BOTH of Mildura Squash’s 2024 autumn pennant grand finals had spectators on the edge of their seats, as the results remained uncertain for much of the night.
In Division 1, the top two sides – Wayne’s World and Ben’s Team – met for the third time this season.
Ben’s Team got off to the perfect start, as Zac Sparks continued his dominant form in line four, holding his nerve against a pacey Daniel Linklater to win three close games, 1-3-45 to 0-0-38.
Aggregate winner Wayne Sparks then stepped up to avenge his team, Wayne’s World, pushing Jeanette Vear around the court throughout their match, to win in straight sets, 1-3-45 to 0-0-26.
With the teams tied at one rubber each, the match between Taylor Fuda and Wade Stephens would determine which team would lead heading into the decider.
The first game went to 14 points all before Wayne’s World’s Wade Stephens managed to clinch it, and he remained in front for the third straight sets win of the evening, 1-3-47 to 0-0-32.
For Wayne’s World to win the grand final, Kevin Healy needed to win only one more game against exciting newcomer Ben McMillan, who had challenged him all season.
Nerves of steel saw Kevin convert from a 13-all score line in the first game to ice the result.
With the sting taken out of the match, Kevin Healy managed a straight sets win, 1-3-45 to 0-0-24.
Wayne’s World 3-9-173 defeated Ben’s Team 1-3-127.
In Division 2, Ball Busters and Double Bounce locked horns in a showdown of the two most consistent performers throughout the season.
The opening match got Double Bounce off to a flying start, as Kaylee Herrmann won most of the lengthy rallies against fast improver Katie Hudak, winning 1-3-45 to 0-0-25.
The pendulum swung against Double Bounce in the next match, as the top line three player for the season – Carl Richter – stepped onto the court for Ball Busters against Double Bounce’s Matt Gardner.
Matt took it to the top seed in four tight games, before Carl secured a win 1-3-56 to 0-0-38.
Locked at one rubber each, Ball Busters’ Kyle Russell and Double Bounce’s Brett Donaldson played out the closest match of the evening, Kyle’s speed eventually getting his side the win 1-3-52 to 0-1-44.
With the result hanging in the balance, Double Bounce’s Luke Baudewyns needed to win in four games or less against Kane Woolfrey for a chance to retake the lead.
Coming out all guns blazing, he endured a tight first game before dominating the remaining games, to win 1-3-45 to 0-0-24.
Double Bounce 2-8-172 defeated Ball Busters 2-6-157.
Competitive squash in Mildura will take a one week break, before the winter pennant begins, where a new format will be introduced.
Mildura Squash will be making use of the doubles capability of its courts at Mildura Sporting Precinct for the first time.
During some weeks games will be shortened, giving players in the winter pennant the opportunity to play both singles squash and doubles squash on the same night.
The winter pennant will begin on Wednesday, May 15, for Division 2 and Thursday, May 16, for Division 1.
Those interested in playing are urged to get in contact, via the Mildura Squash Facebook Page, or contacting the squash phone on 0439 357 327.
