INFECTIOUS enthusiasm and enjoyment were topped off with fine dining when 24 players gathered to thrash out the many games contested at the social table tennis competition at the Oxley hall last Monday night. Renowned cakemaker Richard Morgan and the young Marnie Woodberry combined all the necessary ingredients while turning the heat on to Marnie's mum, Kate, and the stirrer Neil Spurgeon in a mixture of skill and luck served up for opponents to chew on. High and unending intensity finally saw both pairs cooked, with scores reading 21-20 in favour of the 'young berry' and Morgan. New on the scene Desiree and Ty Koers quickly unveiled their talents when they faced up to 'back in business' Julie Reid and 'gotcha' Graham Stephens. Loud and long laughter was clear evidence of the pleasure each player drew from the game. When the young and talented Allister Olsson dared to partner the 'older generational' June Uebergang, he knew he would have a heavy load to carry when they took on the ever smiling Manni Poulos and world-wide wonderer Sue McGregor. After a very hard tussle by all players, Allister bore most of the weight that contributed to his and June's unexpected tie breaker win. Neil Brock and Adam Bosley began and remained in top gear from the first point when they and 'out of retirement but not out of form', Robb Mollison, and Jason Mullins threw everything including themselves into an action-packed battle of speed and accuracy. It came as no surprise that the final result was 21-20 in favour of the 'octoganarin' and his off-sider. Phoebe Bosley and Archie Crispin worked tirelessly and skillfully when they answered the call from the more experienced Kate Cole and Clive Brooker to 'catch us if you can'. A highly entertaining game for everyone finally saw Phoebe and Archie running away with their tails in the air and scores reading 21-18 in their favour. Like the Matildas, from the first minute of play the girls Alison Stephens and Lauren Olsson combines and invested their strengths and talents into registering an early lead over the Zac Mullins and William Bonwick. But Zac and William quickly responded, setting up a strong wall of defence in a game of almost Commonwealth Games standard, which finished with the 'home side' in front. After a night of relentless competition, it was time for a cuppa and a supper to revive, hold post-mortems of games contested and make early bookings for replays next week. Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7pm. Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.
