It is eight months and two weeks since the last twilight matches were played at the Merriwa park Lawn courts. So this week players were pleased to finally be back, although under COVID rules, for this popular club social mixed competition.

The competition organisers Sean Ablezej and Steve Rusell are very pleased with the response from members in forming teams. They said that there is obviously a hunger for tennis out there as players get used to playing the sport again. The number of teams is only slightly down from the last competition. Sean and Steve are also hoping that two more teams may yet join in the Monday B grade with a possible team of rotating some stronger junior players. They emphasise that it isn't too late to register interest to play as there is always a team that needs a fill in on both nights. They also emphasise that participation and inclusion are key to this competition.

Interest in the A grade in particular has been boosted by the participation of Aaron Bruest who will bring his experience from playing on the US College circuit with him. He will be an interesting yardstick in the same way that former local Davis Cup player Rex Hartwig was when he played in the now sadly defunct Ovens and King tennis competition back in the 1980s. (Aaron was also runner up in the open singles title at the club`s annual January tournament) "Players will be able to learn much from watching and playing with Aaron and his other team members " Steve Russell said.
Currently B grade has eight teams and A grade has nine teams. Anyone interested in playing can contact Sean or Steve through the club website.

About to start play on Tuesday evening are L-R Mark Brown, Wendy Hogan, Julie Lamond, David Godkin, Rob Lamond, Clare Fisk and Carol Mata.