Poem from 2025

Chad’s poem for Guy

At Kurnell’s Hall on Monday night,

The tables echo, lit just right.

Yet silence falls, for one is gone—

Dear Guy Costanzo, now moved on.

In early nineties, sharp and spry,

With twinkling eyes and spirit high,

He'd smash with power, left-hand grace,

And spin the ball with deft embrace.

A master of the underspin,

He’d draw you out, then pull you in.

His paddle danced with calm control,

A game of chess upon a roll.

He’d greet you with a friendly grin,

Then quickly switch to “must-win” skin.

For though his heart was warm and kind,

His will to win was well-defined.

He’d never miss a Monday game,

A record etched beside his name.

Rain or shine, he’d make the call—

The steady soul within our hall.

Beside young Chad, his final feat—

The B Grade Doubles win was sweet.

The crowd all cheered, his eyes shone bright—

He claimed the cup with sheer delight.

We’ll miss his banter, sharp and dry,

His way of glancing with a sigh,

Then flicking forehands past your blade—

A gentleman, yet unafraid.

We saw in Guy what time can’t claim:

A youthful fire, a steady flame.

In every match, he gave his best—

Now in our hearts, he takes his rest.

The club feels less without his cheer,

His voice, his spin, his presence near.

But legends never truly leave—

They live in stories we believe.

So raise your paddles, let them ring,

And hear the sound of angels swing.

For somewhere now, beyond the sky,

They're learning how to lose to Guy.

Chad Smith

Poems from 2023

Rodney’s Poem

 Cronulla table tennis club since 1947 the friendly club for all

There’s been so many come and try and smash the table tennis ball

We have all styles of players choppers, spinners, ralliers come and see

We cater for such a wide age gap I’m sure you’d agree

From the 60s and 70s when Cronulla RSL was the place to play

To the 2000s now at Kurnell right to this day

Start from Kevin the doubles king 800 plus attendances you say wow

Look at Guy the ever continuing C grade champ, you say how

Our ladies ever expanding Janet was the king from the start

Now Maureen, Galina, Kerry, Judy so close scores can’t keep them apart

All the players chasing Rodney closer they say each year

But come tonight again buying Rodney a beer

Mark has been injury prone still so close last few years

Hope you get better soon Mark from everyone cheers

Paul D found his bat in the garage under a pile of books

Once he hits the ball, many can’t handle it, look like sooks

Sergey tries to hit the ball out of the hall

If he gets it past you, you’re chasing the ball

Mahmoud the psychologist is always analysing your game

Watch his play, he never plays you the same

Sebastian is showing many how to play

Learning quickly day by day

Craig Ibbotson the politician always has an answer to give you

With a smile, Craig is always prepared to try something new

Ross when he turns up is saying handicap you’re much better than that

But deep down he is trying to beat you, make you feel flat

I have missed some of you but this story is already a long one

So Cronulla RSL table tennis club 2023 I’m done

Rodney Forrester

How the Paddle Dances: Ode to Table Tennis

Whether you’re playing for the RSL

on Monday or Saturday in Kurnell

We know they’ll be some action

And some little white ball catchin 

The Players are all standing about

As the tables are being put out.

Then players are pairing up

As they wish each other luck.

The balls they bounce high

And sometimes low

They ping and they pong

Back and forward they go.

Some hit it wide

Others hit it fast

Some like to slice it

Others can only watch, as it whizzes past.

Most like to win

Giving them a grin

Others just keep missing,

Some shots are unforgiving.

Then I heard someone ask, What’s the score?

I don’t know, I heard the reply, but the ball just bounced out the door.

The player gives chase, its bouncing all about

They duck, they dive, then over the barrier, it bounces out.

Once retrieved 

The players look relieved.

They just want to get back to 

hitting that ball please.

Because all in all

We just like to hit that ball

We can win or lose

We don’t get to choose.

It’s the skill and a sharp eye

Of a winner on a high.

But the loser can still smile

As today they had fun

And still another chance, as a new game has begun.

Corinne Pye 2023