1 out of 5 teams won. 

Tennis Victoria Winter Pennant

Grade 5 Section 3 Maccabi 5-9-60 defeated BLTC 1-3-46

Assaf Drori/ Asaf Nagar 6-1 6-4
Jordan Jaffe/ Jonny Henquin 6-3 6-4
Asaf Nagar 6-3 6-2
Jordan Jaffe 4-6 6-2 10-7
Jonny Henquin 6-4 7-5
Marty Schwarz 0-6 1-6

After a long email and a 30 minute phone call with Tennis Victoria only 24 hours before today’s match, where I was told we wouldn’t be allowed to play Assaf in singles and therefore had to adjust the singles order - we arrived at Beaumaris on a nice and non windy day.

Starting off in doubles, Assaf and Asaf did what they do best - winning the first set 6-1. Although the 2nd set was much more troubling struggling to find their rhythm, and finding themselves in a tough battle. However, in the end, they were too good for their opponents and won 6-4. 

In the other doubles, Jordan and Jonny started on fire, going up 5-0 in the first set. Although they started to lose momentum, they were still able to close it out 6-3. In Set 2, the momentum was still not on their side, going down 4-1. However, the perseverance and will of Jordan and Jonny to continue fighting for every ball, changed the state of the game. The next 4 games all went to multiple deuces, with Jordan and Jonny winning all of those games, leading to them go on another 5 game streak and win the 2nd set 6-4.

In singles, Asaf came against a really solid opponent who we have played on multiple occasions over the past few seasons. In a tight battle, Asaf’s consistency and ability to force an error from the opposition led him to win 6-3 6-2. 

Jordan came against a big server and knew that all he had to do was be consistent and make his opponent play. After going down 6-4 in Set 1, at 2-2 in Set 2, Jordan changed tactics, playing a more consistent and solid game to force a super tiebreak. After being down 5-1 in the tiebreak, Jordan won 9 of the next 11 points, to get a massive win.

At this point, Marty was in the middle of the first set and we had already won the day. However, knowing Marty and Jonny, this was not stopping them and they were both very keen to play. Unfortunately for Marty, it was just not his day. He couldn’t get into the points and the incredible form he had to end the season, he unfortunately could not get back to, going down in straight sets - a one off for Marty.

And lastly was Jonny, finishing at 6:45pm, Jonny played an extremely talented youngster and played extremely well to win in 2 very close sets. Sadly for Jonny, it was safe to say most of us had already left at this point, but massive credit to Jonny for wanting to play and doing what he does best - winning.

Overall, a very good first finals win. Hopefully this is the start of a long finals campaign as we now head towards Grade QFs. Who knows who we will be allowed to play next weekend but what we do know is we will all continue to give it 100% (rip to our bodies with club champs approaching) and continue on our goal of bringing a premiership back to Maccabi

- Jordan Jaffe

Grade 7 Section 4 Maccabi 2-6-59 defeated by Kings Park 4-6-55

Rob Minc/ Geoff Rosenberger 6-4 5-7 6-10
Jan Tenenberg/ Steve Gostin 2-6 4-6
Rob Minc 3-6 6-3 6-10
Geoff Rosenberger 7-5 6-1
Steve Gostin 5-7 3-6
Saul Muscatel 6-1 6-3

A disappointing end to what was a promising opportunity sees us lose in an upset at home.

 

In the end, the match was probably lost in the doubles. Not that either were easy, but to not tie 1 all cost us.

 

Saul gave us hope and Rob almost clawed his way back. 

Steve wasn't as his best today but was arguably our best and most consistent player all season.

Geoffs opponent was all class, not needing to finish the match (down 15 at deuce) showed true sportsmanship to allow the match play out.

Not having the cousins definitely hurt us today as doubles is their forte.

 

A good season all round and what this proves is that nothing can be taken for granted.

- Geoff Rosenberger

Grade 10 Section 4 Maccabi 2-3-41 defeated by Monash University 4-9-66

Sebastian Raboy/ Daniel Goodrich  5-7 4-6
Henry Orner/ Ashley Raboy 5-7 0-6
Henry Orner 2-6 2-6
Sebastian Raboy 2-6 6-1 10-6
Ben Pollak 7-6 6-3
Ashley Raboy 2-6 0-6

It was finals time, and our Maccabi warriors arrived at Monash University Clayton Campus with belief, spirit, and fire in their hearts. Despite finishing 4th on the ladder, the boys were ready to take on the minor premiers, Monash University, on their home turf.

The setting was electric, the teams lined up with intensity, and the matchups were fierce. Let’s dive into the action:

 

Doubles Pair No. 1 – Seb Raboy & Daniel Goodrich
Up against the formidable James Robbs and Tom, Seb and Daniel gave their all in a gritty contest. The rallies were long, the net play sharp, and the energy relentless. In the end, it was a narrow loss: 5-7, 4-6, but full credit for their resilience and determination.

Doubles Pair No. 2 – Henry Orner & Ashley Raboy
Facing Ken and Shawn, Henry and Ashley started with excellent team chemistry, pushing the first set to the limit. A close 5-7 loss was followed by a tough second set 0-6, but they never stopped fighting. The opposition just found their zone.

 

No. 1 – Henry Orner vs James Robbs
A rematch between two talented lefties! Henry came in looking to even the score, but James played with clinical precision, and the result went Monash’s way, 2-6, 2-6. Still, a strong showing from Henry in a high-quality match.

No. 2 – Sebastian Raboy vs Tom
With Daniel out due to a sore knee, Seb stepped in and made the most of his chance. After losing the first set 2-6, he roared back in the second with explosive groundstrokes to take it 6-1. The Super Tiebreak was intense, but Seb dug deep to clinch it 10-6! 💪 An epic comeback!

No. 3 – Ben Pollak vs Boris
Ben came out firing and stayed aggressive throughout. His powerful hitting and confident play paid off with a strong 6-3, 7-6 win. Big win on finals day, Ben – well played! 🔥

No. 4 – Ashley Raboy vs Ken
Ashley stepped up bravely but faced an inspired Ken, who simply couldn’t miss. Ashley gave it everything but went down 2-6, 0-6. Kudos for stepping up when the team needed you most.

💙 Final Scoreline: Maccabi Falls Just Short

While the final result didn’t go our way, the effort, camaraderie, and heart shown by our Maccabi team was nothing short of outstanding. From thrilling comebacks to battling through injury, every player gave it their all in this first finals clash.

Thank you to all players for your commitment, sportsmanship, and energy throughout the season. We are proud of every single one of you. 👏👏👏

Let’s come back stronger next season! Go Maccabi! 💪🎾

 - Ashley Raboy

Grade 11 Section 2 Maccabi 3-5-48 drew against Blackburn 3-5-48

Errol Dorfan/ Jonah Stowe-Lindner 5-8
Daniel Vertes/ Blake Golden 3-8
Errol Dorfan 1-6 2-6
Daniel Vertes 7-6 6-7 10-5
Jonah Stowe-Lindner 6-4 6-2
Blake Golden 6-1 1-0 (Opponent Retired)

Grade 12 Section 3 Maccabi 1-3-40 defeated by East Croydon 5-7-51

Daniel Brami/ Stephen Gorenstein 4-8
Stephen Kleid/ Evgeni Grishin 2-8
Stephen Gorenstein 4-6 0-6
Daniel Brami 2-6 4-6
Stephen Kleid 6-1 6-3
Evgeni Grishin 6-7 6-0 9-11

Our last match against East Croydon Kilsyth was a hard fought battle with Stephen Kleid dominating in his singles win, his second in a row and Evgeni just missing out in a thrilling match.

Thanks to everyone for a great season and a special thanks to the Maccabi TC team for all the tips and encouragement along the way. I really appreciate it. Look forward to summer.

 -  Daniel Brami