THE spectators who attended the Wirral Closed finals at New Ferry Village Hall were provided with an evening of entertainment with both spectacular and resolute play.

The men’s singles saw Jonathan Taylor (NFGR) regain the crown he lost to Mitchell Barker (NFGR) last year following a run of nine consecutive titles.

Jonathan, 29, already a legend in these parts, has plotted his revenge all year in his determination to win back the trophy he covets most.

Mitch managed to win the first game, despite losing the first four points, 15-13.

That was as good as it got for Mitch as Jonathan seemed to find another gear to convincingly win the next three games and the title.

In the semi-finals Mitch with his powerful attacking, particularly with the backhand, slightly overwhelmed the super fit and speedy veteran Steve Green (NFGR).

Jonathan won 4 games to 1 against club-mate Gavin Lloyd in the other semi-final.

The future for Wirral table tennis looks good if the quality of the junior players is any measure.

In the Cadet final Nathan Bradshaw (Upton CC) won the title in his debut season scrambling over the line to beat Tom Peak (NFGR) in three hard fought sets of which two went to deuce.

Nathan then took part in the next age group up to compete in the Junior Final.

His match against Jake Norton (NFGR) was arguably the best final of the night.

Jake, the older of the two boys, took the first game 11-9 and seemed to be in control.

However Nathan then improved to win the next two games with a very consistent forehand attack and backhand push 11-8,11-8.

Nathan remained in charge in the fourth game before inexplicably trying to be more expansive with his backhand.

This resulted in him losing several points to lose both the fourth 11-8, and fifth 11-7.

Nathan will learn from this I’m sure.

Other results:

Handicap Singles: Jacob Eckl (NFGR) beat Jake Norton.

Veteran Singles: Steve Green beat Phil Luxon (NBCC) Veteran

Over 55: Phil Luxon beat Rob Wylie (NFGR) Open

Doubles: Gavin Lloyd & Steve Green beat Mitchell Barker & Gemma Lloyd.