The day Sunderland's Dennis Tueart beat Billy Hughes - but not at football

By Chris Cordner
Published 17th May 2024, 13:08 BST
Updated 17th May 2024, 13:08 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
They were dab hands with the bat - but not the best at Sunderland

Here’s a puzzler with a difference for you.

When did Dennis Tueart beat Billy Hughes in a Cup competition in a third place play-off?

Brilliant with the bat

The answer is on this day in 1972. But it wasn’t football at the centre of this battle royal between two SAFC legends.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Billy Hughes scores for Sunderland.Billy Hughes scores for Sunderland.
Billy Hughes scores for Sunderland.

They were competing for third and fourth spot in a table tennis contest.

The Echo Table Tennis Trophy was the prize at stake and Dennis took third spot.

Sunderland in the final

The final was a hotly contested affair between Brian Chambers and Johnny Vincent who played for Middlesbrough.

Johnny won the finals and here are all four players pictured after the tournament which was held as part of the Washington International Youth Festival.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Johnny Vincent (second left) after beating Brian Chambers (right) in the final of The Echo Table Tennis Trophy. Billy Hughes (left) was beaten by Dennis Tueart (second right) in the play off for third and fourth place.Johnny Vincent (second left) after beating Brian Chambers (right) in the final of The Echo Table Tennis Trophy. Billy Hughes (left) was beaten by Dennis Tueart (second right) in the play off for third and fourth place.
Johnny Vincent (second left) after beating Brian Chambers (right) in the final of The Echo Table Tennis Trophy. Billy Hughes (left) was beaten by Dennis Tueart (second right) in the play off for third and fourth place.

It wasn’t just table tennis in the spotlight. There was a football tournament with teams such as Standard Liege, Rotterdam AVS, Dunkirk and more taking part.

Sunderland reached the final which they contested at Roker Park with Burnley.

Sunderland captain, Mick Horswill, presents his Sunderland team mates to the secretary of the Football League, Alan Hardaker.Sunderland captain, Mick Horswill, presents his Sunderland team mates to the secretary of the Football League, Alan Hardaker.
Sunderland captain, Mick Horswill, presents his Sunderland team mates to the secretary of the Football League, Alan Hardaker.

Mick Horswill led the team

Mick Horswill was the Black Cats captain that day, but the only goal of the match came for Burnley, from future Sunderland player Leighton James.

Sunderland on the attack during the 1972 Cup Final against Burnley. Jimmy Hamilton (centre) throws himself forward to deliver this header from a right wing corner.Sunderland on the attack during the 1972 Cup Final against Burnley. Jimmy Hamilton (centre) throws himself forward to deliver this header from a right wing corner.
Sunderland on the attack during the 1972 Cup Final against Burnley. Jimmy Hamilton (centre) throws himself forward to deliver this header from a right wing corner.

Burnley’s captain was Murton-born Harry Wilson.

Tell us if you remember the Washington International Youth Festival. Perhaps you were in the audience for the table tennis final which was held at the new SAFC training base in Washington.

Email [email protected] to tell us more.

Related topics:SAFCSunderlandNostalgiaWashington

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.