Winter 2025 Season – Rnd 13 Wrap

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Scoresheets-Winter-2025-R13.pdf

PENNANT ONE:

With three rounds remaining of the Sunraysia Table Tennis home and away season top team Regional Taxation Services with a solid 7-4 win over Choices Flooring Mildura have now moved four wins clear of the three teams gathered below them.

– Regional Taxation Services 7 (Matt Ljubic 3, Jamie Kealley 2, Thanh Nguyen 1) d Choices Flooring Mildura 4 (Wayne Carmichael 2, Liam Wood 1)

RTS skipper Matt Ljubic has struck a purple patch again winning three singles for the sixth round in succession which corresponds with the number of wins his team has recorded over those six rounds. Ljubic has now defeated Arhuang Lau in the last round and this week he outplayed aggregate leader Wayne Carmichael in a lengthy five setter when the four match points were on the line. 

 Each game was close with some excellent rallies, at one stage Carmichael took a two games to one lead before Ljubic was able to lift and go on and win 12-10 8-11 9-11 11-8 11-9. With three rounds to play Ljubic now trails Carmichael by two in the singles aggregate race.

 Whilst Ljubic has been in good form his teammates are also proving consistent with Jamie Kealley winning two singles while Thahn Nguyen won one. Kealley was so close to winning three singles when he grabbed the first two games from Wayne Carmichael before Carmichael struck back to level at two games all.

Fifteen-year-old Kealley then stunned Carmichael taking a 5-0 lead in the fifth and again the experienced Carmichael fought back and levelled at 7 points all, a great comeback, later it was 9 points all and in a tense finish Carmichael took the match 10-12 9-11 11-3 11-6 11-9 a top-class contest.

– Cookes Pools & Spas 7 (Jackson Tung 3, Paul Kealley, Russell Walder 1) d Mallee Bearings 4 (Mark Dorman 2, Arhuang (Wong) Lau, Tom Morrison 1)

 Second placed Mallee Bearings after remaining undefeated after the first six weeks of competition, lost again this round at the hands of fourth placed Cookes Pools & Spas, the score 7-4. In a big reversal of form the Bearings team have now won one match in the past six.

 For Cooke’s skipper Jackson Tung won three singles for the second time in three rounds, included in his wins was an impressive straight sets win over opposing number one Arhuang Lau who has now slipped to third on the singles aggregate. Lau was also defeated by Paul Kealley for the second time this season.

An unusual twist here was that Kealley only won the one match this round going down in straight sets to opposing number two Mark Dorman and then Tom Morrison with some excellent hitting outpointed Kealley in four sets.

 Tung complimented his three singles victories by taking part in both doubles’ victories. For Mallee Bearings their best performer was Mark Dorman who won two singles, his only loss was a lengthy five setter against the inform Tung.

– Weightmans Packaging 7 (Shannon Bowen, Reece Kurrle 2, Lee Leeson 1) d Tankard Dental 4 (Kate Carmichael 3, Rohan Reimers 1)

 Fourth placed Weightmans Packaging proved too steady defeating Tankard Dental 7-4 despite Tankard’s Kate Carmichael winning three singles which included an impressive fight back against Shannon Bowen who took a two games to love lead early and appeared in winning form. Carmichael was able to claim the third and then as Bowen had done earlier, she maintained the ascendancy in the fourth and fifth winning 9-11 8-11 11-7 11-5 11-6, an entertaining match from both players.

The loss of both doubles hurt Tankards as early they had a chance to go to a 3-1 lead however a 9-11 loss in the fifth set of the first doubles took the steam out of their positive start, from this point Weightman’s took control with Shannon Bowen , Reece Kurrle winning two singles each while team mate

Lee Leeson accounted for opposing number three Ed Hung in straight sets. Leeson also teamed with Bowen to win the second doubles.

With three rounds to play three teams sit level on points from second to fourth. The fight to grab the all-important double chance is on in earnest.

PENNANT TWO:

Choices Flooring Mildura 6 Ashley Morrison (2), Terry Martin (2), Andrew Jones (0) defeated Cookes Pools & Spas 5 Quentin Clark (1), Duy Truong (3), Michael Tan (1).

A bad night for Cookes Pools & Spas with captain Quentin Clark only getting one singles win, while opponents Choices Flooring narrowly took the victory after nabbing both doubles and four singles. Despite not winning the night, a job well done to No. 2 Duy Truong who won all three of his singles matches.

In the opening rubber Truong took the first of his three wins by defeating Jones soundly in three sets 11-6, 11-7, 11-5. Morrison then took down Tan again in three sets 11-9, 11-8, 13-11 while teammate Martin scored a significant win over Clark. Clark took the first set 14-12, but then Martin swooped in for the kill, winning the next three 11-5, 11-6, 11-6. It was a hard battle in the night’s first doubles match with the Choices Flooring pair of Morrison and Martin winning the first set 11-4, Cookes then firing back by winning the next two 11-9, 11-7 but Choices Flooring still had a few tricks up their sleeve, and they won the last two sets 11-8, 11-8.

Truong then took it to the mat against Morrison with neither player giving an inch to their opponent. Truong won the first 11-4, Morrison took the second 11-6, Truong got ahead and won the third 11-7, Morrison hung on and won the fourth 11-9 but couldn’t get ahead in the fifth and went down 11-9. Clark then levelled the score to 3-3 with a win over Jones 11-9, 11-4, 11-3 while Martin obtained his second singles win for the night, besting Tan in straight sets 11-5, 11-8, 11-6. Where the first doubles of the night was a long, drawn-out affair, the second doubles was anything but with Choices Flooring staying firmly in control and taking the game in three sets 11-4, 11-9, 11-8, getting themselves in reach of the win at 5 rubbers to 3.

In his match against Morrison, Clark tried his best to slow Choices Flooring down but to no avail. Morrison won the first set 11-6, Clark barely took the second 13-11, then Morrison fired back and won the third 11-6. Clark rallied and took the fourth 11-1 but couldn’t sustain his attack on Morrison who beat him back in the fifth and won 11-2, taking the winning rubber at 6-3. Cookes ended up winning the last two rubbers of the night but it was too little too late; Truong bested Martin in straight sets 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 and Tan scored a hard-fought victory over the obstinate Jones, taking the win in five sets 7-11, 12-10,11-13, 11-7, 11-8.

Final score 6 rubbers to 5 and 22 games to 20.

Mallee Meats 7 Jason Gifkins (2), Harry Gujral (2), James Jarvis (2) defeated Pinnacle Packers 4 Marcus Cimino (3), Peter Midgley (0), Peter Fitzpatrick (0).

A tough night for Pinnacle Packers in round 13 wherein Skipper Marcus Cimino won three singles matches including defeating aggregate leader Jason Gifkins. Unfortunately, his teammates Midgley and Fitzpatrick couldn’t get any wins on the board except the first doubles, and they would lose to Meats 7-4.

Meats got themselves off to a good start by taking the first two rubbers with relative ease. Jarvis defeated Midgley 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 while Gifkins took out Fitzpatrick again in straight sets 11-5, 11-8, 11-4. Cimino then slowed them down with a win over Gujral in four sets 5-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 and then he paired up with Midgley for the evening’s first doubles match, defeating Meats 11-6, 11-7, 5-11, 11-2.

The score now 2-2, Gifkins swiftly dispatched Midgley 11-4, 11-7, 11-6. Cimino levelled the score again 3-3 by defeating Jarvis in three 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 and Gujral took down Fitzpatrick again in straight sets 11-7, 11-1, 11-5. Meats continued to beat Packers back in the second doubles, winning the match after dropping the third set 11-5, 13-11, 5-11, 11-7.

With Meats now just one rubber away from the win at 5-3, Cimino held his ground against Gifkins and took the game after a tough five set match. He won the first 12-10, Gifkins then regrouped and snatched the next two sets 11-4, 11-6 but Cimino found a chink in the armour and won the last two 11-6, 11-8. Despite this, teammate Midgley could do nothing against Gujral, losing in straight sets 6-11, 12-14, 6-11 granting Meats the win at 6-4. In the final rubber Jarvis got his second singles win for the night defeating Fitzpatrick 11-9, 11-6, 11-7.

Final score 7 rubbers to 4 and 25 games to 13.

PENNANT THREE:

Both scorelines were 6-5 this round with top of the ladder Weightmans Packaging surviving a scare against second placed Exposed Signage/Apparel and bottom of the ladder Sammy’s Slammers again losing a match by the barest of margins against third placed Regional Taxation Services despite Slammers skipper Ryan Hensgen winning three singes and taking part in both doubles’ victories.

– Weightmans Packaging 6 (Nhat Dat, Steve Parker 2, Leo Parker 1) d Exposed Signage/Apparel 5 (Deegan Kerslake, Brenden Johnson 2)

This was first, Weightmans Packaging versus second on the ladder Exposed Signage/Apparel and what a match it was with different highlights taking place.

The first was the second game of the night when Exposed Signage/Apparel number three Brenden Johnson scored his best win of the season defeating aggregate leader Nhat Dat. Brenden played many strong forehands, and Dat was unable to stop his run on, such was his dominance Brenden was able to win in straight sets 11-9 12-10 11-4 .

This win gave Exposed Signage/Apparel a 2-0 lead and things were looking good however Weightman’s “Consistent” Steve Parker threw a spanner in the works in the third singles. Just when his team needed a win Steve outpointed opposing number one Karly Leach by proving too steady in a lengthy five setter.

Steve was able to grab the initiative taking the match 5-11 11-8 11-9 5-11 11-6. This win bumped his team into action and they were able to win five matches in succession to turn the match on its head. After the good win by Steve, he combined with skipper Dat to win the first doubles over the talented pair of Karly and Deegan Kerslake in straight sets. Dat then played Deegan, these two are first and second on the singles aggregate and if Deegan could take this match, he would join Dat level at the top, given Brenden had defeated Dat earlier.

Dat was away quickly taking the first two games, the first was close but the second more comfortable. In the third Deegan focused well playing some excellent table tennis and took this game impressively. In the fourth Dat raised his standard a level and was able to grab back control narrowly going on to win 11-6 11-9 6-11 11-9 this had been an entertaining match. Dat still maintains a 2-game lead at the head of the aggregate with three rounds to play.

Earlier we had witnessed the number three Brenden defeating the opposing number one and we then saw Weightmans’ number three Leo Parker do the same thing by showing great maturity to defeat the talented Karly in what was a marathon five set match, two of the games going on and on. Leo has a great serve and at times he can get a run on with this advantage. In the end Leo held his nerve, the last three games decided by the barest of margins, the final scoreline in Leo’s favour 11-6 4-11 14-16 18-16 11-9 what a contest.

In the following match Steve accounted for Brenden in three sets and the ladder leaders had suddenly recovered from 0-2 to lead 5-2, what a turnaround.

The second doubles was crucial to the Exposed pair of Karly and Brenden and when they trailed by 2 games to nil it looked like the four points were gone, however in an excellent comeback Karly and Brenden recovered to win 6-11 9-11 11-4 11-6 11-5 a great turnaround.

With his team leading 5-3 Dat then played calmly to defeat Karly in four sets, his game featured some strong attacking forehands, and he won 11-5 16-14 10-12 11-4, despite Karly applying pressure. With the four points banked Weightmans Packaging could not trouble the scorers in the final two games as Deegan was able to defeat Steve in four sets in an impressive style.

Following that match Brenden completed a successful night for himself by defeating Leo 11-4 7-11 11-9 11-9. Over the night Brenden had won two singles as well as partnering Karly to a doubles win. An impressive effort.

For the victors Dat and Steve won two singles each and their doubles while Leo scored one singles victory and in the end that one win had proven to be vital in his team gaining the four points,

In the washup Exposed Signage/Apparel will know they are a chance to defeat the ladder leaders however on this occasion it wasn’t to be.

Winner: Weightmans Packaging 6 d Exposed Signage/Apparel 5

Games: 22 to 21

– Regional Taxation Services 6 (Sabrina Fitzpatrick, Sam Campbell, Hayden Wilson 2) d Sammy’s Slammers 5 (Ryan Hensgen 3)

This match featured third team Regional Taxation Services taking on fourth placed Sammy’s Slammers and what a contest it was. The match was dominated by Slammer’s captain Ryan Hensgen who was in excellent form. Ryan took part in five matches, starting with a singles in game three of the night and finished in game nine.

He was successful in all his five matches of the seven played during that time however his team would go down 5-6.

Ryan won three singles, his first was a beauty when he looked home at 7-0 in the fifth against the determined Sam who fought back to level at 7-7 wow! Ryan remained calm and would go on to win 3-11 11-6 11-8 7-11 11-9.

In the first doubles Ryan and Koby Grace levelled the scores at two rubbers all when they defeated the tough combination of Sabrina and Sam in a thriller 12-10 5-11 11-4 8-11 11-6.

In his next match Ryan accounted for Hayden in straight sets and then in another doubles classic he teamed with Yen to defeat Sam and Hayden 5-11 11-4 an amazing 19-17 7-11 11-5. The very next game Ryan played consistent table tennis to defeat the experienced Sabrina Fitzpatrick. The Slammers now took a 5-3 lead, could they record their second win?

Ryan’s teammate Koby Grace fought hard in the first game against Sam but went down 16-18 and then Sam went on to win in straight sets. This levelled the match at 5 rubbers all. RTS number three Hayden Wilson then grabbed the first game against Yen after trailing early, they had some great rallies. Yen took the second comfortably and the battle was on in earnest for the four points. Hayden remained calm in the third to narrowly take the points and again in the fourth Hayden was able to maintain control although Yen would not give up. In the end it was Hayden that grabbed the win and the four points for his team taking the match 11-7 4-11 11-9 11-8. A great effort from both players.

Despite the dominance of Slammers Ryan Hensgen, 3 singles and two doubles it was the even team effort of the Regional Taxation Services trio of Sabrina, Sam and Hayden who all won two singles.

This win takes Regional Taxation Services to within three wins of second with three rounds to play. A big task but still mathematically possible to get to second and the valuable double chance.

Winner: Regional Taxation Services 6 d Sammy’s Slammers 5

Games: 24 to 20

PENNANT FOUR:

Round 13 and Winter has well and truly set in, with the Cold weather bringing with it the Winter illnesses, which in turn, means the hunt for more fill in’s.

It was the clash of the Two Top teams and the Two Bottom teams, which after some amazing matches, saw some surprises arise.

– Mallee Meats 8 (Curtis Crabtree 3, Nathan Beard 2, Conner Burnett 1) d Dunkley Scales 3 (Maria Starikov 2, Jenny Leach 1)

Dunkley : Maria Starikov, Jen Leach and Jake Hines (Fill in Andrew Jefferies). Mallee : Curtis Crabtree, Nathan Beard and Conner Burnett.

This encounter saw 4 five set matches being produced, so it was a bit of a shock to see the final score very one sided.

Mallee had a strangle hold on the night after the completion of the first Doubles, holding three Rubbers to one.

The only Match falling to Dunkley was the five setter between Maria and Connor, with each set very close (9/11, 12/10, 11/9, 10/12, 11/9).

Nathan had a definite advantage over Andrew, with his quick reflexes enabling him to finish in three sets (11/2, 11/7, 11/4). It was a hard fought match when Jen came up against Curtis, with the sets going one for one, until Curtis snagged the Rubber (11/5, 9/11, 11/4, 10/12, 11/8).

Curtis and Nathan were on top of their game after their singles wins, so when it came to the Doubles, Maria and Jen, as much as they tried, didn’t have the skills to stop them (11/7, 11/7, 11/5).

Maria and Nathan have a record of long sets, with Rallies, Rallies and more Rallies. This time Maria took control in the fourth set, which gave Dunkley their second Rubber and some hope of stopping the Mallee momentum (13/11, 9/11, 12/10, 11/2). The way Curtis cuts his shots, it was always going to be a struggle for Andrew, but he put up a good fight, with the eventual score leading to Mallee’s fourth Rubber (11/8, 11/7, 11/8). Jen and Connor then played out a three set match, with both players throwing in some good moves, but the final score fell to Dunkley (11/7, 11/7, 11/5).

Curtis and Connor were successful in their Doubles against Maria and Andrew, with Mallee only taking three sets to complete the match and add a fifth Rubber (11/8, 11/9, 11/4).

Maria put up a strong fight when she came up against Curtis, with both pulling out some excellent shots to force the match to five sets. Curtis threw in some terrific serves, in the fifth set, which in the finish was the difference and gave Mallee the Rubber they needed to take out the night (11/9, 5/11, 13/11, 9/11, 11/4). Nathan and Jen had a ripper of a match, which saw Nathan once again snatch the win, with Jen trying to work out how to put a halt to it (7/11, 11/9, 11/13, 11/5, 11/7). Unfortunately Andrew had to forfeit his match against Connor, after health issues stopped him in the fourth set (11/7, 9/11, 11/2, 11/2).

WINNER : Mallee Meats  8  Dunkley Scales  3.

GAMES : 27  to 16.     

This next contest was set to be a beauty, with the two top Teams both sitting around the same skills level. After Rd 12, Tankard were on top, with 10 wins and Weightmans were three back on 7. Both teams needed fill in’s, so it was going to be interesting to see who would stand up to loosing one of their normal team members.

– Weightmans Packaging 8 (Glenn Leeson, Gary Leach, Wendy Simpson 2) d Tankard Dental 3 (Leanne Wilson 3)

Tankard : Leanne Wilson, Ildi Healy (Fill in Helen Wall), Jakob Grzan. Weightman’s : Glenn Leeson, Gary Leach and Eddy Parker (Fill in Wendy Simpson).

With Gary having the last two weeks off due to a strain and Jakob’s game improving with every week, this should be an even match. Gary put his mark on the first set and his determination got him over the line in a sizzling four setter (11/7, 8/11, 11/5, 11/4). Helen found Wendy’s experience far too much to handle, with Weightman’s grabbing another win. Leanne and Glenn’s match was a doozy, with Glenn sneaking in the first set, only for Leanne to ramp up a gear and take the next two. Weightman’s Captain rallied once again and picked up the fourth, with a strong last set coming from Leanne, to give Tankard their first Rubber (8/11, 11/4, 11/8, 5/11, 11/6).

The Doubles were over pretty quickly, with Glenn and Gary very solid in their win over Leanne and Helen (11/5, 11/6, 11/1).

Helen had an outstanding game against Gary, taking the first set 12 to 10 and continued to push him through the next three, but Gary stood tall and added Weightman’s fourth Rubber (10/12, 11/9, 11/8, 11/8). Jakob didn’t stand a chance against Glenn, but as he always does, he gave it his best shot (11/3, 11/4, 11/1). Leanne and Wendy wouldn’t have played against one another in the past and both have very capable skills. The match went to four sets, with Leanne getting the upper hand and keeping Tankard alive, but needing to win all the remaining matches (11/9, 11/8, 7/11, 11/5).

With Glenn and Wendy both having had past Pennant three experience, it was going to be a big ask for Leanne and Jakob to snare this win. Weightman’s pencilled in the Rubber they needed to push them a little closer to Tankard on the Ladder (8/11, 11/2, 11/2, 11/8).

Glenn made the next match his, with Helen feeling the pressure of the night (11/3, 11/5, 11/6). Gary gave Leanne a little scare, taking the first set, in a well fought battle. Leanne fired up in the next three sets and marked up her third Singles win for the night (11/13, 11/4, 13/11, 11/7). Seeing Jakob put the pressure on Wendy, was a great effort. He did manage to sneak in a set, but Wendy had it under control and marked in Weightman’s 8^th Rubber.

WINNER : Weightman’s Packaging  8  to Tankard Dental 3.

GAMES :  28  to 13.

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