From the Worcester Evening News, 16th May 2000

Harvey lands men's and veteran singles but loses in doubles

Two victories from four finals for Dave

DAVE Harvey from Cheltenham was the outstanding player on Worcester Table Tennis League's finals night at Christopher Whitehead's School, reaching four finals and winning two of them.

This wasn't surprising as he is highly ranked in both senior and veterans' national ranking lists.

The evening started with the two men's singles semi-finals, the first being Harvey against title holder Lewis Siket. Siket played exceptionally well with his forceful attacking shots keeping him in the running in the first game until the last few points, Harvey winning 21-17. Siket won the second game 21-18 with some sharp-angled returns, but Harvey contained his attack in the third to win 21-12.

Challenge

The second semi-final saw another Gloucestershire county player, Bill Dawe, hold off the challenge of Worcestershire second team player Mark Fiddian to win 21-18 21-13.

The next event was a thrilling veterans' singles final between Harvey and Dawe, with Harvey recovering from a set down to win 21-23 21-19 21-16.

Sarah Stone successfully defended her ladies’ singles title against County junior champion Kate Hughes. Hughes' attacking style worked well from the start, Stone taking longer to settle down, and consequently losing the first game 14-21. In the second game Stone contained Hughes' attack and won 21-10. Stone went ahead in the third game until Hughes staged a comeback with some fine forehand drives, but Stone clung on to win 21-18.

Four Hartlebury British Legion 'A' players contested the men's doubles final, with Siket and Dave Arnold playing Harvey and Dave Wilson. In a close contest, Siket's hard hitting and sharp angles, backed up by Arnold's steadiness was just sufficient to give them the edge 21-18 21-18.

The mixed doubles was the closest match of the evening, with Fiddian and Hughes combined well to beat Harvey and Beryl Shammon 23-21 12-21 23-21, Hughes coping particularly well with Harvey's services.

The men's singles final was a repeat of the veterans' final. Again Harvey blocked Dawe's forehand drives brilliantly to win 21-12 21-17.

The trophies were presented by BBC Hereford and Worcester's Colin Shepherd.

New Worcester City Badges were also presented to Cadets Andrew Smart, Matthew Lange and Alex Giles, who also won the President's junior Award.