The weather was superb for the entire tournament. Sunscreen and extra fluids were certainly required. The players really enjoyed every aspect of their time spent in Yarrawonga and the feedback in relation to the tournament has been extremely positive.
Open fields top class
It was very pleasing to see the excellent quality and quantity of the Open Singles draws. Both the male and female had the most players for at least a decade and the standard was fantastic.
In the ladies Geelong’s Nicole Mullen won her third Easter title overcoming Leann Serna. The match was extremely tight with only a break of serve in each set allowing Nicole to win. The final score of 7/5, 6/3 was reflective of the epic encounter.
The mens match was also a great contest between Pat Fitzgerald and Jon Longridge. Long rallies and cleverly constructed points typified the match. Pat was able to overcome the gallant Jon 6/2, 6/3 to win the title on his first visit.
Locals have success
It was terrific to see so many local players having a hit in the tournament. It has been a priority to try to ensure our Saturday morning players play in the tournament and this was achieved. As well as this there were many other members really enjoying their tennis. All had fun and some did extremely as well taking home some silverware.
Event Player Position
11/U Singles Mahlee Hartwig Winner
13/U Singles Hayley Bennett Winner
9/U Singles Ernie Buerckner Winner
B.Grade Singles Fraser Bennett Winner
9/U Singles Alexander Mulquiney Finalist
11/U Singles Taylah Chessells Finalist
B.Grade Singles Lucy Bassett Finalist
D.Grade Singles Sam Davidson Finalist
9/U Doubles Ernie Buerckner / Nicholas Liddell Winner
9/U Doubles Poppy Robinson / Elise Wong Winner
11/U Doubles Taylah Chessells / Eliza Lawrence Winner
15/U Doubles Tess Bassett / Hayley Bennett Winner
C.Grade Doubles Janelle Hartwig / Mahlee Hartwig Winner
D.Grade Doubles Renee Wren / Jenny Buerckner Winner
11/U Doubles Annabelle Buerckner / Charlotte Wren Finalist
13/U Doubles Mahlee Hartwig / Alana Classen Finalist
C.Grade Doubles Tom Wren / Josh Buerckner Finalist
11/U Mixed Doubles Charlotte Wren / Will Bergin Winner
C.Grade Mixed Doubles Jenny Buerckner / Josh Buerckner Winner
9/U Mixed Doubles Poppy Robinson / Ernie Buerckner Finalist
D.Grade Mixed Doubles Isaac McMillan / Mackenzy Forrester Finalist
Amazing volunteers
This tournament is truly unique. The sheer size of the event is unmatched anywhere else. To create such and event relies on hundreds of volunteers. These people can not be thanked enough. Whether it was preparing the ovals in preparation for the tournament, serving food and drinks during the day or assisting in cleaning up of a morning each of the volunteers was fantastic. The tournament box is where all of the action occurs, and it is hectic. At one stage there on Saturday when the tournament is at its’ busiest there were 21 people helping. A special shout out to the kids who assist in the tournament box as they are irreplaceable.
Special presentations
During the tournament there were two very special presentations. Our courts are acknowledged as outstanding, and this is due to the work of Head Greenskeeper Warwick Henderson. Warwick is in the process of moving to Wodonga and his dedication and knowledge will be missed. Club President Daryl Bennett wished Warwick well on behalf of the Yarrawonga tennis community and received warm applause by the Easter players.
Ian McDonald has been involved with the tennis club for several decades. Currently he mows the football oval and has done this for 30 years. Up until a few years ago Ian was the announcer at Easter, and he was renowned in this role. It was with great pleasure that there was an unveiling of the tournament box as the Ian ‘The Voice’ McDonald Tournament Box. Long term Easter players were very receptive to the naming.
Acknowledgements
The courts were in great condition. The tireless work of our groundsman ensures the facility is always first class. The groundsman was at the courts from 5.00 a.m. each day over Easter.
For the second time this year locals Sweet and Sour Sisters catered for Easter. Their band of workers were preparing food from 6am and their work was fantastic. The tennis club extends their gratitude to them. There were also some other food stalls, and this was popular with the players.
On Saturday night Daine Runnalls entertained the players. It was a fantastic atmosphere as players played on the oval with his tunes in the background.
Finally thank you to the event sponsors. Your sponsorship allows the purchase of the prizes and trophies which are cherished by those that receive them. Each of these sponsors has been long term sponsors of our club and they are extremely appreciated.
Easter 2025
Planning is underway for Easter 2025. The tournament will run from April 18 to April 21. The tournament will again be the biggest and the best.
