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ROUND 3
PENNANT ONE:
The Dorman, Dorman and Morrison trio of Regional Taxation Services have resumed after the school holiday break with a solid win in round three of the Sunraysia Table Tennis summer pennant continuing their excellent form.
– Regional Taxation Services 7 (Nicholas Dorman 3, Mark Dorman 2) d Tankard Dental 4 (Kate Carmichael 2, Thanh Nguyen, Ed Hung 1)
Nicholas Dorman again led the way winning three singles and he also took part in both doubles victories in a strong display. In this Fast 15 format Dorman was pushed to three sets against both Thahn Nguyen and Kate Carmichael however he was able to finish both matches in a positive fashion. Mark Dorman also offered good support in the RTS victory by winning two singles. The 7-4 win was a good team performance.
– Exposed Signage/Apparel 6 (Matt Ljubic 3, Dylan Wood, Casper McCarthy 1) d Mallee Bearings 5 (Jackson Tung, Leon Brown 2)
Exposed Signage/Apparel also continued on their winning way this round defeating Mallee Bearings 6-5 in a close fought match. Again Matt Ljubic was able to win three singles and amazingly he has not lost a singles in pennant play in over 50 matches in 2022. Ljubic was placed under pressure in his first singles which was against Leon Brown. Brown narrowly took the first 16-14 as they traded forehand blows, Ljubic took the second in another close one 15-13 before he lifted in the third and swept through this game winning 15-4.
Overall there were four three set matches in this contest indicating the closeness however it was the second doubles which was crucial to both teams and this was a highlight match with Ljubic combining with the fast improving Casper McCarthy against Jackson Tung and Michael Hensgen, the latter pair took the first and the second was a thriller and a lengthy affair with Ljubic and McCarthy narrowly winning 19-17. They then were able to maintain command in the third to go on and win 15-11 a great match.
– Cookes Pools & Spas 6 (Wayne Carmichael 3, Jackson Murphy, Lee Leeson 1) d Max Miller Carpets 5 (Reece Kurrle, Gavin Carmichael 2)
In another close match Cookes Pools & Spas broke their duck with a 6-5 victory over Max Miller Carpets. Despite trailing 3-4 late in the match Cookes were able to rally and win three of the last four rubbers all in three sets indicating how the match could have gone either way. With the scores locked at five rubbers all Cookes Lee Leeson remained calm defeating Russell Walder in an excellent comeback. Walder had won the first and was in command in the second before Leeson lifted and grabbed the four points for her team defeating Walder 10-15 15-13 15-9.
Cookes skipper Wayne Carmichael won three singles including a three set slog against brother Gavin 15-17 15-10 15-12. Wayne also combined with Lee Leeson to win the second doubles 15-8 8-15 15-6 in another crucial win.
PENNANT TWO:
Mallee Meats took the lead on the ladder, defeating previously undefeated Weightmans Packaging; Cookes Pools & Spas rose to second with a big win over MJM Automotive; Tankard Dental had a close win over Sammy’s Slammers; and in getting their first win, Max Miller Carpets went from eighth to sixth.
– Mallee Meats 10 (Rohan Reimers, Jamie Kealley 3) d Weightmans Packaging 1 (Shane Carmichael 1)
After two rounds, these two sides were third (Mallee Meats) and first (Weightmans Packaging) on the ladder. So, a kind of mini shoot-out …
It wasn’t so much of a shoot-out though, as the bullets were pretty much only coming from one direction.
Mallee Meats overwhelmed Shane Carmichael and his team, conceding just one rubber during the course of the night.
Number two Jamila Belbaze started the night with a hard fought three set win. Then the number three, Jamie Kealley stunned everybody with a win against Shane Carmichael in three sets. Rohan Reimers joined the party, downing John Fitzpatrick in two sets.
If Weightmans Packaging were hoping the doubles would bring them a change of fortune, they were in for a shock, Reimers and Belbaze disposed of Carmichael and Fitzpatrick in straight sets to make the score 4-0.
Carmichael finally put Weightmans Packaging on the board, defeating Belbaze in two sets, but then Mallee Meats resuming “normal” service, Reimers picking up his second win, and the impressive Kealley also his second against John Fitzpatrick.
Seven rubbers down, and with the game lost, Weightmans Packaging were hoping for a win or two to make the losing result look a little reasonable. Mallee Meats were having none of it though, and try as Weightmans Packaging might, they could not add to their tally.
Weightmans gave it their all, with three of the last four rubbers going to the maximum three sets.
For Mallee Meats, Reimers and Kealley ended the night with three wins apiece, and Belbaze two. The team also won both doubles rubbers, denying Weightmans even that little consolation.
Weightmans Packaging’s sole rubber came from Shane Carmichael, his win against Jamila Belbaze.
Final scores: 10 rubbers to 1 and 20 games to 8.
– Cookes Pools & Spas 9 (Kevin Johns, Terry Martin 3, Steve Pongrac 1) d MJM Automotive 2 (Daniel Jansen, Michael Smyth 1)
These two teams came to this round with one win apiece, but at the end, Cookes Pools & Spas, now with two wins is second on the ladder, and MJM Automotive sit seventh.
Cookes Pools & Spas captain Kevin Johns led from the front, he and his number two Terry Martin picking up three wins each. To complete a happy night, number three Steve Pongrac won his first rubber for the season when he defeated his opposite number Isaiah Bettess in the final rubber in three very close sets, 15-12, 13-15, 15-12.
Cookes Pools & Spas dominated both doubles rubbers too – Johns and Martin easily defeating the returning Daniel Jansen and Michael Smyth 5 and 5. The second doubles was a little closer, Johns and Pongrac dropping the first set to Jansen and Bettess, before winning the next two 11 and 13.
An easy win to Cookes Pools & Spas, but there are plenty of positives for MJM Automotive. Their captain Daniel Jansen picked up a bat (literally) for the first time in ten years when he played his first singles match. He took a win later in the night, and he will certainly improve as the season progresses. Likewise his number two, Michael Smyth … Smyth is returning to the game after about thirty years away, and has been blowing the rust out in these early games. He too took one rubber in this clash, but better times are ahead.
Final scores: 9 rubbers to 2 and 18 games to 6.
– Tankard Dental 6 (Quentin Clark, Tague Morris 2, Marcus Cimino 1) d Sammy’s Slammers 5 (Jason Gifkins 3, Therese Fitzpatrick 1)
Tankard Dental had a nervous wait to get the win in this game … leading five rubbers to two after seven played, it was not until the last rubber they got the better of Sammy’s Slammers.
Those five early wins came from captain Quentin Clark (2) and Marcus Cimino and Tague Morris (1 each). Added to that was the first doubles …
Clark and Cimino too strong for the returning Jason Gifkins and Therese Fitzpatrick, winning 13 and 10.
Sammy’s Slammers stuck to the task though, rubber number eight being the second doubles. Gifkins and number three Ryan Hensgen lost the first set 16-14, but rebounded in the next two, winning them 16-14, 15-5.
Then the captains played, Gifkins, in his first match for the season proving too strong for Quentin Clark, winning in straight sets 15-9, 15-10. Therese Fitzpatrick proved too strong for the difficult to play Marcus Cimino, winning her third match 15-4, 8-15, 15-7 to level the scores at 5 all.
That was three in a row, but in the final rubber Tague Morris proved too consistent for Ryan Hensgen, winning 15-11, 15-11.
Final scores: 6 rubbers to 5 and 14 games to 11.
– Max Miller Carpets 6 (Jeremy Corrin, David Sergi, Jordan Cole 2) d Pinnacle Packers 5 (Paul Kealley 3)
After a quiet start to the season, Max Miller Carpets picked their first win against Pinnacle Packers.
A good team effort saw them get over the line, six rubbers to five, each player winning two rubbers. Those two rubbers each came from defeats of the Pinnacle Packers pair of James Jarvis and Sabrina Fitzpatrick.
The one player none of the Max Miller Carpets player could not beat, in either singles or doubles, was Pinnacle Packers captain Paul Kealley.
Kealley was dominant in his singles, and did not drop a set. The only sset he dropped was in the first doubles with Jarvis, but they won the match anyway against Jeremy Corrin and David Sergi 11-15, 15-10, 15-7. The second doubles was over in two sets, he and Sabrina Fitzpatrick winning 15-11, 16-14.
Max Miller Carpets would be happy with this win … Corrin won two rubbers for the third week in a row, his number three Jordan Cole is doing an impressive job, with four wins for the season (and only one spot behind his captain on the aggregate table), and number two David Sergi is improving as the season is progressing.
Final scores: 6 rubbers to 5 and 13 games to 12
PENNANT THREE:
This week we see that both matches went right down to the wire with both results going 6 -5 to the victors.
– Mallee Meats 6 (Levi Williams 3, Shaun Gifford 2) d Dunkley Scales 5 (Marita Grace 2, Nick Kiapekos, Nhat Dat 1)
These teams have enjoyed an unbeaten run this season before this evening. This match could well shape-up to be an early precursor to proceedings at the back end of the season. Mallee Meats Captain Shaun Gifford along with Levi Williams have been in formidable form this season; however, could they stand up to the examination that the Dunkley Scales trio of Nick Kiapekos, Nhat Dat and Marita Grace would deliver to them?
The first match of the night saw Williams take-on Dat in a tight three set tussle. Dat was out of the block early taking the first set 15-11 before Williams steadied to level the match taking the second 15-11. The third set saw Williams continue his positive play from the second set and opened a lead that Dat was unable to breach to win the set 15-12 to get his team off to the perfect start.
The second match of the evening was another enthralling three set battle between Marita Grace and Shaun Gifford. Grace has been at Monday night boot camps and her game is improving each week. Gifford is usually at Monday’s boot camp but was a notable omission this week! Grace started like a house on fire and took the first set 15-5 and an upset was on the cards. Gifford found his form and secured the second set 15-10 and looked the goods to take the third. This is where those extra boot camp training sessions come in handy as Grace powered through the final set 15-11 to inflict Gifford’s first loss for the season. Well done Marita!
Although beaten Gifford would need to recover quickly as his next singles match was against the fast improving Nhat Dat. This match also would be a three-set thriller with Dat starting the better in the match taking the first set 15-12. Dat kept this momentum going in the second and looked to be on the cusp of victory – but only to be denied at the last moment as Gifford rallied to take the second set 17-15. Dat had missed his chance as Gifford secured the third set 15-9 to give his team a much-needed win as they trailed 2 rubbers to 3 at this stage of proceedings.
Later in the night with the match level at 4 rubbers all it was down to the last individual singles matches. In the battle of the Captain’s Gifford narrowly defeated Kiapekos 15-11, 16-14 to give his team the edge 5 rubbers to 4. Dat would then keep the match alive defeating Ildi Healy in straight sets to now have the contest all tied up with one match to play.
Williams was to play Grace in a winner take all affair. In a tight first set Williams found a way to win this 16-14. Grace then upped the ante and breezed through the second set 15-7 and with the wind in her sails one may have expected her to coast to victory. Instead Williams found his second wind and ground out the third set with a 15-11 win.
In conclusion Mallee Meats have fallen over the line 6 rubbers to 5 (13 games all) against a very competitive Dunkley Scales. Williams was the star for the winners, while there are some very positive signs for the vanquished. I look forward to seeing what transpires when these teams meet in three weeks’ time.
– Sammy’s Slammers 6 (Leo Parker 3, Huseyin Ismail 2, Rodney Galvin 1) d Weightmans Packaging 5 (Ben Hosking 2, Gayle Cottrell 1)
These teams have had their struggles so far this season and a win was needed to boost morale. This match went right down to the wire with some very tight sets being played.
There was one team change for this match as Huseyin Ismail was a late replacement for Captain Karly Leach. Ismail didn’t waste any time putting his best foot forward to defeat Alicia Tyers in straight sets 17-15, 15-5 to get the Slammers off to the perfect start. The second match of the evening saw Gayle Cottrell up against Rod Galvin. Both players have a similar style with long rallies the order of the night. However, it would be Cottrell that would outlast Galvin to take the match in straight sets 15-12, 15-11.
The next match saw the experienced Ben Hosking up against Leo Parker (making his third senior appearance.) Hosking is a notorious slow starter and Parker took full toll on this fact as he blitzed him 15-8, 15-10 for an important win.
The first doubles match of the evening saw Cottrell and Hosking up against Ismail and Galvin. The first set was a belter as both teams didn’t give an inch and with the set tied at 18 all the scorer may surly have started to fret about having enough numbers on the scoreboard to see this first set through. Thankfully Cottrell and Hosking won the next two points to take the set 20-18 and proceeded to win the second in a more comfortable fashion 15-7 to take the match.
In the next feature match Parker took on Tyres in another classic battle. It would be fair to say that both players have greatly improved their games over the season with Tyres playing Winter Pennant and Parker playing Juniors. The first set went to Parker 15-10 and the second went to Tyers 15-7 to set up a thrilling third set. This was point for point all the way through with neither player giving the other an inch. There could only be one winner and with the scores deadlocked at 14 all it would be Parker that would win the next two points to take out an excellent match.
Parker was again involved in another tight three-set match against Cottrell. Parker took the first set 15-12 before he found himself under pressure with Cottrell winning the second 15-6. Parker then steadied in the third to hold out Cottrell 15-11 in the final set to get his team to the precipice of victory.
Could Ismail deliver the knockout blow when he played Hosking in the tenth match of the evening? Ismail started well in taking the first set 15-11, however Hosking steadied to win a tight second set 15-13 before going on to post a comfortably 11-5 win in the third set to set up a deciding match between Galvin and Tyers. Galvin played a great match and never gave Tyers a chance to take this match in straights.
In conclusion a match that could have gone either way. Well done to Sammy’s Slammers who have prevailed 6 rubbers to 5 (13 games to 12) over Weighman’s Packaging.
Pennant 4
This week there were some very close matches. Also, we say farewell to Phuong Hung Nguyen who is in Sydney. Good luck Phuong – make sure you come back to visit.
– Exposed Signage/Apparel 6 (Costa Skiadas 3, Keith Sharman 1) d Weightmans Packaging 5 (Glenn Leeson, Liam Nicolaou 2, Helen Healy 1)
With both teams desperate to open their account this season this was always going to be a hard-fought contest. Exposed have recruited the services of Costa Skiadis as a super-sub for departed Captain Phuong Hung Nguyen while their opposition had extra cheering support from members of the Jamesprint team (Liam Nicolaou being the chief recruitment officer!). With the cheer squad in place Nicolaou took on Keith Sharman in the first match of the evening. Nicolaou played inspired table tennis to grab the first set 15-9 and went on with the job in the second set to win this 15-12 to
record his maiden singles victory. Great work Liam! Another player to record a first singles victory for this season was Helen Healy when she defeated Derek Hung in straight sets. Again, congratulations Helen.
Returning player Skiadis had a great night out as he was involved in winning all of his three singles matches and then partnered both Keith Sharman and Derek Hung to record close fought doubles victories. These two doubles victories were the difference between the two sides in the final analysis that ultimately got Exposed Signage over the line.
Glenn Leeson played well for his team, however Skiadis had the last laugh by winning their singles match in three keenly contested sets late in the evening. When Sharman defeated Healy in straight sets in the next match Exposed now had an unassailable lead 6 rubbers to 4.
The final match of the evening between Nicolaou and Hung was a close and entertaining match. The first point of this match went for nearly a minute as Hung looked to smash Nicolaou off the table. Nicolaou’s defensive lobs were the highest ever witnessed and they just seem to drift on with Hung ready to smash the next one even harder. In the end it was Hung who lost patience and made the final error. Nicolaou went on to record a consolation win in three sets for his team.
The final analysis finds Exposed Signage and Apparel have recoded their maiden victory for the season winning 6 rubbers to 5 (13 games all) against Weightmans Packaging. Costa Skiadis had a great night – but can he back it up as he may need a team of medical experts to sooth out those sore spots before next week.
– MJM Automotive 7 (Hamish Smyth 3, Wendy Simpson 2, Koby Grace 1) d Mallee Meats 4 (Tom Gilmour 2, Maria Starikov 1)
This was a top of the table clash with neither of these teams experiencing the sour taste of defeat. As we head into this match three players had a perfect record of singles victories but by the end of the night only one of these three would be standing on top of the aggregate alone.
The first match of the evening was undoubtedly the best match. The Butcher’s Tom Gilmour was up against MJM’s young gun Hamish Smyth. Both of these players had not lost a singles match for the season to date so a great contest was expected. Smyth flew out of the blocks early and took the first set 15-8. Gilmour steadied in the second to take this 15-9 and the match into a deciding set. The third set was point for point but it would be Smyth who gained the upper hand to claim this match 15-12 in this set to get his team off to a dream start.
Up next was Smyth’s younger teammate Koby Grace up against the vastly experienced Jim Vale. This match set a new record for the age differential between two players – I will let you work this exact value out. The first set went the way of Vale 15-6 and not many would anticipate what would happen next. Grace went on to win the next two sets 15-10, 15-11 to record his first ever win in senior competition play. Well done Koby, I see those extra Monday night hitting sessions are really starting to pay off as well as the new table at home.
Captain Wendy Simpson must have been impressed with the form of her young teammates and she added a singles victory of her own when she defeated Maria Starikov in straight sets and then teamed with Smyth to defeat Gilmour and Vale. When Smyth defeated Vale in the next match the score line was 5 rubbers to nil if favour of MJM Automotive.
To Mallee Meat’s credit they never gave up the fight and Captain Tom Gilmour lead the fightback by defeating Simpson in three sets 15-8, 11-15, 15-13 to inflict Simpson’s first singles loss for the season
and Starikov also teamed with Gilmour to win their doubles match and also defeated Grace in three sets 11-15, 15-7, 15-11.
In conclusion MJM ran away with this match early and were never headed in their 7 rubbers to 4 (16 games to 10) victory over Mallee Meats.
Again well done to all players on a very enjoyable evening of table tennis. Some great highlights and some entertaining moments. Well done to Hamish Smyth who now sits alone on top of the singles aggregate table.
