Tennis in the region has commenced in full earnest. The courts at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club are in perfect condition after the rain last week and are an absolute credit to new Head Greenskeeper Micheal Sheahan and his support crew.
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There is a range of different opportunities for multiple chances to have a hit many times a week providing outstanding value for membership.
30+ doubles tournament
On Sunday Yarrawonga hosted the first tournament of the North East Veterans Tournament.
Chief organisers Marj Blackwell and Ruth Macpherson were well supported by a band of club members to ensure the tournament was a great success.
Forty five players formed nine different groups with the standard of tennis excellent considering many in attendance had not swung a racquet since last season.
There were players as far as Melbourne taking part and these were well complemented by a large number of players from Yarrawonga.
Locals Amy Lairson and Daryl Bennett were in great early season form, and both played very well to win their groups.
New club member Danijela Mijic displayed her talent to dominate the top ladies group. Gert Brunner and Les Ryan were both runners up on their cards to also claim some much treasured club merchandise.
Wilby and District Tennis Association
The local Wilby Tennis Association commences this weekend. For the past few seasons the competition has had two extra teams and an eight team competition bodes well for tennis in the local community.
Secretary Dario Prighel was kept busy prior to the season with many additions of the fixture created and revamped. The final draft has resulted in a twelve-round season.
This competition has the powerhouse local hamlets of Burramine, Mulwala, Savernake, Telford, Tungamah and Wilby battling on the court each week.
Each team comprises four men and four ladies. Each player participates in four sets of tennis.
A range of abilities and ages play each week and this competition has been the breeding ground for some of the district finest players over many decades.
This week’s matches commence on Friday night where Burramine will host Tungamah Green. Tungamah Gold will play Wilby and the two Mulwala sides lock horns in what will be a fierce battle. On Saturday, reigning premiers Telford will make the trek out to Savernake.
Anyone keen to play for any of these teams is encouraged to contact Association President John Wright.
Saturday morning tennis
This Saturday the junior program commences. With around 200 kids registered to play, the atmosphere is going to be awesome.
There are some vacancies for coaching and Hot Shots in the 10.20am timeslot and it is hoped that more players will fill these positions.
Players are asked to arrive about five minutes before their Hot Shots or coaching timeslot.
It may be a little chaotic first week but it will be great fun. Players who are playing matches will commence with a week of ‘Up and Down the River’ which will mean players will have a range of partners and will hit a lot balls.
Players playing matches must arrive prior to 8.55am for a 9.00 start.
Pickleball trial morning
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world. It is a fun game based on three different racquet sports. It is friendly on the body and is suitable for tennis players and those who have never played before. It is very easy to pick up the rules.
This Saturday morning there will be a free trial for adults. All equipment will be provided as well as coaching to introduce the game.
There will be three different sessions with the times at 8.45am, 9.30am and 10.15am. To find out more information or to register for a session please contact Greg Duns on 0410 574 482.
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 night will commence this week. Simply arrive at the courts at 6pm and have a hit.
Other times where anyone can simply sign-in on the day are Saturday at 1pm for all players, Tuesday morning commencing at 9.30 for ladies and Wednesday at 1pm 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.
Thursday ladies competition
The Thursday ladies teams competition will commence on Thursday, October 24. If anyone is interested please contact Gert Brunner or Narelle Bassett.
There will be two short seasons with one prior to Christmas and a second in the new year. Teams are created from individual names entered.
This ensures that opponents are evenly matched and new players can easily find a team to play in.
Tuesday mens’ tennis
Tuesday night mens’ competition organiser Ash Wheaton has began the recruiting process to build on the 13-team competition he oversaw last season.
This competition caters for all abilities. Players enter individually and Ash then creates teams. This competition will start on Tuesday November 12.
Happy hitting!
Yarrawonga Chronicle