairing of Crossley and Hazelwood put up a good fight and were determined to gain another point, but were beaten 3-2 in the end after an excellent encounter.

The topped off a brilliant afternoon for the 2s, and it is hoped that the team can bring that performance into the next round and progress even further. For now, the team’s attention will turn to next week’s league fixture away to a very competitive Salford 1s side.

 

Nancy Gillen

 

Image courtesy of Sam Broadley