Isabelle Joubeily from Purley reinforced the Surrey Cadets’ table tennis team as they earned promotion to the Cadet Premier Division on Saturday. Surrey opened with two 10-0 victories against Sussex II & Sussex III. Next in the firing line was Somerset whose two left-handed girls put up most resistance. Nevertheless it was an 8-2 win for Surrey to set up a grand finale with Hampshire who were unbeaten in Division 1c. Hampshire had despatched Dorset 8-2 to place themselves in a strong position. Only a win would be good enough for Surrey to take top spot while Hampshire only required a draw. So who would have expected Surrey to race into a 7-0 lead?! Sasha (Alex) Gillen opened the match with an excellent win over Jimmy Yeung albeit in 4 games. On the next table the same pattern emerged between Matthew Daish and Shaquille Webb-Dixon.

Then followed a most extraordinary set between Amy Blagbrough and Isabelle Joubeily. It was an under 13’s battle in which the England No 3 took on the No 16. However it was the latter player who took the first end 11-2. Shell-shocked Amy battled on but was never really allowed to get into her stride losing in three straight games. Juliette Moussarie did well to see off a challenge from young Katie Holt. Next up was Liam Grant against young Jonathan McMullen. Jonathan made a valiant effort but could not overcome his higher ranked opponent. Matthew Daish did not let Sasha Gillen have things all his own way but Sasha had slightly too much ammunition. Isabelle finished the day on 100% (8/8) by beating young Miss Holt. Perhaps fortunately for Surrey Letitia McMullen was playing in the Junior Masters in Grantham. But then again so was Marcus Giles!

Jimmy Yeung nicked a consolation set from Liam Grant 8 at in the 5th in a fiery display. Then Amy took consolation too in beating Juliette. So at 7-2 to Surrey the last set- was between Shaquille and Jonathan. Shaquille took the first game at deuce and never looked back as he sealed an 8-2 victory.

Based on information supplied by Michael Loveder.