BUDEHAVEN A secured third spot in Division One of the North Cornwall Table Tennis League after a 9-1 victory at bottom side Helland B last Thursday night in the final league match of the season across the three divisions.

The visitors expected to play their Division One Knockout Cup semi-final as well, however the home side could only muster two players for the night, meaning they had to forfeit the doubles-format competition and three points in the league game.

The trio of David Ewen, Dave Salisbury and Helen Murgatroyd were in fine form with only Jim Rickwood’s victory over Salisbury saving the home side from a whitewash to end the campaign.

Budehaven will face league champions Helland A in the final after they won 5-0 at runners-up, North Hill A.

The home team were missing the in-form Shirley Luckhurst and it proved decisive.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, two of the matches went to deciders with another couple going to four ends. However Helland proved too strong as they set up a final with Budehaven A at Crackington Institute on Thursday, April 19 (7.30pm).

Tonight sees the only other competition to be decided take place as Division Three champions Budehaven E take on second-tier runners-up, Whitstone Wanderers in the final of the Handicap Cup at Crackington?Institute.

Budehaven will start as the clear favourites in the race to five due to their significant head-starts.

But the experience of Barry Stearman, Doug Genini and Rob Woodhouse could prove crucial.