THERE was a welcome guest entrant at Kidderminster’s hard bat table tennis tournament when one of the top players in the country returned to his hometown to do battle with local league players.

England number 14 Adam Nutland was a surprise competitor at last week’s competition at Aggborough.

Two weeks previously, Nutland, now based in the Home Counties, had reached the quarter-finals of the senior National Table Tennis Championships before going down 4-1 to England number two Liam Pitchford.

Nutland reached the semis with ease but was then given a stern test by Mark Fiddian, but still reached the final.

Nutland’s opponent on Finals Night later this month will be George Carroll, 16, who survived a match-point against wily defender Trevor Davies before triumphing 3-2.

In the regular form of the game, the men’s final will be an all-Bromley affair between Steve Horton and Jason Thompson.

There is still plenty to play for in the two leagues which will feature their final round of matches next week.

In Division One Bromley A, still unbeaten after 20 matches, are champions.

Harriers A are second, with 63 points, one point ahead of Harriers D. The two meet at Aggborough on Monday in a clash which will decide who finishes runners-up.

Bromley B will be able to look back on an excellent first season in the league – they are likely to finish fourth, ahead of Broadheath Belters.

At the other end of the table, Bewdley Institute E have badly missed the injured Chris Metti and will be relegated.

Next are Bewdley Institute C and Jim’s Gym Abut Harriers C are not out of trouble yet.

In Division Two, Droitwich Legion Inn who have secured promotion with an unassailable 74 points.

In the race for second Wordsley B and Wordsley A each have 64 points but have tough run-ins, with Harvington A, on 61 points, also in hunt.

Wordsley A were taking on the leaders this week and face Wordsley B next week.

With the men’s veterans tournament events still to take place, Finals Night is scheduled for Monday April 25 at Aggborough.