On Saturday, 10th and Sunday morning of the 11th November there were nine teams assembled at Caloundra to participate in the annual Masters and Apprentices Gateball Teams and Tournament. Clubs or individual players that were represented were Capricorn Coast, Caloundra, Deception Bay, Eildon, Ipswich, McIlwraith, Redcliffe, Rockhampton, Southport and Toowoomba. For quite a few players, from both ends of the age spectrum, this was their first time to compete at this Tournament. It is always good to welcome new players.

Group photo at Caloundra Clubhouse

The organisation by the Tournament Manager, Glenda Windust, was very good. The club members of Caloundra Mallet Sports Club ensured the courts were in tip top condition and the food supply was excellent. Just prior to the 11:00 a.m. Remembrance Day Ceremony, Vietnam veteran, Jim Northcott A.M., gave a moving speech recalling the sacrifice by so many people world wide in all wars. One hundred years since the 1918 Armistice was foremost in everyone’s consciousness.

The Capricorn Coast team that was travelling away to compete for the first time were very competitive and hopefully will be inspired to enter more Tournaments. Also the newish team, Deception Bay, gained some more experience in competitions. Two of their team – Ros Crowe and Keith Chur-Hansen were presented with their badges since they have qualified as level 2 Referees.

By the end of the teams section, there were 3 teams that had each achieved 6 wins. Then a review of the net gates scored placed Redcliffe in first place followed by the strong Southport contingent- Southport Red (2nd) and Southport White (3rd).

Redcliffe being presented with their reward by Glenda Windust, Manager of the Tournament.

Southport Red came second and the presentation was made by Howard Williams, President of Caloundra MSC

The Doubles Competition was held on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. Two Blocks of four teams played off. Block A was won by Peter Sweet and Bruce McAlister. Lynne Farry and Margaret Gall had a clean sweep of Block B. In the Finals of the Gateball Doubles, Peter and Bruce won. Lynne and Margaret were 2nd and Frances Wregg and Helen Donaldson came 3rd.

Bruce McAlister and Peter Sweet were congratulated by President, Howard Williams.