FINGAL Bay’s Tony Mayers has continued his gold-medal winning achievements in the fast-growing sport of pickleball.

The 65-year-old paddle sport stalwart teamed up with Old Bar’s Geoff Mortimer to clinch the Men’s 60 years plus doubles title at the recent Northern Rivers Regional Championships in Ballina.

Competing in the 3.0-3.49 skills category division, the Port Stephens Pickleball Club legend displayed instant chemistry with new doubles partner Mortimer to advance to the final and outclass rivals Kelvin Rasmussen of Yeppoon and Peter Lee (Palm Beach) 11-7 11-7 in straight sets.

“It was the first time that Geoff and I had teamed up to play doubles together and we struck up a fine combination,” a jubilant Tony told News Of The Area.

“He is a very experienced pickleball player from the powerful Halliday’s Point club and very tactically sound,” Mayers revealed.

“To claim gold in our first venture together was a proud moment,” he added.

Demonstrating their skill, stamina and fleet footwork on the indoor court, the pair proved a formidable combination in the gold medal clash.

The Ballina event attracted 160 registered players with Tony also competing in the Mixed Doubles with Halliday’s Point trump Jenny Stockdale, finishing fifth from eleven teams.

There was more medal success for Mayers at the recent Pickleball Australia Seniors tournament at Beenleigh in Queensland – teaming up with Ferny Hills player Tom Wharton and defying the balmy conditions to claim silver on the outdoor courts.

Palm Beach duo Peter Lee and Guy Freshwater grabbed gold with a hard-fought win in the final.

“The heat took its toll but I was delighted to pick up a silver medal with Tom and also play Mixed doubles with the crafty Sue Brooks from Hervey Bay,” quipped the Port Stephens warrior.

Tony and his Port Stephens colleagues are now preparing for the 2024 Spirit of Pickleball Memorial tournament in Menai on January 20-21 to honour the late Michelle Gibson, who passed away in May this year.

An outstanding Pickleball ambassador, the tireless Michelle and husband Chris introduced the sport to the Sutherland Shire where numbers have boomed.

Hungry for more success, a competitive Tony is keen to launch the New Year on a golden note when he teams up again with doubles partner Geoff Mortimer.

By Chris KARAS