YES, we're back – after the forced lay–off period of almost 12 months, the Oxley social table tennis competition returned for action on Monday night.

Nineteen players, including three 'newies' arrived with great enthusiasm, and bats in hand, ready to resume the enjoyment it contributes to each week.

Showing no signs of lack of practice, Adam Bosley and his daughter Phoebe took on Jay Patel and Graham Stephens in a game that saw all players 'pulling rabbits out of the hat' as they fought tooth and nail for every point.

After taking what seemed 'from here to eternity', the Bosleys eventually came 'home with the bacon' 21–18.

Don 'Is Good' Heath and Neil Brock were on fire in the early stages of their match.

But their opponents, 'high flying' Janet Heath and her teenage partner Zac Mullins soon doused the flames to completely extinguish any spark the old boys had left in them, eventually taking the honours by a large margin.

In the 'all fillies' event, 'always on the go' Margot Ingwersen and 'lova' Lucy Uebergang lined at the barrier to take on newcomers Julie Reid and her near–neighbour Erica Pike.

As predicted, there was plenty of laughter amid the skills, desperation and tenacity, as each pair headed down the straight to greet the judge.

And a photo finish revealed the results, 21–12 in favour of both pairs.

Simon Brown put his wheels into fast forward right from the start, as he partnered with 'ready for action' newcomer Neil Spurgeon, against 'Master Chef' William Bonwick and another newcomer with fire in his belly, Richard Morgan.

Plenty of big hitting, tactical play, together with a few lucky shots, gave spectators their money's worth from go to whoa.

Who won? – "dunno, but it was close", they said, and a re–match is promised for next week.

In a match that showed early signs of being a slaughter, the 'old girl' June Uebergang and the 'Uber' driver Graham Stephens battled hard against the 'powerhouse pair' Alison Stephens and Martin Butcher.

But as it happens in all sports, the game's not over until it's over.

With the scores sitting at 20–6 in favour of Butcher and 'Mrs' Stephens, Butcher threw himself both literally and metaphorically into putting the last piece of the puzzle into place, only to hit the deck and injure a fetlock.

This left Uebergang and 'Mr' Stephens to wave the victory banner – by default.

But quoting General MacArthur, Butcher left the scene with the promise, "I shall return".

During the evening, time was taken out to thank and acknowledge the kind generosity of Oxley Pantry operators, Jay and Rita Patel, in donating a new table for everyone to enjoy playing on.

Greatly appreciated by the group, this fourth table ensures players are able to enjoy maximum time participating in the night's battles – thank you again, Jay and Rita.

The evening concluded with plenty of chit chat while enjoying a cuppa, plates of 'home–mades' and the promise , "we'll see ya next week".

If you would like to join this lively group of young and old adults, and secondary schoolers, come along with bat in hand and $2 playing fee to the Oxley Hall at 7pm on Monday nights.