THE finals of the closed championships played at Hilton Centre brought the current season to a close.

Mike Moir followed up his successful league and cup triumphs with an outstanding performance in the championships, winning the Open Singles, the Open Doubles and the Handicap Singles.

In the Open Singles final against Ramsbottom team mate Mark Ramsbottom both players produced some excellent table tennis but Mike always controlled the match winning in straight games 21-19, 21-18.

He teamed up with Mark in the Open Doubles against two first division players -- Dennis Colliers of Nomads and Roger Lee from Wharton. The Ramsbottom pair were always in control and ran out very comfortable winners 21-11, 21-11. The third trophy won by Mike, the Handicap Singles, against Paul Branwood of Horwich Hilton A produced the best table tennis on the night with some superb attacking rallies. Paul receiving five points' start fought very hard and matched Mike point for point over three games, losing the first 21-19 fighting back to win the second 21-17. In the third game Mike edged in front in the latter stages to win 21-16 and clinch a very good final.

The Junior Singles Final between Hannah Roberts of Wingates and Kim Barnard of Nomads enjoyed some good play particularly in the first game. Kim built up an early lead and appeared to be in a commanding position but Hannah fought back and came from behind with some excellent table tennis to clinch the first game 21-18. In the second game Hannah was always in control winning by a comfortable 21-8.

In the Veterans over 40 final Alan Bradshaw from Hilton L received 14 points' start from Derrick Watmough of Cricketers. The handicap proved to be too much, with Alan winning 21-18, 21-15.

Adey Denson and Matt Heap from Heaton C won a close Handicap Doubles final against Adam Smart and Alan Bradshaw from Hilton L who received nine points' start 21-19, 22-20.

In the other two finals Jim Chadwick and Kim Barnard won the Mixed Doubles against Eddie Lee and Hannah Roberts, and John Scowcroft beat Brian Doxey in the final of the over 60s.

Harry Brennand of Horwich Hilton A won the Albert Howcroft Trophy for the most improved player of the season.

Adam Bleakley of Farnworth SC A was the most promising junior player of the season and won the Ralph Palmer Memorial Trophy.

Geoff Hall was presented with the Rupert De Riggs Plate for his outstanding work in coaching junior players.

Roll of

honour

Open Singles -- Michael Moir bt Mark Ramsbottom 21-19, 21-18.

Open Doubles -- M Moir/M Ramsbottom bt D Collier/R Lee 21-11, 21 -11.

Handicap Singles -- Michael Moir bt Paul Branwood 21-19, 17-21, 21-16.

Junior Singles -- Hannah Roberts bt Kim Barnard 21-18, 21-8.

Veteran Singles -- Alan Bradshaw bt Derrick Watmough 21-18, 21-15.

Handicap Doubles -- A Denson/M Heap bt A Bradshaw/A Smart 21-19, 22-20.

Mixed Doubles -- J Chadwick/K Barnard bt E Lee/H Roberts.

Over 60 -- John Scowcroft bt Brian Doxey.

Junior table tennis teams from the North West Region competed in the final fixtures of the National Junior League.

The competition was the culmination of four days of competition, and resulted in a nail-biting finish.

The teams from Blackpool and the Hilton Centre in Horwich were locked together at the top of the table throughout the competition, before the Hilton finally emerged triumphant 87-86 to take the gold.

The Hilton team of Robert Hall, Chris Hall and Matthew Gaunt will now be invited to represent the centre in the prestigious British League next season.