Sport
Goulburn Valley Open and Junior Championships wrap up in the sun
The Goulburn Valley Open and Junior Championships are in the books for another year after Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club entertained the four-day carnival.
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Though concerns about weather and potential disruptions persisted throughout the event, a combination of volunteer efforts on the grass courts and slimmed-down playing formats had everything completed on time.
Traralgon native Josh Charlton tore through the Tier 1 Men’s singles draw, with the top seed scooping his second tournament win in Shepparton after first taking the title in 2019.
Local entrant Olivia Quigley, who took out last year’s Easter tournament in Shepparton, has succeeded further as the women’s singles top seed in a similarly dominant fashion.
“It’s always very busy on the last day because all the presentations have to happen and some people had to get home to Canberra or Sydney,” Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club’s Malcolm Thiel said.
“The final match wrapped up at about 4pm, and both top seeds won in the Open singles, so that worked out well.
“It’s always good to see the locals do well and Olivia’s on a bit of a roll at the moment.
“She’s been playing some good tennis and she’s been with the club ever since she was about six.”
The sun finally delivered in time to crown winners across all levels and age divisions and with more severe weather forecast this week, organisers at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club will be counting their lucky stars that the tournament got done as planned ― mostly.
“I must admit, the rain is good for the grass, but not good for the tournament,” Thiel said.
“We got back on track in the second half of the tournament, but it seems like if we’re not worrying about rain it’s getting to 38 or 40 degrees.
“We’re just rolling with the punches, whether it’s hot weather or rain.
“We’re very happy we got to the end and we hope we’ll see everybody again next year.”
With Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association action next on the agenda at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club, one will also note the upcoming Easter tournament to be held there in March, marking the event with its 100th edition.
Rechelle Zammit got courtside for Friday’s finals encounters and the subsequent presentations.