Ace Khalfey joins stars at ambitious Hamstead; TABLE TENNIS.

Byline: Bob Brown

STEVE and Lester Bertie will spearhead the Hamstead A challenge in the Premier Division of the Birmingham League when the 2009/10 season gets under way next week.

The ambitious club have a wealth of attacking stars in their set-up with their latest arrival being former Birmingham junior champion Nabil Khalfey, who has been recruited from Sutton A. Khalfey will team up with Lindon Douglas and Steve Robinson for Hamstead B in the section, following their promotion to the top flight.

Sutton A have gained a last-minute reprieve from relegation but young attacking star Khalfey looks to have made the right move in his bid to become one of the city's top players.

Champions Colebridge Aces and Smiths Wood A will ensure a fascinating three-club challenge for the title, with Hamstead A possibly the favourites as their players have had a season to adjust to competing in the top division in the West Midlands.

Adam Nutland, the 16-year-old Worcestershire junior, will be lining up for Sandwell Unison in their bid for success in Division One.

Streetly A and B both play in this division, with Steve Taylor and co facing a stiff challenge from a B side including James Rudge and Dave Bissell, as both teams look forward to a promotion challenge.

Baz Barrett has dropped down a couple of divisions to play for newly formed Hamstead C in Division Three, who will take some beating, as Loxley Brown will be another Hamstead regular.