Towers Quad Hosts Table Tennis Match

A table tennis table in the middle of the Quad, a beautiful winter’s afternoon and Mr Bassingthwaighte playing against the champions of Year 7. What could be better?

After the highly competitive Year 7 Table Tennis tournament, two champions emerged – Luke Shirley in the boys draw and Alice Jones in the girls. Both qualified for the final match after tense finals where both games went down to the wire, Luke beat Andrew Goldie, winning 21 to 19 and Alice beat Alex Halloran 21 to 16. The winners had the opportunity to play against the Headmaster Mr Bassingthwaighte in the Quad during Wednesday Lunch.

To kick it off, Somerset’s answer to Ray Warren, Mr Wrigley provided some well researched statistics and an in-depth analysis on the size of the ball (to confirm we did play to international regulations with a 40mm diameter ball rather than the banned 38mm). Mr Wrigley, most recognised for his exploits with the microphone during inter-house carnivals, made for an excellent score keeper and commentator. With the slight breeze dying off and the warm sun cutting through the cold of the morning, it was the perfect backdrop to the first match Luke Shirley against Mr. Bassingthwaighte. In a see-sawing affair Luke was able to finish off with the victory 21 to 15 before a fair audience who had assembled on the Quad.

The second match of the afternoon was Alice Jones against Mr Bassingthwaighte. Again a see-sawing battle with scores locked at 21 to 20 after Mr Bassingthwaighte had passed the mark of 21 points, invoking the lead by 2 rule with the final result falling the way of Mr Bassingthwaighte 23 to 21. With the final match of the day involving the Year 7 Captains against the Headmaster for a display of interesting match tactics, plenty of slices (were there any forehands played?) and a bit of fun. Mr Bassingthwaighte managed to get the better of us 11 to 9.

Overall, the inaugural Year 7/Headmaster Table Tennis Challenge in the Quad was a success. While bragging rights go to Mr Bassingthwaighte for a 2 to 1 game victory, fun was had by all.

Finally a huge thank you must go to Mr Bassingthwaighte for participating and supporting the event, Mr Wrigley for his insightful commentary, Mr Sayer for his assistance in organising the Quad and Mrs Rowe for assisting with the organisation of the day.