20th Annual Veterans’ Tennis Tournament a huge success

There was plenty of action this week (April 2010) at the Cheryl Tennis Club, with the playing of the Veterans’ Tennis Tournament. There were 112 competitors (57 ladies and 55 men) from Norfolk Island, New Zealand and Australia, and a total of 80 players came from overseas for the tournament, many of whom return year after year, and a few new faces as well. (Photo R Norfolk Team).

Julie South has been the mainstay of this tournament ever since its inception 20 years ago with the start of the Norfolk Island Veterans’ Games. Commenting at the end of this year’s tournament, Julie said it compared very well with previous years. Julie said that the tennis this year had been of a very good standard, and that everyone had clearly enjoyed their time and renewed old friendships. This year saw matches played between 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s age groups, in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams.

Although he was often too busy on manager duties to see much tennis, Ben Morton managed to see some tennis, and his highlight was the 60’s men’s doubles Gold medal playoff between winners John Oxenford and Bill Norton versus Kerry White and Phil Bryant. Commenting on this match, Ben said there were lots of angled and drop volleys, slices, and that it was good, all-round crafty “old school” tennis and very enjoyable to watch. Another match that got the crowd on the ‘randah revved up was a Wednesday evening consolation 40’s mixed doubles match involving some local favourites: Kevin and Sue Randall versus Gaelene Christian and Raff Forte. Friday saw the playing of the International Challenge otherwise known as the “Tri-nations”, between Norfolk Island, New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand won the trophy again this year.

Governor’s Lodge was the main sponsor this year, and many of the players have been staying there. Support was also provided by Smudgie (Head tennis balls for the tournament and a Head tennis racquet prize was the major raffle prize), Pete’s Place (prizes), and Bob Little (for topping up the first aid kit). Julie paid thanks to these sponsors and also for the many hours of effort put in by Jeff Emmans, Ben Morton, and a big thanks to club President Chris Gatehouse, in getting everything ready in time for the tournament and making sure everything worked during this busy week. Thanks also go to the cooks and chefs who had supplied food for the Sunday evening welcome bash and morning teas each day of the tournament. This year’s tournament has been good financially for the club, and just as importantly, it is a great lift for the club spirit.

Alan McNeil