Dumbleyung Tennis Club
Congratulations to Tara on a wonderful job during the season organising the burger teas each Friday, and to everyone that helped with their advice of how salads can be cut, grated etc. (the scribe never nearing the kitchen as too dangerous). Friday evening also saw some practice for the singles the following day – it paid off for some but others weren’t so lucky.
There was a cooler change on Saturday March 24, with a little drizzle of rain. At 3pm the challenge was on, who would be the Champions for this season? Although a few were missing, a very stellar and determined group played their hearts out to win or at least get a few games. The ladies’ winner, Tara Ball, winning her 1st ever Championship singles (and a well-deserved win it was), played those tricky short shots, making her opponent have to do the 100yard dash from the back of the court to reach the ball. Breaking your heart when you reached the ball and returned the shot, Tara would again, very casually whip a humdinger cross court. Or when you just thought you had a winner, Tara casually and consistently would lob over your head. It was an awesome game of tennis which was enjoyed by both players, though the older one was running out of puff, and it didn't matter how great the shot given was, Tara she just ran it down.
The highlight for the scribe was actually winning a set and some games. Final score was Tara Ball defeating Tamara Bartram 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. Our lady from across the sea played with determination and took out the plate, so well done to Leonie Nolte who has really enjoyed her tennis this season, being one of the few to practice singles every week with her man Jamie.
The men's final was between old man time, Howie Ward, 62.5 years of age and young Captain Glenn Ball, 42years of age - old versus the young gun. The 1st set was won in a very close encounter 6-3 by Glenn, with the 2nd even closer. Howie was very excited when he won his game and in with a chance at 6-5, but Glenn informed him that he had actually won that set 7-5 - sometimes when one gets into their twilight years, trying to keep track of scores get harder. A do or die effort by the men, with a few rain drops, but nothing any diehard tennis player worries about - one could just think it was sweat!! (If there was a fine box it would nearly be full).
It was a magnificent display of tennis and congratulations to Howie defeating Glenn 3-6, 7-5, 6-1. Mention must be made that Howie in 1978/79 won the Handicap Singles, 1981/82 the Plate of the Championship Singles and in 1987/88 won his first singles Championship, his 7th in 1999/2000, 8th in 2009/10 and his latest this season - an incredible feat for our awesome Life Member, a fantastic club member, one of the clubs’ best volleyers and enjoys road trips with his pennant mates.
Time has not slowed Howie down so to all players, learners, social, pennant, there is always that glimpse of hope, a belief in yourself, commitment, which blossoms into a burning desire to achieve your potential and really enjoy your tennis - this is what Howie has achieved. The plate was won by Darryl Gaull back from another of his trips (with his lovely wife Lynda). When asked what their favourite drink was, and someone's comment was Cruises!!! (not the best of jokes but it will do). The match was a crazy affair with Darryl having Jamie Frost on toast, 8-3 with Jamie making a mammoth, exhausting, come back. It is always that bit harder to play a lefthander especially ones that have been on holidays. Final scores, Darryl winning 9-7. Closing day will see the Championship Mixed Doubles played so please give your names to Glenn or Tara for this event.
Article by T Bartram
Community thanks to the scribe…
Congratulations to Tamara Bartram, a stalwart of the club and older than Howie for again playing in the grand final of the Ladies Singles Championship! This year Tara Ball, the upcoming youngster took Tamara on and won. Congratulations to Tara - we think Tara was probably shaking in her shoes as they went out to battle. Not able to give the exact number of times Tamara has previously won the Ladies Singles Championship but it will be up on the board at Stubbs Park and it is more than a few.
Tamara continues to encourage people to come along to tennis, plays in every event she can, annoys people taking photos, but we will all be thankful in the far far future to have this pictorial record and we couldn’t be without her. She promotes Association tennis and she will be busy pulling the rest of us lazy sods out of retirement next year so be warned, Tamara will come knocking at your door, young and old girls! Well done Old Girl Tamara and a good job writing up the notes which keep us all entertained! Oh and the photos!
Article by M Ward
Pictured above L-R: L Nolte, J Frost, T Bartram, T Ball, G Ball, H Ward, D Gaull Pictured top left L-R: L Nolte, J Frost, T Ball Pictured top right L-R: D McDougall, G Ball, J Coad Pictured above left L-R: Singles winners T Ball and H Ward Pictured above right L-R: L Nolte, J Frost, D Gaull | Pictured above L-R: Singles winner T Ball with Runner up T Bartram Pictured above L-R: Singles Runner Up G Ball with Singles winner H Ward |
Kukerin Bowling Club
This now only leaves the league singles and fours to be played over the weekend of April 7 and 8, to complete the season.
Good bowling to all teams travelling to events during the Easter weekend.
It has been decided to have the club wind-up on Thursday April 5 at the pavilion. Please advise Debbie if you will be attending to assist with catering numbers. All to supply a salad please. Hope to see a good rollup following a successful season for the club.
Article by P.Adams