The Open Mens singles had extremely strong fields. In the final Patrick Fitzgerald took on Brendon Moore.
Brendon was coming off three tournament wins in the past few weeks. Patrick played extremely well to claim the first set 6/3. Unfortunately, the heavy schedule took its toll on Brendon and he had to retire. Well done to Patrick on winning defeating some excellent players on the way.
The Ladies singles had some excellent players. Working their way to the final was two visiting Queensland players Laquisa Khan and Sahra Dennehy.
These two ladies are stars of the future and they played a great match. Laquisa was able to break Sahra’s serve a few times to win the match 6/3, 6/4. Congratulations to Laquisa.
The junior events consisted of 12/u, 14/u, 16/u and 18/u and these also have strong numbers with many elite players hitting the court.
The lawn tennis club was very fortunate to host many past or current players that have finished in the top few players in national championships.
It is great to see local juniors Jack Bassett, Tess Bassett, Xavier Chessells, Flynn Cox, Noah Cox, Ian Dimble and Thomas Lawrence entering this event.
Playing better players is challenging and the club was pleased they put their hand up to take the opportunity.
New to tournament tennis, Fynn Cox showed he is a star in the making with a strong performance in the 10/u singles where he played well.
YLTC has a strong representation in the 12/u singles with Noah Cox, Thomas Lawrence and Xavier Chessells. The boys all played very well.
Xavier Chessells had a terrific few days where he won the tournament. This is Xavier’s first tournament win and is reward for all of his hard work.
Xavier teamed with Thomas in the 12/u doubles. The pairing proved to be a fantastic combination where they won their round robin event to be crowned the winners.
Xavier had a massive few days and paired with Ian Dimble in the 14/u doubles. After some very gruelling matches, the boys finished runners-up which was very pleasing considering the quality of the opposition.
Tess Bassett had an extremely fruitful tournament and was rewarded for her commitment. Tess finished runners up in the 14/u singles and won the 14/u doubles. She also was runners up in the 13/u mixed and won the 16/u mixed.
Jack Bassett played well before losing the quarter final of the Open Singles to a strong player from Queensland.
The event was an immense success. All players were in awe of the conditions of the courts with continual complements made.
YLTC is fortunate to have such a diligent groundsman under the guidance of Warwick Henderson. His passion for perfection ensures the courts are the envy of every other club.
YLTC is extremely grateful to the Yarrawonga Lions who catered for the event. Their volunteers were extremely kind and helpful which assisted to create a terrific atmosphere around the complex.
YLTC appreciates their ongoing support and especially the way that the Lions members interact with visiting players.
This event was only made possible with the support of some incredibly generous event sponsors. The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club appreciates this and values their ongoing backing.
This event will be even bigger next year with a majority of players already locking in accommodation for 2024.
Easter tournament
This year will be Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club’s 123rd Easter Tournament. The four-day tournament is massive. The club converts the football oval into extra courts ensuring that there are 57 courts available.
The tournament caters for 1200 players and is potentially the biggest tournament of its type in Australia.
The tournament is strictly limited to 1200 players. This is the number that allows all matches to be completed and makes the event enjoyable for our huge volunteer base.
Entries for the tournament will open on February 1. It is anticipated that the quota of 1200 will fill within a few days.
It is hoped a large number of locals participate as it is great fun. Juniors are especially encouraged to enter as they will enjoy playing visiting players. Please enter early to avoid disappointment.
Tuesday Men
The Tuesday Mens competition completed Round 7 last week. There was some quality hitting with a lot of close games. Again, thanks to the fill-ins that allow the competition to continue over the holiday period.
Top side Wilson indicated they are going to be hard to beat with a resounding 5 sets to 1 win over third placed Tecnifibre. Jim Zanin and Jack James won all of their matches whilst Mike Lairson and Al Angwin won 2 each.
Fourth placed Volkl had a good win over second placed Duns winning 4 sets to 2. Lochie Forrge was best on court with 3 wins whilst his teammates Simon de Oleveira and Thomas Loughnan won 2 sets. Chris Page was the best for Duns with 2 victories.
Prince and Donnay had a very tight battle with the match tied 3 sets apiece. Mathematicians Ben Cope and Nick Mullavey counted the games before Ben’s Prince won by a game.
Best player on the night was Jordan Ibbott who was undefeated for Prince. For Donnay Grant Lewis, Nick Mullavey and Tim O’Dwyer won 2 sets.
Head had a strong 5 sets to 1 win over Slazenger. Tim Clarke and Nev Page played well to win all their matches whilst Pete Thomas and Corey Beggs has a pair of wins.
Lacoste had a similar scoreline in the match against Yonex. Mick Ibbott and Pat Mansfield had a clean slate and their teammates Peter Hollands and Rob Evers had 2 wins.
To finish the evening there was yet another 5 to 1 result with Pro Kennex toppling Babolat. For Pro Kennex Jamie Hicks and Luke Buerckner each won all of their matches and Jack Bassett and Kieran Kelly won 2 sets.
After Round 7 the ladder is Wilson 37, Volkl 30, Pro Kennex 30, Duns 29, Head 29, Tecnifibre 26, Lacoste 26, Slazenger 21, Babolat 18, Prince 18, Donnay 17, Yonnex 7.
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 Nathalia. John Brunner won his singles and mixed doubles and lost his doubles.
Grant Chappell won his doubles and lost his mixed doubles. This win means Numurkah is second and is locked into the top four.
In Division 2 Numurkah took on top side Kialla. Tess Bassett won her singles and mixed doubles both in tie breakers and she narrowly lost her doubles. Numurkah are sitting third.
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 9am for ladies and Wednesday at 9am 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.
