Saturday morning Premier League commenced on Saturday. This competition lasts three weeks and involves 4 teams of 14 players with each playing a singles, doubles and mixed each week.
The tennis was a high standard and the development of the juniors is fantastic.
In the first match Pigeons took on Lions. Many close sets were played before Pigeons won 15 sets to 12. For the Pigeons Harry Wren, Jackson Prosser, Kiera Buerckner and Lucy Judd won all three sets. Whilst for Lions Ed Mulquiney, Eliza Lawrence and Ollie Bridgeman were undefeated.
In the second battle Hoppers proved a little strong for Bears winning 18 sets to 9. For the Bears Taylah Chessells and Lily Leslie both won all of their matches.
For the victors James O’Kane, Theo Vodusek, Lara Angwin, Ava Cox and Charlotte Wren all won all of their rubbers.
The ladder after round 1 is Hoppers 24, Pigeons 21, Lions 12 and Bears 9.
The younger players in matches also continued with the round robin format and continue to play very well.
Congratulations to group winners Flynn Connell, Beau Lawrence, Alex Bridgeman, Lucinda Moar, Maddi Marett and Finin George.
Hot Shots continues to be great fun with a lot of different games and activities developing hand-eye coordination with a focus on tennis.
Coaching groups are also really developing their skills and some players will be looking at moving to match play after Christmas.
Wilby Tennis heating up
Round 6 of the Wilby and District Tennis Association was completed on Friday night. Due to harvest being in full swing Tungamah Gold and Savernake couldn’t field a team meaning there were only 2 matches this week.
Telford hosted Wilby at Yarrawonga. The mens section was extremely close with each team winning 3 sets before Telford won by 2 games. Indicating how close the men were no one won all of their matches.
The ladies was also a close contest with Telford winning 4 sets to 2. Emma Pearce was best on court winning all of her matches. Telford claimed the mixed 3 sets to 1. Overall Telford home by 22 games to claim the 8 points.
Burramine visited Mulwala Maroon. With a lot of laughter and banter the night was enjoyed by all. In the mens section Burramine won 4 sets to 2 with Tess Bassett dominating to win all three sets.
In the ladies Burramine’s combination of Kirsty Skene, Olivia Lewis, Ella Lewis and Narelle Bassett continued their great form to win all 6 sets. The mixed was close with Burramine winning 3 sets to 1. Overall Burramine won on games and took home 8 points.
After round 5 the ladder is Tungamah Green 40, Telford 36, Burramine 36, Mulwala Gold 27, Wilby 24, Tungamah Gold 14, Mulwala Maroon 13 and Savernake 2.
This week Mulwala Gold host Burramine, Tungamah Green will take on Savernake, Telford will play Tungamah Gold and Mulwala Maroon visit Wilby to finish off the round.
Thursday Ladies
Round 4 of the Thursday ladies was again greeted with wonderful conditions ensuring a fantastic night.
The rallies were long as everyone has settled into the season and really enjoying it. As usual there was a large number of players dissecting the evening’s play afterwards.
Lifesavers and Drumsticks had a very close battle before Lifesavers were victorious 4 sets to 2. Win Win Htwe was player of the night being undefeated.
The same score was recorded between Bubble-o-Bills and Splices with Bubble-o-Bills winning 4 sets. Youngster Kiera Buerckner again in great form winning all of her sets.
Hearts proved too strong for Barney Bananas winning 5 sets to 1 with to pair Beth Robinson and Renee Byrne not dropping a match.
Frosty Fruits recorded their first win of the season with a dominate 5 sets to 1 win over Zooper Doopers. Club stalwarts Leia Lewis and Norma Toms both in great form to win all of their sets.
The final match saw Sunnyboys defeat Paddle Pops 4 sets to 2 with some close sets. New player Olivia Lovell showed her skill with three wins.
The ladder after round 4 is Lifesavers 27, Hearts 24, Calippos 21, Paddle Pops 19, Bubble-o-Bills 18, Sunnyboys 18, Frosty Fruits 12, Barney Bananas 11, Drumsticks 10, Zooper Doopers 9, Splices 6.
Goulburn Murray Tennis
The fifth round of Goulburn Murray Tennis was played on the weekend. Yarrawonga had a strong contingent playing in Division 1 for Numurkah.
Against second place Shepparton there were many very close sets before Shepparton were able to win the day 7 sets to 5.
Jack Bassett continued his dominance of singles matches whilst Lucy Bassett had close matches but couldn’t snare a win.
Grant Chappell returned after a long lay off with injury and claimed a victory in the doubles. Jason Bassett made his Division 1 debut and his performance means he won’t be invited back.
In Division 2 Numurkah played top placed McEwan Reserve and were defeated 8 sets to 3.
Tess Bassett once again won her singles match but couldn’t quite seal a win in her doubles matches.
Tuesday Mens Tennis
The Tuesday Mens competition commenced last week. With 13 teams it is fantastic to see so many new players to the club and also the number of Saturday morning juniors progressing to this competition.
Although some players were a little rusty, the banter was all positive. As usual the pizza and refreshments at the end of the night were enjoyed by all.
Sampras and Becker had a close battle with Sampras getting over the line 4 sets to 2. Skipper Andrew Beggs was rewarded with his strong preseason winning all of his matches.
Djokovic and Lendl were evenly matched with each winning 3 sets with Djokovic sneaking home by 2 games. Indicating the great battle there were no three set winners.
Federer and Laver had an equally close battle with the sets shared with Federer winning by 3 games. Damian Cook was man of the match not losing a set.
Nadal and Conners finished with Nadal winning 4 sets to 2 with Club Captain Grant Lewis leading the way with 3 wins.
After winning the first set Edberg didn’t win another set to see Borg claim the win 5 sets to 1. James Loughnan and Trent Head both showed early form to be undefeated.
Agassi and Wilander had the same result with Agassi on top with 5 sets. Top pair John Brunner and Dave Crossley both won all of their matches.
The ladder after Round 1 is Borg 7, Agassi 7, Sampras 6, Nadal 6, Federer 5, Djokovic 5, McEnroe 4, Lendl 3, Laver 3, Connors 2, Becker 2, Wilander 1, Edberg 1.
Masters Tournament
This weekend the ITF World Masters Tour moves to Yarrawonga where the Victorian Grass Court Championships will be played.
This event will be held from Friday to Monday and commences with players above the age of 30 in different age groups.
Some of Australia’s best tennis players for their age group will be playing as well as many players from overseas.
Local stars John Brunner and Ellen Bruce will be competing in a range of events and as usual they will be hard to beat.