By BRUCE BLAKEMORE
Noosa Table Tennis Club
2014 Summer Singles championship final
THE qualifying rounds suggested that final night would be our best yet and it did not disappoint with all grades producing the highest standard of play the club has ever experienced. This is our last season at the Bicentennial Hall after 21 years as we move to the Leisure Centre in 2015.
A Grade
Despite being undefeated to qualify number one, Kye McDonald soon realised it will be a tough campaign to claim the trophy by losing to 6th position Bruce Blakemore in the very first rubber in an epic shootout. This brought Roger Gore and Bill Brown into realistic contention. After the dust settled later in the night, Kye, Bill and Roger were equal with one loss apiece and by countback rules the decider happened to be the showdown between Kye and Roger. It was fitting to have the other grades complete and have everyone witness the duel that unfolded. Kye ultimately held out Roger’s persistent attack to rightfully claim honours and etch a memorable very last battle at the Bicentennial Hall.
B Grade
Steve Gardner was always the one to beat but had to dig deep early to reverse a recent defeat by Oscar Estraviz. Practice buddy and serious rival John Murphy remained in calculations by frustrating Col Barry and Bernard Trauer with his seemingly unbreakable defence however Eli Kalugin, with his flat variable pace attack managed to stall John’s momentum. Steve was now in a position where he could not lose according to match countback rules but the showdown went ahead albeit for bragging rights only. John claimed that single defeat of his mate but Steve was the one holding the trophy and with little dispute.
C Grade
It was going to be the battle of the young versus the more experienced. Brad Muller and Matthew Duncan had recently risen to the top of the ladder by virtue of some outstanding results in the last rounds. However Sunny Lidden and Lucas Gore, two of our most improved youngsters, were in full flight. It was a perfect mix and the close battles that ensued had all four vying for the title at one stage and the biggest influence was going to be the position on the season ladder. Lucas sat 1 per cent above Sunny and that was the only difference as they both ended on one loss apiece. Very satisfying for Lucas as he was unsure of even playing only three weeks ago due to a neck injury.
The club is moving to the Leisure Centre, Wallace Estate, next year after 21 years at the Bicentennial Hall. Members will continue to hold competition Wednesday nights and social play three afternoons a week. Our practice session will now be Sunday afternoons.
Call 5474 5526 for any further information.
