Lucy has been fortunate enough to be selected to once again be a ball kid. She has also been chosen to be a ball kid leader.
Only 20 kids were picked for this position after an extensive application and interview process. This means she has additional duties in supporting the other ball kids during the tournament.
Lucy has already had an amazing opportunity as a leader. She was the girl chosen to help create the ladies’ singles draw.
Under the watchful eye of tennis officials, Lucy drew the names the competitors many of whom are her idols.
Tuesday men’s
The Tuesday Men’s competition recommenced in warm conditions. Some of the regulars had clearly not been practicing over the festive season. It was great to be able to call on the fill-in list and those that were able to step in were extremely appreciated.
One of the fill-ins was local legend Gary Page. Gary has won club championships at multiple venues throughout Victoria and won a couple at Yarrawonga in the very early 2000’s.
He also won the prestigious Inter Regionals in 1977 and 1978 crowning him the best in country Victoria. Gary hadn’t picked up a racquet for 20 years.
After a very late withdrawal Gary’s son Chris’ team was short a player. Gary filled in and naturally won all his sets. Maybe he will be a regular back on the court again.
Wilson claimed a 4 to 2 sets win over Lacoste. Jack James was back from school commitments and showed his class to win all 3 sets. He was well supported by his teammates Al Angwin and Jim Zanin who won 2 sets. Best for Lacoste was Mick Ibbott winning 2 sets.
Donnay produced a similar score line against Yonex. Fresh from representative duties Ash Wheaton won all of his matches with Matt Prestage claiming 2 wins. Glen Butler was solid for Yonex winning 2 of his matches.
Duns had a strong 5 to win 1 win over Prince. Rob Zubin and Gary Page won all of their sets whilst Luke Buerckner and Chris Page won 2 sets apiece. Clearly Chris’ position as number one is in jeopardy.
Slazenger and Babolat had one of the longest matches in history with 2 tie breakers and a 7/5 result. At the end of the night teams were drawn on games with Slazenger winners 4 sets to 2.
For Slazenger Fraser Bennett, Shane Forge, John Arnold and Fred Exton were on fire winning 2 sets each.
Volkl and Head had a tremendous battle with each winning 3 sets each before Head won on a countback by 2 games. Tim O’Dwyer was man of the match going through undefeated for Head.
For Volkl Lochie Forge, John Brunner and Simon de Oleveira won 3 each.
In the final match of the night Pro Kennex had a strong 5 sets to 1 victory over Technifibre. Matt McLachlan and Kieran Kelly won all of their sets whilst Josh Buerckner and John Wright had 2 wins.
After Round 6 the ladder is Wilson 30, Duns 27, Tecnifibre 25, Volkl 24, Pro Kennex 23, Head 22, Slazenger 20, Lacoste 19, Babolat 17, Donnay 14, Prince 13, Yonnex 6.
All Stars Championships
Commencing on Sunday the All Stars Championships was played. This annual event attracted some of the best players in the country in both the open and junior events.
This year there was a large group from northern New South Wales attending. The coach of this group was number one seed in the mens division Brendon Moore who is a former professional player and regularly hits with Roger Federer and Rafeal Nadal when they visit Australia.
Many local juniors participated. It is fantastic that they are competing and improving their tennis. Full results will appear in next week’s report.
Wednesday night fast four
Fast Four February will return on February 1 for a four-week competition. The competition will be very social. This is designed to reintroduce adults back into tennis and kids are more than welcome. There is always a great atmosphere. The Fast Four Tennis will be fun with teams pitted against line-ups of similar abilities.
At the conclusion of the night pizza will be supplied and the bar will be open to continue the socialisation process. Teams can be entered by contacting Jason Bassett.
Thursday night ladies
The Thursday Night Ladies competition will commence on Thursday, February 2. This competition will last for 6 weeks. Ladies enter individually and then they are placed in teams.
This ensures everyone gets to play against someone of their same ability. The format of the evening involves players completing three sets of doubles each.
Names are being taken for both regular players and also fill-ins.
Goulburn Murray Association
Local players representing Numurkah in Division 1 of the Goulburn Murray competition took on Echuca in the top of the table clash. This contest had been much anticipated with both sides clearly on top of the ladder.
Unfortunately for Numurkah, Echuca proved too strong on the day. Echuca won 7 sets to 5 and on games 80 to 62.
John Brunner was Numurkah’s best player winning his singles and doubles match. Grant Chappell won his doubles. Ellen Bruce kindly filled in and nearly claimed her mixed set.
Rock up and play sessions
The YLTC holds social aggregate style tennis at four different times during the week. Each of these events provide the opportunity for new players to come and trial tennis prior to committing to becoming a member.
The main aggregate night is Friday night and this had four courts of players last week. To have a hit on a Friday night simply turn up at 6pm.
Club Captain Grant Lewis matches players according to their ability meaning everyone has a good hit.
Other times where anyone can simply sign-in on the day are Saturday at 1pm for all players, Tuesday morning commencing at 9 for ladies and Wednesday at 9 for mens social hit.
There is no compulsion to attend each of these on a weekly basis although once you have tried it once it will be hard to not keep going back.
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