WHILE the previous week's wild winds had subsided, 19 players battered and bruised the tables in the Oxley hall in the Oxley Table Tennis Social Competition last Monday night. Getting off the mark as the clock struck 7pm, Katie Woodberry and Neil Spurgeon were ready, willing and more than able when they lined up against motivated Mick Gervasoni and the Don (not Bradman) Heath in a rip-roaring test of everyone's mettle. While Katie displayed her trademark fine placements, backed up by Neil's continual edge deliveries, Mick and Don nullified many coodabeens as they sent everything back that was thrown at them. After a long game of cat and mouse one pair recorded a 21-19 victory. In the handicap event Smith Street's Cheryl Coad and Janet Heath paired up to take on LOL Lucy Uebergang and sharpshooter Sharene Gervasoni in a noisy but nice battle of bats and brains. Long rallies laced with pinpoint placements led to each pair having to think one point ahead as they rattled their brains and the floorboards in their desperation to outfox each other. After an even contest one pair won by the narrowest of margins. Jason Mullins and Millie Bosley were fully focused when they paired up against never give up Debbie Brunken and Millie's dad Adam Bosley. Jason and Adam supplied the heavy work while their partners Millie and Debbie played the tactical teasers which led to every point taking many strokes to decide. With both pairs determined to stretch their opponents to the limit, every inch of the table was sighted and slathered with big shots, little shots and lucky shots until grins and handshakes indicated one pair brought home the bacon. Back after a long hiatus, Theo Poulos teamed up with cake-maker Richard Morgan to take on Theo's brother Manni and Gary 'Morse' Code in a tight match of large proportions. Although utilised differently, the talents of each pair were evenly matched as they threw their all into putting their opponents under the pump. So many winners hit off woodabeen winners saw each player using his own craftsmanship to lay the telling tackle. Final scores were not recorded but the Poulos boys wore winners' grins. A very even game was thrashed out when Janet Heath and Will I Am Bonwick faced up to the oldies but goodies June Uebergang and Neil Brock in one of many games each had played that night. Every stroke in the book and then some were dished out by each player in their desperate attempts to win every point. After holding an early lead it appeared Janet and William had it in the bag, however, June and Neil slowly but surely pegged them back toi even the score at the halfway point. Form then on it was point for point until Janet and William snuck home in a tiebreaker. After all the action everybody gathered to enjoy a cuppa and fine food while replaying some of the night's thrilling contests. Adults and secondary students of all ages are welcome to join the group each Monday night at Oxley Hall at 7pm. BYO bat, $2 entry and a small plate to share after competition.
