Numurkah Lawn Tennis Club is sounding the klaxons to fill the courts - and the stands - ahead of its 93rd Annual Tournament.
Arriving over three days on January 26-28, the storied event is back for another bumper edition and organiser David Ludington threw out the invitation for all to attend what’s promised to be a cracking day out.
“The courts, if you believe everyone that comes to Numurkah, they say they’re the best in the Goulburn Valley or that close it’s not funny,” Ludington said.
“It’s round-robin, so if you turn up and get beaten in the first game, you don’t go home; you get a bit of tennis in.
“We’re more of a casual, relaxed club rather than a real tennis-fanatical club so you get a good time.
“We even have a bit of music on the Saturday night; I get up there and spin a few tunes.”
This year, the junior singles and doubles fall on the Friday while seniors take centre stage over Saturday and Sunday.
Ludington mentioned numbers have dwindled slightly in comparison to previous years but is expecting a contingent of metro players to descend on Numurkah Lawn Tennis Club at the weekend.
Also, with the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association resuming a week later, the door opens for more local-based players to swing into town and have a hit.
“Nick Fenaughty, who’s won it about seven times, will be back to defend the title,” Ludington said.
“We normally get a few up from Melbourne because I think they like the fact that you can play on grass.
“We do get a few of the Goulburn Murray Lawn top division players come but Nick Fenaughty will be back, so hopefully he’ll give it a good shot.”
Finally, Ludington reiterated his earlier point regarding the event’s social atmosphere and easygoing nature, wishing to see as many players of all ages and ability levels arrive for tournament number 93.
“The courts are good, we’ve got catering and the bar across all three days and it’s a good social as well as sporting event,” he said.
“There’s a general bye in the GMLTA so it’d be good to see them on at least one of the days, if they could get up there and support it.
“The more the merrier; it’s our big event for the year and we’d like to see as many people there as possible.”
ˑ For those interested in signing up, feel free to ring David Ludington on 0498 766 788 or Nick Ludington on 0488 401495.