Grade 7 runners-up L to R: Ryan Behr, David Zulman, Ryan Sharp, Marcus Frajman (capt), Damon Flicker and Geoff Rosenberger.

Maccabi were defeated by Kings Park in the Tennis Victoria Winter Pennant Grade 7 Grand Final, played on Saturday, 4 rubbers to 1.

It was a somewhat disappointing result to end what was otherwise a great season for the team.

There was strong support from family and friends for the team in cold and soggy conditions. 

Maccabi number 1 Geoff Rosenberger had his first singles loss of the year. The lefthander was not allowed to play his game against a talented youngster, going down 6-1 6-2.

Damon Flicker had a good battle on his hands but his opponent was a little too polished, triumphing 6-3 6-4.

In the third singles rubber, captain Marcus Frajman surrendered a 5-2 first set lead and lost the set in a tiebreak.  He regrouped and claimed the next two sets, winning 6-7 6-3 6-4.

David Zulman was locked in another tight encounter and lost 6-3 6-4 with many long rallies and lots of running.

The 3-1 scoreline after singles put Maccabi on the back foot heading into doubles.

Marcus Frajman and Ryan Behr played well together at times but were narrowly edged 6-4 6-4.  Meanwhile, cousins Damon Flicker and Ryan Sharp won the first set 6-4 and showed why they are a great doubles team but when the match was levelled at one set apiece, play stopped as it became clear that Kings Park had an unassailable lead, 4 rubbers to 1.

GRADE 7 GRAND FINAL:

Kings Park 4-10-73 def Maccabi 1-3-55

Geoff Rosenberger 1-6 2-6

Damon Flicker 3-6 4-6

Marcus Frajman 6-7 6-3 6-4

David Zulman 3-6 4-6

Damon Flicker/Ryan Sharp 6-4 6-7

Marcus Frajman/Ryan Behr 4-6 4-6

The whole team has a sense of disappointment after coming so close to winning a Pennant (Maccabi has won two Pennants in about ten years).  After a great season, individually and collectively, we did not have our best performance in the decider and this cost us against a steady team.

However, while it will take time to move on from this result, there are many positives that cannot be overlooked.  We all enjoyed the experience and challenge of playing in finals and absorbed the pressure.  Despite losing the Grand Final, all six players contributed meaningfully throughout the season and in each final and we won three knockout finals in the leadup.

It meant a lot to have family, friends and Maccabi supporters braving the cold to help us.  We all enjoyed playing as a team and are looking forward to the Club Championships next week and summer comp in October.

- Marcus Frajman

The Grade 7 team after an earlier win. L to R: David Zulman, Marcus Frajman (captain), Ryan Behr, Damon Flicker, Ryan Sharp and Geoff Rosenberger.

Maccabi players share a lighter moment after presentations from Tennis Victoria's Nick Hinneberg. Photo: Henry Muscatel