On 13 December, at Highfield Table Tennis Club in Wellingborough, Warwickshire began the defence of the title they won the previous season – and it was an emphatic start as they recorded a commanding 9-1 victory over newly promoted Kent.

Despite the scoreline, several matches went the distance, with Rex Wong, Chun Wai Sheung, Charlotte Lok Ching Wong and William Hopkins all being taken to a deciding fifth set by Nathaniel Smith, Samuel Draisey, Calina Dawson and Nathaniel Smith respectively.

Elsewhere in Round 1, Derbyshire and Surrey fought out a hard-earned draw, while Essex laid down an early marker with a dominant 9-1 win over Yorkshire, with only Dimitar Dimitrov being stretched by Aaron Wong, eventually prevailing 11-6 in the fifth game. Middlesex opened strongly too, defeating Lancashire 8-2, although Brooke Morris impressed by beating both Middlesex girls in deciding sets.

Round 2 saw Surrey battle to another draw, this time against Warwickshire. A standout match saw Surrey’s Shui-Que Wong defeat Sum Monica Chang 3-2 (10-12, 3-11, 14-12, 11-9, 11-4). William Hopkins continued his fine form with two fifth-game victories over Hojeong Yoon and Noah Byrne-Smith.

Yorkshire showed significant improvement, narrowly losing 6-4 to Derbyshire. Notable performances included Louis Fell’s five-game win over Billy Shi (11-3, 10-12, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9) and Harry Tomlinson’s two deciding-game victories against Winston Hill and Joseph Cooper.

Middlesex halted Essex’s momentum with a 7-3 win, while Lancashire claimed an 8-2 victory over Kent.

In Round 3, Middlesex underlined their title credentials with an 8-2 win over Derbyshire. For Derbyshire, Naomi Coker maintained her perfect record, winning both matches, including a dramatic 16-14 fifth-game victory over Mia Lakhani.

Warwickshire returned to winning ways with a 7-3 victory over Yorkshire. Key encounters included Rex Wong’s five-game win over Aaron Wong, followed by a five-game defeat to Harry Tomlinson.

Essex bounced back into contention by beating Lancashire 8-2, although Brooke Morris continued her superb form by defeating both Essex girls to remain unbeaten. Surrey dominated Kent 9-1, with Nathaniel Smith’s win over Hojeong Yoon providing Kent’s sole success.

The final round of matches in Round 4 brought the day to a close, with Middlesex emerging as clear table-toppers.

Derbyshire defeated Lancashire 7-3, with both Brooke Morris (Lancashire) and Naomi Coker (Derbyshire) losing their previously perfect records. Brooke was edged out by Millie Noble 9-11 in the fifth game but later beat Coker convincingly in straight sets.

Surrey edged Yorkshire 6-4, highlighted by wins for Louis Fell over Hojeong Yoon and Aaron Wong over Jaydan Griffiths. Noah Byrne-Smith claimed a hard-fought five-game victory against Harry Tomlinson.

Middlesex rounded off the day with a 7-3 win over Warwickshire. Warwickshire’s victories came through Rex Wong, Charlotte Lok Ching Wong and William Hopkins, each winning tight five-game contests. Essex closed the event with a gritty 6-4 win over Kent.

Overall, it was a high-quality day of competition, packed with close matches and standout performances, with Middlesex firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat.

Day 2

Warwickshire took on Lancashire in Round 5 and ran out convincing 8-2 winners. Once again, Brooke Morris was the standout performer for Lancashire, claiming both of her matches to account for their only points.

On the adjacent tables, Derbyshire and Essex went head-to-head, with Essex emerging victorious by a narrow 6-4 margin. The win put them in a strong position to challenge leaders Middlesex.

Meanwhile, Middlesex continued to underline their title credentials with an emphatic 8-2 victory over Surrey. Angad Saggu provided Surrey’s bright spot, winning both of his matches in fifth-game thrillers against Marcel Ndongala and Janak Shah.

Yorkshire battled hard to secure a 6-4 win over Kent. Louis Fell was involved in another nail-biter, edging past Nathaniel Smith 3-2 (10-12, 12-10, 12-10, 10-12, 12-10) in a gripping five-set contest.

Middlesex sealed the championship in style with a dominant 10-0 whitewash of Yorkshire in Round 6. Surrey’s hopes of silverware faded as they were held to a draw by Lancashire. Notable matches included Brooke Morris’s dramatic fifth-set win over Chui-Que Wong, 14-12, and Noah Byrne-Smith’s comeback victory against Noah Marshall, 5-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 12-10.

Derbyshire strengthened their medal chances with an 8-2 win over Kent. Samuel Draisey, Chloe Evans and Ben McKay all had opportunities to add valuable points for Kent but were edged out in deciding fifth games by Billy Shi, Millie Noble, and Joseph Cooper respectively.

Essex defeated Warwickshire 6-4, leaving both sides needing big wins in their final matches to keep their hopes of a runners-up finish alive.

In the final round, Lancashire secured their Premier Division status with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Yorkshire. Surrey and Essex played out a draw, while Derbyshire edged Warwickshire 6-4.

That victory put Derbyshire in contention for the runners-up spot, but they ultimately finished third on countback. The deciding factor was sets for and against: Derbyshire finished with a 40-30 record, just behind Essex’s superior 41-29.

Middlesex completed their unbeaten run with a 9-1 victory over bottom-placed Kent.