Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club recently completed its club championships. In hotly contested events siblings Jack Bassett and Lucy Bassett both defended their Open Singles Club Championship crowns in outstanding fashion. This is an excellent reward for their efforts both as players and junior coaches at the club. They also both won the under-18 singles events. Lucy for the fifth time equalling the long time record set by Kylie Macpherson and Jack now eclipsing this record with his sixth and final title.
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The Open Ladies Singles final saw ten-time Club Champion Ellen Bruce take on Lucy Bassett in the final after both players won through to the final relatively easily. Lucy was too consistent for Ellen on the day, rarely making an error to claim victory 6-0, 6-1. This is Lucy’s third Open Club Championship which is a terrific effort for a 16-year-old.
In the Mens Open Singles, perennial finalists John Brunner and Jack Bassett faced off against each other. Both had to work hard in earlier matches to reach the final. In the final, Jack’s ground strokes proved too powerful for John and he was able to win 6-2, 6-1. This is Jack’s fourth consecutive Open Singles crown.
In the Ladies Open Doubles, Ellen Bruce and Kirsty Skene managed to overcome their opponents Hayley Bennett and Gert Brunner in a tight match. In the Open Mens Doubles Damian Cook and John Brunner defeated Grant Lewis and Jack Bassett in an epic match that was decided with a super tiebreaker.
The Junior Club Championships have been played over the past few weeks. Most events are now finished and the remaining few will be completed on Saturday morning. Full results of all these events will be published next week.
Saturday Junior Tennis
There was a week off for the Long Weekend on Saturday. Tennis will be on this Saturday as usual with the final morning of junior tennis being on Saturday, March 23.
Thursday ladies
Last Thursday was a terrific night for tennis and the ladies enjoyed the conditions. The tennis was outstanding and many long rallies were had. This was the final night of the regular season and this week there will be a ‘ratings shoot-out’ to finish the season. This is where players of similar abilities are matched together. After the night of tennis there will be presentations over pizzas and refreshments.
After winning the first two sets of the night Prince then managed to lose the next four sets of the night to Slazenger. Slazenger were the winners with no players winning all of their matches.
Babolat were in great late-season form to win five sets to one over Head. For Babolat, Zoe Jones and Sophie Hanna both won all of their sets.
Yonex and Wilson had a fantastic even battle with the sets shared three-all. In a rare occasion the games were also split 24 games all. The rubber was a tie and the teams shared the points. Yonex’s skipper Lucy Bassett was best-on-court not losing a set.
Dunlop won four sets to two against Technifibre in another close battle. Michelle Ramadge played very well to not lose a set.
Tuesday mens
This Tuesday will see the Grand Finals of Tuesday Mens Tennis. After a very enjoyable season, it is certain the final night will be just as fun. Eight of the 11 teams will be in action with the bottom three teams assisting with catering. There will be an A-Grade and a B-Grade final with the other teams playing off for draft picks.
Last week Head and Starc had a great battle all night in the first semi-final in A-Grade. Starc’s skipper John Brunner was best-on-court winning all of his three sets as he has done all season. Unfortunately, these wins weren’t enough as the sets were split three apiece at the end of the night with Head winning by 7 games, 29-22. This propelled the Head team of Daryl Bennett, Mike Lairson, Jeremy Kelly and Simon De Oleveira into the grand final.
In the other A-Grade semi-final Labuschagne and Maxwell were just as close. Matt McLachlan continued his career best form to be undefeated for Labuschagne. Labuschagne won the night 4 sets to 2. Indicating how close it was, though, they only won by 4 games, 32-28. Labuschagne’s squad of Tom McKimmie, Andrew Brew, Matt McLachlan and Rob Evers will take on Head.
In B-Grade, Warner was ruthless with a 5 sets to 1 win over Cummins. Chris Page and Jim Zanin were both in great form winning all of their sets. They will take on Hazelwood after they defeated Marsh 4 sets to 2 on the back of skipper Sean Robinson winning 3 sets.
Spectators are welcome to watch the finals. At the conclusion of the night the season will be dissected on the deck with the usual pizzas and refreshments.
Goulburn Murray Tennis
This Saturday in Division 1 of Goulburn Murray Tennis, Numurkah will take on Nathalia in the grand final. This promises to be a great battle between the teams that have been at the top of the ladder all season. Good luck to Yarrawonga’s representatives John Brunner, Jack Bassett and Lucy Bassett.
In Division 2 Cobram played Tatura. Both these sides have also been the ladder leaders during the season. Yarrawonga’s Daryl Bennett and Hayley Bennett are both representing Cobram.
All finals are at Cobram with the action commencing at 1pm. The region’s best tennis players will be on display and spectators are encouraged to attend.
Easter Tournament
Yarrawonga’s annual Easter Tournament is rapidly approaching. The tournament will have around 1330 players enjoying tennis over the four-day holiday period. This event needs to be seen to be believed - with the football oval used as courts it is amazing how many matches are played each day.
Preparations are well underway but as usual volunteers are needed to ensure this event is a success. As this is the club’s only fundraiser for the year it is essential the tournament is a success. If you are able to assist in any capacity at Easter, please contact Jason Bassett.
There will be two working bees in preparation for the event. On Saturday, March 23 the lines will be marked on the oval. The following day Sunday, March 24 the nets will be put up on the oval courts. On both days volunteers are needed. The entire facility needs to be prepared for the tournament so there is always a lot to do.
Presentation Night
The Presentation Night will be held on Sunday, March 24. This will commence at 5.30pm with pizzas served from 6pm. This is designed to be a family night with Saturday morning trophies presented as well as all Club Championship trophies.
Yarrawonga Chronicle