VERNE Prison officer and Terras’ veteran Mark Robinson invited a Weymouth & District Table Tennis League representative side to the Portland jail for a challenge match and it was the prisoners who came out on top – winning 44-37 – in an enjoyable afternoon of competitive table tennis.

A pair from the Verne challenged a pair from the league on each of four tables to a round-robin singles contest followed by a doubles with each set counting as a point towards the final score.

However, the league only came out on top in one of the four challenges with experienced Division One players Derek Dawson and Sai Maganti defeating their opponents 12-10, although Mick Hogan and Pete Anderson did force a 9-9 draw in their round-robin.

The other two tables saw Land Reg-istry pairing Andy Millar and Lee Stainer lose out 12-11 with three of the five games going to a deciding fifth set, while John Hunniset and Stuart Walden fell away 13-5 against their host pair.

League secretary Millar hailed the success of the event and said: “This was a really enjoyable exercise for the league and although there was nothing at stake, it was still a very competitive challenge played in a great spirit – although the Verne inmates really enjoyed the announcement of the final score.”

Millar has not ruled out further possible challenge events against other leagues and an inter-town event was mooted at the recent Dorset Table Tennis Association AGM, which he said was also something to be considered for a joint senior and junior team.

Deputy governor of the Verne, David Bourne, also enthused about the challenge match. He added: “When those inside only have each other to compete against it can become stale and less of a challenge so a visit from an outside team is a fantastic opportunity for prisoners to meet a fresh challenge while interacting with positive role models.

“Not only did they (local league) bring their enthusiasm for sport and give our residents a sporting challenge, but they brought with them something of the wider community. This gives a great example to our prisoners and a target to aim for.”