Newcastle are set to cement their place in the Rebound Table Tennis history books in today's ARTTSL Grand Final, as they attempt to win their second consecutive ARTTSL Premiership, and their third consecutive competition victory.
Newcastle entered and won the inaugural 2009 ARTTSL Second Division season. At the time, major-city teams such as 2009 Premiers Melbourne and runners-up Brisbane were emerging as the form sides.
However with the progression of expansion sides such as Newcastle and Gold Coast-Tweed to First Division, the tables began to turn. Newcastle defeated Gold Coast-Tweed in the 2010 First Division Grand Final, while Brisbane and Melbourne both missed the finals, finishing equal 7th and 11th respectively out of twelve First Division teams.
This year again sees Newcastle the home favourites against what is now the Gold Coast (having shed the Tweed), with Melbourne and Brisbane again missing the finals, finishing 9th and 12th in the 20-team 2011 competition.
The results are a tribute to the ARTTSL expansion program, which this year saw non-capital city clubs in the top 8 this year.
The Grand Final hits off at 1pm today at Ozbid Stadium, Newcastle. Crowds are already flocking to the stadium for pre-match entertainment, despite heavy rain which has left the table and ground soaked.
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