Sport
15 May, 2026
Close battles for round three of table tennis
ROUND three of Orford and District Table Tennis saw some close battles.
Tower Hill lost to St Helens 3.16-8.21.
While St Helens came away with victory, much of the focus was on the battle between the Rowbottom brothers, with Aaron defeating Gavin in a close three-game match, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-9.
St Helens won both doubles which added strength to their score, with the longest match of the night finishing 9-11, 5-11, 11-6, 12-10 and 9-11.
Tower Hill’s Darren Smith was their best player for the night, winning two rubbers, while St Helens’ Aaron Rowbottom was best with three rubbers.
Ally Rowbottom also won two rubbers, including a win over her uncle Gavin from Tower Hill.
Glengleeson lost to Koroit 2.8-9.33.
After a delayed start due to two-thirds of Glengleeson’s team heading towards the wrong venue following confusion over having two consecutive home games, Koroit eventually recorded a comfortable win at Orford.
Koroit’s experienced Tony Storer had a long battle with Glengleeson’s Lindsay Morton, winning 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-3 and 12-10.
The last game of the night was also a battle, with Glengleeson stalwart Garth Spring fighting back to defeat Koroit’s Ray Young 9-11, 5-11, 11-7, 15-13 and 11-9.
Fergus Monsborough was Koroit’s best, winning three rubbers.
Broadwater lost to Attunga 2.13-9.28.
Another tough battle between the Drendel and Wortley families, with the scoresheet not reflecting how close the games were.
Attunga was fortunate to win both doubles, while Kelly and Val Wortley were extremely lucky to defeat Broadwater’s Peter Drendel in long, five-game matches.
Val and Peter’s match had only one point the difference, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9 and 11-9.
With the improvement of Broadwater’s Leah Drendel, it won’t be long before they climb the ladder.
Warrnambool Warriors defeated Orford 10.31-1.6.
The Warriors increased their lead with a convincing win.
The battle of the night was again the final match, with Warriors’ Neil Ford having a tough five-game win over Orford’s Russell Hussey 9-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3 and 13-11.
Peter Owen and Neil Ford each won their three rubbers while Orford’s Russell Hussey was their best with one rubber win.
Round four will see a battle between the home-ground sides, Koroit and Tower Hill.
If Koroit’s Fergus Monsborough wins his three rubbers, this team should have a good chance but if Tower Hill’s Darren Smith wins his three the result may swing their way.
Attunga will face Glengleeson and it’s anticipated Attunga will take the win.
Orford will face Broadwater in round four while the association’s two top players will meet in the St Helens v Warrnambool Warriors game.
Ladder: Warrnambool Warriors 12, St Helens 12, Attunga 12, Koroit 4, Broadwater 4, Tower Hill 4, Orford 0, Glengleeson 0.
