WHILE numbers were slightly down, enthusiasm and action were sky-high when 14 players arrived ready, willing and able to take on the world at the Oxley table tennis competition last Monday night. Noise was at high volume around each table as each player used their voice – as well as their bat – in their non-stop enthusiasm all evening From the get-go, Paul Lawrence was in ‘go get ’em’ mode when he and the un-fatigable Debbie Brunken lined up against Phoebe ‘no freebie’ Bosley, and ‘late learner’ June Uebergang in a game that had it all. Long and sharp serves and strokes were constantly met with longer and sharper returns, as each pair fought tooth and nail to win every point. With the lead continually changing right throughout the very competitive encounter, it was anyone’s game to win – and ‘anyone’ won by a thread. When ‘big kids’ Gary Coad and Theo Poulos, and Neil Spurgeon and Manni Poulos faced off, it was a forgone conclusion that the game would be a showstopper. With each pair combining their own individual strengths, with wide, narrow, long, short, high and low strokes unleashed with slithering speed and accuracy, it was no game for the faint-hearted. However, after rattling the boards for what seemed forever, the ‘long and short of it’ say Gary and Theo won the bout on points. James Coles (not Woolworths) was in top form when he and ‘never stopped’ Richard Morgan stepped up to face Neil ‘fleet foot’ Brock and ‘catch me if you can’ Graham Stephens in a match that showcased every facet of the sport. Unbelievable deliveries were met with unbelievable returns in each player’s desperate intent to win each point. And this ‘desperado’ intent was played out to the limits when James ran himself into the ground as he chased down and returned a seemingly impossible wide ball, which led to he and Richard taking the victory by a whisker. McCartney Steet neighbours, Katie Woodberry and Neil Spurgeon, took on ‘wily’ William Bonwick and Paul Lawrence in a talented tough-out from start to finish. With each player pulling and pushing shots to and from nowhere (and everywhere), every stroke in the book was utilised, as neither pair entertained the idea of giving in without a determined effort. But all good things must come to an end, and after a lengthy battle, final scores saw Neil and Katie ‘would bury’ their opponents by the narrowest margin. After the many games each player contested for the night, everyone moved from the TT tables to the supper table, where they refreshed and ‘re-played’ games won or lost while scheduling rematches for next week. With just two weeks of competition remaining for season 2024, adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the group which meets at the Oxley hall on Monday nights, beginning at 7pm. BYO bat, $2 entry, and a plate to share.
