HUNTER Pickleball Club are the inaugural winners of the newly-minted Battle of the Beaches trophy.
In an exhilarating challenge with Port Stephens Pickleball Club, the Hunter contingent have earned bragging rights – winning the first-ever event by 48 points after a full day of interclub competition in Newcastle.
Thirty Port Stephens players travelled to the Hunter club’s home courts at The Forum at University of Newcastle with teams competing across two divisions.
In a contest decided on total points across all 58 games, Hunter claimed victory after finishing with 953 points to Port Stephens’ 905.
Hunter Pickleball Club made a trophy for the occasion and became the first club to receive the silverware.
Port Stephens Pickleball Club president John Grace fully endorsed the Battle of the Beaches concept and praised the Hunter club for organising the event.
“So many games were played with enthusiasm and passion with some exciting and close match-ups right across the day,” a delighted John told News Of The Area.
“To go down after 58 games by less than one point per game was a mighty effort and congratulations to all who played and supported this wonderful event,” he enthused.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the trophy back to Port Stephens next time we meet but a hearty congratulations to Hunter Pickleball for being the inaugural winner of the Battle of the Beaches.”
Hunter Pickleball Club vice president Sharon Cosgrove thanked Port Stephens for the exceptional sportsmanship, community spirit and the fun they brought to the day.
“It was a top celebration of pickleball and we’re proud to have been part of such a memorable event,” she said.
The event was refereed by Peter Turnbull.
Port Stephens Pickleball Club thanked Hunter’s volunteers for running a smooth and welcoming event that ended with presentations and a generous spread of food.
Event organisers Kate Vorias (Hunter) and Sean Andrews and Steve Wilson (Port Stephens) were also acknowledged on the day.
The Battle of the Beaches was the Port Stephens club’s second interclub event in two months.
It followed the club’s inaugural Interclub Challenge against Sydney’s Around the Ponds (ATP) Pickleball Club at Tomaree in August.
Port Stephens will host its next interclub challenge against Hallidays Point Pickleball Club on Sunday 29 November.
By Chris KARAS
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