To make the series cheap and to ensure that teams would have no trouble finding players it was decided that a three player format would be used. A limit of 20 teams for each tournament was set and during the year teams were turned away that were not fast enough in signing on. It was unfortunate that this happened and the organizers were very unhappy in doing this. The problem was not so much that the teams were not wanted, but that a one day time limit that was imposed on each tournament. Once again this was not something that the organizers could control, as it was imposed on the players and operators in this state by the current Government. As with every where else in the world, it is still very hard to keep a good paintballer down. With only Saturdays available out of a two day weekend to play paintball there are only so many games you can play especially in the winter months.

Enough griping about a lack of playing opportunities and onto the series. The first tournament was held in March at Splatball Village Carum Downs. Fourteen teams attended the game, in what was perfect Autumn weather. This tournament was the longest of the year, having the advantage of extra daylight hours. Most teams played eight preliminary games, and the top teams and two wild card entries went through to the finals. From there the finalists would play a further five games and the two best teams on points would play off in the Grand final. The Grand Final playoff was between old timers Apparition and a new team The Challenge Raiders, with The 'Raiders pulling off the surprise win. During the day the referees had voted on the best player from each game. At the end of the day the votes were tallied and a best and fairest trophy issued. Peter Richards from The Combat Wombats carried off the trophy. Not only were the teams playing for individual trophies on the day but the scores accumulated in the preliminary round went towards their overall scores. Bonus points were received, depending on scores, for the finals.

The Second round was held at Paintball Frankston. This tournament was a change of pace as the fields are all of a speedball type. As were now into winter the number of games in the preliminaries was dropped from the initial number to four. Nineteen teams turned out with several teams from interstate making the trip over to play. Understanding the distances involved in traveling around Australia to play may help here, as the teams from South Australia had to travel on Average 700 kms just to play in a one day tournament. Understandably the organizers were very pleased to have them in the tournament. At the end of the days play it was once again Apparition in the Final. This time they would be playing The Scuds, who were playing on their home field. Finally Apparition came through with first place. The Best and Fairest at this tournament went to my great surprise, me. I have to say I almost had a heart attack when this happened, as it is the first time I have won anything like this. At this tournament a referee's trophy was also awarded in honour of a missing friend Bruce Roberts, and this was won by Sue White.

The third tournament was played at Paintball Action Games in Ballan, in what could only be described as true winter conditions. The temperature was down to single figures (Celcius), and rain fell constantly though out the day. This time the organizers had to turn away teams, many of them interstate teams as the full roster of twenty teams were in almost 2 weeks before the deadline. This still assured that interstate teams were well represented, and this had many of the local teams worried as to how they would perform against some of the 'Pro' teams in attendance.

With mud around their ankles in some cases the players slogged though the days play. This time it was the Red Lizards and Rat Pak Bad who finished in the final, with the Pakers taking out the day. The Best and Fairest Players trophy was taken home by Matthew Hawkins from the Top Hat Jokers. The Ref award went to Troy Dix for his efforts on the day.

The Fourth and last tournament turned out to be a fizzer. Many factors contributed to this, from The Port Arthur Massacre, a negative reaction to a paintball segment on a T.V. series, pressure within the operators industry and the Government doing their level best to close down the sport here, forcing the cancellation. This was sad to say the least with many interstate and home teams already committed. It also meant that the expected clashes for first and second place, and third and fourth place on the overall standings did not occur. It was truly more of a loss to the sport here in general than anything else.

The organizers all along had planned to hold a presentation night at the end of the season. This included a three course meal and an evening of entertainment to round out the year. I can personally attest to the excellent evening had by all. Dressed in their finest the players from around the state and interstate turned out to hear about the final results. Apart from the actual playing of the tournaments it was one of the highlights of the year.

The finishing order for the year was as follows:

The Overall Best and Fairest Winner, The Glenn Palmer Medal, Went to Peter Richards, by one point. John Lennard finished second followed by Mic Bradshaw and Danny Cummings, a further point behind. As it turns out all of them are the captains of their respective teams.

The Best Referee trophy, The Bruce Roberts Award, went to Troy Dix for his work all year.

The VPPA would like to thank the following people and organisations for their time, help, and support throughout the year in running a very successful series:

Splatball Village Carum Downs, Paintball Frankston, Paintball Action Games Ballan, Aussie Paintball Game Supplies, Paintballer Australia, Musashi Sports drinks, Evan Money, NPPL, Glenn Palmer, Mr and Mrs Roberts and all of the players who traveled from interstate to play.

The Players who participated in the series, the members who gave up time and good health to referee, and the volunteers who helped with scoring and administration.

Those of us who participated in the series would like to thank and appreciate the efforts of : Anthony "Stealth" Surie, Steve Bradshaw, Jodie Hollingsworth and Vlad Markov for organising and running the whole lot, all for our enjoyment.

Mic Bradshaw
Red Lizards Paintball Team
redlizard@burwood.starway.net.au

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