Finals spots up for grabs

With only a couple of weeks remaining in the Mount Gambier Table Tennis Autumn season, competition for finals spots in all grades has really started heating up.

Both A Grade matches produced comfortable victories, Travis Sweet putting on another masterclass to guide his Villains to a 7-4 win over Scott Davies’ Gunners, while Trotters number 1 player Chandler Jantosh also kept a clean sheet to power his team to a dominant 8-3 triumph over Ben Newman’s Rovers.

The first B Grade match was played in modified format, both the Potters and Baggies reduced to two players a side. Andrew Telford kept his singles sheet clean for the Baggies, while Doug Megaw and Dapo Olutayo both recorded one win apiece for the Potters. The final outcome was decided in the doubles, Telford teaming up with Terry Nesbitt for an easy win over Olutayo and Megaw, giving Baggies the 3-2 overall win. The second B-Grade match saw Rob Halleday’s Cottagers take on Gary Hocking’s Spurs. Cottagers kept Spurs at arm’s length the whole evening, eventually posting a slim 6-5 win. The third B-Grade match resulted in a more comfortable win, Cameron Beal’s Hammers taking care of Alex McGregor’s Seasiders to the tune of 7 rubbers to 4 thanks to an awesome performance from Nathan Schubert.

Both C Grade matches were close encounters this week. Chris McGregor’s Claret’s returned to the winners’ list, overcoming Lenny Van Der Linde’s Rams to keep their finals aspirations alive. Van Der Linde continued his strong form for the season, maintaining a clean sheet on the night, but he couldn’t prevent his team falling by a narrow margin of 6 rubbers to 5. The final C-Grade match of the night was another tight affair, Keith Pryor starring for the Blades, well supported by Mark Devaney as they overcame Lorraine Halleday’s Canaries by 6 rubbers to 5.

Mount Gambier Table Tennis Club is always welcoming of new players of all ages, experience, and capability. Practice is held at 7pm on Monday nights, and competition is at 7pm on Wednesday nights at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds Hall. To register your interest, please contact the club at [email protected] or find the club’s Facebook page, or just come along on a Monday night and speak to a friendly welcoming committee member.

3-Rubber winners
A Grade: Chandler Jantosh (Trotters); Travis Sweet (Villains).
B Grade: Nathan Schubert (Hammers); Andrew Telford (Baggies)
C Grade: Lenny Van Der Linde (pictured – Rams); Keith Pryor (Blades).