Local Jack Bassett had a great tournament, making the open singles final.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club’s annual tournament was once again a fantastic event with 1200 players competing over the four days. Around 1700 matches were scheduled on 59 courts. This is the biggest event of its type in Australia.
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Things didn’t quite go to plan on the first day with the overnight rain meaning a late start for the singles day.
Once play started there was some excellent tennis played before one of the best hailstorms seen in Yarrawonga hit the courts. Players ran for cover as hail totally covered the courts producing a truly amazing spectacle.
Everyone in attendance will remember this day for the rest of their lives. Play was abandoned for the day. Despite some cooler than normal weather, the rest of the tournament ran smoothly and a fantastic time was had by all.
Locals John Wright and Simon Lewis compete in the doubles.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Local in Open Singles Final
Mens Open Singles final competitors: Winner Matt Allis and Runner Up Jack Bassett.
For the first time in a very long time a local player made it through to the final of the Open Singles. Jack Bassett come up against last year’s winner Matt Allis. The first set was extremely tight with Matt securing a break at 5 all and closing the set out 7/5.
The more highly fancied Matt hit his straps in the second set to win 6/1. Matt has committed to trying to win the title three years in a row.
Jack is to be congratulated on his fantastic efforts. He had three really tough matches against quality players to reach the final.
Locals in Open Double Final
It has also been an extremely long time since two locals have made it to the Open Doubles Final. Grant Chappell and John Brunner combined extremely well to reach the final.
They were on fire in the first set to win 6/3 against Daniel Nickels and Michael Lancefield. Their opponents bounced back to win the second set 6/1. The third set was a tight tussle before Daniel and Michael won 6/4.
It was one of the best doubles finals seen at Easter for a long time.
Mullen secures title
The Ladies Open Final was between two players that have played for many years at the Yarrawonga Easter tournament.
It is always guaranteed to be a long match when Nicole Mullen and Louise Field his the courts. Nicole played extremely well in the first set to win 6/1.
Louise then hit her straps and the second set went point for point. Nicole was able to win the tie break to take the set 7/6.
Nicole is a very worthy winner and is tipped to win many more Easter titles.
Wins for junior pairings
The beauty of the tournament is there is a range of event from 9 and under to 55+ and A Grade to D Grade. There is truly something for everyone.
It was great to see so many club members participating. Many local members were successful in winning events. The junior girls performed especially well with Lucy Bassett and Jess Linehan in the 17/U, Tess Bassett and Hayley Bennett in the 15/U and Lara Angwin and Emily Linehan in the 13/U all winning their doubles events.
In the mixed events, locals playing with partners from out of town also had some wins. Lucy Bassett won both the 17/U and 15/U, whilst Annabelle Buerckner won the 9/U. These are great results and recognition of our junior tennis program.
Hail on Friday halted play.
Missed by that much
There were also many locals who had fantastic tournaments and made the finals. With partners for out of town, Grant Lewis was runners up A Grade and Lochie Forge a finalist in D Grade Doubles.
In mixed events Scarlett York and Mitch Loughnan in D Grade and Tess Bassett and Xavier Chessells in the 13/U all made the finals as did Taylah Chessells in the 9/U Division.
Amazing volunteers
This tournament is truly unique. The sheer size of the event is unmatched anywhere else. To create such and event relies on hundreds of volunteers. These people can not be thanked enough.
Whether it was preparing the ovals in preparation for the tournament, serving food and drinks during the day or assisting in cleaning up of a morning, each of the volunteers were fantastic.
The tournament box is where all of the action occurs and it is hectic. At one stage there on Saturday when the tournament is at its busiest, there were 21 people helping. A special shout out to the kids who assist in the tournament box as they are irreplaceable.
Acknowledgements
The courts were in great condition despite the rain on Friday. The tireless work of groundsmen headed by Warwick Henderson ensure the facility is always first class. The groundsmen were at the courts from 5am each day over Easter.
For the first time this year, locals Sweet and Sour Sisters catered for Easter. Their band of workers were preparing food from 6am, and their work was fantastic. The Tennis Club extends their gratitude to them.
This year on Saturday night Daine Runnalls entertained the players. It was a fantastic atmosphere as players played on the oval with his tunes in the background.
Finally thank you to the event sponsors. Your sponsorship allows the purchase of the prizes and trophies which are cherished by those that receive them. Each of these sponsors have been long term sponsors of our club and they are extremely appreciated.
Easter 2024
Planning is underway for Easter 2024. The tournament will run from March 29 to April 1. Entries will open on February 1 and the scribe can guarantee the capacity of 1200 players will be reached on that day.
