Gateball Triples at Southport, May 4th 2014

This one-day event of Gateball Triples is now in its third year. Southport set up three courts and in sunny but autumn-style weather eight teams enjoyed a full day of some close and exciting games.

In the 4 block round robin format some Ipswich teams showed strong attack abilities. The teams from Southport were able to enjoy a home game advantage and gain some good wins. In Block B the team – “The Links” – comprised of Margaret Barnard from Broadbeach and Elaine and Brian Rubock from Wynnum made a clean sweep of the block. They reached the Final. This was a very good effort for a team just formed for the day.

Meanwhile in Block A, the “Sunshine” ( Chris and Lee Wentworth and Beryl Turner) team from Southport had a two wins but a loss to another local team the Protons ( Jim Northcott, Grahame and Amy Jackson). Strengthened by youthful determination, the Sunshine team played through to meet The Links in the Final.

Watched by all of the other teams, it was an exciting Final game and was clinched right at the end by the Sunshine team 12- 11. Congratulations to the Sunshine team. Thank you to Bruce McAlister, CAQ DIrector of Gateball, for attending for the day, refereeing the Final and making the presentation. Thank you to all who attended, in particular the ten players from Ipswich. Thanks to Margaret Barnard who was the Tournament Referee.

Barbara Northcott