Winter 2024 – Grand Final’s Wrap

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Scoresheets-Winter-2024-grand-final.pdf

PENNANT ONE

Mallee Bearings are the 2024 Sunraysia Table Tennis winter pennant premiers after a 6-3 victory over opponents Choices Flooring Mildura. In an outstanding season the Bearings trio of Joel Thomas, Liam Wood and Daniel Jansen won fifteen of the seventeen matches they played.

– Mallee Bearings 6 (Joel Thomas 3, Liam Wood 1) d Choices Flooring Mildura 3 (Wayne Carmichael 2, Leon Brown 1) 

The first block of three singles went the way of Choices Flooring two matches to one however there was a struggle to get these wins as Mallee Bearings pair Daniel Jansen and Liam Wood both took their more fancied opponents Leon Brown and Wayne Carmichael respectively to five sets.

 In the first match of the grand final Jansen started very well taking a two games to one lead forcing Brown to work hard before Choices Brown won 4-11 11-9 9-11 11-7 11-7. The third singles featured Wayne Carmichael for Choices playing Liam Wood, as expected Carmichael raced to a two games to nil lead and it was then that Wood lifted in a big way placing Carmichael under extreme pressure winning the next two games, an outstanding comeback. Carmichael needed to lift, and he gained the advantage in the fifth and eventually made the break to win 11-4 11-5 6-11 8-11 11-7.  

 The first doubles in hindsight may have decided the final, the Mallee Bearings pair of Joel Thomas and Liam Wood had an outstanding record throughout the season only losing twice. Their opponents in the grand final Wayne Carmichael and Leon Brown were one of the combinations to score a victory over the Bearings pair and this match was a thriller. Thomas and Wood raced out of the blocks to comfortably take the first two games, Carmichael and Brown fought hard to save the third, the next two games were amazing and so close with the match levelled at two games all by the Choices pair. In what had been a great comeback Carmichael and Brown scraped to a 10-8 lead holding two match points before Thomas and Wood were able to recover in an extraordinary match to win 11-6 11-5 11-13 12-14 12-10 an outstanding match.

 The next three singles went as expected with Bearings number one Joel Thomas defeating Leon Brown in four sets, Choices skipper Wayne Carmichael then won in straight sets against Daniel Jansen while Liam Wood for Mallee Bearings defeated Ed Hung 11-9 11-0 11-6. With seven rubbers played Mallee Bearings now took a 4-3 lead.

 The second doubles were now vital for the Choices pair of Wayne Carmichael and Ed Hung who stepped up against Joel Thomas and Daniel Jansen. The latter pair grabbed the initiative early and took the first two games, with the grand final slipping away the Choices pair Carmichael and Hung fought back to take the third narrowly. The fourth was an entertaining contest with Carmichael and Hung in a winning position before Thomas rattled off a couple of outstanding forehands and it was the Bearings pair who took the match 11-4 11-6 9-11 16-14, Mallee Bearings now leading 5-3 one win away from victory.

 With Bearings skipper Joel Thomas undefeated in 50 singles matches this season it was always going to be difficult for Wayne Carmichael to keep his team alive, Thomas took the first two games, Carmichael was not going to give up without a fight and he drew on all his experience to take the third narrowly. Despite Thomas holding the advantage there had been some amazing points including when Thomas had played a high ball in defence to a good forehand from Carmichael, the ball sailed high in the air and Carmichael absolutely smashed a forehand for what everyone thought would be a winner only to see Thomas get his bat to the speeding ball and return it for an outstanding winner. Thomas’s teammate Liam Wood in his excitement almost fell out of the grandstand such was his admiration for his captain’s winner. Despite his efforts it was Thomas who took the fourth winning 11-5 11-4 10-12 11-7, Mallee Bearings with a 6-3 victory were the 2024 STTA winter pennant premiers.

 Joel Thomas, Liam Wood and Daniel Jansen were worthy premiers enjoying a successful season. For Thomas this was his fifth pennant one premiership, his first dating back to 2005. Joel has now won pennant one premierships in 2005,2007,2008, 2018 and 2024  

 For Wood and Jansen this was their first grand final success in this pennant, they both had played important roles in support of Thomas. This was Jansen’s first winter pennant after being promoted from pennant two.

Daniel has also won a pennant two premiership back in 2010. Liam’s only other winter premiership was in Pennant 3 in 2018 his first season.

Choices Flooring Mildura were brave in defeat and Wayne Carmichael. Leon Brown and Ed Hung had given their all and would be ruing the match points they squandered in the first doubles. Despite this they had performed well throughout the season gaining a spot in the grand final after finishing fourth on the ladder.

PENNANT TWO:

Amazing!!!  This has to be the grand finals of all grand finals , the match commenced at 7.20pm and when Cookes Pools & Spas took a 4-1 lead it looked like it would be an early night but amazingly Choices Flooring Mildura recovered sensationally to lead 5-4 and then spectators and nervous team mates were amazed by the long rallies played in a marathon final rubber between the two number three players Cooke’s Josh Arnold and Choices Harry Gujral , eventually the winner decided at 11.20pm a four hour finale.

 Going in to the final the head to head ratio of win loss featuring these two teams was two wins apiece throughout the season, Cookes winning the past two encounters including a 6-3 in the recent second semifinal.

– Cookes Pools & Spas 6 (Marcus Cimino, Josh Arnold 2, Tom Morrison 1) d Choices Flooring Mildura 5 (Jason Gifkins, Harry Gujral 2) 

The first block of three singles were all considered upsets with the lower ranked player defeating the opponent who was expected to win. This worked in Cooke’s favour as they took a 2-1 lead.

 The first singles featured Cookes number three Josh Arnold up against the far more experienced Kevin Johns, the Choice’s number two. As expected, Johns controlled the first game winning 11-5 it was then that Arnold made his move in a big way taking the next two games both featuring many long rallies as each player concentrated on back hand chops and focused on error free table tennis without taking too many risks. Johns fought back to level the match and the fifth again was a long affair with Arnold forging ahead and able to get Cookes off to an encouraging start, this was an excellent win by Josh 7-11 11-5 11-5 5-11 11-7.

 Number 3 for Choices Harry Gujral them played opposing number one Tom Morrison and it was the fast-improving Harry who was too steady narrowly taking the first game 12-10. Morrison then lifted controlling the second to win comfortably and then Harry was able to nullify Tom’s attacking game and go on to record his best win of the season defeating the aggregate winner 10-12 6-11 11-8 11-5, the grand final now level at one rubber each.

 Again, the third match featured maybe an upset when Cookes Marcus Cimino one of the most improved players in this grade took on and defeated the more fancied Jason Gifkins in another four setter. These two had finished second (Jason) and third (Marcus) in the singles aggregate. Marcus allowed Cookes to take a 2-1 lead with his 11-5 11-7 8-11 11-8 victory.

 The doubles was now huge as Marcus and Tom lined up for Cookes against Jason and Kevin. Due to changes in their lineup mid-season Tom and Marcus had only combined since round eight but had proven a successful combination and proved too steady winning 11-4 11-9 11-8, Cookes now out to a 3-1 lead.

Following the doubles Cookes Tom Morrison was up against Kevin Johns and these two have played some entertaining matches over the past two seasons and this again was the case with Kevin taking the first game and then Tom lifting with some fine forehand shots. Following some lengthy rallies it was Tom who took the points in some very close games 7-11 11-8 12-10 14-12. Cookes now leading 4-1 and looking solid.

 The grand final from this point turned on its head, after struggling through the match the Choices trio then bounced in to action winning the next four rubbers and all of a sudden took a 5-4 lead. Skipper Jason Gifkins featured in three of these matches defeating opposing number three Josh Arnold 11-5 12-10 11-8. In the second doubles Jason teamed with Harry Gujral and after dropping the first game they proved too strong for Tom and Josh winning 3-11 11-7 11-9 11-4.

 Prior to the second doubles Choices Flooring number three Harry Gujral then made a big statement for his team continuing the comeback charge when he defeated Marcus Cimino in five sets, all games were close with Harry recovering from a 1-2 deficit to win against a tough opponent 12-10 8-11 10-12 12-10 11-7 a huge win for his team.

 With the scores now amazingly four rubbers all the two number ones Cookes Tom Morrison and Choices Jason Gifkins stepped up to the table in their most important singles of the season. This was close all the way with again long rallies on display and some excellent forehands from both players. Much to the delight of his teammates Jason was able to keep his nose in front winning 13-11 11-9 13-11. Amazingly after such a slow start Choices Flooring Mildura had recovered from 1-4 to lead 5-4 and Cookes now were under extreme pressure.

 Choices number two Kevin Johns now stepped up against Cookes Marcus Cimino with Marcus now knowing defeat would see the grand final going to Choices Flooring. The last two singles matches between these two, round 8 and round 13 had seen Kevin take the points 14-12 and 12-10 in the fifth respectively so a close match was expected and that’s what eventuated. Marcus took the first game however Kevin with his never say die attitude won the second and third before Marcus worked his way back to level the match. Both sets of teammates were now shuffling around in their chairs very nervous to say the least. Marcus in the fifth remained calm and the points went either way until Marcus was able to grab control and go on to win 11-6 6-11 9-11 11-5 11-7, wow the match now five rubbers all, Marcus winning his second singles.

 As is always the case when at five rubbers all the two number threes are placed under extreme pressure, this match now to decide the grand final. Foor Cookes Josh Arold started well keeping Harry at bay, both players had appeared to have shelved their normal attacking mode to continually chip away at their respective back hands, Josh took the first two games which contained many long long rallies. The third again saw Josh continually pushing to Harry’s back hand and hold a slight lead eventually gaining two match points at 10-8 in the third. The grand final was on Josh’s bat and spectators and in particular both sets of team mates now very nervous. To his credit Harry then turned the game on its head saving two grand final points and winning the last four points to take the third 12-10. Despite Josh losing the third Cookes still had one hand on the trophy.

 It was now Harry’s turn to shine, even though there continued to be many long rallies the points were now going Harry’s way and he took the fourth the scene now set for a thriller finish and these boys did not disappoint. Josh was now a bit parched, and Karly raced to the fridge for some water, the question is was this paid for !! an enquiry is now underway. Mean while back to the table tennis Harry was now in complete control and won point after point and the final looked to be slipping away from Cookes as Harry took a 7-1 lead, Josh’s teammates looked concerned however Josh now found another leg fighting back spectacularly as the rallies became longer and longer. After appearing to be down and out Josh took a 10-8 lead. Again he held two match / grand final points as he did in the third and again Harry would not concede, calm under pressure Harry levelled the match at 10 points all.  

 This was an amazing singles and Josh took his fifth match point, only for Harry to save the day again. Josh again had another match point but no, Harry levelled the match and then it was Harry’s turn to grab a match point, the tension was outstanding, Josh saved the match point, Harry gained two more match points however Josh would not concede as the rallies went on and on.              

 On the tick of 11.20pm Josh gained his seventh match point and after another long long rally the match was over, Josh winning 11-8 11-8 10-12 6-12 17-15 much to the delight of his excited team mates. This would have been the longest final match in a grand final in STTA history, both players were spent after showing outstanding concentration.

 Harry had an outstanding night winning two singles and taking part in a winning doubles to level the match after his team trailed 1-4. Had Harry won the final match he would have been successful in three singles which would have been outstanding for the number three in the team.

 The player of the grand final had been the opposing number three Josh Arnold who won two singles, both in five sets, the first and last rubbers of the match.

 The final result Cookes Pools & Spas 6 defeated Choices Flooring Mildura 5.

The Cookes trio of Tom Morrison, Marcus Cimino and Josh Arold after winning one, two and two singles respectively were the deserved title holders and were presented with the EW Rowe Shield by long time player and life member Peter Midgley.

 For Tom Morrison who won the singles aggregate this was back-to-back winter pennant premierships. Tom had come oh so close to a gold shirt finishing runner up in the recent Super 8’s tournament.     

 For Marcus Cimino this was his second pennant two winter pennant premiership (he won in 2021) adding to the two pennant three titles won in 2017 and 2019.

 This was the first winter pennant title for Josh Arnold and one he will never forget.

 The Choices Flooring Mildura team of Jason Gifkins, Kevin Johns and Harry Gujral were not disgraced and were outstanding after trailing 1-4 early and then later leading 5-4 and then having three grand final points, how close the contest had been.  

 A big thank you to the members who came along to umpire taking the pressure off the players. The spectators had witnessed a thriller.

PENNANT THREE:

Welcome one and all to the 2024 Winter Season Grand Final. We have Weightmans Packaging playing Sammy’s Slammers in the fight for the champion spot. Will it be Sammy’s Slammers or Weightmans Packaging? Keep reading and who knows, you may just find the answer to that question.

– Weightmans Packaging 6 (Ryan Peterson, Koby Grace 2) d Sammy’s Slammers 3 (James Jarvis 2, Nhat Dat 1) 

Once again we have a face off between team captains, Ryan Peterson and James Jarvis but all was most certainly, not the same. In a thrilling game, James won against Ryan for the first time all season. What a fantastic time to do that. On the fifth set, it was still anyone’s game, but pushing in front James takes the point for his team. 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6

Following Ryan’s and James’ game, Karly Leach and Nhat Dat take a swing at each other in another five-setter match. In their second set, both players fort hard in a riveting set finishing 16 to 14 to Nhat Dat. With Nhat up by two sets, it was almost over for Karly but holding on with her bat in hand, she pushed through and gained the next two sets tying it all up. However, it wasn’t enough as Nhat takes the final set point winning 11-9, 16-14, 10-12, 9-11, 11-7.

Nearing the end of the night, Karly Leach and James Jarvis just had to get another five setter game in. Both loving their long games today, the two played each other in, you guessed it, another five-setter game. It was a consistent game with the score always 9-11 or 11-9. It came close at the end of each set but one player pulling away. Karly pulling a surprising lead after winning the first two sets, she almost became the third person to defeat James. Unfortunately for Karly, James was too much for her as he came back strong winning the next three sets and thus only being defeated by two people throughout the season. Game scores: 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 Sammy’s Slammers.

Completing the night. Ryan Peterson was happy to conclude their match and the season with minimal loses, gaining the final rubber for his team as he played Nhat Dat ending the season 6 to 3 with Weightmans Packaging the winner of the Grand Final and Champion of the season.

Congratulations to winners Weightmans Packaging, Ryan Peterson, Karly Leach and Koby Grace and runners up Sammy’s Slammers, James Jarvis, Nhat Dat and Hayden Wilson. 

WINNER: Weightmans Packaging 6 d Sammy’s Slammers 3 Games: 24 to 14

PENNANT FOUR:

Well, it finally arrived. The long awaited Pennant 4 Grand Final.

The season has been dominated by one team in Pennant 4, with Dunkley Scales, Tom Gilmour, Deegan Kerslake and Selma Mayne starting the Season well, winning most of their matches. Unfortunately due to illness and travel, Selma was only able to fit in three rounds. But this didn’t seem to upset Tom and Deegan’s fight, with Tom keeping the Team focused and Deegan’s skills too strong to penetrate. Numerous fill in’s were needed, until later in the season, when Andrew Jeffries stepped in as a permanent player and did his best to fit in as the number three for their team.

Weightman’s Packaging had an up and down season and were bouncing around, from second to fourth through the Season. Curtis Crabtree, Gary Leach and Raj Gujral played most of their matches, with the occasional fill in, as did most teams. Curtis was a very encouraging Captain and put in some great matches along the way. Gary always gave it his utmost and made some good changes to his game as the Season went on. But it was Raj who burst out of the gates, advancing his game with excellent shots way above what would be expected in his first Season.

– Dunkley Scales 6 (Deegan Kerslake 3, Tom Gilmour 1) d Weightmans Packaging 4 (Curtis Crabtree 2, Gary Leach, Raj Gujral 1) 

It was the two young ones who faced up in the first match, and it was a beauty, with number two Deegan and number three Raj battling out an exciting five set clash. Deegan seemed to have the match under control in the first two sets, but Raj had a tremendous come back to take the next two sets. With Tom pushing Deegan to stay focused, he eventually pulled it back and marked up the first Rubber to Dunkley (11/8, 11/2, 9/11, 9/11, 12/10).

Curtis made sure of the following match, where he was far too good, when he was up against Andrew, although Andrew improved as the match went forward. This put the scores level (11/1, 11/6, 11/7).

Gary came in with a shoulder injury and gave it his very best, in fact, even push Tom in the first two sets, but it was a Dunkley win, with Tom able to put them one up (12/10, 13/11, 11/7).            

The first Doubles was a close contest and considering the number one and two from Dunkley were up against the number one and three from Weightmans, it was a tremendous effort from Curtis and Raj to pushing it to four sets. Tom and Deegan took control in the fourth and put their team two in front (11/8, 6/11, 14/12, 11/7).

Deegan’s skill level out played Curtis in the next match, which also went to four sets, with Curtis taking the third and Deegan making sure of the fourth to push their lead out the 4 to 1 (11/9, 11/5, 8/11, 11/3).

Raj played an amazing game against Tom and showing some terrific talent for his age. Tom did his best to try and stem the bleeding, but it was a victory to Raj, which gave Weightmans a little hope (11/5, 7/11, 11/4, 11/8).

Gary played through his injury to take a clear win over Andrew, which could hopefully light a fire and keep Weightmans in the game (11/6, 11/5, 11/1).

With the score now being Dunkley 4 to Weightmans 3 the final Doubles really needed to go Weightmans way, for them to have any chance over the dominant Dunkley team.

Curtis and Gary were facing Tom and Andrew, which was a thrilling match, with game saving shots coming from both teams. After four sets, it was Dunkley who snatched the win and put themselves in a very nice position to take the trophy 11/7, 10/12, 11/8, 11/3).

The two Captains, Curtis and Tom put in an awesome fight, one playing to win overall and the other to keep their team in the running. The Match was thrown back and forward for five sets and finally fell the way of Curtis, allowing Weightmans to breath again (7/11, 11/9, 11/6, 7/11, 11/6).

The next match needed some real grit from Gary, as his shoulder was now pretty much out of action. He put in a brave fight and Deegan, very graciously took his game down a level. The final result was a win to Deegan and a well deserved Victory to Dunkley (11/3, 11/1, 11/5).   

The night look as though it was going to be a forgone conclusion at the start, but it was a breathtaking night, which saw the Final score closer than was expected, with :

PENNANT 4 – WINTER CHAMPIONS : DUNKLEY SCALES 6 to WEIGHTMANS PACKAGING 4. GAMES : 21 TO 17.

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