CHAMPIONS-elect Saints Raiders suffered their second defeat of the season, as holders Trinity Kings completed the double over their rivals in the Premier Division of the Ark Removals Taunton Table Tennis League.

Open champion Jon Hughes hit a possible winner, John Troke and Vince Jackson added two each, both beaten by veteran champion Ed Martin, who also partnered Alan Stone in winning the double.

Cup finalists Ark Angels were involved in two 7-3 score lines, but only managed one victory.

Mike Crook hit three in the win over YMCA Rainbows. Pete Steward and Jackie Crook won two each, both beaten by Terry Key.

Saints Valiants were a different proposition, however, and Crook was denied his possible 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9 by John Crabtree, who remained undefeated.

John Cenac added two to the Valiants’ total. Kate Steward picked up a win over Dave Adeniji by way of reply.

In Division One, Levellers completed their season with a 100% record after defeating second place Monday Knights 7-3, a result that ensures the Knights finish as runners-up.

Josef Skuril won a maximum, his 53rd single from 54 starts, to set up the win. Mark Duddridge added two more, beaten only by Mike Hughes who hit two for the Knights, the other coming from Dave Berry.

RESULTS: Premier – Saints Raiders 3, Trinity Kings 7; Ark Angels 3, Saints Valiants 7; No Saints 5, Trinity Old Starts 5; Ark Angels 7, YMCA Rainbows 3. Division One – Ladybirds 1, Saints Spinners 9; Levellers 7, Monday Knights 3.

THE Taunton Table Tennis Saturday League held its annual end of season closed tournament on Saturday at St Augustine of Canterbury School, with 23 players taking part.

Players of all ages were involved in the tournament which began with round robin-singles in groups of four. The top 12 players went on to compete in a knockout while the remaining players competed in a consolation plate. There were also doubles and ladies singles events.

For the fourth year running the main event was won by one of the Gillard brothers from Bridgwater with Jack retaining his open singles title. In the final Gillard defeated Peter Stiles in straight games.

Stiles was also on the wrong end of the scoreline in the doubles final as he and Linda Yang fell 11-5, 11-7, 11-6 to Gillard and his partner Tim Webb who retained their title.

The ladies final saw Rosie Smith beat Clare Sykes 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.

In the plate competition, the family positions were reversed as Clare’s dad Paul beat Rosie’s son William in the final, 11-1, 11-7, 4-11, 11-8.

Tournament prizes and trophies from the recently completed league season were presented with special prizes for sporting play at the event awarded to Lucy Hunt and Tim Webb.