1978-79

Midsummer Day seems the unlikeliest time of the year for Bradford table tennis history to be made. Yet that's what happpened on June 24th 1079 when our wonderful women became champions of all England with a magnificent 5-1 triumph over North Middlesex at Bristol to bring the J. M. Rose Bowl to Bradford for the first time.

It was one of the happiest days of Helen Sheilds life. She went as No. 3 knowing that even if she managed one set against the North Middlesex galaxy of England-ranked players it would be an achievement. Yet she beat two of them -Angela Mitchell (ranked 7th) and Helen Williams (ranked 9th).

Sally Midgley, in the words of Hans Soove, "was like a surgeon: she went to the table and carver them up!" Cool, calculating and very determined she had convincing wins against Miss Mitchell and Mandy Reeves (No. 2 England junior).

Melody Ludi for once was almost overshadowed, but, as Soova pointed out, her very presence put the pressure on the opposition, and although Mel slipped in two close ones against Miss WIlliams she saw off Miss Reeves in istraight games.

A coach load of 30 made the long haul from Bradford to cheer them on and the day must have brought particular pleasure to Soova, who has coached all three girls. In earlier rounds they knocked out Blackpool, Stockport, Manchester, Ormesby and Leicester.

They also won the Yorkshire League championship for the fifth year running and in the coming season will seek to equal the record of Leeds who did it for six consecutive years.

Hull came to Unity for the last match with identical points and sets yet were not in the same street and ruefully picked up the bits and peices after being slaughtered 9-1.

Bradford-4 (Dave Renton, Phil Halmshaw and Mick Holt) won division three and the junior first yeam, with Adrian Hill and Graham Wilson prominent, retained their championship.

Clem Lo, Kevin Beadeley and Steve Worsman gave Unity A a league record of three seasons without defeat in league or cup.