Maccabi Table Tennis: A Spectacular Season

Photograph: Marc Listmangof, Mark Levin and Rohan Woolf – Division 3 Grand Final Table Tennis Champions  

What a riveting Table Tennis Pennant Season it’s been for the Maccabi Table Tennis club at MSAC! Wednesday 24 May 2023 we witnessed high stakes and stirring performances in the Grand Finals. Both Maccabi teams, from Division 2 and 3, shone bright, demonstrating their mettle and talent, embodying the true spirit of competitive table tennis.

First, let’s talk about the formidable Maccabi Division 2 team – David Cyngler, Dean Frenkel, Mark Freedman & Jack Cyngler. They showed impressive resilience, winning the Preliminary Final against St.Kilda 5-3. Special mention to David Cyngler, who displayed exceptional form, winning all three of his matches. Dean and Jack also chipped in, winning one match each.

However, the Grand Final presented an uphill task against the undefeated Albert Park. Although Maccabi put up a great fight, they couldn’t overcome Albert Park’s winning streak, succumbing 6-3. Nevertheless, David and Jack’s performances stood out, winning two and one matches, respectively. Despite the defeat, the season has been an admirable comeback for the team, who had finished last in the previous season but made it to the Grand Final this time around.

Now onto the Division 3 Maccabi Nets team – Rohan Woolf, Mark Levin, Marc Listmangof, and Andrew Shostak (who, unfortunately, couldn’t participate in the Grand Final). These men made history for the club! The Division 3 team pulled off an astounding victory against St.Kilda, who had previously dominated them during the season. The Grand Final result was an incredible 5-1 triumph for Maccabi!

The strategic decision to have ‘brownlow medalist’ Rohan Woolf play his three matches as early as possible proved instrumental. Despite a tough start with Marc Listmangof losing narrowly 2-3, the team rebounded fiercely. Rohan delivered a thrilling comeback from 1-2 & 4-8 down in the 4th set to an astonishing 18-point winning streak, winning 3-2. Mark Levin followed suit, scoring a clinical 3-1 victory against a tricky opponent. Rohan Woolf won again 3-2 in an epic 5 sets after being down during the match. Maccabi now led 3-1. The team concentrated on winning one match at a time. Marc Listmangof, determined not to repeat the earlier defeat, came back strongly, securing a brilliant 3-1 win against a difficult opponent. This extended Maccabi’s lead to 4-1.

The final match saw high drama with Mark Levin facing his nemesis. Despite leading 2-0, 10-9 with a championship point, St.Kilda mounted a strong comeback, levelling the game at 2-2. However, Levin’s resolve prevailed as he wrapped up the final set 11-4, leading Maccabi to a resounding victory in the Grand Final!

In conclusion, it’s been a splendid season for Maccabi Table Tennis. Both teams have shown immense growth, determination, and skill, and all eight players have made valuable contributions to the team’s overall success. It’s been a joy to watch their journey this season, and we eagerly look forward to the next. Well done, Maccabi Table Tennis!

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Interested in joining the Maccabi Table Tennis Club? Contact Mark Levin: tabletennismaccabi@gmail.com