AM I WATCHING DIVISION 3 or DIVISION 2???
L to R - PANDAS (Manfred Franklin, Judy Zhang, Cameron Dart), CATS (Ron Coyle, Desley Payne, Christine Rule)
QUALITY DIVISION 3 GRAND FINAL
The quality of play in the Division 3 Grand Final on Tuesday night (22.3.22) was testament to the improvement in standard of play of our club over the last few years. One could have easily thought it was Division 2. So many players are being coached these days and/or going to training camps. And we have a solid junior squad improving every week.
The final went down to the wire as I predicted. The pivotal match was the 2nd last match between the two young ladies, Desley Payne (Cats) and Judy Zhang (Pandas). Judy came out swinging with her usual strong attacking game and easily won the first two games 11-5 and 11-3. It looked like a formality to finish off the job. But if there is anyone who never gives up it is Desley. She concentrated on putting more accuracy into her returns making it harder for Judy to attack. So Judy became defensive which is not her natural game. Desley won the next 2 games 11-6 and 12-10, saving a few match points in the 4th game. It was tense going in the 5th game with Judy prevailing 11-8 to not only win the match but also to secure the premiership for the Pandas.
Ron Coyle was the only undefeated player on the night but it was not enough for the Cats. Well done to all the players as there was nothing but good sportsmanship all night.
Scoresheet and photos to follow:-
THE WINNERS
THE RUNNERS-UP
Ron Coyle playing Judy Zhang
Crowd watching Christine Rule and Manfred Franklin in their tussle
Ron Coyle ready for action
Cameron Dart ready for action
Doubles action - Desley and Christine v Judy and Manfred with Cameron officiating
Cameron serving to Desley
Judy and Manfred were a winning combination
