Veteran players serve up high quality tennis
TENNIS: It was a veterans’ tournament, but more than 100 players showed they still had plenty of run in their legs at the weekend.
Toowoomba Tennis Association hosted the Toowoomba and District Veterans Tennis Club Championships with more than 200 matches played at the James Street and Holy Name courts.
“There was a very high standard of play across the championships,”
TTA president Allen Smythe said.
“A lot of our locals performed quite well which was good, and interestingly we had a few players who were involved in all five sessions of play on some days.
“The most pleasing thing however was the way in which the players conducted themselves.
“Everyone was competitive, but at the same there was still that good social and friendly aspect.”
Graham Joseph was one of the locals who enjoyed success during the championships with the Goombungee man lifting the Over-60s trophy.
“I think this is at least the sixth year in a row that I’ve played here,” he said.
“I try to play as much as possible, every tournament that’s on if I can, and this one is always on my calendar.
“I love the competitiveness of tennis, but events like this one are also incredibly social as well.”
Competitors from across south east Queensland made the trek to Toowoomba and the lure of “coming home” was too much to resist for Jason Sparksman.
“I grew up in Allora and played a lot of my junior tennis here,” the Brisbane man said.
“I always make a point of coming back for this tournament – it’s my home tournament.
“I love playing, and it’s an opportunity to catch up with family and friends and enjoy the social side of things.”