WEST LOTHIAN TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Veterans Season 2009/10

While it is fair to say that a large percentage of the club members qualify for the veterans’ competitions, most restrict themselves to competing in the West Lothian and Edinburgh Leagues, many of them with great distinction. However, there is a select few who also take part in an established Scottish Veterans Table Tennis circuit.

Based on results last season, two West Lothian veterans were selected to represent Scotland in the Six Nations National Veterans Championships held in the Isle of Man during September 2009. Barry Hills was chosen as part of the over 60 team while Drew McLaren was selected for the over 70 division.

The over 60 team including Barry Hills did particularly well in taking the silver medal, greatly assisted by the individual performances of Geoff Salter who took individual gold. Unfortunately, the over 70 team including Drew McLaren was not as successful but did finish the competition with several victories under their belt.

During the national season Hills stepped up to join McLaren in the over 70 division where they both had extremely successful seasons. Of the two Hills did a little better, but by becoming the Scottish over 70 champion put the icing on the cake. At each event points are allocated on that day’s successes and over the season Hills finished in second top spot and but for the fact that he played in the over 60s at the start may even have finished in pole position.

Not far behind, and at number four, was McLaren whose performances were less consistent than his team mate’s. However, over the series of events he was able to beat all of his more highly ranked rivals at least once. With that greater level of consistency next season a top three position is well within his grasp.

The Scotland team for this year’s Six Nations Championships is due to be chosen soon but expect both Hills and McLaren to be included again.

Also competing in this circuit was John McCulloch in the over 60s but in playing in only two of the six events his finishing position was eleventh. However, this age group became much more competitive when three top ranked players from the over 50 division stepped up. Ros Beck and John Swift played one event each but it was good to see Kevin Milne join the fray, having just reached the minimum qualifying age.