By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham Tennis Club christened the new season with a ‘Gather Round’ style event at the Pakenham Tennis Centre.
The club welcomed teams from the Waverley District Tennis Association, Bayside Regional Tennis Association and West Gippsland Tennis Association for a brilliant afternoon of sport.
The club is optimistic ahead of the summer season, with participation numbers considered promising.
The ‘Gather Round’ is growth on an initiative which has been well supported in recent years, bringing together teams from across the region for an excellent showcase of tennis.
Pakenham’s hosting of the day highlights the growth of tennis in the region across recent years, with 18 courts at the facility enabling the sport to grow.
“It’s been received really well,” West Gippsland Tennis Association president Chris Milladonis said.
“Getting everyone together in the one place – the biggest piece is connection.
“We’re trying to reconnect and work on our social skills a little bit more now.
“Having 60 people plus supporter bases down for an afternoon of tennis was a great result and there was a barbecue too so there was a great atmosphere.
“There were some really tough games all the way through.
“It’s such an even competition with players all in a similar bracket which makes it very exciting.”
WEST GIPPSLAND TENNIS ASSOCIATION RESULTS
Beaconsfield (Damian Donohue and Andrew Deart) defeats Officer (Tom Orr and Quentin Fitzsimons) two rubbers, four sets, 46 games to one rubber, four sets, 36 games.
Drouin (Tim Bloye and Josh Bloye) defeats Pakenham (Corey Horuath, Ronald Leo and Greg Menzel) two rubbers, five sets and 45 games to one rubber, four sets and 42 games.
Drouin (Nick Pratt and Lachie Pitman) defeats Bunyip (Chris Milladonis and Chris Spencer) three rubbers, six sets and 36 games to zero rubbers, zero sets and 12 games.
Officer (Troy Haysham-Weidner, Dylan Pettigrew, Glenn Hobson) defeat Pakenham (Francis Flanchette, Noah Powe and Samantha Merry), three rubbers, six sets and 36 games to zero rubbers, zero sets and 10 games.
