This year our Annual State Championships was sponsored by the West Beach Community Bank for the first time, in conjunction with Serve Furst from Next Generation Memorial Drive a long term sponsor..

We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate their generous support. This enabled us to increase the prize money for all event winners as well as introducing a few extra innovations such as "Welcome Gift Bags" to all Interstate players which were well received. The Tournament was held from Sunday 11^th of November -all day and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5.30 pm with the exception of 8 matches being played on Tuesday at Sturt Lawn Tennis Club.

We were fortunate to have twelve interstate players play –across a wide range of events. In total we had 124 players participating in Events from the 35 year age group to the over 70 age group. This was an increase of 28 players on last year and we hope to increase this again next year. We had 67 Singles entrants, 111 Doubles Pairs and played 206 matches over the duration of the Tournament.

The weather on Sunday threatened to be wet –after good rains on the Saturday night, however we were lucky and got through all scheduled matches with no interruptions. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all very windy days which was unfortunate for all players –but again we were able to finish all events bar one.

The full list of Winners is attached – However some local players had some excellent results. Rino Traforti was runner up to Daniel Ahl (Vic) in the Men’s 35 Singles, Richard Fricker defeated Mark Swanbury in the Men’s 40 Singles, Bill Lewis won the Men’s 45 Singles defeating Vlad Ejov, Trevor Reeves won the 50 Men’s over John Haren, Graham Chilman won the 55 Men’s defeating Roger Davey in a marathon three setter (Roger having won his semi final in a marathon three setter over Kevin Furst the previous night). Terry McLellan from Queensland won the Men’s 60s over Brian Dew and Ray Woodforde won the Men’s 70’s over Colin Parker. The Ladies 35 Singles was won by Kayla Campbell over Maria Montanes and in the 55 Ladies –Sandra Bryant won over Cathie Chapman.

There was some outstanding tennis played over the four days of the Tournament.

The $150 Draw for the Lucky singles entrant was appropriately won by a new Vet –Steve Ormerod.

Special thanks must go to our sponsors –West Beach Community Bank for their generous support, and Serve Furst for their ongoing support over several years. Without their sponsorship we would not be able to conduct such a successful event.

Special thanks also to the Tournament Committee for all their hard work and long hours –Janet Wang, Vada Osborn, Barb Mathews, Janine Sleep, Dennis Haupt and Ian Delbridge – it is most appreciated.

Special thanks also to Sue Hand and her team of helpers in organising the meals, afternoon teas and the Presentation nibbles –Well done everyone –excellent work.

Thanks also to the Ground Staff, who always go unnoticed and the referees.

The Tournament was very successful and thanks and congratulations must go to all players who participated for their exemplary sportsmanship and demeanour throughout the Tournament.

Marie Stevens

Tournament Director.

To view some photo's of the trophy presentation... click here