Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club has undertaken their Senior Club Championships over the past few weeks. The events commenced last Sunday, and it was terrific to see a great turn out of members having a hit.
In the Open Ladies Singles one of the newcomers to the club Sarah Govan took on youngster Lucy Bassett. The contest was outstanding and will go down in YLTC history as a classic final.
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Both players exchanged powerful base line strokes that left the spectators in awe. Sarah claimed the first set 7/5 after nearly an hour.
The next set was just as tight with neither player able to achieve an advantage. After another hour of intense hitting Sarah was victorious with another set win of 7/5. Sarah played extremely well and many pundits suggested that this may be the first of many Club Championship titles.
Sarah had a strong supporter base and it was fantastic to see her family from Melbourne in attendance. Lucy is to be commended for her efforts. She never gave up and for a 14-year-old she appears to have great future ahead of her.
In the Mens Open Singles Jack Bassett battled it out with John Brunner. Jack showed his class in the first set hitting many winners to take the set 6/1. The crowd in attendance was not surprised when John struck back with his trademark tenacity.
He altered the speed of the match and raced to a 4/2 lead. At this stage Jack took a more aggressive approach to finish the set 6/4 and claim the title. This is Jack’s second Club Championship in a row and at 16 it appears there may be more in the future.
This was due reward for his dedication to the sport. John’s sporting credentials are second to none in the region and his passion for tennis is incredible indicating there is still further improvement.
The match was eagerly watched by club legend Noel Thomas. Noel won the singles title 60 years ago and has lost little of this form when he graces the courts.
In the Ladies 18/U Singles Lucy Bassett played Hayley Bennett. This match was very tight with many deuces. Hayley’s consistent strokes were on show and each rally lasted a long time. In the end Lucy was a little more powerful and claimed the title 8/2.
In the Mens 18/U Singles Jack Bassett played Liam Williams. These two players have hit thousands of balls against each other, and each know the other’s game intricately.
The game was the usual high standard. Jack was able to claim victory on this occasion 6/3, 6/2.
In the Ladies Veterans Singles Ellen Bruce and Leia Lewis took the court. This match was close with Leia challenging multiple Club Champion Leia in every rally. After a very long match Ellen was able to claim another Club Championship with an 8/5 victory.
In the Men’s Veterans Singles Daryl Bennett played the club’s newest veteran Grant Chappell. In a war of attrition both players fought off fatigue before big serving Grant was able to claim his first veteran’s title of Club President from Daryl. The score line of 8/4 not truly indicating the closeness of the match.
Most of the double’s titles have been completed although there are a few more to be played. The results for the remaining events will be published next week.
Saturday Morning Juniors
The finale of the Saturday morning program took place on Saturday. It was terrific to see the courts filled as usual with kids learning a skill for life and creating friendships.
The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club would like to extend their gratitude to the 200 odd kids that participated in the program. Each week they tried their best and it made the atmosphere fantastic.
Awards were announced before the morning began. The top four game winners for the season for each gender were 1st Hayley Bennett and Tadhg Foran, 2nd Ella Lewis and Anthony Nieuwenhout, 3rd Demi Rhodes and Darcy Cox, 4th Grace Foran and Liam Mansfield.
Well done to all of these players especially Hayley and Tadhg who never missed a week and played very consistent tennis.
Two Most Improved awards were presented. Noah Cox and Olivia Lewis were the worthy winners. Both are very devoted to their tennis. They play every Saturday and undertake extra coaching sessions during the week.
The Sportsmanship award went to a very deserving Zoe Schweda. Zoe is extremely fair when she plays, and everyone enjoys having a hit both with and against her.
Once formalities were completed the Parent/Child competition took place. It is always a highlight of the season and the kids loved playing with their parent or grandparent.
The tennis was of a great standard and most importantly there were no soft tissue injuries amongst the more senior players.
Club Coach Greg Duns did a terrific job overseeing the Saturday morning program. He ensured each player had ability relevant drills to continue development.
Due to the numbers this year a number of young coaches were utilised to run the programs. Ella Rhodes, Jess Linehan, Mekaylah Duns, Lucy Bassett, Daniel Herrod, Fraser Bennett and Jack Bassett have been wonderful role models for the players and have always displayed great enthusiasm.
Lisa Linehan and Narelle Bassett have been the brains behind the operation. They create the groupings for matches. This can be challenging and needs to be completed quickly. Lisa and Narelle manage this quickly and always with a smile.
Junior Tennis will be back in October 2022. This program has always been great fun and it is hoped that there will be lots of children playing in the 2022/223 season.
Presentation Evening
Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club’s Presentation Night will be held this Sunday, April 3 at the clubrooms. All members are welcome to attend the evening and it will commence at 6pm.
On the night all club championship trophies as well as the Saturday morning award winners will be presented. Pizza will be provided and each family are requested to bring a dessert.
The cost will be $10 per person or $25 per family. It is hoped that there will be a huge crowd in attendance.
Easter Preparations
Yarrawonga’s annual Easter Tournament will be another massive event bringing thousands of people to the region.
The groundsman have been very busy preparing the courts for the event and they are looking in great condition.
To set up for the tournament there are two working bees that assistance is required at. On Saturday, April 9 the lines will be marked on the ovals. Then the following day on Sunday, April 10 the netting will be put up and a general clean-up will be undertaken.
On both mornings people are required from 8.30am. Last year the turn up was significant and works on both days were completed by lunchtime. Members are strongly encouraged to lend a hand on either or both of these days.
The roster to assist at Easter has been circulating and still has a few gaps. All these positions need to be filled.
The shifts are for 2 or 3 hours and all of the duties are really easy with everyone in attendance on holidays and enjoying themselves.