JERSEY PICKLEBALL’S Highvern Pickleball Summer League celebrated its conclusion on Sunday at the St Clement’s Golf and Sports Centre.
Tom Price, founder of UUֱ Pickleball, stated: “It’s been a fantastic time for Pickleball on the Island.
“We had local players competing at the English Open for the first time ever.
“We also had our first-ever triple champion crowned in John [Pasturel], which is a magnificent achievement for a player to complete.
“The sport is growing from strength to strength and that’s in large part to the fantastic community we have surrounding us.”
John “The Flamingo” Pasturel was the star of the summer-long competition, as he claimed three titles, including the Division 2 Men’s Singles, Division 2 Men’s Doubles alongside John Corr, and the Division 2 Mixed Doubles with his wife, Ann.
Multi-talented local sportsman Bero Bobus also had a successful run, claiming the prizes in two categories; the Division 1 Men’s Singles and the Division 1 Mixed Doubles, also partnered his wife, Loren Bobus.
Kathryn Brown and Elizabeth Fenlon secured the most points in the Ladies Doubles, while Joanna Chaplin took home the Ladies Singles title.
Last, and most likely least, Luke Pontin and Tom Middleton overcame the Division 1 Men’s Doubles competition to walk away with their winners spoils.
As usual, the league culminated in a friendly prize-giving with hot drinks and cakes provided.
Division 1 Men’s Doubles winner Pontin, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed Pickleball when I tried it for the first time in April, not only for the entertaining game-play and the accessible nature of the sport, but also for the incredible community surrounding it.
“There is such a diverse group of people who play, getting to know them has been just as much fun as playing (yes, even Tom [Middleton] believe it or not).”
Thanks mate, the feeling’s mutual.
“Smaller than the average bear” Pontin continued: “You best believe that the most dynamic duo in UUֱ Pickleball’s short history – Jar Jar Dinks – are running it back to cement our rightful place at the peak of the mountain.”
UUֱ Pickleball provides opportunities for coaching, individual and group, for all ages, abilities and backgrounds, as well as regular organised “mash-ups” for relaxed social play.
As earlier eluded to, the sport is incredibly accessible as originally it was designed to provide a game that the whole family could play together.
The next league is due to commence shortly.
nIf you are interested in learning more about pickleball on UUֱ, contact Tom Price on 07797 7548834 or through the UUֱ Pickleball facebook page.
