HALES Gnats, current leaders of the Beccles and District Table Tennis League, reached the final of the Knockout Cup last week. Starting with a handicap of 81 points, Gnats had clawed back the deficit by the fifth match and won by a margin of 72 points.

HALES Gnats, current leaders of the Beccles and District Table Tennis League, reached the final of the Knockout Cup last week.

Starting with a handicap of 81 points, Gnats had clawed back the deficit by the fifth match and won by a margin of 72 points. Phil Clarke had two wins for Nutters and also drew against James Skilleter, but Nutters suffered too many heavy defeats.

In the final, Gnats will meet Hales New Bees, who won a closely-fought contest against Framingham Gull. Gull started with a lead of 27 points and Anthony Hewkin won two of his three matches. Although New Bees had made up the deficit by the sixth match, it wasn't until the final match that the win was confirmed. Barney Garrod won all three of his matches for New Bees on their way to a 30-point victory.

There was another close match in the Plate competition as Hales Eagles overcame Barnby and North Cove New Boys by just 24 points. Eagles had 126 points to make up and went into the last match of the evening just five points ahead. However, Steve Webster had his third straight-legs win to ensure victory for Eagles. Tony Barker and Derek Clark also won all their matches. Eagles will face Hales Ants in the Plate final. Ants had a bye to the final as Hales Tornadoes were unable to raise a team.

Results: Nutters 245, Gnats 317; Gull 359, New Bees 389; Eagles 449, Barnby 425.