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PENNANT ONE:
Exposed Signage/Apparel are the premiers of the Sunraysia Table Tennis Summer Pennant defeating Mallee Bearings 6-2 in the grand final.
Exposed Signage/Apparel 6 (Matt Ljubic 2, Dylan Wood, Casper McCarthy 1) d Mallee Bearings 2 (Jackson Tung, Leon Brown 1)
The Exposed trio of Matt Ljubic , Dylan Wood and Casper McCarthy have enjoyed successful seasons personally with Ljubic winning 33 matches from 35 starts to take out the singles aggregate while Dylan Wood was adjudged the most improved player. Team mate Casper McCarthy in his first season in pennant one was the best performed number three player.
In the grand final Mallee Bearings were able to start well winning two of the first three singles. These matches went as expected result wise with Mallee Bearings pair Leon Brown and Jackson Tung defeating Casper McCarthy and Dylan Wood respectively however there may have been a positive here for the Exposed team as both matches were lost in tough three set contests as Brown and Tung were placed under pressure both losing the first game but fighting back to take the win.
From this point Exposed Signage/Apparel took control, Matt Ljubic and Wood won the first doubles over the talented pair of Tung and Brown to level the grand final at two rubbers all.
Matt Ljubic then accounted for Leon Brown for Exposed to take the lead 3-2 and it was then in the next match that the grand final was virtually decided, Mallee Bearings number one Jackson Tung took to the table against Exposed number three Casper McCarthy and it was the 17 year old McCarthy who was quick out of the blocks with his strong forehand forcing Tung to defend , McCarthy took the first 15-8, stung by this loss Tung raced through the second to win 15-3 and the thought was that Tung would then go on to take the match. McCarthy was having none of this and he then impressively took control and in his best victory to date at this level won the third 15-8 much to the delight of his team mates. Exposed now took a 4-2 lead.
Exposed number two Dylan Wood and Bearings number three Michael Hensgen were then pitted against each other, this was another three setter and Hensgen tried hard to reduce the match deficit, narrowly going down in the first , he then fought hard to grab the close second before Wood calmly worked in to a winning position in the third to take the match 17-15 13-15 15-11. The lead now for the Exposed team 5-2.
The second doubles was now a must for Mallee Bearings or the match was gone, the Exposed pair of Ljubic and Casper McCarthy knew victory would give them the premiership and they fought hard to take the first game over Jackson Tung and Michael Hensgen 15-12. The latter pair gave their all in the second and in a tense game they were able to win 19-17. Ljubic and McCarthy then maintained a slight lead throughout the third and went on to win 15-12 giving Exposed Signage/Apparel a 6-2 victory and the 2022 summer premiership.
The victors had enjoyed a successful season despite a mid-season slump losing three matches in succession from round five to round seven. They were then able to settle and won seven of their ten matches overall to finish second on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season.
Mallee Bearings reached the grand final with a strong display in the semi final after finishing fourth on the ladder.
At the conclusion of the match Matt Ljubic, and the two 17 year old’s Dylan Wood and Casper McCarthy were presented the Bill Rowe and Kevin Johns Perpetual Shield by long time player and Life Member Kevin Johns.
Skipper Matt Ljubic acknowledged the opposition team of Jackson Tung, Leon Brown and Michael Hensgen as well as thanking his team mates and the STTA committee.
PENNANT TWO:
Mallee Meats, the team which dominated Pennant Two in this Summer Competition, are the premiers for 2022.
Mallee Meats 6 (Rohan Reimers 3, Jamila Belbaze 2, Jamie Kealley 1) d Weightmans Packaging 3 (Shane Carmichael 1)
The Mallee Meats team of Rohan Reimers, Jamila Belbaze and Jamie Kealley once again proved too strong for their opposition Weightmans Packaging, defeating them for the third time this season.
In a match of two halves, Mallee Meats ripped through their opponents in the first round of singles, shooting out to a three nil lead without dropping a set. That was the first half of the match.
From that point on, Weightmans Packaging took the game up to Mallee Meats, but having given so much away early, an upset result was unlikely.
Weightmans Packaging got a foothold in the match in the first doubles – Shane Carmichael surmising that changing his playing partner for the first doubles was a chance he had to take. Up to this point Shane had played every first doubles with his number two, John Fitzpatrick, but having regard that he and Peter Fitzpatrick were the better performed pairing (having won 7 of their doubles matches during the season, he and John having won three), it was worth the risk. Initially it seemed that his alternate pairing idea was no better than the standard pairing when the Mallee Meats pair of Reimers and Belbaze took the first set fairly comfortably 15-11. From that point on though, the Weightmans Packaging pair lifted their game and convincingly won the second set 15-9. The third set only got better – Mallee Meats did not get their first point of the set until the tenth point had been played, and by then it was too late for any realistic chance of winning the match, and the Weightmans Packaging pair took the third set 15-6.
Once again though, Mallee Meats put a stranglehold on the match in the second round of singles, Reimers accounted for John Fitzpatrick in straight sets and Belbaze doing the same to Peter Fitzpatrick. Only Carmichael could rescue a rubber for his team, a three set win over Mallee Meats number three Jamie Kealley 15-9, 15-17, 15-8.
With the score at 5-2, Mallee Meats were on the brink of victory, and with Weightmans Packaging needing to win the next four rubbers to take the grand final, the unlikely pairing of Carmichael and John Fitzpatrick against the most successful doubles pairing in the competition,
Reimers and Kealley (they had dropped just 1 doubles match during the season), hardly looked like prolonging the game. But, that is exactly what happened – the Weightmans Packaging pair proved too strong, and too consistent for Reimers and Kealley, winning a tight contest 16-14, 15-12.
In the next rubber, the first of the final round of singles, the captains played, Reimers (joint winner of the aggregate on 27 wins) against Carmichael (23 wins). This match turned out to be the most entertaining of the night; Reimers took an early 15-11 lead, and Carmichael determined to give his side some chance of continuing on, fought back strongly in the second set. Both players stretched each other to the limit, playing the angles; Reimers can usually account for opponents by parking himself near the back of the table and reaching left or right to keep opponents on the run, but with Carmichael’s crafty use of short angled balls, Reimers was forced to use his feet and chase Carmichael’s shots. What followed were some remarkable rallies, with both players chasing down balls for apparent winners, only to see the ball come back again!! Carmichael took the second set 16-14. The match continued in the same vein for the third set, although Reimers importantly got a break on Carmichael, which he was not to concede, and he ran out the winner 15-11.
Mallee Meats certainly deserved the win, as they were simply too strong in singles play, losing just one of the seven singles rubbers played. They had a great season, as stated Reimers was the aggregate winner (co-winner with Pinnacle Packers captain Paul Kealley), the winner of the Super 8’s, and; now won the grand final. His team mates were none to shabby either, number two Belbaze finished eighth on the aggregate, and the find of the season number three Jamie Kealley finished an incredible seventh on the aggregate.
Final scores: 6 rubbers to 3 and 14 games to 7.
PENNANT THREE:
We have finally reached the Grand Final with the undefeated Mallee Meats up against a formidable opponent Dunkley Scales in what shapes to be a great match. The ‘Butchers’ have enjoyed a great season with both Shaun Gifford and Levi Williams both being tied for aggregate honours. The Butchers third player has been shared with amongst five players – Steve Parker, Ildi Healy, David Healy, Huseyin Ismail and Mark Ljubic joining in the fun. Their opponents Dunkley Scales have also enjoyed great success with Nhat Dat and Marita Grace having break out seasons while Nick Kiapekos has been playing himself back into form over recent weeks. Now in an interesting stat (thanks Gavin for this) Nick Kiapekos has played in many finals but has been the bridesmaid in all of these. Could the Kiapekos Curse be lifted?
Mallee Meats 6 (Shaun Gifford, Levi Williams 2, Steve Parker 1 ) d Dunkley Scales 4 (Nick Kiapekos 2, Marita Grace 1)
The first match of the evening saw Levi Williams take-on Nhat Dat. Williams made short work of the first set taking this 15-8 before Dat would fight back to make this a great contest in the second set. As has been the way all season Williams would be steadier in the big points and would claim the second set 17-15 to get the Butchers off to the perfect start. Next up to the table was Shaun Gifford and Nick Kiapekos. Gifford was expected to win this encounter comfortably but as we all know finals can throw up unexpected results. This being said, Gifford took the first set 15-12 and looked on his way to victory. Kiapekos steadied in the second and kept getting the ball back into play as Gifford was looking for the knockout blow. As the second set unfolded Gifford was becoming frustrated as Kiapekos just kept chipping away to eventually win the set 15-11. The third set was a repeat of the second as Kiapekos stuck to his simple game plan to outfox Gifford and won the set 15-12 to now have proceedings at 1 rubber all. The third match of the evening featured Marita Grace up against ‘Super Sub’ Steve Parker. Grace was on fire in this match as spent little time in disposing of Parker in straight sets. With this win Mallee Meats was in a position of vulnerability as they were behind in the match and some keen observers noticed a change in tactics as Gifford and Williams played the first doubles match (they have always played the second doubles match throughout the season). Well this tactic paid off as Gifford/Williams defeated Kiapekos/Dat comfortably in straight sets to get the overall match score back to 2 rubbers all. Gifford kept the Butchers’ momentum rolling along and outlasted Nhat Dat to win in straight sets 15-7, 16-14 to now have his team in front for the first time. The next game was for most ‘The Match of The Night’ as Levi Williams faced off against Marita Grace. These two have had some outstanding matches of late with these games going to three sets and the margin decided by two points in the third with Williams being on the right side of the ledger each time. In a tight first set Grace was able to pocket the first set 15-13 before Williams fought back to take the second 15-9. The third set was point for point and the from the crowd many oohhs and aahhs echoed as this match reached a crescendo with Williams doing it again in winning the third set 16-14 in a fantastic match. With this win Mallee Meats had opened a handy 4 rubbers to 2 lead. The next match was a must win for Kiapekos and he didn’t let his team down by defeating Parker in straight sets to keep his team in the hunt. The next match was the second doubles match featuring Grace/Dat up against Gifford/Parker. The Gifford/Parker pairing started brightly in taking the first set 15-11 and looked like they were well on their way to victory – WRONG. In a brilliant second set Grace and Dat hung in their and staved off a series of match points before winning this set with an incredible score-line of 21-19. The third set was relatively short with Grace and Dat winning 15-11 to win the match and to now have Dunkley Scales evenly poised at 4 rubbers all. With the pressure on Gifford delivered in the next match by defeating Grace in straight sets 15-8, 15-13 to now have the Butchers in sight of victory. Next to the table was ‘Super Sub’ Parker up against Dat. In a surprise Parker took the first set 15-11 before Dat regained his composure to take the second 16-14. In a strange twist of fate Parker had only started playing this season as he showed some promise when hitting against son Leo in the junior competition and now we find he is right in the heat of this battle.
The final set saw some great rallies, but it would be Parker who would prevail 15-11 to get Mallee Meats over the line in a great finals match.
In conclusion Mallee Meats have defeated Dunkley Scales 6 rubbers to 4 (14 games to 10) to be deserved winners of the Henderson Family Shield that is awarded to the Summer Pennant 3 Champions. Well done to all players who played this final in fantastic spirit and to the non-playing players who umpired these great matches. Also, I must mention that Levi Williams is now the proud owner of a new playing shirt that has gold writing on it due to his Aggregate win, Super 8’s victory and Grand Final triumph. Well done Levi!
PENNANT FOUR:
MJM Automotive have had a great unbeaten season and the question was, ‘Could they keep this run continuing to claim a Grand Final victory?’. Well the only team left in their way was Exposed Signage and Apparel who have had a great run of late themselves.
MJM Automotive 6 (Wendy Simpson, Hamish Smyth 2, Koby Grace 1) d Exposed Signage/Apparel 1 (Costa Skiadas 1)
The first match of the evening pitted the experienced Costa Skiadas up against the youngest player in the Summer Competition Koby Grace. Skiadas started well in taking the first set 15-10 against a nervous Grace. The second set was an absolute ripper, with Grace over his early nerves, as he and Skiadas played a long second set. Skiadas had opportunities to end this match in straight sets but Grace had other ideas and with the numbers on the scoreboard not being able to be used late took this gripping set 22-20 much to the delight of the large crowd watching on. The last set was close with the more experienced Skiadas winning the big points to take this set 15-12 and the match to get his team off to a great start. The next match was ‘The Battle of The Onions’. The reference to the naming of this match can be found in a previous write up that referenced the Bunnings Barbeque. MJM Captain Wendy Simpson was again looking to inflict pain on her opponent Keith Sharman. It would be fair to say that Sharman has played his best table tennis over recent weeks and this would be a great match. Simpson was out of the blocks early taking the first set 15-10 and looked mostly in control of the second taking this against a determined Sharman 15-13 to get her team back on level pegging at 1 rubber all. The next match saw the undefeated Hamish Smyth take on the improving Derek Hung. Hung started this match by trying to hit Smyth off the table with fierce forehand bombs. This tactic initially worked but as the match progressed Smyth was able to counter these shots and produced some excellent shots himself to win this match comfortably in straight sets. The next match featured the pairing of Simpson/Smyth up against Skiadas/Sharman. This was an excellent match with Simpson and Smyth having the early momentum taking the first set 15-11 before Skiadas and Sharman fought back to take the second 15-13. The final set saw Simpson and Smyth hit top gear as they won this set 15-11 and the match to now have MJM hold a strong lead 3 rubbers to 1. The next match was the ‘Battle of The Captains’ as Simpson now played Skiadas. This was a must win match for Exposed and Skiadas started well and took it right up to Simpson; however, Simpson would steady better on the crucial points and won this enthralling first set 16-14. Skiadas tried hard in the second, but Simpson had all the answers and took this set 15-11 to now have MJM leading 4 rubbers to 1. The sixth match of the evening found Koby Grace up against Derek Hung. Grace would take an entertaining first set 15-11 before Hung would respond winning the second set 15-13. The third set saw Grace play like a veteran as he calmly took the third set 15-8 and the match to now find MJM on the precipice of victory as they now led 5 rubbers to 1. With their backs firmly to the wall Exposed now needed to win all remaining games and with the next game featuring the undefeated Hamish Smyth things were looking grim. Keith Sharman played a great match against Smyth and pushed him all the way but fell agonisingly short as Smyth won 15-11, 15-12 and in doing so wrapped up victory for his team.
In conclusion MJM Automotive have run away with this Grand Final as they have defeated Exposed Signage and Apparel 6 rubbers to 1 (13 games to 4) in another powerful display. Again, well done to all players, umpires, and spectators during this final. Also, Hamish Smyth has won a gold shirt as he was the Aggregate Champion, Super 8’s winner and his team have won the Grand Final. Well done Hamish on a superb effort in your first senior season.
I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to your company again next year. Don’t forget if you want a few laughs and some interesting table tennis games come along to our final hit on Monday night (12th December from 7:30pm). Discounted ball fees for those who dress up – I can’t wait to see what Tom Gilmour has in store for us! Don’t forget to check our Facebook page for the upcoming season and don’t forget to click the ‘Like’ response to get us trending.
