Winter 2025 Season – Rnd 14 Wrap

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Scoresheets-Winter-2025-R14.pdf

PENNANT ONE:

Round fourteen of the Sunraysia Table Tennis senior pennant possibly featured the match of the season when second placed Mallee Bearings shaped up against third team Weightmans Packaging and what a contest it proved to be. Both teams were level on points leading into this round and with two matches to play the valuable second place is up for grabs.

– Mallee Bearings 6 (Arhuang (Wong) Lau 3, Mark Dorman, Tom Morrison 1) d Weightmans Packaging 5 (Shannon Bowen, Reece Kurrle 2)

 Early on Weightmans took the initiative taking a lead of 3-1 and then later 4-2 however by winning three rubbers in succession Mallee Bearings turned the match around to take a 5-4 lead. The Bearings trio were keen to break their losing streak of three matches in succession and with his team holding a slight advantage Mark Dorman took a two games to one lead over opposing number two Reece Kurrle however Kurrle was able to recover against the crafty Dorman and win in five sets to level the match at five rubbers all.  

 The pressure was now on the two number three players Lee Leeson for Weightmans and Mallee Bearings Tom Morrison and what a finale. Leeson took two of the three games blunting Morrison’s big forehands with good defence. Morrison then bounced back to take the fourth easily while the fifth was a nail biter, both sets of teammates nervous as Morrison took the late initiative to win 8-11 11-3 3-11 11-3 11-9 a great finish by Morrison ending his teams losing streak.

 This first win in a month by the Bearings trio coincided with the return to form of skipper Arhuang Lau who won three singles in the past three rounds. His victories included an outstanding 12-10 in the fifth set win over Reece Kurrle avenging an earlier in the season loss. These two played some outstanding rallies which went on and on and in particular some of their back hand to backhand rallies at top pace would have been as good as table tennis that spectators could have witnessed.

 Overall, the two teams played six five set matches with three decided by the barest of margins indicating how close these two teams are.  

– Regional Taxation Services 7 (Matt Ljubic, Thanh Nguyen, Jamie Kealley 2) d Tankard Dental 4 (Kate Carmichael 3)

A strong start by ladder leader Regional Taxation Services ensured they grabbed the four points despite a good late fight back by opponents fifth placed Tankard Dental.

The first game of the night was important to the end result when RTS number two Thahn Nguyen outlasted his opposite number fill in Edi Re in an entertaining five set battle. Each game was close with Nguyen in front at the right time winning 11- 9-11 11-8 10-12 12-10, a tense finish.

Three of the next four rubbers went the way of Regional Taxation Services and they had suddenly opened up a 4-1 lead. Included in this streak was the first doubles victory by Matt Ljubic and Nguyen in straight sets over Kate Carmichael and Ed Hung. The only respite for Tankards was the two singles victories by Carmichael over Jamie Kealley and Nguyen both in straight sets.

Jamie Kealley then took Regional Taxation Services to a 5-2 lead when he overcame a determined Ed Hung winning in four close sets 11-8 12-10 10-12 11-9.

 Tankards then began somewhat of a recovery firstly, Carmichael and Re raced through the second doubles with a sound win over Matt Ljubic and Jamie Kealley in straight sets. The next singles was a top-class match, and Carmichael was out of the blocks early taking the first game against Ljubic who had not lost a singles match in the past six rounds. Ljubic settled in the second winning several points with his customary heavy top spin forehand drives, the third was a real struggle and with the score at 10-9 in Carmichael’s favour Ljubic played an outstanding forehand cross court only to see Carmichael waiting and back hand it back across court for a winner. Carmichael took control in the fourth going on to win 11-8 7-11 11-9 11-7, this being her third singles win for the night and the fifth time she had achieved this feat this season to retain fourth position on the singles aggregate.   

 In an even team effort, the Regional Taxation Services trio of Matt Ljubic, Thahn Nguyen and Jamie Kealley all won two singles each and are well clear at the head of the ladder.

– Cookes Pools & Spas 7 (Jackson Tung, Paul Kealley, Russell Walder 2) d Choices Flooring Mildura 4 (Wayne Carmichael 3)

 In another solid team effort Cookes Pools & Spas have moved to third with their 7-4 victory over Choices Flooring Mildura. The contest was even early however Cooke’s stamped their authority on the match late, winning five of the last six rubbers.

The first doubles was a highlight match when Choice’s pair Wayne Carmichael and Liam Wood outlasted Jackson Tung and Paul Kealley in five sets winning 11-6 8-11 11-8 11-13 11-2, a strong finish.

For the winners Tung, Kealley and Russell Walder won two singles each however it was the number three Walder who was potentially the match winner, his first singles was an excellent five set win over number two Liam Wood. Walder won the first two games by the narrowest of margins before Wood levelled the match. In the fifth Walder survived a tense finish to win 13-11. Walder then partnered skipper Tung to win the second doubles and in the last match of the night he defeated fill in Ashley Morrison to complete an excellent night.

 For the Choices team Wayne Carmichael won three singles to increase his lead to three at the head of the singles aggregate with two rounds to play.

PENNANT TWO:

Cookes Pools & Spas 7 Quentin Clark (3), Duy Truong (3), Michael Tan (0) defeated Mallee Meats 4 Jason Gifkins (1), Harry Gujral (1), James Jarvis (1).

An unexpected result in round 14 for Cookes Pools & Spas who claimed the scalp of ladder leaders Mallee Meats. Meats’ captain Jason Gifkins was clearly not having the best night, only winning one singles and a doubles, while Cookes’ Quentin Clark and Duy Truong both scored high with three singles wins each.

In the first game of the night, Tan took a set from Gujral but failed to win the match 11-5, 5-11, 5-11, 5-11 while Clark downed Jarvis in straight sets 11-4, 11-8, 11-9. Then in a huge upset match, Truong took on Gifkins and after a tight five-set battle, walked away with the win. He won the first set 11-5, Gifkins took the second 12-10, Truong then got ahead and won the third 11-5. Gifkins levelled it 2 sets all in the fourth 11-7 but he went to pieces in the fifth, losing 4-11. Meats duo Gifkins and Jarvis then took on Cookes in the first doubles match, ending it after three sets 12-10, 11-8, 11-8.

Clark then ran into some opposition against Gujral, but he kept his cool and took the win in four 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7. Tan then put up a great fight against Gifkins, taking the aggregate leader all the way in a nail-biting five-setter. Gifkins cleaned him up in the first set 2-11, but Tan bounced back and won the next two 11-4, 11-5. His hopes would have been high at 2 sets to 1, but Gifkins fought his way back winning the fourth and fifth sets 11-8, 11-4. With the score 3-3, Cookes decided it was time to put their foot down, and they did so hard, winning the next four rubbers in a row. Truong confidently defeated Jarvis in three 11-5, 11-9, 11-5, and then his teammates squared off against Meats in the evening’s second doubles. Meats nabbed the first set 11-5, but Cookes counter-attacked and snatched the next two 11-9, 11-7. Meats hung on and took the fourth 11-9 but Cookes fought them back in the fifth and won 11-7.

Cookes were now 5-3 up and it was Clark versus Gifkins. The last time these two met was round 9, wherein Gifkins took the win after a lengthy five-set match. This time, Clark was out for blood. He beat Gifkins back soundly and took the win in three sets 11-6, 11-5, 12-10, while also getting the winning rubber at 6-3. But Cookes weren’t done yet as Truong continued to punch above his weight, engaging Gujral in another long five-set match. Gujral won the first 11-8, Truong scrapped by in the second 15-13, then Gujral pummelled him in the third 11-4. Calling upon all his strength, Truong surged ahead and won the last two sets 11-7, 12-10. Meats then got themselves one last rubber on the board with Jarvis defeating Tan in four 14-12, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10.

Final score 7 rubbers to 4 and 25 games to 19.

Pinnacle Packers 8 Marcus Cimino (3), Peter Midgley (2), Peter Fitzpatrick (1) defeated Weightmans Packaging 3 Rasin Bhuiyan (1), Sony Sefer (1), Therese Fitzpatrick (1).

Weightman’s six-round winning streak finally came to an end in round 14 with opponents Pinnacle Packers taking the win 8 rubbers to 3. Rasin Bhuiyan substituted for John Fitzpatrick and was a little rusty from his time away from playing, only managing to pick up one singles win.

Sefer drew first blood, defeating Peter Fitzpatrick in straight sets 11-7, 11-7, 15-13. Captain Cimino then bested Therese Fitzpatrick in four 11-6, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8 while Bhuiyan had his hands full with Midgley. They traded sets back and forth; Midgely taking the first 11-4, Bhuiyan the second 11-8, Midgley then winning the third 11-6 and Bhuiyan levelling it 2-2 in the fourth 11-8. By this point Bhuiyan had run out of puff, allowing Midgley to swoop in for the kill 11-8. Weightmans gave it all they had in the first doubles match, but their bad doubles fortunes continued to haunt them and they lost in four sets 6-11, 11-6, 7-11, 13-15.

Packers then brought the score up to 4-1 with Midgley defeating Sefer in four 6-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-8. Weightmans regrouped and were able to grab the next few rubbers; Bhuiyan shutting Peter Fitzpatrick down 11-4, 11-3, 11-0 and Therese Fitpatrick besting Midgley in four sets 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 14-12. Packers however continued to put the nails in Weightmans’ coffin, winning the next doubles with little resistance 11-6, 11-6, 11-8.

Captain Cimino then gained the winning sixth rubber by defeating Bhuiyan after dropping the second set, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7. Sefer then made a concentrated effort to topple Midgley, taking the first two sets 11-5, 11-8 but he came undone late in the game and lost 11-8, 11-2, 11-8. Therese Fitzpatrick then found no luck against her father Peter, ceding the match in three sets 8-11, 5-11, 9-11.

Final score 8 games to 3 and 25 games to 17.

PENNANT THREE:

Once again fourth placed Sammy’s Slammers were oh so close to another win this round leading ladder leader Weightmans Packaging 5-4 only to let victory slip from their grasp despite skipper Ryan Hensgen winning three singles for the fourth time in his past five rounds played.

In the other match second placed Exposed Signage/Apparel proved too steady for third team Regional Taxation Services winning 8-3 in a solid display.

In the singles aggregate race unfortunately the second placed Deegan Kerslake missed this round with an injury and has slipped to third. Nhat Dat leads with 31, Steve Parker is running second on 28, Deegan 27 while Ryan Hensgen is fourth with 26 wins, two rounds to go.

– Weightmans Packaging 6 (Nhat Dat, Steve Parker 2, Leo Parker 1) d Sammy’s Slammers 5 (Ryan Hensgen 3, Koby Grace 1)

Top team Weightmans Packaging started this match strongly leading 3-1 and then 4-2 as expected however by winning four rubbers in quick succession the Slammers had suddenly placed themselves in a winning position and were looking at a potential boilover.

Weightmans took the early lead courtesy of “Consistent” Steve Parker taking the first game in four sets over Yen Hwak who surprised Steve by taking the first game. Steve then steadied to stamp his authority and take the match. Sammy’s skipper Ryan Hensgen then controlled the match against Weightmans number three Leo Parker winning in straight sets, this was followed by Nhat Dat defeating the hardworking Koby in a four-set struggle.

The first doubles was important and the experienced pair of Dat and Steve started very well taking the first two games before Ryan and Koby grabbed the third narrowly however the Weightmans’ pair snuffed any chance of a comeback winning 11-4 11-8 9-11 11-8. The score now in Weightmans favour was 3-1, Sammy’s skipper Ryan then improved the situation by defeating Steve in straight sets all close. Dat then increased the lead to 4-2 by accounting for Yen in another straight sets match although two were decided b the barest of margins as Yen placed pressure on his opponent.

The match was slipping away from the Slammers, and it was from here they turned the contest around by winning the next three matches, the first saw Koby play consistent table tennis to defeat Weightman’s number three Leo Parker in straight sets. Koby’s teammates Ryan and Yen then played solid table tennis in the second doubles to outpoint Nhat and Leo 11-6 8-11 11-5 11-4. The score now four rubbers all with three singles to be played.

The two captains stepped up to the table and what a match this proved to be with Ryan Hensgen starting strongly to take the first two games with some strong forehands before Nhat Dat struck back taking the third narrowly and the fourth more comfortably. The fifth saw Ryan calmly take and maintain control to go on and win impressively 11-7 11-5 11-13 8-11 11-6, the two skippers had played well. The Slammers now were up 5-4.

The pressure was now on Steve Parker who had his hands full with Koby who gave his all in an attempt to finish the match. Teammates from both sides were nervous as Steve took the first by the barest of margins, Koby fought hard again to take the second, again by the narrowest of margins, the third and fourth again were point for point and in the end it was the experience of Steve who enabled Weightmans to level the match at five rubbers all. Steve took the points 11-9 10-12 11-9 15-13 what a match it was from both players.

With the scores level the two number threes Leo for Weightmans and Yen for Sammy’s Slammers knew the pressure was on and this was an exciting five set tussle between the eighth (Leo) and 12th (Yen) on the singles aggregate. Leo gained some advantage on his serves while Yen played some strong back hands, The battle for the four points was on in earnest and it was

Leo who took the first narrowly while Yen was too good in the second. Leo then outplayed Yen in the third, the fourth was a real battle and Leo had chances to finish the match however Yen grabbed the fourth. The scene was set for an exciting finish however Leo was able to lift a gear and ran away with the match to grab the four points for his team winning 11-9 5-11 11-6 11-13 11-4 a hard-fought contest. Weightmans had survived a scare and with this 6-5 win were able to maintain their two-game advantage from second on the ladder Exposed Signage/Apparel.

Winner: Weightmans Packaging 6 d Sammy’s Slammers 5

Games: 21 to 21

– Exposed Signage/Apparel 8 (Karly Leach 3, Steve Parker, Brenden Johnson 2) d Regional Taxation Services 3 (Sabrina Fitzpatrick, Sam Campbell 1)

The Exposed team proved too strong in this contest winning 8-3 due to a very even team effort. Exposed number two Deegan Kerslake was a late withdrawal due to injury, and he was replaced by Steve Parker who had a busy night also playing for his own team.

Exposed managed a fast start winning the first three singles, courtesy of Steve defeating Hayden Wilson and Karly Leach defeating Sam Cambell both in straight sets. Sam and Karly had a real tussle in the first two games both won 12-10 by Karly. The big win in the first block of singles was the victory by Exposed ‘s number three Brenden Johnson over opposing number one Sabrina Fitzpatrick. Brenden has improved since starting and this was the second occasion he has managed to defeat a number one player.

RTS needed to get on the scoreboard, and it was Sabrina and Sam who were able to account for Karly and Steve in the first doubles in an entertaining four setter, victory coming with a scoreline of 12-10 11-3 8-11 11-4.

Sabrina then defeated fill in Steve Parker in straight sets to improve the deficit however Karly then defeated Hayden to improve Exposed’s lead to 4-2. Sam then won the third match for her team in the last four by proving too consistent for Brenden and now RTS only trailed by 3 rubbers to 4.

Karly and Brenden then outplayed Sam and Hayden in the second doubles and in a strong finish the Exposed team won the last three singles to score an excellent win. Karly was able to defeat Sabrina in the first of these singles and then the best match of the night took place with RTS Sam Campbell getting off to a quick start to lead Steve Parker two games to one however “Consistent” Steve slowly turned the match by blunting Sam’s big forehands. The fourth was close but Steve levelled at two games all and then he was able to control the fifth going on to win 11-7 9-11 9-11 11-9 11-6.

In the final match Brenden and Hayden went point for point over four sets, Brenden hitting some strong forehands while Hayden showed some good defence. In the end Brenden was able to take the points 14-16 12-10 11-7 13-11, the scores indicating the closeness of the match.

Amazingly Brenden had scored an 11, a 12, a13 and a 14 in this win.

In the washup the Exposed team had combined well with Karly winning three singles while teammates Steve and Brenden had offered good support in a strong display winning two singles each.

Winner: Exposed Signage/Apparel 8 d Regional Taxation Services 3

Games: 25 to 12

PENNANT FOUR:

Moving ever so close to the Finals, with only two rounds remaining the position of the two bottom teams won’t change, with Mallee Meats in third and Dunkley Scales fourth and no where near catching them. There is a slim chance of Weightman’s Packaging sneaking into top position, if luck falls their way and they win Round 15 and 16. But in saying that, Exposed Signage would need to be beaten twice, which is highly unlikely.

There were quite a few thrillers with one set seemingly never going to end, with a final score of 19/17. The highlight of the evening, lit up the eyes of all the Pennant four players, as we completed all of our matches in front of all other Pennants. The Historians are checking out the files, as it seems this hasn’t occurred since the early 1900’s …… Just joshin, but it was a shock, as it’s usually the other Pennants waiting on us.

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

Dunkley : Maria Starikov, Jen Leach and Jake Hines. Weightman’s : Glenn Leeson, Gary Leach and Eddy Parker.

The first clash was between Jake and Gary and it turned out to be a beauty. Jake showed some really good skills and was able to pencil in the two sets and gave it his very best over the next three sets, but Gary got his mojo back and worked hard to take the Rubber in five (9/11, 8/11, 11/5, 11/9, 13/11). With Maria making sure of the first two, Eddy then stole one set, before Maria defensive barrier went up, which gave her the win (11/2, 11/5, 6/11, 11/5). Jen then had to face Weightman’s Captain, Glenn and put all she could muster into the first set, making it to 12/14. It didn’t take long for Glenn to work out a way to win, making the next to sets, short and sweet (14/12, 11/4, 11/1).

Maria and Jen snatched the first set of the Doubles against Glenn and Gary, but weren’t able to finish off and handed Weightman’s their third Rubber.

Maris and Gary had some amazing rallies in the first set, with Dunkley pinching it 12/10. Gary couldn’t keep up with Maria’s speedy returns and fell in three (12/10, 11/4, 11/7). Jake played some excellent chops and slices in his match with Glenn, but he had just as much and more coming from the other side of the Table, which enabled Glenn to walk away after three sets with the win (11/7, 11/8,11/5). Jen and Eddy’s matches can go either way and this week, it fell in favor of Jen, but not without some terrific shots from Eddy (11/9, 4/11, 11/7, 11/3).

The pair of Maria and Jake came up against Glenn and Eddy next and with the fire power of the latter, Weightman’s didn’t find it difficult to pocket their fifth Rubber (11/7, 11/3, 11/8).

Glenn seems to have the wood over Maria and this encounter was no different, with the seemingly over in a flash (11/4, 11/7, 11/4). This gave Weightman’s the winning match to take the overall win for the night.

Knowing the state of the scores, this was not going to deter from the passion of either Mr or Mrs Leach as they both tried to figure out the best way to dismantle the others game. Jen snuck in with the first set, but failed to keep up the pressure, with Gary making some sneaky moves to pull it back to even. Jen turned up the heat again to mark up her second and felt like her focus was back, but to Gary’s Credit, he dug deep, pulled out the right shots and captured the win. It did sting at the time, but after a few sessions with her therapist, Jen’s decided she’ll keep playing  (6/11, 11/4, 4/11, 11/9, 11/7). Jake and Eddy had a three setter, with some tricky shots being produced and the last set going all the way (11/5, 11/5, 15/13).   

WINNERS : Weightman’s Packaging  8  to Dunkley Scales 3.

GAMES : 26 to 14.

– Tankard Dental 6 (Leanne Wilson, Wendy Simpson 2) d Mallee Meats 5 (Curtis Crabtree, Nathan Beard 2, Raylee Waugh 1)

Mallee : Curtis Crabtree, Nathan Beard and Connor Burnett (Fill in Raylee Waugh). Tankard : Leanne Wilson, Ildi Healy (Fill in Wendy Simpson) and Jakob Grzan.

This contest saw surprises left right and center with the Top side being pushed to a nail bitter.

Raylee Waugh was hit by a ton of bricks when she faced Leanne in the first match, with a lightening fast three sets going to Leanne (11/1, 11/0, 11/7). Jakob put together a good fight against Mallee’s Captain, but Curtis has a bag full of tricks and it didn’t take long to him to unleash them (12/10, 11/4, 11/5). Nathan’s style is difficult to get around and Wendy experienced that in her match against him. Even with her experience, it wasn’t enough to get over Nathan (11/9, 11/7, 6/11, 11/13, 11/9).

Although Curtis and Nathan fought a good battle, the pairing of Leanne and Wendy was a little too much of a hurdle (11/8, 11/5, 11/3).

Curtis has some awesome serves and this together with his determination to mark up another Rubber got him over the line against Leanne, who, sits on top of the aggregate ladder (19/17, 4/11, 11/9, 11/8). Raylee may not have started off well in her match against Wendy, and she may not have won, but she made a valiant attempt in the third set (11/4, 11/1, 16/14). This brought the Rubbers back to even. There were many long Rallies in the battle, when Nathan and Jakob played it out. Jakob grabbed the first, but Nathan took control in the next three (9/11, 11/4, 11/3, 11/9).

The pressure was on in the second Doubles, after Leanne and Jakob dominated the match against Curtis and Raylee (11/6, 11/5, 11/6).

Wendy’s memory from past season’s came flooding back when she faced Curtis, with that speedy back hand flick, which won her numerous points along with the match (11/9, 11/4, 12/14, 11/9). Leanne has worked out Nathan’s game and wasn’t taking her eye off the ball, ensuring her team an important win (11/7, 11/8, 12/10). The last match for the night was between Raylee and Jakob, which was a mighty five setter which gave Raylee her first win for the night (11/13, 8/11, 11/9, 11/6, 11/3).

WINNER : Tankard Dental  6  to Mallee Meats  5.

GAMES : 24 to 16.

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