GIANTS co-captain Callan Ward has etched his name in the record books after taking out the club’s third annual table tennis tournament.
The classy right-hander defeated teammate Devon Smith in the championship match, while the pre-tournament favourite Adam Kennedy was knocked out in the semi-final.
Ward becomes the third person to claim the prestigious title, following football welfare manager Craig Lambert in 2013 and Kennedy in 2012.
“I just want to thank everyone for their support, it was great to play in front of a big crowd,” Ward said.
“It's taken me three years but I finally got here, it’s a big thing and I’m very proud of myself.”
Although most participants showed good sportsmanship throughout the event, the tournament did have its controversial moments.
Experienced trash-talkers Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford were warned repeatedly for heckling while Tomas Bugg stormed out of the arena following his surprise loss to Dylan Addison.
A nasty incident involving Jacob Townsend and a thrown bat will also come under further investigation.
There are no major injuries to report from the tournament, however Jon Giles sought treatment for wrist cramp late in the second round.
Players are expected to have a few weeks off from table tennis training before picking up the paddle again and preparing for next year’s tournament.
