PRESTWICH E stalwart Steve Hathaway reckons table tennis is riding on the back of increased interest as a direct result of the London 2012 Olympics.

His club, which plays out of Our Lady of Grace church hall, has grown to become one of the biggest in the Bury and District League, and Hathaway, who had been playing for more than 30 years, says there has been a noticeable surge in interest in the game.

Hathaway was unable to register a win when his side were beaten 7-3 by Division Two rivals Prestwich D – relegated from Division One last season – in the inter-club derby last week.

Team-mate Mo Sajid enjoyed a double win while Joe Redikin had one success against the team hotly tipped to return to the top flight at the first time of asking and boast rising local star Gabriel Wilding who has been beaten only once in four matches so far.

“The game is definitely on the up locally,” said Hathaway. “We’ve been contacted by several people recently looking for somewhere to play the game, and it’s great so see.

“I’ve no doubt that the profile the Olympics gave the sport has helped.”

His team visit another thriving outfit, Carlton Club C tonight hoping to add to their solitary win of the campaign.

“Hopefully, I can get a win or two,” added Hathaway.

l League table, results, fixtures and the top-10 rankings are available online at www.burytabletennis.org.uk.