The first time I bumped into Andy after leaving school in the 1973 was at a league table tennis match 5 years later, in a small hut in the grounds of Bracknell Development Corporation. He was playing for his works team Polysius. His other, lesser sporting passion was league table tennis which he fitted around his powerboat exploits.
It was the second match of the evening when we faced each other. I won the first match fairly comfortably 21-15. Andy sneaked the second 22-20. The decider. I was up for it and possibly overconfident. With a 20 -14 lead the match was won, or so I thought. No. Here I saw Andy’s sporting determination spread its wings. He won the next 8 points to win the game. Anyone who knew Andy’s style, 8 points on the bounce was a rarity. He has never let me forget that evening and told anyone willing to listen. It got irritating, but now I am sad I will never hear him gleefully tell this story again.
Along with our friend Steve, Andy and I spent a steady 25 years competing in the local league. The table tennis was fun, but I think we all enjoyed the inquests the best after the match in the pub…..with a beer. Great times. I’ll miss him.