Recently, four Mackay ‘Picklers’ travelled to the latest Australian Championship Tournament held at the very impressive Queensland Tennis Centre in’ Brisbane.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t so accommodating. The first days, Friday and Saturday, were sunshine and blue skies with the programmed games running the full day which incorporated Hybrid Coed Doubles (any age) and Junior Men’s Doubles (17 years and under).
From then on rain held up the majority of games until Sunday and Monday when some mighty tough games were played. It was fantastic to witness some of Pickleball’s gold medal winners of international and national standards.
Our players did us proud by toughing it out with some very experienced players, some just missing by a whisker for the medals. The ‘take away’ for one of our more experienced players, Rob, was stepping up for the challenge of first-time Open Singles, then Doubles at Skill level 4 and above.
Toni, another strong player, set a personal challenge by stepping up for her first experience at Skinny Singles. She also played Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
Heather, another Pickleball fanatic who always puts her heart and soul into every game, had a lot of fun playing Women’s Mixed Doubles, Doubles and Singles.
Also Greg, another Pickleball fanatic, who travelled with Margaret in their caravan to be at the tournament, played Men’s Doubles, Singles and Mixed Doubles.
All in all, it was an enormous event for our little band of Mackayites, rubbing shoulders with some of Pickleballs notoriety is all part of the experience.
Everyone is welcome to “have a go” your first try is free then a small fee of $7 per session thereafter. We will supply you with all you need to play at PCYC North Mackay-every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7pm, Thursday from 12 mid-day to 2pm, Sunday from 9am to 11am.
Contributed with thanks to Michelle Sheehan
