Subbuteo Parramatta - September Cup 2014

Subbuteo returned to its roots in the September Cup, bringing back the days of cramming into lounge rooms, dining rooms and garages, to hover over cotton and nylon pitches and play with round based figures. With a variety of conditions present on the different styles of pitches - from smooth and fast to Field A, affectionately known as ’The Glue Pot’, players had to show versatility in their skills to do well. A field of 8 players with a diverse range of abilities locked horns in a Swiss System tournament that later ran into a finals series as everyone was keen for more games - and a grand final! Early results went the way of Steve Dettre and Ethan Foster, while Adrian Elmer and Jonny Ball played out a tense scoreless draw, as did youngsters Imojjen and Æowyn Elmer, the random draw pitting the sisters against each other in the opening round. Jonny Ball began to revel in the old pitch conditions as his bending and shooting skills gave him significant wins in the next few rounds. Adrian Elmer made his way through all 5 of the Swiss System rounds without conceding a goal, though did struggle at the pointy end of the field, leaving him with a string of draws to go with his two victories. After missing the first round due to a long drive to the venue, previous September Cup winner Phill Parker began to crawl his way up the table while another former champ, Alex Jennings, squeezed into the top four. Making his September Cup début, Ethan Foster had a mixed bag of results while Steve Dettre quietly went about building a consistent run.

After five rounds of the Swiss System, players went into a finals series, with the top four playing for the trophy and the lower four for the shield. In a rematch of the day’s opening game, Jonny finally broke down Adrian’s defense to grab a 1-0 victory, while Steve and Alex went to shots after a 1-1 draw. Steve booked himself a place in the final with 3 clinical finishes and some solid goalkeeping. Following the consolation play-offs, the grand final was another tense affair. Steve took a one goal lead into the half time break but Jonny levelled early in the second period with a delicate shot that left Steve’s ‘keeper stuck to the spot. With just under a minute to go, and both players feeling the tension, Steve pulled of a brilliant shot, squeezing past one defender while getting the finest of angles on the ball, yet still hitting it with the force to lodge into the far corner of the goals. It was a goal worthy of winning a final.

A great time was had by all - the experienced players giving pointers to the newer players and helping them improve, while competing fiercely in the tighter games. Thanks to all for making another great September Cup.

(Report by Adrian Elmer)

First round (5 games played each):
Steve Dettre (Northern Falcons TFC) 12
Adrian Elmer (Subbuteo Parramatta) 9
Jonny Ball (Northern Falcons TFC) 8
Alex Jennings (Subbuteo Parramatta) 8
Phill Parker (Subbuteo Parramatta) 7
Ethan Foster (Subbuteo Parramatta) 6
Æowyn Elmer (Subbuteo Parramatta) 2
Imojjen Elmer (Subbuteo Parramatta) 2

Semis:
Steve Dettre - Alex Jennings 1-1(3-1)
Adrian Elmer - Jonny Ball 0-1

Semis (places 5-8):
Phill Parker - Imojjen Elmer 1-0
Ethan Foster - Æowyn Elmer 3-0

Final:
Steve Dettre - Jonny Ball 2-1

Steve Dettre (left), winner of the tournament

Final 3-4:
Adrian Elmer - Alex Jennings 0-1

Final 5-6:
Phill Parker - Ethan Foster 1-0

Final 7-8:
Imojjen Elmer - Æowyn Elmer 0-0

Bob Green at the English Grand Prix

The FISTF Grand Prix of England took part last week in Enderby with a large field of 63 players from 12 nations. It was great to see many close games even if in the end the two top seeds of the tournament reached the semi-finals. At this stage, Chris Short beat Chris Thomas on shots while Mark Gauci beat Nathan Dupont (4-3). In the final, Short scored the only goal of the game in the sudden death to win the title. Other winners in the categories were Elliott Bellefontaine (U19), Connor Bowden (U15), Mauro Manganello (Veterans), Margault Delval (Ladies) and Kye Arnold (U12).. In the team event, 14 teams took part. In the final, the Maltese team of Valletta beat the Belgians of AS Hennuyer (1-0) to catch the title.

Bob (left) against Chris Aggelinas from Greece

Bob Green was the only representative from Australia. He managed to reach the quarter-finals of the veterans section. Well done Bob!

Peter Thomas wins in Penrith

Another great Subbuteo tournament was held on the 18th May 2014 in Penrith, Sydney. Returning after a couple of years in the wilderness, it was great to see Steve Dettre and Jonny Ball playing once again alongside newer players Ethan Foster and Adrian Elmer. Showing he still hasn’t lost his touch Steve Dettre made it to the semi-finals with his vintage toccer figures. Peter Thomas struggled to break down Steve’s stonewall defence until the final few minutes of the game.

Steve Dettre and Benji Batten

In his first ever tournament Ethan Foster won his first game, and finished in sixth place overall. Benji Batten who came all the way from Melbourne to play made it out of his group on goal difference, after a crucial win over Paul Magee, before succumbing to Eliot Kennedy in the semi final.

Benji Batten and Paul Magee

After consuming some sports enhancing Irn-Bru before the final, some early goals by Peter Thomas made the match a one way affair, in contrast to their recent close battle in Parramatta.

Thanks to Megagames Penrith for hosting the tournament, and to everybody for coming. Hope to see you all again soon.

Final places:
1. Peter Thomas (Subbuteo Melbourne)
2. Eliot Kennedy (Northern Falcons TFC)
3. Steve Dettre (Northern Falcons TFC)
4. Benji Batten (Subbuteo Melbourne)
5. Jonny Ball (Northern Falcons TFC)
6. Ethan Foster (Subbuteo Parramatta)
7. Paul Magee (no club)
8. Adrian Elmer (Subbuteo Parramatta)

(Report by Peter Thomas)

Mike Newton wins in Parramatta

Five players attended the Parramatta tournament held on sunday. There were local players but also England's Mike Newton who finished on top of the league format after winning three games and sharing points with Rob Retalic. Adrian Elmer finished second, Rob Retalic third, Steve Diasinos fourth and Gordon Dudley fifth.

First tournament held in Parramatta

After a few last minute cancellations, the field was whittled down to 5 for the first ever tournament for "Subbuteo Parramatta" (Australia). Everyone played each other in a league format, which quickly sorted itself into the two frontrunners - Eliot and Peter - pulling away from Billy, Terry and Adrian. heading in to the final round, terry needed a win over billy to pull even with adrian in 3rd place, but the two brothers, as at the last tournament, cancelled each other out in a 2-2 draw.

The final game saw Peter needing a win over Eliot to top the league, as Eliot had a superior goal difference heading in to the game. A scintillating game took place with peter doing most of the attacking but Eliot defending solidly, and looking dangerous on the counter-attack. eliot had never picked up a point against peter and was looking good to hold on after 29 minutes. Then, with 50 seconds left on the clock, Peter finally got one of his custom chips to find the back of the net and celebrated a great victory.

With regular tournament play seeming to improve the quality of all the players, we look forward to heading out to Penrith next month (the exact date will be March 23).

Final table:
Peter Thomas 12 points
Eliot Kennedy 9 points
Adrian Elmer 4 points
Terry Koutzas 2 points
Billy Koutzas 1 point

(Report by Adrian Elmer)

Tournament In Penrith- 23 March

Next Penrith Subbuteo Tournament -
Mega Games
478 High St Penrith 2750
02 4722 9975
Sunday 23rd March...
Start 11am
Cost $5
Prizes
New players always welcome

Subbuteo tournament in Paramatta

There will be a Subbuteo tournament in Paramatta on Febrary 23 at 12.00. Address of the day will be:

MARS HILL CAFÉ BASEMENT
331 CHURCH ST, PARRAMATTA
FREE ENTRY - ALL WELCOME

Click here for the Facebook page of the tournament

Peter Thomas wins in Penrith

Only three players attended the tournament held on sunday in the Mega Games shop in Penrith.

Numbers were low but the standards of play were high as the competitors proved to have a very good level. They played each other twice and results were as follows:
Robert Green 3 - Eliot Kennedy 0
Peter Thomas 2 - Robert Green 0
Peter Thomas 4 - Eliot Kennedy 0
Robert Green 1 - Eliot  Kennedy 0
Peter Thomas 2 - Robert Green 0
Peter Thomas 4 - Eliot Kennedy 2

So, Peter was first, Greenie second and Eliot third. As ever, Subbuteo was the winner!

Many thanks to Manuel and Christine at Mega Games for their great hospitality, to Peter coming up from Canberra and of course to Greenie for coming from Sweden!

Our next tournament will be at 11am on Sunday 19 January 2014 at Mega Games (unless Adrian Elmer has one sooner than that at Toongabbie?), to coincide with the visit of Paul O'Donovan Rossa from the US. Hopefully we will have better numbers.

Next tournament in Penrith on November 17

Just a quick reminder for the next subbuteo event taking place on November 17 in Penrith.
Details can be found on the Mega Games website here: http://www.megagames.com.au/Other_Gaming.html
If you know ways to promote the event, don't hesitate. Football club and local newspapers would probably be happy to hear of the subbuteo tournament.
The tournament will count for the WASPA circuit (http://waspa-circuit.blogspot.com).
Top players as Robert Green, Mike Newton and Eliot Kennedy will be taking part! Hopefully many more will follow!

Carl Young wins in Penrith

There was a good turnout of seven at the first tournament of the season held at Mega Games Penrith. Among the old had (Paul Magee, Eliot Kennedy), a local player (Anthony Ilacqua), the british guys (Carl Young from Melbourne, Peter Thomas from Canberra, Mike Newton from Flinders), there was also a "special guest" as Ignacio López Campbell from Chile was on a business trip in Sydney and had a chance to attend the event. Unfortunately Brett Davis was ill and couldn't attend. We wish him a quick recovery. The event was played in swiss format with Carl Young winning the trophy with 10 points, Peter Thomas finishes second, Eliot Kennedy third and Mike Newton fourth. Mega Games has announced the next tournament will be held on November 17 at 11.00 am.

Carl Young

First tournament in Toongabbie

There were two tournaments in Australia this week-end and the one in Toongabbie attracted nine players. It was a good tournament and not only because it was a way to celebrate Adrian Elmer's birthday. Imojjen Elmer was also playing her first tournament. She's only 12 and was introduced to the game by her father. In the end, after the group stage, host Adrian Elmer lost on shots to Alex Jennings in the first semi while Phill Parker beat Costa Kamarados. In the final, Phill and Alex tied (1-1) but Alex won on shots to claim the trophy. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Adrian in the semi

Alex Jennings is the winner of the tournament

Nice group picture!

Robert Green at the world cup

Congratulations to Robert Green who was the Australian representative at the FISTF world cup in Madrid (Spain). Robert was supposed to come as a spectator but was invited to replace a last minute drop-out in the veterans. Robert lost to Juan Carlos Granados Cuellar from Spain (0-4), Manfred Pawlica from Austria (0-7) and Thomas Vulpes from Germany (0-2) but he met a lot of old and new friends. Well done!

Bob with Ben staples from England

A tournament in Toongabbie

WASPA has just been in touch with another group of players in the Sydney area. Adrian runs a subbuteo tournament every year in september for 15 years now. As a coincidence, the date of this year's tournament clashes with the Penrith tournament as it will be held on September 14. The good thing is that Adrian and his friend might be able to attend other tournaments in Penrith or in the area in the future. Anyway, Adrian's tournament will have the WASPA status this year.

Adrian reported he has been a subbuteo fan for many years: "Subbuteo has been very quiet in Australia for a long time. I went to a tournament once as a teenager in the late 80s and there were 50 or so competitors, but there hasn't really been anything much since then! Every year around september I have a look around online to see if anything is around and was very happy to see the australian website, which has only appeared since the last tournament my friends and I had! So, I've been in contact with them and will hopefully be able to get involved."

Interested players should get in touch with Adrian at ajebec@netspace.net.au to try to arranger more games in the future!

Robert Green played in Finland

Robert Green recently attended the FISTF Grand Prix of Helsinki in Finland. Robert played int he Open category and finished in the third place of his group after beating Ile Tuominen from Finland (3-0), losing to Marko Karhunen from Finland (0-5) and Gabriele Silveri from Italy (0-1). Robert was allowed to play also in the veterans. He tied with local player Kari Hakkarainen (1-1) and beat Ile Tuominen (4-0). In the semi-final, Robert lost to George Papadopoulos from Greece (0-4).

Robert will attend the FISTF World Cup in madrd this week-end as a spectator and will later play again in Finland on October 19.

Semi-final for Gerald Brightwell in Belgium

Gerald Brightwell travelled to Belgium to play the WASPA tournament of Templeuve. Six nations were represented and Gerald was in a great day as he reached the semi-finals after defeating Kevin Cordell (England) in quarter-final. Gerald lost the semi to the final winner, geoffrey marain (Belgium) but that's definately a good performance for him.

Gerald in action

The final 4 of the event: Grégory Puissant (France), Paulo Gouveia (Portugal), Geoffrey Marain (Belgium) and Gerald Brightwell (Australia)

Australian players competing in Harrow Weald

Two Aussies attented the WASPA tournament in Harrow Weald (England). 18 players from 5 nationalities in total were taking part and players were divided in four groups. Both John Devaney and Gerald Brightwell ended third in groups of four players. John lost to Steve George and Terry Arnold and tied with Jonathan Lopez-Real. Gerald lost to Kevin Cordell and Vasilis Vavourakis from Cyprus but beat Matthias Peterschinigg. In the consolation tournament, Gerald lost his quarter-final to Matthew Henry while John beat Kye Arnold and then lost to Matthew Henry.

Good games for Gerald Brightwell in Birmingham

Gerald Brightwell attended the English Grand Prix in Birmingham on May 5 & 6. In the individual tournament, Gerald played in the veterans section and was dropped in the only group of five. He lost to Scotland's Tom Burns (0-1), Wales's Richard Stock (1-2) and England's Rob McCormick (0-3) but beat John Bottomley from England (4-0). On sunday Gerald played the team event as a member of the Manchster TFC club. He lost to Yorkshire Phoenix's Martin Hodds (4-0), beat Rob McCormick of Kent Invicta (1-0) and lost to Mike Parnaby, the caption of NETFA Teesside (0-4). At least it was a good tournament and Gerald gained experience. His next tournament should be the WASPA tournament in Harrow Weald on May 19.

Australian winner in Europe!

John Devaney, the organizer of the Lincoln Flickers Subbuteo Club in England, has recently announced he would love to play subbuteo for Australia has he is born in Australia and has lived there for many years. On wednesday John won the WASPA tournament in Lincoln, which will hopefully be the first of many other victories. Well done!

John Devaney, another flicking Aussie in Europe!

News from Penrith

The Subbuteo tournament of last saturday in Penrith had only three players taking part. Mike Newton won the tournament but there are some positive news as the MEGA GAMES shop was moving last week-end to a new location, which is 478 HIGH STREET PENRITH (not far from the old address). The shop is now bigger and there will be a subbuteo table set up so that everyone can practice more often. The dates of the forthcoming events should be announced soon!

The shop will open in the new location on February 22th

Link: http://www.megagames.com.au/

Australian winner in England!

Gerald Brightwell (in the middle with the Valletta jersey) won the tournament!

The first Harrow Weald tournament (England) was played on sunday. There were two last minute dropouts so there were only five players attending but everyone was offered to play 8 games, whcih is great. After the 20 games in the schedule, Gerald Brightwell from Australia (!) was the winner with 19 points while Rudi Peterschinnigg from Italy was second with 17 points. Mark Smith was 3rd, John Ellis 4th and Daniel Fox 5th. The tournament counted for the WASPA circuit.