OVER 50 players recently competed in ideal weather over three days in a seniors’ tennis tournament at Sale Tennis Club.
Taking place from May 12 to May 14, the National Ranked Tournament, or NRT event, saw players from Cairns, Warrnambool, Melbourne, Ruby, Bairnsdale, Yarram, Traralgon, Stratford, Maffra and Sale compete in six different events.
The event adhered to a round robin format, ensuring plenty of tennis for all competitors.
On Friday evening at a get-together at the club, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye addressed the crowd, welcoming players and the NRT committee to Sale.
Cr Bye said how proud he was to be showcasing the Sale Tennis Club facility to the tennis world, and has committed to ongoing support from the Wellington Shire for seniors tournaments in both Sale and Maffra next year.
NRT organiser Mike Evans responded by thanking the Mayor and the Sale Tennis Club for the use of what he described as one of the best tennis facilities not only in Victoria, but Australia as a whole.
Players competed in singles, doubles and mixed over the three days and although the competitive juices did flow on the court, the camaraderie off the court was great.
At Sunday evening’s presentation, organisers again thanked the players and the Sale Tennis Club for use of its magnificent facility.
Sale Tennis Club vice-president Murray Fitzclarence thanked Tennis Seniors Victoria for the great organisation of the tournament, and is “looking forward to hosting the event again next year.”
NRT Round Robin, Sale Tennis Club; May 12 – 14 winners
Combined Mixed Doubles 120+ years
Winners: Vaughan Smith & Diane Arnot
Runners-up: Bruce Carter & Ann Crisp
Combined Mixed Doubles 100+ years
Winners: Mark Kennedy & Christine Shingles
Runners-up: Andrew White & Ashley Mann
Combined Mixed Doubles 60+ years
Winners: Tim Dunnett & Joanna Rule (walkover)
Runners-up: Cal Board & Kaylene Runciman
Combined Ladies’ Doubles 60+ years
Winners: Anna Norris & Christine Shingles
Runners-up: Ashley Mann & Carol Thompson
Combined Men’s Doubles 60+ years
Winners: Bruce Carter & Tim Dunnett
Runners-up: Mike Evans & Kelvin Robertson
Ladies’ Doubles 50+ years
Winners: Diane Arnot & Jenny Luke
Runners-up: Kerri Brown & Ann Crisp
Ladies’ Doubles 30+ years
Winners: Joanna Rule & Kaylene Runciman
Runners-up: Anna Norris & Christine Shingles
Men’s Doubles 50+ years
Winners: Mick Luke & Vaughan Smith
Runners-up: Neil Jeremiah & Paul Ramsbottom
Men’s Doubles 30+ years
Winners: Andrew Caldwel & Duane Forster
Runners-up: Cal Board & Mark Di Pietro
Ladies’ Singles 35+ years
Winner: Ashley Mann
Runner-up: Debbie Iseppi
Men’s Singles 35+ years
Winner: Duane Forster
Runner-up: Roger Donnelley
Ladies’ Doubles 35+ years
Winners: Anna Norris & Christine Shingles
Runners-up: Diane Arnot & Jenny Luke
Men’s Doubles 45+ years
Winners: Mike Evans & Paul Ramsbottom
Runners-up: Neil Jeremiah & Kelvin Robertson
Ladies’ Singles 30+ years
Winner: Ashley Mann
Runner-up: Ann Crisp
Men’s Singles 50+ years
Winner: Warren Watson
Runner-up: Ross Verinder
Men’s Singles 30+ years
Winner: Tim Dunnett
Runner-up: Rob Baggaley