The launch of the ALL STARS PICKLEBALL League was anything but ordinary.
Day 1 – Washed Out? Not a Chance.
After days of relentless rain on the Gold Coast, it looked like the much-anticipated launch would be postponed. Players made their way to Runaway Bay expecting to hear the worst — a cancellation — from the Secret Commissioner and the Lobfather.
But then, at the last moment, a message came through.
From her sick bed, none other than Renee Paterson came through with a lead: a potential venue. Desperate for a solution, she remembered her old boyfriend from when she was 15 — a local guy who installs shade sails. Her thinking? Surely he’s put a roof over a court somewhere in the last 35 years…
Sure enough, he had — at Lords, a school tucked behind Dreamworld.
Within hours, the facilities manager (who was mid-shop at Pacific Fair with his daughter) agreed to help. He drove an hour to open the gates and switch on the lights. Meanwhile, the teams rallied — some heading to Bunnings for measuring tape and court markers, others collecting nets from Toni Sarten on the promise of setting them back up later.
By 3pm, four courts were marked out and play had begun.
By 9pm, Round 1 was complete.
Just like that, the All Stars League was officially underway.
Despite only four playable courts (due to roof leaks), the day was filled with electric energy, booming laughter, great matches, and real grassroots pickleball spirit. Standing courtside, players got to watch each other battle it out — cheering, heckling, and bonding in classic All Stars fashion.
🌤 Day 2 – Rain Clears, Spirits Soar
With skies finally clear, all teams returned to Runaway Bay for Day 2.
The competition ramped up. So did the camaraderie.
The rallies were longer. The banter sharper. The shots nastier.
More importantly — friendships were made, legends were born, and everyone got a glimpse of just how fun, inclusive, and fiercely competitive this league is going to be.
📊 Standings Snapshot – After Opening Weekend
🥇 1. Central Coast ASSASSINS – Sharon Edwards
Team DUPR: 19.13 | Avg Age: 59.25
🔥 Ruthless chemistry. Top DUPR. Brad Middleton may be smiling too much…
Subs: Naiomi Doncaster, David Marshall
Players: Sharon Edwards, Belinda Crane, Craig Edwards, Brad Middleton
🥈 2. Quiet Storm RAIDERS – Dean Pinter
Team DUPR: 18.80 | Avg Age: 53.5
Currently 13th, but don’t sleep on this storm. 🌀
Sub: Darrel Rose
Players: Dean Pinter, Brad Magnus, Hanna Thomas, Phillipa Hayman
🥉 3. Boss Squad WARRIORS – Chris Novic
Team DUPR: 18.78 | Avg Age: 50.2
Balanced & gritty. A leadership challenge is brewing…
Sub: Paul Breen
Players: Chris Novic, Bruce Winther, Kate Rorrison, Penny Moran
📣 Honourable Mentions & Spicy Rumours
- 🏴☠️ Leftie Legends PIRATES got team tattoos and maybe a piercing or two.
- 🟣 Triple Left BANDITS are confusing everyone — Janie might need to switch hands to stay in the crew.
- ⚫ Sydney Smashers OUTLAWS sit 2nd on the ladder… Rumour has it, shorter shorts are now part of the dress code.
- 💅 Victorian Vibe NINJAS are breaking the “no couples on court” rule and proving it works.
- 🧦 Tassie Aces TITANS are coming in hot for Sydney — Don’s called for “mongrel mode”.
- 💆♂️ Youth Injected ROYALS sub Ray Ware was spotted giving foot rubs to the captain… 👀
- 🧘 REBELS are turning to life coaching. Comeback loading.
- 🧖♂️ KNIGHTS are heading for a pre-Sydney spa day — full wax and all.
- 🎉 CHIEFS are planning a Friday the 13th party in Drummoyne… Spooky and serious.
- 🛡️ GLADIATORS partied too hard on Saturday night — but Queen Emma’s back for Round 2.
- 👀 LEGENDS might have a WAG gunning for a roster spot. Michael T… watch out.
🎤 The Wrap
Rankings? Just numbers.
What matters is heart, hustle, and how hard you’re willing to laugh in between matches.
Week 1 showed us that the All Stars league is going to be unpredictable, unforgettable, and unbelievably fun.
Whether you’re winning or watching, this league is about people, passion, and play.
Sydney — you’re next.
And if we haven’t offended you yet, we’ll try harder. 😉
#GoAllStars #PickleballAustralia #AllStarsLeague #GrassrootsGreatness #LegendsInTheMaking #CommunityVibes #PickleballWithPersonality