Wait over for tennis
The wait is almost over for Central Wimmera Tennis Association players keen to return to the court to contest the 2021-22 season.
The Wimmera tennis season usually starts in October, however, the competition will get underway on Saturday following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on community sport.
President Jeremy Quast is eagerly anticipating the season ahead and has highlighted ‘player enjoyment’ as a key aspect.
“I think the break between football-netball season and tennis season has been good and now everyone is keen to get back to hitting some tennis balls,” he said.
“Also, with the weather heating up, it’s starting to feel more like summer.
“My aim for the season is really just for people to have fun and enjoy themselves as we get back to some normality.”
Mr Quast said this year’s competition had attracted the same amount of senior teams as last year, with an additional five or six junior teams.
He said the association would run a junior ‘open’ division along with sections one to six.
He said he expected the association’s premier pennant grade to be hotly contested, creating plenty of interest for players and fans.
“Last year’s winner St Michaels is always up there, as is Kalkee and Drung South,” he said.
“Drung has split into two teams and Central Park has recruited some terrific players – they’re definitely going to be very strong in the men’s competition.
“Lawn is always there abouts as well, so it’s going to be a good season and I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold.
“I can’t pick a winner at this stage, it’s going to come down to who is playing the better tennis during the latter part of the season.
“It will also depend on player availability.
“With the state opening up after so long it’s only natural people are going to want to travel to see family and friends.”
Play it smart
Mr Quast said in line with State Government rules for outdoor sport, tennis players and spectators were not required to be double vaccinated.
“It’s such a touchy subject still,” he said.
“But we will have all the other usual COVID-safe precautions in place, such as touching rackets at the end of the game rather than shaking hands and holding off on afternoon tea for now.
“We’ve been doing this for so long and we all know the drill – social distance, carry a mask and QR code in.
“People need to keep abiding by the rules and be sensible about it.”
People can access full competition draws via the Central Wimmera Tennis Association Facebook page.
Junior and senior grades will contest seven rounds before Christmas, up to December 18.
Competition will resume on January 29 with the last round of the home-and-away season on March 5.
Senior round-one draw – Pennant: Horsham Lawn v Kalkee, Drung South Purple v Drung South Orange, Central Park v St Michaels. A Special: St Michaels v Brimpaen, Kalkee v Telangatuk East, Haven v Homers, Horsham Lawn Gillespie v Drung South, Central Park v Horsham Lawn Thompson. Natimuk, bye. A Grade: Homers v Horsham Lawn Bardell, Natimuk v Haven, Horsham Lawn O’connor v Central Park. Drung South, bye. B Special: St Michaels v Haven, Laharum v Horsham Lawn.