Toowoomba repels Ipswich challenge

The Duncan Thompson Cup will remain in Toowoomba Tennis Association hands for another 12 months after the city’s leading players finished on top of their Ipswich rivals on Sunday.

The Toowoomba team retained the time-honoured cup, which resumed this year from a three-year break, with an 11rubbers-to-victory over Ipswich at James St tennis centre.

The women’s team led the way for Toowoomba with Lucy Easton, Karen Pearce, Arlena Day and Katrina Koay all winning their singles rubbers.

A fifth Toowoomba player, Nikki O’Mara, took the court for Ipswich.

The Toowoomba men’s team struck stiffer opposition from the visitors with under-18 player Nathan Hoger going down in three sets and Chris Dwyer also fell in three sets to Archie Graham.

Graham is Australia’s number-one player with an intellectual impairment.

Toowoomba men Christian Retschlag and Lawson Chalmers both won their singles’ rubbers.

The Duncan Thompson Cup was first played in 1948 and has been dominated by Toowoomba teams.

Sunday’s tournament was the first since the cup went in to recess after 2014 but Toowoomba Tennis Association president Allen Smythe said its return was welcome on both cities.

“Unfortunately Ipswich had to forfeit the Alder Cup for under 18 players mainly because of school holidays,” Smythe said.

“But the open cup was played in a good, competitive spirit and both cities are hoping to build on its return.”

Photo: Bev Lacey I’VE GOT THIS: Lucy Easton stretches for a backhand return during her victory for Toowoomba in Sunday’s Duncan Thompson Cup clash with Ipswich at James St tennis centre.

Photo: Bev Lacey EYES ON THE BALL: Chris Dwyer in action for Toowoomba.

Photo: Bev Lacey ON THE BALL: Jesse Gavin-Dawson of Ipswich sets up for a backhand return.

Photo: Bev Lacey FULL STRETCH: Nathan Hoger on court for Toowoomba last Sunday.

Photo: Bev Lacey TOUGH SHOT: Ipswich’s Katrina Howard reaches for a high forehand return.