Ormeau will start the defence of their SBL Premier Division crown this weekend against league newcomers TableTennisDaily.

The Northern-Irish side lost just twice last season as they pipped Ormesby to the title. They will be without Oriol Monzo and Xavier Dixon for this campaign. However, they have strengthened their ranks by bringing in Spanish junior Daniel Berzosa.

Gervais Knox, club founder, spoke ahead of the tie about the team’s excitement for the new season.

He said: “We are looking forward to defending our title this season and are buzzing for our first match with the exciting TableTennisDaily team.

“Unfortunately this season we have lost Oriol and Xavier with commitments to other leagues but are delighted to welcome top Spanish junior Daniel Berzosa. Daniel has had links with the club playing mixed doubles with Sophie Earley a few years ago and now plays in the same team as Damien so its a great connection.”

Damien Provost, who will act as player/coach, and Zak Wilson will join Berzosa to make up this weekend’s trio.

Knox added: “Damien and Daniel are playing full-time and are in great shape. Zak Wilson has been putting in the work to get in great shape for the match, so we hope for a successful start to the new season.”

TableTennisDaily will be hoping to make their mark on the league with an early win against the defending champions. Their Team Manager, Anthony Kent, admitted that his side can’t wait to make their SBL Premier Division debut.

He said: “We’re really looking forward to the big battles ahead and showcasing our passion for the sport, both on the table and from the team bench.

“For a long time now, it’s been our goal to reach the Champions League and competing in the Premier Division of SBL is another step in making that a reality.”

Callum Evans, who played at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will feature alongside Umair Mauthoor, who has been with the club for 5 years. Tom Maynard makes up their squad.

Don’t forget that you can watch every game from the SBL Premier Division live on TTE.TV, find out more by clicking here.

Fixtures

Saturday 30th September

TableTennisDaily v Ormeau – 14:00