Table Tennis News 8
Burton-in-Kendal Table Tennis Club – January 2026
Dogfight at the top of Division 1
With 10 of the 18 matches now played, Burton A are currently top of Division 1 of the Kendal & District Table Tennis League (KDTTL), a single point ahead of arch-rivals Natland A. The head-to-head match between these two high quality teams was a monumental battle and despite Burton A’s Gary Deakin inflicting a first defeat of the season on Natland’s top player and last year’s player of the season, James Neal, the match was edged 20-19 by Natland A. Burton B are currently sitting 5th in this 10-team division but have a game in hand on the team immediately above.
In Division 2, Burton C are still unbeaten and remain 34 points clear of nearest rival, Kirkby Stephen A, and with a game in hand. Graeme Wheelhouse is one of only 2 unbeaten players in the Division. Since my last update, Burton D have climbed to 5th in this 8-team division. Burton C made it to the final of this season’s first knock out cup competition, the Divisional Shield, but were narrowly beaten by a Kirkby Stephen A team featuring the Division’s best player, Paul Smith.
Adult social table tennis continues in the Burton Memorial Hall on Thursdays from 6.00 to 7.00 pm. The cost is £3. Anyone wanting more information should contact Tony March by phone / text or WhatsApp on 07814 029471 to make sure it’s on or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All ages and standards welcome, including beginners. Coaching is provided for those that want it. The important thing is to come and have fun!
Junior coaching is also on Thursdays, from 5.00 until 6.00 pm, cost £2.50. Anyone aged 7 or above is welcome to attend, including beginners and the first session for new players is free. All table tennis takes place in the Burton Memorial Hall.
The first round of this year’s Kendal & District Junior League has now been completed. Burton Badgers finished 4th in Division 1. Zach Martin and Hugo Robinson competed extremely well against opponents who were often older and bigger and will have learned a lot from the experience. Burton Bears, featuring Toby Craig and Eben Johnson, finished joint top of Division 2 Red. Both players won 7 of their 10 singles matches and only missed out on promotion to Division 1 due to an inferior head-to-head record against Milnthorpe Devils. The second round starts shortly.
The club was recently the very grateful recipient of a small legacy from the estate of the late Bill Willink, who lived in Dalton House for many years. Everyone associated with the club would like to express their appreciation for this very kind gesture.
Tony March – 18.1.26
