A WET Easter made for a scheduling nightmare at Murrabit Lawn Tennis Club’s annual tournament, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of players who dressed up to celebrate the cooler side of festivities.
President Ang Morton said Easter time usually guaranteed perfect weather, but this year’s 76th edition saw a few interruptions and challenges.
“Our mixed doubles day on Friday was cut short due to the rain, and we made the decision to abandon play with around a quarter of our matches still to be played,” Morton said.
“This made for a very busy and longer than usual day on Saturday, managing all the doubles set and the rest of the mixed sets and finals. “
“We thank all our participants for their patience and understanding, making sure all matches were completed.
“With the rain on Thursday night and Friday, our courts were playing a bit heavier than usual, throwing in an extra challenge, especially for our visitors.
“But there is nothing better than playing on grass courts and we thank our committee and greenskeepers for having the courts in such great condition.”
Morton said Easter was “all about family and friends”, and the club had many family groups gathering for their yearly Easter gatherings.
“We love that our tournament can be the destination and enjoyed by so many,” she said.
“Over the two days, we had close to 160 entrants, competing in the doubles and the mixed.
“It was a fun, social atmosphere, with everyone enjoying either playing or watching great tennis.
“As per tradition in Murrabit, there were many competitors dressed up with their partners in matching costumes.
“We had some creative and very interesting outfits taking to the courts.
“This added to the fun environment of the tournament and resulted in many players receiving best-dressed prizes.”
Morton thanked the small committee for organising the event.
“There is so much work involved and all done by our volunteer members, from the court preparation to the catering, serving, selling raffle tickets, preparing the playing schedule and running the event,” she said.
Friday mixed
A Grade: Angela and Simon Morton, runner-up Michelle Noonan and Dennis Booth, 18-15 games
Intermediate: Flynn and Sharon Read def Glen and Rosemary Madden, 6-3
B grade: James and Phoebe Lea def Renee and Warrick Cox, 6-2
Under 16: Lyla Morton and Drew McNeil, runner-up Belle Morton and Kobe Teasdale, 18-14 games
Under 13: Pippy Morton and Evan McNeil, runner-up Flynn Cox and Sophia Larkin, 18-14 gamesSaturday doubles
Men’s
A Grade: Bernie Monaghan and James Anderson, runner-up Simon Morton and Neil Teasdale, 18-16 games
Intermediate: Flynn Read and Oliver Read def Sam Harvey and Phil Coughlan, 6-1
B Grade: James Lea and Nathan Morrow def Stuart Lea and Bill Harvey, 6-2
Women’s
A Grade: Angela Morton and Sally McDonald def Michelle Noonan and Rosemary Madden, 8-1
Intermediate: Lynda Hunter and Katie Mills def Sara McNeil and Renee Cox, 18-16 games
B Grade: Jess Dutton and Phoebe Lea def Amy Hall and Kristi Dafos, 6-3
Juniors
Under 16 Girl’s: Lyla Morton and Alexis McKnight, runner-up Belle Morton & Evie McKnight, 12-11 games
Under 13 Girl’s: Pippy Morton and Charlotte Keath, runner-up Madison Hall and Abby Welch, 12-8 games
Under 16 Boy’s: Brodie Hall and Jaxson Marshall
Under 13 Boy’s: Drew McNeil and Noah Cox, runner-up James McDonald and Mac Lake, 23-20 games
