THE BOLTON Closed Championships brought the 2001/2 season to a close in what proved to be an excellent event.

Open singles champion Mike Moir of Ramsbottom A retained his title, beating Phil Biggs of Horwich Hilton A 21-17, 21-15. The games featured some very good attacking and counter attacking rallies, and in the early stages of both games it was very close, but, at the crucial stage Mike was able to move ahead and clinch his win.

The best final on the night, which went right down to the wire, was the Junior Singles, which featured Rob Hall against his sister Jessica . Rob won the first game 21-16 but Jessica made a quick reply taking the second 21-12. In a exciting third game which featured some very good attacking rallies and superb blocking by Jessica, the score was very close all the way through, with Rob having the advantage most of the time. But Jessica who was now playing her best table tennis had other ideas and came back to level the scores at 20, before clinching the game 23-21. Congratulations to both players on an excellent performance.

Mark Ramsbottom of Ramsbottom A won the veteran singles in a good match against Barry Elliot of Wharton. Mark won the first game with a comfortable score of 21-14 but had to fight very hard to take the second 21-19.

Colin Thornley won the Veterans over 60 singles with a straight games win over team-mate Brian Hall from Hilton D.

The Open Doubles final featured some entertaining table tennis in which the holders Mike Moir and Mark Ramsbottom beat Philo Riley and Jim Chadwick 21-14, 21-19.

The winners of the Mixed Doubles was Rob and Jessica Hall against Paul Branwood and Julie Ardeshana.

In the handicap competitions Dennis Collier of Nomads beat Joe Walk of Ramsbottom in the singles final, and then they played together to win the doubles against Phil Riley and Jim Chadwick.

Hannah Roberts won the Albert Howcroft Trophy for the Most Improved Player of the season, and Rob Hall was awarded the Ralph Palmer Memorial Trophy for the most promising junior.

For those players wishing to play through the summer, the Hilton Centre will be open at the usual times for practice. I you require any further information contact the secretary Roger Bertrand, you can find his number in the handbook as the team sec for Jubilee A.

In the culmination of the season Little Lever A beat Cricketers by 5-2 to take the Warburton Cup final.