Kihikihi Strikes Revenge

After being beaten convincingly in the first round of interclub by Matamata 3 weeks earlier. The Kihikihi Table Tennis Club decided to prepare much better for the return match last night at their home club in Kihikihi. Over the past 3 weeks, Club Coach and President Hyrum Sunnex, has been putting in the extra hours needed to prepare his team for this do or die match in the Best of 3 series. What a difference time makes with Kihikihi winning convincingly 48-12 over all.

Kihikihi #1 Team led by Hyrum Sunnex and Shane McKee with the absence of one of their leading players called up talented youth player Turongo Mahara to the team and easily beat Matamata #1 Team, 8-4. Kihikihi’s 2nd Team (Grant Ngatai, Sam Roa and Mike Hickey) and their 3rd Team (Joshua Brown, Don and Alistair Tonehi) both won convincingly 10-2. But it was their 4th team (Len Onehi, Aaron Kelly and Terry Lasenby) that led the way with the biggest margin of the night 11-1. The final team for Kihikihi (James Krippner, Waiata Nore and Hori Barton)  completed the positive night for the club winning 9-3.

It was a wonderful night of table tennis and both teams regardless of the results, enjoyed the facilities, atmosphere and spectators that turned up to view some great table tennis being played. Matamata Club President Lyall Wilson, gave high praises to the club for the level of table tennis they had reached over the past 3 weeks of training, he also acknowledged the friendships developing between the two clubs and the great promotion of this sport that is happening in the community.

The series now goes to a decider back in Matamata in 3 weeks time, Kihikihi will look to continue their good form and end the Series on a winning note. Mr Sunnex acknowledged the hard work alot of his players are putting into their skill sessions, especially with the help of their Club Table Tennis Robot that teaches how to hit the ball with different types of spin. He said it will be a very hard task picking the team for the series decider as alot of up and coming players are putting more pressure on the more experienced ones.

Kihikihi is hosting their first table tennis tournament on Monday 5th August at 7pm, they have great prizes that have been sponsored and tournament is open to all levels, players and all grades. Entries close on Sunday 4th August at 5pm. For more details contact Hyrum on 021 068 7017 or visit their website.