JC Earthworks won the section one grand final on Saturday. (From left) Amelia Armytage, Matilda Eddy, Audrey Laffan, Inga Steenholdt, Olivia Armytage, Rocky Sztejman, James Gatacre and Hugo McGrillen.
Well, what an amazing season the Deniliquin Junior Lawn Tennis Club has had.
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We had more than 150 registered kids - the most we have had in 30 to 40 years - plus local kids representing our club in Riverina PSSA school teams, south west NSW rep teams and local tournament champions.
I am so proud of the fantastic environment and development program we have been able to provide this year, but it’s been a work in progress for many years.
This doesn’t happen without the wonderful support of so many parents that help with the coaching groups and in the canteen.
Thanks so much to Victoria Gatacre and Dom Jansen for their unwavering support with the canteen.
Thanks to Jack Eastman, Brad Aitken and Mick Farley for taking charge of the young tennis kids, which is quite challenging at times.
Mat Tubb, Ian Paton, Jim MacDonald and Nic Bliss were also instrumental in guiding our development kids and preparing them for section one.
Saturday was our last weekend of tennis for the season, and the kids were treated with some Easter eggs from their coaches and had a lot of fun to finish the year on a high.
Also, thanks to all our sponsors this year - we were overwhelmed with support.
We were able to gift icy poles and chocolates to the weekly award winners, and the support also helped with the many other activities we provide.
The grand final in section one was played between Intersport Deni and JC Earthworks.
They had only edged out the other two teams, Nutrien Ag and Murray Darling Flights, by one and two sets respectively, meaning it was an extremely close, hard-fought season.
JC Earthworks proved too strong on the day, winning nine sets to five, with both James Gatacre and Hugo McGrillen winning their three sets each to help their side to victory.
Rocky Sztejman won two sets for the winning team but won the coveted three-set award, edging out Charlotte Gatacre by one.
It was a great morning of tennis to finish an amazing year.
So, thanks again to all the kids that participated and enjoyed their year of tennis and to the many parents that help and support our club.
Hopefully we see many more next season, which starts in October (term four of the school year).
~ Contributed by Deniliquin Junior Lawn Tennis Club president Jon Gatacre.
Section one three-set award winner Rocky Sztejman.
Intersport Deni were eunner-up in the second one grand final. (from left) Viv Thompson, Alexandra Starritt, Charlotte Gatacre, Milly Hanmer, Mickey Benger, Henry Pisasale, Travis Hanns and Enzo Sztejman.
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