FALMOUTH Docks A, last year's runners up in the Premier Division of the West Cornwall Table Tennis League, might be thought of as the natural successors for the title now that Bridge A, champions, have been weakened by the non availability of their top players this season, writes Bob Bridges. But Falmouth Docks B and St Ives A both see themselves as better prospects for the title in six months time!

Docks B have been strengthened with the recruitment of David Plumb, from Redruth, and they made an ideal start to their campaign by defeating St Austell A 9-1. Malcolm Peters and Steve Lobb were unbeaten.

Senior veteran hard bat star John Bassett reckons that St Ives A will be the team to beat. Bassett himself will not lose many and rising star Matthew Trevorrow will be looking to improve his 80 per cent average last year. Their opening fixture against promoted Docks C produced an easy 10-0 win.

The First Division title race is also wide open. Newcomers Forest Green A won their opening match 6-4 down at Cape Cornwall, but it was a slow start. Their number one James Martin lost his opening game against Scott Meagor (9-11 in the deciding game) and trailed 1-4 after five games before reeling off the last five to record a win.

Falmouth Watersports A were one of the stronger second division teams last season and must fancy their chances of being nearer the top this year. Alan Brandwood maintained his good form against Docks E, winning his three without dropping an end, but the youngsters who form the Docks E team, third division champions last time, can take heart from taking three points from the match.

Forest Green B shot to the top of the third division by defeating Falmouth Watersports B 9-1, Matthew Newing and Mark Gunstone recording three wins apiece