THE new South Devon and Torbay Table Tennis League gets underway next week with 30 teams competing in four divisions.

In the first division, Newton Abbot A Buzzards, champions for the last two seasons, have virtually the same side, while last season’s runners-up, Brixham Sharks, have strengthened their squad and should put in a much stronger challenge for the title this time out.

Newton Abbot TTC have three more sides in the topflight, NA Eagles, NA Owls and newly promoted NA Ravens. Grove Guerrillas, division two champions last season, make their first division debut. Halwell, whose two teams have joined together this season, make up the complement of teams in the top division.

Division Two looks very competitive with Brixham Trawlers looking strong contenders for the title. Their most likely challenge could come from Teignmouth Aces.

Newly promoted Torre Vikings, who have strengthened their side, should also go well, while the two Newton Abbot teams NA Raptors & NA Falcons and the two Torbay Academy teams, 2 and 3, will be hoping to be in the mix near the top of the table. A close competitive season is anticipated.

The third division also looks tight with a number of teams likely to challenge for the title.

NA Kestrels look strong and the double cup winners from last season, NA Kites, will be hoping to improve on their league position last time out. The Taverners, dropping down a division and with new faces, will be contenders as will Brixham Gulls.

Torbay Academy 5 and 6 will be hoping to challenge at the top. Torre Spartans, division four champions last time out, will want to make a mark in the higher division, as will the new faces in the NA Harriers team who have also stepped up a division.

The fourth division is again split in half with a good number of players/teams with folk new to league table tennis alongside a number of very experienced older players. The champions could well come from Torbay Academy’s two teams 6 & 7, although the Grove Tigers look very strong.

The three Newton Abbot teams will be hoping to make an impact, the experienced NA Merlins and NA Ospreys towards the top of the table, while NA Vultures will be trying to stay off the bottom this time out. Teignmouth Delinquents have a mix of new blood and experience while Brixham Seals are mainly newcomers to league table tennis.

So, another excellent league season is anticipated. Alongside the league matches there will also be the team singles and team doubles handicap cup competitions. The league’s Early Season Tournament is again taking place at the Torbay Leisure Centre on Sunday, November 9 and looking well ahead, the Closed Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 next year, also at the Torbay Leisure Centre.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in the local table tennis scene, please check out the league’s website, where you can find details of the clubs in the area who would give you a warm welcome.