THE Kerang Lawn Tennis Club’s rejuvenation continues, four years after the club struggled to attract members.
The two-time Northern District Lawn Tennis Association Division One premiers will enter a fourth open-age side in the Saturday competition – a result of attracting new players through a social competition.
“We gained a few extra players during last season thank to the social competition, but it was hard to cater for more sides then as competitions had already started up,” club president, Greg Adams said.
The club will field one team in the NDLTA’s Division One competition, two sides in Division Two and a squad in Division Three when the season starts on October 22.
The extra teams are also a result of the club choosing to focus solely on the NDLTA rather than entering sides in both the local competition and the Loddon Valley Tennis Association.
The decision ends the club’s long relationship with the LVTA and its predecessor, the Wandella Tennis Association, through its Kerang and St Patrick’s Greens sides.
“It was a difficult decision, but we thought it suited our club and members better,” Adams said.
“Both competitions play different formats. Loddon Valley uses teams of six men and women, whilst Northern District uses teams of four men and four women.
“Having a Division Three side will also allow other players who want to have a hit on Saturdays get involved.”
The club will hold its registration night on Friday from 6pm, with the club confident its 18 courts will be ready to use on the night.
Festivities will begin at 6pm, with a barbecue dinner available.
“The night will give the club a chance to welcome new players and give everyone a warm-up hit,” Adams said.
“Hopefully we can get courts up and running after all the rain that has occurred.”
The registration night opens the club’s major competitions for 2016/17.
The first night of the six-week social twilight competition begins on Thursday, October 20 from 6pm.
Teams of three are welcome to take part, which can be given to Adams (0447 531 481).
Junior action begins on Friday, October 21, with many players doubling up for the club’s two NDLTA junior pennant action. Anyone who wants to take part can contact Adams.
Meanwhile, the club is looking for a naming rights sponsor for its biggest annual event – the Easter tournament.
This year’s competition attracted more than 350 people, with the club confident of receiving similar numbers, despite the 2017 event occurring three weeks after the end of tennis pennant competitions throughout the region.
“Having Easter in mid-April has happened in the past, but we are confident members will be able to help out,” Adams said.
“The tournament also receives excellent support from members, Gannawarra Shire and the Northern District Football Umpires Association (who use the tennis venue during the football season).”
