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Writer's pictureRockhampton Table Tennis

Fourth and Final Season Promises Big Finish to 2024

With the conclusion of the Australian Veteran Championships in Tasmania, local players in Rockhampton are shifting focus to a series of events and competitions set to close out the year, as well as preparing for the 2025 competitive season.



One of the most significant developments is the overhaul of the state tournament calendar. From 2025 to 2031, all Queensland Championships will take place at the South Pine Sports Centre in Brendale under a new partnership with the Moreton Bay Regional Council. This change is a seismic shake up of the current rotational format of state tournaments and no doubt there will be plenty of interest in how it all plays out.


Local activity is also in full swing, with the fourth fixture season of the year introducing a unique format that hasn't been used for some time. Three-player teams have been formed, with each competitor playing two doubles ties and one singles match per round. This departure from the usual two-player format ensures more evenly matched contests and creates a different kind of challenge for fixture regulars.


The opening week of this new fixture season has already delivered some cracking matches. Judd Carr staged an impressive comeback against Ann-Louise Stewart, taking their match 9-11, 10-12, 11-7, 14-12, 12-10. Another memorable moment saw Dane Coughlan narrowly edge Rayden Smith 11-9 in the deciding game of their clash. In doubles, Stewart and Nick Green clinched victory over Carr and Jakob Baker 11-9 in a tight decider. These closely fought matches set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.


This Friday, the local playoffs for the Queensland Schools Championships will be held at the Rockhampton Table Tennis Centre. With a strong turnout expected, the competition will feature teams from Heights College, Faith Baptist Christian School, and newcomers St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Rockhampton High School. The event promises to be a highlight of the season, with schools competing for a place in the state finals.



Another major event on the calendar is the annual intercity competition against Bundaberg, scheduled for Saturday, 09 November. This long-standing rivalry, which has spanned over 50 years, sees each club alternate hosting duties. Originally contested for the Trevor White Shield, the event now revolves around the Eric Cree Shield, named in honour of a Bundaberg stalwart. While Rockhampton has won the last three editions, travelling to Bundaberg always presents a challenge, and the outcome is never predictable. Matches will kick off at 6:30 pm, with players from both clubs eager to compete in this time-honoured tradition.

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