Tennis News |
|
| Dates are press release or publication date. | |
|
|
|
Top tennis at Bairnsdale, 9 October 2008
At last week's Bairnsdale Clay Classic Junior Open tournament the Academy's tennis squad members had an intensive week. All played in several events, and most tested themselves in higher age level events as well.
Jonathon Collins, 16-years old and one of the Academy's most dedicated athletes, won the 18-years singles consolation cup. He also made quarter or semi-finals of two other events. Jonathon has made few recent presentation stand appearances and his win was a fitting reward for this keen young player.
Two 14-years girls, Stephanie Barnett and Emma Waite, also had good results. Stephanie achieved a second place in the 14-years girls' singles and had a total three final rounds appearances. Emma went one better with final rounds appearances in four events, two of them being 18-years events.
All 10 development squad players made final rounds with most of them also entering in older age groups as well. Sarah Trett made several finals rounds and won the 12-years girls' singles consolation. Elizabeth Shanahan also played in three finals rounds.
Amongst the boys Ben Crowe and Tim Howe were second in the 12-years boys doubles, Tim was also second in the 11-years boys singles, and Devan Costigan second in the 12-years boys' singles consolation.
Others to perform well were Georgie Campbell, Erin White, Dylan Farquar, William Patterson, Cohen Schuback and Callum Tomlinson-Dale.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Solid results at major Glen Iris tournament, 8 July 2008
Despite cold and windy conditions Academy tennis squad members were successful at last week's 75th Glen Iris Underage Championships.
Most successful was Jackson Varney who finished runner-up in the boys' 16 years singles. Jackson also defeated second and fourth seeds on his way to the final.
Emma Waite and Stephanie Barnett both made round-of-16 in the girls' 14 years singles. Together they had more success in the doubles where they went through to the semi-finals before being stopped by the top-seeded doubles pair.
Also in the 16 years boys Jonathon Collins progressed through several rounds of the singles and doubles but was not able to make any finals. However, in the highly competitive Glen Iris event Jonathon can take satisfaction with his achievements.
In other news, Jackson Varney has been recently invited into the National Tennis Academy, which is run by Tennis Australia. Although he has not played in many tournaments, Jackson's continuing improvement at each event leads to progressive improvements in his national rankings. He is presently listed 329th in Australian open men's rankings, which is quite an achievement for a 15 year old. Jackson' s Glen Iris results are likely to further improve his standing.
We are delighted for Jackson that he has achieved this recognition.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Wins for ex-Academy tennis stars, 22 May 2008
Former Academy tennis squad member Vicky Stuckey won the Australia Cup in Perth 10 days ago. The Cup is an individual title event held in conjunction with the national Pizzey Cup school competition. Vicky also had a key role in securing this year's Pizzey Cup for Victoria.
Victoria had an unbeaten run to the finals where they defeated New South Wales, last year's winners. Vicky was amongst those named in the top 10 for the tournament.
One of Vicky's Victorian team mates was another former Academy member, Sophie Vickers. Sophie later commented on the team support she received and valued during the tournament.
Vicky was delighted by her win in the Australia Cup. She said “It was a great feeling to finally win gold in my third year in the team.” Vicky had finished in third place in 2006 and was second last year. The Australia Cup is an Australian junior rankings tournament.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Top Tournament for Tennis Ten, 13 May 2008
The 10 players in the Academy's Tennis Development Squad had excellent results at last weekend's K.Swiss Matchplay Series Tournament at Boroondara.
All players had the distinction of making quarter finals or better, sometimes in two different age groups.
Best results were:
Boys 10 singles Main Draw: Tim Howe - quarter finals, Dillon Farquahar - semi-finals.
Boys 11 singles Main Draw: Deven Costigan - runner-up.
Boys 11 Singles Consolation: Dillon Farquahar - runner-up.
Girls 11-12 singles Consolation: Georgie Campbell - semi-finals.
Boys 12 Singles Consolation: Ben Crowe - winner, Will Patterson - runner-up.
Boys 13 Singles Main Draw: Callum Tomlinson-Dale - runner-up.
Boys 13 Singles Consolation:Ben Crowe - runner-up; Cohan Schuback - semi-finals.
Boys 14-16 Singles Consolation: Callum Tomlinson-Dale - runner-up.
Girls 13 Singles Main Draw: Elizabeth Shanahan - winner.
Girls 14-16 Singles Consolation: Erin White - runner- up
The Academy's Head Coach Amanda Dundas expressed delight with the results as players had made significant improvements since their last tournament.
Ms Dundas said, “There has been a huge improvement in the players match play ability over the last few months. They have worked hard in the training sessions and in completing their training program.” She said that squad members have improved in all aspects of their game and that they deserve their great results.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Great tennis results at ACT Junior Open tournament, 29 April 2008
The Academy's four elite squad members spent last week at Canberra playing in the ACT Junior Open.
Emma Waite and Stephanie Barnett won the girls 14 years doubles. They defeated the two best girls in Canberra in a super tiebreaker finish with final scores 6-4, 3-6, 10-8. Stephanie also made the singles consolation quarter finals.
Jackson Varney made the semi-finals of the 16 years singles, but unfortunately he eliminated Jonathon Collins in the early rounds. Jonathon went into the consolation where he played through to the semi-finals and narrowly missed on a place in the finals. Jackson and Jonathon played doubles together and were unlucky not to qualifying for the quarter finals.
The squad stayed at the AIS where they followed normal athlete routines and took all meals in the athletes' dinner hall. An AIS trainer took them through their recovery sessions. They used a hot and cold recovery, sitting in a spa for a few minutes then then hopping into the 12 degree plunge pool. They remained shoulder deep in the pool for a set time, usually 2 to 5 minutes.
Overall, it was a great experience both on and off the court, with some excellent performances as well.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis four set for Canberra, 16 April 2008
The Gippsland Sports Academy Elite tennis program consisting of four players from Gippsland will be embarking on its most exciting tennis tournament since the inclusion of the tennis program 5 years a go.
Head Coach Amanda Dundas (left) with the four squad members
Stephanie Barnett, Emma Waite, Jonathon Collins and Jackson Varney will be travelling to Canberra to play an Australian Junior Points Tournament from the 22 April through 29 April. The tournament is held at the National Tennis Centre located in Lyneham.
The group of four players and coach Amanda Dundas will be staying at the Australian Institute of Sport for the duration of the their stay in Canberra. They will be staying in the athlete accommodation at the institute and taking all their meals at the athlete restaurant. Before play every day they will complete their warm ups and then complete a recovery session after their matches with the highly professional institute staff.
“It's a great opportunity for these players to be get a taste for professionalism,” said Elizabeth Peers (Tennis Victoria's Junior Development Officer). “Amanda and Barry Stokes the program manager have done a wonderful job to organize such an exciting trip.”
On top of all this the Australian Olympic Swim team will be in attendance for their induction training camp before the Beijing Olympics so the members of the tennis academy will be rubbing shoulders with some of Australia most high profile athletes.
“I can't believe how excited I am about the trip so I can only imagine the children's anticipation,” said Amanda Dundas (Head Coach). “ I guess my job will be to keep a lid on things and make sure they take in all the Institute has to offer but keep them focused on the tournament, I expect them all to do quite well.”
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Hurricane conditions for tennis squad, 7 April 2008
Last week at Geelong the advanced squad players battled more than just skillful opponents. They faced hurricane-force winds, rain and dust storms. Organisers postponed matches because of the weather conditions, and the squad members did a great job in reorganising their time and preparing for their matches.
Despite the delays, most of the match play was in extremely difficult weather conditions. It was difficult for players to follow their natural game and perform as well as they had wished.
Stephanie Barnett, Emma Waite, Jonathon Collins and Jackson Varney were members of the Academy's advanced squad and were competing in the Geelong Junior Grasscourts Points Tournament.
Stephanie Barnett (14 years) made quarter finals of the doubles. In the same age group Emma Waite also made the doubles quarter finals (with a different partner). Emma was also runner up in the singles consolation.
Jackson Varney and Jonathon Collins played in boys 16 years events with Jackson making the quarter finals of the singles. Jonathon made the quarter finals of the singles consolation
The squad's next important event is the Canberra tournament in a few week's time. Players can look forward with full confidence that, after Geelong, they can deal with just about any challenge.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Jackson qualifies for national tennis titles, 3 April 2008
Jackson Varney's recent performances have qualified him for the national 16 years tennis titles.
This is an outstanding achievement as it is only his first year in the 16 and under age group. In fact, Jackson turned 15 only last week. His first class performances in the 14 year age group have probably been relevant to his 16 year seeding.
Jackson impressed at the TCAV event in Melbourne last year and won an entry into the 14 years National Championships at Gosford in January. There he won the14 years consolation singles. Soon after, Jackson played in the Sunshine Coast Hard Court Championships where he won the doubles and was runner-up in the singles for 14 year boys. He has demonstrated consistent form since those events.
The acceptance puts Jackson in the top 64 players Australia-wide for the 16 year age group.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis two in tough Ringwood event, 31 March 2008
Emma Waite and Jackson Varney had very good results in the tough Eastern Region Junior Tournament at Ringwood over the weekend.
Emma reached the semi-finals of the girls U14 doubles, and the quarter finals of the singles consolation.
Jackson also played well and reached the quarter finals of the 16 years boys' singles.
The tournament is a major event on the junior calendar with rounds of 128 in some events.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis juniors make a great start, 31 March 2008
In the Albert Reserve Junior Development Series last week two of the Tennis Development Squad were runners up in singles events. They were Deven Costigan in U10 boys and Callum Tomlinson-Dale in U14 boys.
The Development Squad spent several days in Melbourne last week, and for some of them the event was their first time in a Melbourne tournament.
Unfortunately, bad weather meant the cancellation of doubles events, so not everyone could play all their scheduled matches. However, Head Coach Amanda Dundas said that the squad had enough court time to see progress in their games.
“Everyone did well, and they all improved through the week,” Ms Dundas said. She also expressed her delight in the tournament results and said that they are “a fantastic start to the year.”
Players were also exposed to a variety of interesting tennis experiences. They played their tournament on a new plexi cushion surface, and later in the week had a session at Melbourne Park on Show Court 2, which all enjoyed. They also saw top Australian players competing in a money tournament at Melbourne Park.
The Development Squad members who made the trip were Deven Costigan, Erin White, Callum Tomlinson-Dale, Dylan Farquahar, Will Patterson, Ben Crowe, Georgie Campbell, Tim Howe, Cohen Schuback and Elizabeth Shanahan.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Solid results at Maffra Easter Tennis Tournament, 27 March 2008
The four of the Academy tennis squad members who competed in the Easter Maffra Carnival can be very pleased with their results. Most played in higher age levels and all achieved excellent results.
Stephanie Barnett, 14, won the girls 16 years singles, but also played well enough to make quarter finals of A ladies singles and A ladies doubles.
Jackson Varney, also 14, played only on open events, making quarter finals for both the singles and doubles. He he also went through to the semi-finals for the Gippsland men's singles.
Another 14 year old, Emma Waite, won her age group's singles. She also went through to the quarter finals for two open events, the mixed doubles and the Gippsland Ladies singles.
New to the Academy this year, Cohen Schuback showed his potential with a great quarter final showing in the 12 years boys doubles. At age 11, he was competed in 14 years events as well.
Former Academy player Vicky Stuckey, now based in Melbourne, was in fine form with wins in the women's doubles, mixed doubles, and Gippsland Ladies singles.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Stephanie and Jonathon were tops too, 13 March 2008
While most of the Academy tennis squad competed at Bairnsdale on the Labour Day weekend, Stephanie Barnett and Jonathon Collins achieved successes in other tournaments.
Jonathon played in a Seymour tournament where, competing above his age level, he won the 18 years singles.
Stephanie travelled to Warrnambool to compete in 14 years events. She was runner up in the doubles and reached the singles semi-finals.
The weekend was a fruitful one for the Academy tennis squad as all who competed made semi-finals or further in at least one event.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Top results at Bairnsdale Tennis Tournament, 11 March 2008
Academy tennis squad members had outstanding results at the Bairnsdale Labour Weekend Tourney.
Emma Waite and Jackson Varney both performed extremely well, playing across age groups and being competitive in all of them. Emma won the girls' 14 years singles titles, but was also a semi-finalist in the women's open and A Grade events. Both times she was defeated by former Academy player, Sophie Vickers.
Jackson Varney, 14, played mostly in open events. He made semi-finals or quarter finals in the men's open singles, open doubles, open mixed doubles and 18 years singles. In the A Grade men's singles Jackson had a comfortable win.
This season's new squad members also made a great start, particularly Dylan Farquahar, who won the boys' 12 years singles. A number of others were runners-up in finals: Elizabeth Shanahan (14 years mixed doubles), Callum Tomlinson-Dale (14 years boys' doubles and D Grade doubles), and Erin White (girls' 14 doubles).
Performances from Georgie Campbell, Ben Crowe, Deven Costigan and William Patterson were also encouraging. All made quarter or semi-finals in one or more events, frequently teaming together and gaining experience in doubles partnerships.
Players were supported by the Academy's head coach, Amanda Dundas, who lead from the front. Amanda won the women's open singles title and, with 14 year old Jackson Varney, made the semi-finals of the mixed doubles.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Jackson continues to climb, 1 February 2008
Jackson Varney, a member of last year's tennis squad, has had outstanding tennis results in recent weeks. Jackson gave notice of his form back in September when he played well in the TCAV Championship in Melbourne.
Just prior to Christmas, Jackson won the boys 14 years singles at the Warrnambool national points tournament. In the same tournament he was runner-up in the doubles, and consolation winner of the boys 18 years singles.
Jackson had won entry to the National Championships at Gosford two weeks ago (from his TCAV performance) and there he won the 14 years consolation singles.
Last weekend Jackson played in the Sunshine Coast Hard Court Championships where he won the doubles and was runner-up in the singles for 14 year boys.
These are outstanding results and we look forward to Jackson's progress during this year.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Jackson is automatic qualifier, 13 December 2007
Jackson Varney has qualified for 14 and under national tennis championships through direct entry. Direct entry is offered to the top 52 in his age group.
Jackson commenced with the Academy's tennis squad a year ago and has made exceptional progress. His high national standing follows a high placing at the TCAV Championship, and then his wins in both the 14 and 18 years singles at the Bairnsdale Clay Classic.
The championships will be held in Gosford (NSW) on 10th-15th January.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis youngsters to represent Victoria, 7 December 2007
Stephanie Barnett and Sophie Grumley have been selected for Victoria's Foundation Cup squad to play in the national final.
Stephanie and Sophie were selected following the recent regional Foundation Cup event in which they were key players for their East and Central Gippsland regions respectively.
Stephanie was selected into the 4-girl squad and Sophie is the emergency. Their selection sets off the successful year which both girls have had with the Academy.
The Foundation Cup competition is for 13 year and under girls, with the national event being played in Sydney from 8-10 January next year.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Sophie!
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Sophie and Sam lead the way at Hudson Bond, 16 November 2007
Sophie Vickers and Sam Hall were the Academy's leading players at the recent Hudson Bond tennis tournament in Melbourne.
Sophie, in the 16 years girls singles, outplayed two seeded players before making the quarter finals. Unfortunately, matched against the top seed, Sophie went down in a thrilling 6-2, 7-6 match.
Sam and his doubles partner reached the semi-finals of the 16 years boys doubles, a great achievement considering the depth of competition in this age group. Sam also reached the quarter finals of the singles consolation.
Most of our players faced challenging draws and found themselves in the consolation events. However, Sophie Grumley, Tessa Hawke, Stephanie Barnett and Ben Anderson all played well in the consolations and put themselves into the last 16 or higher.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Sophie Vickers wins GippSport's Most Disciplined Player award, 5 November 2007
(Edited version of GippSport's press release, 5 Nov 2007)
Sophie Vickers, a member of the Bairnsdale Tennis Club, has won the GippSport Most Disciplined Player Scholarship for girls for 2007. Sophie was selected from a number of applicants across Gippsland because of the excellent example she sets to other junior players as well as her positive attitude.
According to Angie McKail the Secretary of the Bairnsdale Tennis Club, Sophie is not only a very fine player but she is always willing to help around the club. “Sophie is very happy to help out with coaching, assisting at tournaments and writing articles for our local paper. She is a great role model for all other young players in our club and we are delighted that she has won this award,” said Ms McKail.
It has been a big year for the 15 year old as she is a member of the Gippsland Sports Academy and was nominated for the Tim Forsyth Award for her outstanding achievements in tennis.
Sophie will be presented with a scholarship to the value of $200 from GippSport and the Bairnsdale Tennis Club will receive $50 for carrying out the nomination. The presentation will be made at the Bairnsdale Tennis Club on Saturday 16 November by Gippsport Program Coordinator David Roberts.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis squad in top form, 8 October 2007
Results at last week's 7-day-long Bairnsdale Classic Clay Junior Open were the best ever. Thirteen players represented the Academy with many outstanding performances and wins in 9 events.
Sophie Vickers won both the singles and doubles for girls 16 years. She also took on the 18 years singles and won it as well.
Sophie Grumley won the girls singles and doubles for 12 years. Nick Tile won the boys 12 years doubles and was runner up in the singles.
Jackson Varney played across three age groups. He was the champion for boys 14 years and 18 years singles, and the runner up in the 16 years doubles.
Tessa Hawke won the girls 14 doubles and was runner up in the consolation singles. She stepped to the 18 years singles and was eliminated early, but Tessa played well enough against the older girls to be a consolation semi-finalist.
Robert Panozzo teamed with ex-Academy player Chelsea Rawnson to be runners-up in the 14 years mixed doubles. Robert also made the quarter finals of the boys doubles.
Other players to make quarter finals or semifinals were Sam Hall, Ben Anderson, Jonathon Collins, Jo Commerford and Brendan Herman.
Tristan Salerno, the only player not on the list of finalists, has actually had a great week. Immediately before Bairnsdale he had played at Frankston where he and Ben Anderson made the last 16 of the doubles in tougher competition. Draws did not work well for Tristan at Bairnsdale, but he and Ben continued to show promise of a powerful partnership.
Having all players performing well early in the season is a positive sign for tournaments yet to come. It is also a great credit to coaches Amanda Dundas and Paul Osborne for being able to lift the squad to present standard.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis players in major tournament, 1 October 2007
Most of the Academy tennis squad played in last week's TCAV Championship in Melbourne where they competed against interstate and New Zealand players. With more than 700 players entered competition was of an extremely high standard.
The most successful Academy players were Sam Hall and Jackson Varney. Sam played into the Round of 16 in the 14 years boys' singles before being eliminated by a top-seeded New Zealand player. Similarly in the doubles, Sam and his partner went down to the second seeds.
Jackson Varney, in the same 14 year group as Sam, also made the Round of 16 in the singles. Like Sam, he faced a top seed, the no.3, and was defeated.
Eddie Hawke, who was with the Academy until last year, went through to the quarter finals of the 16 years boys' doubles where he lost to the top seeds. The result put him in the final 8.
Several squad members opted to play in the Streets Traralgon Junior Open Tennis Tournament instead of the TCAV. Sophie Grumley and Nick Tile both had fine results.
Sophie set herself a hectic program across several age groups and her successes in the early rounds resulted in her playing in 5 finals last Thursday. She finished with 4 titles and one second place. Sophie took out the 12 and 14 years girls' singles titles and the 13 and 15 years doubles. She was runner up in the 13 years singles.
Nick Tile was another who played well. He teamed up with ex-Academy player Brent Davidson for runners up in the boys' 13 years doubles final.
The TCAV Championships and Traralgon Open are the start of a succession of events that Academy squad members will play in the next few weeks. We look forward to watching their progress.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis players in tough Ringwood tournament, 19 July 2007
The Academy Tennis Squad faced high standard opponents in the week-long tournament at Ringwood last week.
Sophie Vickers won the Girls 16 Consolation singles., after facing several tough opponents before the final. The result puts Sophie in the top 17 players.
Jackson Varney made the final of the Boys 14 Consolation singles event. Unfortunately it was washed out on the final day, but Jackson also finished in the top 17.
Jo-Alexander Commerford was runner-up in the Boys 18 Consolation singles event. Having had a shoulder injury for six months, Jo has been on reduced training prior to the tournament. In spite of this, his determination during the week was inspiring.
Stephanie Barnett made it to the quarterfinals of the Girls 14 consolation singles event. It was a great effort, as it is only her first tournament in that age group.
Joshua Hanrahan faced several extremely tough matches which he won by using good court sense.
Sam Hall's effort in reaching the quarter final in the 14 under boys singles was outstanding, and is a credit to his determination to play tennis at his best. at all tournaments.
Coach Amanda Dundas said that the competition at Ringwood was much tougher than at the previous Geelong event. She was also impressed that all squad members put in a great effort throughout the week.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Important team role for Academy tennis four, 14 June 2007
Academy players in the Central Gippsland team assisted the Region to an overall 5th place at the 2007 Tennis Association Regional Championships last weekend
Sophie Grumley and Nick Tile were key contributors in the 12 years group, which finished an overall 4th. However, the contest was extremely close, and they only narrowly missed being in the play-off for first and second positions.
In the 14 years competition Tristan Salerno and Tessa Hawke also played well, with their side finally finishing 5th Like the 12 year players, Tristan and Tessa contributed strongly to the performance of their side.
All 12 tennis regions from across of Victoria competed, bringing together some of Victoria's best young players.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Youngsters go well at Nestle Peters Tournament, 20 May 2007
Nick Tile and Sophie Grumley competed in the Nestle Peters Development Series on the 18-20th May at Boorandara Tennis Centre. The tournaments are designed for under 9-12 players to gain more match experience in tournament situations. Many of the players competing are state ranked juniors for there age group so the experience of competing against these players in invaluable.
Nick Tile received a bye through the first round then won his first two rounds against quality opponents. Second round score was 6-4, 6-2 against the 7th seed. In the quarter final Nick won 7-5, 6-1.
In the semi final Nick come against a player that was well trained and more match toughened winning a higher percentage of the important points. Nicks effort through out the match was outstanding and he will gain much experience from this loss. After the match in discussions with GSA coach Amanda Dundas, Nick said “I know why I lost and will now try not to let a more match toughened opponent beat me again using the tactics he used”
Sophie Grumley won her first round match comfortably showing good poise and control of her game unfortunately she came up against the eventual runner-up in the second round of the main draw loosing 6-2, 7-5.
Although she lost the match in straight sets Sophie continued to plug away through out the match making the second set a very tough affair. Amanda Dundas GSA tennis head coach was proud of this effort saying, “It showed that Sophie was able to adapt her game to a better style of play to be more competitive and although she lost the match the experience she gained from loosing will be invaluable to her future development.“
After Sophie’s disappointing second round loss she went on to win the consolation event. “This showed great determination and resolve to bounce back from the main draw defeat. I am very proud of both players this weekend,” said Amanda.
The trip was enjoyable, rewarding and an overall success for Nick and Sophie who understand that although they had good results they must go back to their local private coaches and work even harder now so they can continually improve.
The next tournament for the tennis program is at North Ringwood in July, everybody is training hard for this tournament.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Impressive results at Geelong Tournament, 18 April, 2007
by Amanda Dundas, Head Coach
The Academy Tennis Program in the school holidays competed at the Geelong Junior Points Tournament. This was the first trip for the academy and it was a time of getting to know each other and familiarising to the expectations at a tournament under the Academy.
The effort level and attitudes were extremely pleasing during the tournament. All players gave 110%, as the Head Coach that is all I can ask from the players. The results were good considering that some of the players have not played a lot at this level and some were moving up age groups which is always a tough ask at the first tournament.
The most impressive thing from the week was that all the players listened and tried to implement what the coaches told them. Instead of going on court and resorting to their game they all had a go at trying the suggestions made to them. This is the first step of becoming a better tennis player. Paul Osborne and I were really happy with the progress the players made over the short period of time at Geelong.
The most impressive results come from the 12 & under group. Stephanie Barnett made the Semi Finals in the singles and lost a close match to a player from Darwin who travels around Australia playing all the points tournaments. Stephanie also was runner-up in the doubles event; she is very much at home on the doubles court. Nick Tile and Brent Davidson both made the Quarter Finals in the singles and come up against quality opponents but they showed guts and determination to keep having a go, extremely pleasing to see. They also played doubles together and made it to the Semi Finals, they are an impressive doubles team. Sophie Grumley started a little shaker but then in her Consolation match she was unfortunate not to win, losing to the winner of the event 6-4 6-4.
Tessa Hawke who has been struggling in tournaments recently come though with a wonderful result of making it to the Semi Final of the Consolation event in the 14 & Under singles event. She was one player who had a go at playing a more attacking style of tennis at Geelong and it paid off.
The 14 & Under boys were represented by Ben Anderson, Sam Hall, Brendan Herman, Robert Panozzo, Tristan Salerno and Jackson Varney. Sam Hall performed well reaching the Round of 16 in the singles, losing to the winner of the event in a close fought match. The other boys lost in the first and second round to quality opponents some of the boys lacked experience on the natural grass but they keep having a go. What impressed me the most is their doubles ability. Everybody made it to the Quarter Finals and Jackson Varney and Tristan Salerno reached the Semi Finals losing to the winners of the event.
Jonathan Collins and Sophie Vickers had to step up to the 16 & Under’s for their first tournament in that age group. Jonathan performed well in the Consolation event reaching the round of 16. Sophie was unlucky not to get though her match she lost 6-4 in the third set after the match was carried over from the night before.
Jo Commerford was injured but still tried to play against the advice given. Joshua Hanrahan did not compete at this tournament but I am looking forward to him playing at North Ringwood tournament.
The Academy Tennis group has started well and are competing to their best ability. The next tournament is the Boorandara Leveller Tournament, which is for Sophie Grumley, Nick Tile and Brent Davidson. The rest of the academy group will all be playing at North Ringwood so everybody will be working hard to prepare for that tournament.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Victoria Shanahan to the group who was selected from Tennis Victoria to replace Edward Hawke.
Paul Osborne and I are pleased with the results at the Geelong Tournament. But we are all trying to improve for the tournaments coming up.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page
Tennis Two play Traralgon ITF Tournament, 10 January 2007
Academy tennis squad member Edward Hawke and former member Chris Thomas both gained entry into the Loy Yang Traralgon ITF Junior Tournament last week.
Both players were accepted into the international tournament's qualifying rounds, where they acquitted themselves well even though both were eliminated. Edward was defeated by the second seed, a young Italian player.
Their acceptance into the Traralgon tournament is a result of dedicated hard work, and we congratulate both players on their achievements.
Go to News Summaries Go to top of this page