Fixture Break Doesn’t Slow Down Rockhampton Table Tennis Scene

Rockhampton’s leading table tennis players are taking a short break from local competition over the school holidays, but there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes. Many are using regular practice sessions to stay sharp ahead of upcoming events. Open grade fixtures wrapped up last week, with a new season set to commence soon.

Four local players — Kelsey Pettett, Warun Wilkinson, James O’Sullivan, and Pam Clarke — are preparing to represent the region at the Queensland Veterans Championships in Moreton Bay next week. They’ll be seeking a few solid hit-outs to stay match-ready ahead of the Q-Vets team and individual events, scheduled from July 16 to 19.

Meanwhile, the club’s top-ranked male player, Matthew Pettett, has again taken on the role of Queensland head coach for the Australian National Championships — a position he has held for the past five years. The prestigious tournament, currently underway in Traralgon, Victoria, began last Sunday and concludes this weekend.

Locally, Pettett finished another strong season by topping the for-and-against averages in first division. However, several other players also made notable progress. Among the standout improvers was Nick Green, who placed fifth overall behind the club’s consistent top performers: Pettett, Rayden Smith, and brothers Dane and Joel Coughlan. A former state junior representative, Green’s rise is a promising sign for the future.

The Coughlan brothers, now veterans themselves, continue to hold their own against younger rivals. At the other end of the age spectrum, Green’s youth and determination suggest he may soon break into the highly competitive top four — a group that has long been filled with talent.

In second division, veteran Monica Deeth narrowly edged out Pam Clarke to claim top spot in the averages. Clarke shared second place with a rejuvenated Geoff Geddes, who is enjoying one of his strongest years in recent memory. Among four new players this season, Julien Wright stood out with a commendable 44% win rate, playing in every match available.

While fixtures take a short break, most sessions at the Leichhardt Park Table Tennis Centre continue as usual. Monday night club sessions (from 7:30pm) are open to players of all levels looking to stay active and enjoy social competition. The Wednesday morning adult practice session (9:00–11:00am) offers a relaxed environment to hone skills, while the Thursday evening “Top Table” competition (from 7:00pm) adds a fun twist with timed matches designed to encourage fast starts and sharp play.

The club’s junior coaching program, held Thursdays at 4:30pm, also continues and remains a cornerstone of the club’s player development — producing many high-quality players over the years.