Tennis Seniors New South Wales P.O. Box 4803, North Rocks, NSW, 2151

Phone: 61 2 9624 7075 Website: www.tennisseniors.org.au/nsw

Email: tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com Print Post Approved PP229550 / 00003

President: Mick Bruton Secretary: Robyn Castle Treasurer: Arthur Olsen

ABN 50 206 056 964

Editor: Robyn Castle - Email: tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com Deadline for next Vetscore - August 11th, 2015

Newsletter of Tennis Seniors New South Wales. May 2015

D ear Members, the

Gloucester Tournament

was held on the Anzac

weekend and I had the

pleasure of attending it. Weatherwise

the days were perfect as they were

lucky to avoid the devastating rains

that occurred during that week in the

Hunter area. Ruth Johnson and her

band of volunteers did a fantastic job

in running this event.

As half the year has almost already

gone, time is moving on very quickly

to the end of the year, so all members

should be thinking of forming their

teams for Shepparton in January. If it

is impossible for you to form your own

team, just give your details to Robyn

and she will organise a team for you.

All events will be played on natural

grass which should be excellent for all

players.

Tennis Seniors Australia will be

running this event in Shepparton and

have the scope to place teams

according to standard, as well as Age

groups. This should avoid instances of

some Teams being placed in Divisions

which are out of their depth.

Our Membership numbers are very

pleasing, but if you have a friend who

may be interested in joining, please

contact our Secretary Robyn.

Remember there is no joining fee for

new members and they are

automatically covered by Insurance.

Our Seniors Teams leave shortly for

La Baule in France and NSW will be

represented by Di Cassel, Sara

Goddard and Wayne Pascoe. We wish

all players the best of luck.

MICK BRUTON

PRESIDENT

Players are reminded that the Tennis Seniors Claycourt Championships are to be

held at the Dingley Tennis Club ( a south-east suburb of greater Melbourne) from

Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 8 (the Queen’s Birthday week-end) This is a

GRADE 2, ITF event and grade 2 points are awarded.

Online IPIN EVENT entries close at www.itftennis.com/ipin on May 20

Entry forms, conditions of the tournament and payment of fees details are

displayed on the TSV website (enter through www.tennisseniors.org.au and select

the TSV link) The Fact Sheet for the tournament can be found on the ITF website

(given above) by selecting tournaments and calendar and the tournament listing)

For those wanting to play lots of tennis, it is possible to play 3 IPIN events and an

additional combined doubles event. The

combined doubles events are entered by

completing the entry form.

Players wishing to play two IPIN doubles

(within their 3 IPIN events) may do so but will

need to contact Graeme Heath.

(grppfheath@hotmail.com)

Programme of Events - 2015 Dates R/R or Tournament Contact Phone

May 15-17 Picton Seniors R/Robin Nat 7 Alison Radford 4677 2072 May 16-17 T’s Resort Port Macquarie R/R Te Truong 6584 0144 May 22-24 West Tamworth Seniors Bruce Murden 6765 5575 June 6-8 Newcastle Mixed Teams Robyn Castle 9624 7075 June 20-21 Lake Macquarie Seniors Nat 7 Keith Williams 0412 157 757 July 3-5 Cessnock Seniors Nat 6 Irene Crowley 4938 3190 July 11-12 Manning River, Taree Chris Johnson 0432 788 901 July 19 Bowral Social Day Robyn Castle 9624 7075 Jul 31-Aug 3 Forster Seniors R/R Nat 6 Judy Halpin 6554 9120 Aug 14-16 Muswellbrook Park Seniors Val Angel 0408 436 443 Aug 21-23 Eurobodalla, Moruya R/R Scott Colbourne 4473 6180 Aug 29-30 Orange Ex-Services Club R/R Chrissie Kjoller 6362 8020 Sep 11-13 West Port Macquarie Nat 7 Cec Newey 0405 726 629 Sep 19-20 Gunnedah Seniors Laurie Boag 0407 899 536 Oct 2-5 State Championships ITF Cat 2 Robyn Castle 9624 7075 Eastwood Thornleigh District Courts, Pennant Hills Oct 12-15 Merimbula Annual Seniors Nat 6 James Poso 0409 315 542 Oct 17-18 Dubbo Paramount Seniors Glenn Armstrong 0428 536 336 Oct 31-Nov 1 Raworth, Hunter Tennis Resort Linda Bullent 0447 800 206 Nov 8 Springwood Challenge Robyn Castle 9624 7075 Nov 14-15 Bathurst Carillon City TEAMS Andrew Mitton 0419 499 467 Nov 21-22 Metro Days – Collaroy TC Roslyn Ode 0423 662 352 Dec 4-6 Nelson Bay Seniors Steve Taylor 0466 154 580

Tournaments in BOLD are for AUSTRALIAN RANKING points - NRT

VICTORIAN SENIORS

CLAYCOURT CHAMPIONSHIPS

F or the first time, three

age groups of 35’s, 40’s

and 45’s (Young

Seniors) competed

without the wider group of 50’s

and above at the ITF World

Teams Championships. Over

twenty-two nations were

represented at Club Ali Bey

Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey.

Situated at a seaside resort,

sixty European claycourts adjoin

the hotel, which is only open

between March and October

each year. The Young Seniors

were lucky enough to start the

year as the first official event

at the venue, for 2015.

After the traditional Captains’

Meetings concluded on Sunday

before the Monday

commencement of play, all

nations participated in the

Opening Ceremony. The

Australian Team was second to

enter the stadium and naturally

met with great applause and

cheers. This was followed by our

own group session of photos and

wishes of good luck to each

other for the week ahead.

2015 ITF World Championships,

Young Seniors, Antalya

May 2015 2

Over the course of the next two

days, all Australian teams were

either kicking off or in the thick

of action within their respective

pools. All Aussies supported all

Australian teams wherever

possible, and this camaraderie

was shown everyday during

matches and in the evenings for

dinner and breakfasts. Fabulous

atmosphere!

The food was outstanding: three

meals everyday, of glorious,

fresh food, creations and mouth-

explosions. The restaurant which

comfortably seated up to 400

people per any one dining period,

catered for all palates with

nightly surprises to experience.

A pub and outdoor bar (onsite)

were open nightly, as well as a

dessert café teasing those

wanting a sweet fix anytime

between 10am and 10pm.

Entertainment was prompt on

the seaside stage every night at

9pm, with productions such as

Phantom Of the Opera to

Westside Story to The Madonna

Show.

On days off, most ventured within

30 minutes away to taste the

hustle and bustle of the local

markets. On offer were items of

local Turkish homewares to well-

known clothing brands and unique

delicacies.

The camaraderie and experiences

carried into the individuals events

the following week. The venue

catered extremely well, including

the great medical staff (from

Wimbledon) that worked overtime

in repairing or patching up many of

us to continue to compete.

Apart from small rain patches, the

weather was approximately 18

degrees Celsius each day, with sun

shining and not a lot of wind on

most days. Great venue for tennis

and a great group of Aussies to

set-up the ‘family’ atmosphere for

a couple of weeks!

By Iggy Jovanovic

See below: decorative Teapot and

tea cup in the picturesque grounds

of Club Ali Bey

Men’s 45+ Team: L to R: G Nadebaum,

I Jovanovic, C O’Mara, D Blade

Please be assured that Shepparton

CAN ACCOMMODATE all of the

Senior tennis players in January 2016.

Some operators have only opened their

bookings in April. You may go to:

www.discovershepparton.com.au or call

the Tourism Office on 1800 808839

Australian National Teams’

Carnival - Shepparton, 2016

N ev’s early primary education was completed at the Wilston State School where he

excelled at both tennis and cricket. Representing his school in the Metropolitan

Tennis Finals in both 1945 & 1946 and winning both. Nev was also the school’s

opening batsman and a recognised slow bowler. In his last game for the school he

scored 79 in the first innings, 76 in the second and took 6/29 with the ball. However, after

being hit in the face and having his glasses broken, his cricket playing days came to an end.

An early turning point in his tennis playing career came in 1945 when the Army which had

occupied Milton during the war returned the area to QLTA. To re-open the tennis centre, the

QLTA organised a series of exhibition matches between the leading Davis Cup players of the

day, and Queensland’s top amateur and junior players – this included one Neville Langford.

In 1950 Neville was employed by Slazenger’s as an ‘Inwards Clerk’ and at night he did

promotional film shows for both tennis and his other passion, golf. Being the first to use the

16mm Bell Howell projector, he later used it to show such events as the 1953 Davis Cup at the

Brisbane City Hall.

In that same year he partnered Neale Fraser to win the Australian Hardcourt Doubles Championships against Mal

Anderson and Roy Emerson. In the singles of the Championships he had a four set victory over Adrian Quist who at that

time was the number one ranked player. By 1953 he was ranked the number one tennis player in Queensland.

Throughout the 60’s and 70s he worked for Slazenger’s, improving his game and in 1980, he left Slazengers and bought

the Northgate Tennis Centre. He started one of his great loves again coaching, at both the centre and also at St.

Margaret’s, Nev continued his coaching at the centre which was sold in 1996 and at St Margaret’s until 1997.

It was in late 1997 Neville, who had played tennis fixtures since purchasing the Northgate Tennis centre, joined the

world of ‘Veteran’s tennis’ which he took to with his usual enthusiasm as a player and an administrator/organiser.

In 1998 he was selected in the Australian Veterans’ Men’s team to compete in Florida USA. In that event Nev and his

partner Adrian Alle in the Men’s Doubles defeated the number 1 seeds in the quarter final, in straight sets.

From 1998 to 2014 he represented Australia in Veterans’ Men’s teams on 9 separate occasions, from South Africa to

Europe, from Asia to America. Nev’s tennis career highlight from a team perspective was being a part of Australia’s

Men’s over 65’s team including Max Byrne and Ollie Smith that won the Britannia Cup in Cape Town South Africa in

2000 and from a personal perspective travelling to Japan on 4 occasions and winning the Japan Seniors doubles with

Max Byrne twice. Nev was also involved in an administrative role in a sport which he loved so dearly being a National

Selector for the over 60’s from 2001 – 2014, as well as a Queensland Selector from 1969 to 1985.

Neville was a fierce competitor on the court but a gentleman off the court and greatly admired by those whose lives he

touched during his work, sporting or social life. As you may be aware, Neville passed away quietly and peacefully on 25

March 2015 from Metastatic Melanoma. What most people other than family and a few close friends know is that Nev’s

battle with this insidious disease began 9 years earlier in 2006. Through all the surgeries and the drug therapies that

he endured during those difficult times, his continual query was ‘When can I get back on the court?’ 3

Good Bye, Nev Langford - rest in peace...

Robyn’s Moat

S nippet from Gloucester:

There was a tennis player

(female, JH) heading west,

when she saw a milestone

marked “M 50”. Naturally she assumed

the M stood for the place where she was

headed.....Mudgee. Somehow the town

in question turned out to be

Muswellbrook, and when she got there,

she realised she would have quite a trip

back to Mudgee! (Oh well, it was nice

scenery!)

Then there was the trip she took from

Walcha to Sydney via Tamworth! AND

to Forster via Taree! This lady takes the

award for “round the world” trips –

lucky petrol’s cheap, eh Judy?

At Walcha recently, Neal Sweeney

(husband of Betty) was honoured with

Honorary Life Membership in

recognition of decades of leadership and

interest in the Tennis Association. Well

deserved!

May 2015

A story about the “middle” wife

Cheerio Corner

MIXED TEAMS Don’t forget the

deadline is May 25! Forms are on our Home page..or call Robyn 9624 7075

New Grandparents’ Honour Roll

Guess who is becoming a

Grandmother for the

ELEVENTH time? Your Editor!

I am going to Bangkok to

hopefully witness the birth!

T eacher of Grade Two had this experience in “Show and Tell” From the classroom, a few years back.... One day, this little girl Erica, a very bright, outgoing kid takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under

her jumper. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. “this is Luke, my baby brother, and I’m going to tell you about his birthday.” “First, Mum and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed into Mum’s stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.” She’s standing there with her hands on the pillow (and I’m trying not to laugh), wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement. “Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mum starts going, ‘oh, oh, oh, oh!’ and putting her hands behind her back, she groans. ‘She walked around the house for, like an hour, ‘oh, oh, oh!’ (Now Erica is doing an hysterical duck walk and groaning.) ‘My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn’t have a sign on the car like the Dominoes man. They got my Mum to lie down in bed like this” (Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall. The sight was just too much!) “And then, ‘pop’! My mum had this bag of water she kept in there (in case he got thirsty), and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshheew!” (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!) “Then the middle wife starts saying ‘push, push, and ‘breathe, breathe.’ They started counting, but they never got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff and they said it was from Mum’s play-centre, so there must be toys inside there.” Then, Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. Everyone applauded, especially me! (I promised myself to take my camcorder when it’s “Show and Tell” just in case another “Middle Wife” comes along.)

Thanks to Peg Hoysted for this one!

A hearty cheerio to members who have been struggling health-wise of

late! There are several players who have been sidelined with injury –

hamstrings have “gone” in a couple of instances, Bill Thomson being

forced out of the Gloucester tourney, and Julie Pratt at mid-week on

Tuesday. Gary Marshall was all set to win his Singles at Gloucester before going

back for an overhead and snapping something in his ankle! Ice and expert

attention from Ros Ode helped Gary to reduce the swelling, and hopefully

reduce the time he will be out of tennis!

Tony Harkin was slowly making progress with his respiratory problem, and

having a set or two of tennis, when he was set back by an operation to remove a

skin cancer from his ankle. Another casualty in the skin cancer scourge is Mike

Hook, who has been in and out of hospital for over 12 months, much like Garry

Potter! The specialists keep finding parts that are affected by these terrible cells,

which they must remove with more surgery. We wish you both well in their

discovery and removal!

Watch out if you’re driving down the coast near Wollongong – I’ve heard Ray

Reay is wreaking havoc once again at the wheel of a “new” car! Also down that

way, Ian King is working out how to come back to tennis after injury to just

about every limb in his body. He’s keeping Merilyn on her toes, and the Sports

Cover people busy with claims for insurance. Speaking of Merilyn, she hasn’t

been on the court for ages, as her feet are seriously troubling her. We love

having you on the sidelines, though Merilyn.

4

Courtesy of Dave Graham.... 1) Who has won 7 Men’s singles titles at Roland Garros and is trying to win his eighth title in 2015? 2) Before 1925 the French did not allow "foreigners" to compete. Who was the Australian to win the 1933 Men’s Singles? 3) Name any of the famous French Musketeers of the late 1920's? 4) Who was the last Frenchman to win at Roland Garros? (Hint 1983) 5) What tennis pro played a cameo role in the 1979 movie entitled "Racquet" about a Beverly Hills tennis Pro? 6) Who was the lowest ranked player Ranked 66 in the world when he won the Men’s Singles at the French Open? (Hint 1997) 7) Francoise Durr won the Ladies Singles in 1967. Which Aussie did she defeat in the Final? 8) In 2004 Fabrice Santoro defeated Arnaud Clement in 5 sets at Roland Garros in Round One. What was the fifth set score? (6-4 6-3 6-7 3-6.......?) a) 6-0 b) 9-7 c) 16-14? 9) Hilde Krahwinkel Sperling won the French Ladies singles 3 times in 1935, 1936 and 1937. What country was she from? 10) The wife of an Australian Men’s Champion was Runner-up in the 1955 Mixed Doubles Championship partnering Luis Ayala narrowly losing 5-7 6-1 6-2. Name this lady? (Answers next page)

French Open tennis quiz

5

Fine weather greeted the 134 players who arrived to play, and the sun was shining, in contrast to the abominable conditions that had destroyed nearby towns of Dungog and Stroud. (Still praying for those unfortunate ones who lost their houses!)

Event Winner Runner Up 70MS Wilson McOrist Robert Hall 60MS Andrew Corbett George Penney 55MS Mick Dunn Paul Westaway 35-45MS Peter le Surf Gary Marshall 35-50MD Craig Edwards Hadrian Cullum Brian Adams Craig Bullivant 35-40WD Yvonne Stanton Karen Thompson Katrina O’Callaghan Fiona Weinert 35-50WD Helen Burge Louisa Mortimer Wendy Izzard Ellen Partridge 35-40XD Craig Edwards Sharon Mitchell Hadrian Cullum Fiona Weinert 35-50XD Joe Panetta Roslyn Ode Mick Dunn Robyn Castle 35-50XD(2) Richard & Dianne Pembroke Bob Hall Virginia Warne 60-100CMD Graeme Sticka Ken Solomons Brian Skippen Paul Westaway 70-100CMD Craig Edwards Hadrian Cullum Kerry Mulley Joseph Panetta 70-110CWD(1) Wendy Izzard Ellen Partridge Sharon Mitchell Donna Roddom 70-110CWD(2) Tarnya Gunn Katrina O’Callaghan Elaine Brockett Louisa Mortimer 130-140CMD(1) Geoff Beard Peter Emmerson Mick Bruton John Rudd 130-140CMD(2) Roger Brittain Richard Pembroke Robert Hall Arthur Olsen 135CMD Geoff Beard Peter Emmerson Mick Bruton John Williams 120CMD Andrew Corbett Mick Dunn Malcolm Sinclair Barry Wilson C130WD(1) Colleen Allen Judy Halbedl Cheryl Beard Helen Ferris C130WD(2) Wilma Bingley Dot Lucas Kay Daniel Helen Macduff 125CWD Helen Ferris Sandy Rosenbladh Bev Cathro Sandra Hegarty C120WD Mary Gordon Margaret Wayte Sue Thomson Janette Wills 110CWD Maureen Bartels Karen Warburton Lynne Bridges Ros Ode 120-130CXD(1) Margaret Wayte Mick Bruton Mary Gordon Barry Wilson 120-130CXD(2) Kris & Andrew Corbett Ellen Partridge Malcolm Sinclair 110-130CXD(1) Colleen Allen John Williams Judy Halbedl Brian Humphrys 110-130CXD(2) Kris & Andrew Corbett Lyn Wayte Bob McWhinnie

Gloucester - April 24, 25, 26

Nice cake, Allan Thwaite!

Was that FIFTY?

VERY nice!

You don’t look a day over 49!

ITF WORLD Teams and Individual

CHAMPIONSHIPS

From 2015: the World Championships have been split into three categories:

Young Seniors (35-45) Teams: 16-21 March; Individuals: 22-29 March in Antalya, Turkey. Seniors (50-60) Teams: 8-13 June; Individuals: 14-21 June in La Baule, France Super Seniors (65-85) Teams: 21-26 September; Individuals 27 Sep - 4 Oct in Umag, Croatia

In 2016: Note that Teams are from Sunday - Friday; Individuals from Saturday - Saturday Young Seniors (35-45) Teams: 1-6 May; Individuals 7-14 May in Rovinj, Vrsar and Umag. Seniors (50-60) Teams: 19-24 June; Individuals June 25 - July 2, Helsinki, Finland Super Seniors (65-85) Teams: 23-28 Oct; Individuals: 29 Oct - 5 Nov in Antalya, Turkey.

Congratulations to the following players who have been chosen to represent Australia this year in

France and Croatia.

Fred Perry Cup (50) Simon Arms (VIC) Martin Warwick (VIC) Capt Malcolm Pearson (VIC) Ian Anderson (VIC) Austria Cup (M55) Mike Ford (QLD) Capt Bruce Ferguson (VIC) Eddie Myers (VIC) Ronald Evans (VIC) Res Ian Jarman (VIC) Von Cramm Cup (M60) Andrew Rae (VIC) Michael Collins (VIC) Capt Wayne Pascoe (NSW) Colin Holgate (ACT)

Maria Bueno Cup (W50) Narelle Raftery (ACT) Diane Cassel (NSW) Fiona Medina (VIC) Leanne Scott (VIC) Maureen Connolly Cup (W55) Ros Balodis (ACT) Capt Wanda Howes (VIC) Fiona Walker (VIC) Leanne Swaysland

(NSW)

Alice Marble Cup (W60) Sue Walter (VIC) Capt Lesley Walton (QLD) Sara Goddard (NSW) May Howard (ACT)

Britannia Cup (M65) Max Bates (QLD) Capt Ramon Funtera (VIC) Roger Davey (SA) Robert Bickmore (SA) Res Graeme Sticka (NSW) Jack Crawford Cup (M70) George Collins (VIC) Terry McLellan (QLD) Alan Walsh (NSW) Capt Hayden Rees (VIC) Res John Rheinberger (NSW) Bitsy Grant Cup (M75) Bob Howes (VIC) Capt Don Biddle (NSW) Bruce Rehn (SA) Mick Parslow (NSW) Res Gordon Waygood (NSW) Gardnar Mulloy Cup (M80) John O’Brien (NSW) Max Byrne (TAS) Capt Claude Wenzel (QLD) Alan Hocking (QLD) ** Res Adrian Alle (QLD)

Kitty Godfree Cup (W65) Kerry Ballard (NSW) Capt Helen Worland (NSW) Adrienne Avis (NSW) Carol Campling (NSW) Althea Gibson Cup (W70) Judy Hancy (VIC) Capt Margaret Harris (VIC) Julie Pratt (NSW) Bev Eddington (NSW) Queen’s Cup (W75) Nola Collins (VIC) Capt Bobbie Edwards (WA) Norma McGhie (QLD) Joy Rigter (QLD) Res Jill Taylor (QLD) Doris Hart Cup (W80) Ann Fotheringham (VIC) Margaret Fisher (NSW) Capt Kaye Joubert (VIC) Marj Niccol (NSW)

The players in 50, 55 and 60s will all be playing

from June 8 - 21, in la Baule France, which is a new

venue.

From Sept 21 - Oct 4, the 65s - 80s will play in

Umag, Croatia, a popular destination.

We wish all our players the best! 6

N arooma Tennis Club, on the far south coast of NSW, hosted its first ever Seniors Tennis Tournament on April 11-12, 2015. Over 80 people competed on the weekend, coming from as far away as Gosford, The Rock and Sale (plus, it seemed, most of the

population of Jerrabomberra!) with ages ranging from 36 to 86. Draws were posted on Facebook on the Wednesday. Players enjoyed glorious autumn weather across the weekend with blue skies, light winds and warm temperatures making for perfect playing conditions. While there were plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from spectators enjoying the great tennis, the biggest cheer came from Marg Selwood upon hearing that she

had won the Head tennis racquet she had her eye on in the raffle. Players were treated to a complimentary BBQ at the conclusion of play on Sunday, which proved a great way to wind-down after an exciting weekend of tennis. Organisers would like to thank all the players for supporting the tournament, and, all the volunteers at Narooma and Dalmeny tennis clubs who worked so hard to make this inaugural event such a success. To quote a certain raffle prize winner, it was a “bloody great weekend”!

Welcome to

these NEW

members!

Russell Farmer

Louise Goodwin

Darleen Hannaford

John Hatzakos

Christine Hodges

Kim Hourn

Victor Introna

Peter le Surf

Maurice Murphy

Anthony O’Callaghan

Katrina O’Callaghan

Piers Ramsay

Kim Stamper

Ernie Banfield

Chris Burns

Kay Daniel

Peter Estcourt

Arlene Jackson

John Marks

Ashley McLeod

Craig Miles

John Psaltis

Mark Rix

Heather Robbins

Alison Spurgeon

Henry Tran

Anthony Baldwin

Ric Bentley

Gary Brenton

David Crebert

Michael Crebert

Katrina Farley

Richard Fox

Paul Gooch

Stewart Ison

Paul Johnson

Roger Lee

Kerrie Parkinson

Ian Searles

Michael Watts

7

2015 Narooma Seniors

Tournament Report

ANSWERS to

French Open QUIZ

1) Rafael Nadal 2) Jack Crawford def Henri Cochet. 3) Cochet, Lacoste, Borotra and Brugnon 4) Yannick Noah 5) Bjorn Borg 6) Gustavo Kuerten 7) Lesley Turner (Bowrey) 8) c) 16-14 9) Denmark 10) Jenny Staley, wife of Lew Hoad

T here is always lively discussion over the declaration of winners

on games or sets. When a tournament runs a Round Robin event

with 8-games per “match” – do we refer to each match as a set?

It can result in 4-all, 5-3, 6-2, 7-1 or 8-love. There are those

who think it should be decided on games, because it’s not actually a “set”.

But on the other hand....if one pair does not lose a match, is it fair that a

pair that they beat should jump ahead of them through having a big win

over some other pair in the group?

National Ranking Tournaments are specifically designed to reward

players/pairs for each SET they win, and the rules state that there should

not be any 8-game matches unless a Tie Breaker is played and the result

recorded as 5-4. This then eliminates the possibility described above, and

the winners gain points depending on the number of sets they win.

Tournament Directors in some instances, decide for themselves whether

or not they obey the rules. This results in players being somewhat

unhappy with the end-result. What can we do?

Players can rest assured that if they play in an NRT – they will get ranking

points for the sets they win. Combined events are not included. Mixed (in

age events) ARE included. Mostly, we go to tournaments to ENJOY the

competition, and IF we win, it’s a bonus! The rules are stipulated in our

By-Laws, which are part of our Constitution.

(To check them out, go to our website, click on “About Us” and scroll

down to the bottom of the page).

Robyn C

Sets or Games?

Howe Park Tennis Club - April 11,12

A Secretary’s job is never dull! Meeting many new members, hearing their “stories” and introducing them to other members

are a source of great enjoyment. That’s why I like attending and participating in the “Country Circuit” tournaments.

There are many clubs around the state that have volunteers ready to work on a Seniors’ tournament weekend to help their

club. Their assistance can be in the kitchen, on the grounds or in the “tournament office” – which all helps to make the

visitors feel welcome, and adds funds to their Club’s coffers. I think many of these people look forward to it each year!

When I went to Gloucester a week or so ago, I met some of our new members and their partners, as well as catching up with some “old”

friends like Helen Macduff, Steve Harris and Lyn Wayte. All of these people played in the tournament – and I had fun chatting with

one and all. I chatted so much on Sunday, that I did not realise my Babolat racquet was sitting in the office waiting to be claimed! I

discovered it was missing from my tennis bag at midweek on Tuesday morning! ( I must have had a seriously “senior moment”!)

Now I have some great news for those who always looked askance at the “Player Agreement and Release” that was compulsory to sign.

After negotiations between Tennis Australia and their legal team, it has been announced by Tennis Seniors Australia that players no

longer are requested to sign!!! Yippee! All members are covered for personal injury 365 days p.a. when they renew with Tennis Seniors

or their respective Club, (with registration) while attending any organised event or when travelling to or from such event.

All Tournament Directors may now remove this from their Entry Forms.

During this month of May, my daughter is expecting to give birth to my #11 grandchild, and I am going to Bangkok to (hopefully)

witness the birth! It may be a very daunting experience – but one which I am very much looking forward to. Luckily, Arthur will “hold

the fort” until I return on June 1.

A special request: will somebody please contact our sponsor Troy Peisley? We need to show SUPPORT for our advertisers! He is both

an Accountant AND a Lawyer - read his advert to find out more! On Page 11. Consider going to Hunters Hill Lawn on a Sunday afternoon

for a game of social as well.

The Mixed Teams event is coming up in the June Long Weekend 6th, 7th & 8th - and there is ‘a couple’ from Canberra looking for a

team - If you need a mixed pair, please let me know a.s.a.p.

NAME BADGES: Many members have a name badge, and forget to wear it! I was asked the other day if all of us could please

remember to wear them, as it makes it easier to recognise people. If you do NOT have a name badge, and would like one, please

contact me and we will arrange for one to be made. Email is best: tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com

From the Secretary’s Desk

8

T he beautiful grass courts were in good condition, enabling some close matches to be played out on both days.

Around 80 players were kept busy, with organisers Mark Rix, Craig Miles and Coach Gary Brenton participating

in Men’s Doubles as well.

Making a come-back were Roger Brittain and Mike Hook (after surgery) as well as Greg Winston (hand injury),

who has taught himself to play left-handed – and all of these gentlemen were in the Winners’ list!

A cloudy Saturday was followed on Sunday by brilliant sunshine, and everyone was happily enjoying the summery condi-

tions! Bad luck to the unlucky pairing of Sharon Mitchell & partner in the 40-50WD. They had 30 games, but the results

went on SETS! (Unlike in their last tourney where they had the most sets, but the winner was chosen on GAMES!)

A torn “hammy” kept Annabel Jones pretty quiet on Saturday afternoon, and Julie Andrews made her partner try too hard in

the Sunday Mixed – which forced him to retire hurt with a similar injury. Otherwise, we can say the weekend went well,

and the award for expert sandwich making goes to Craig Miles, who kept the hungry mouths fed both days. Thanks guys,

we’ll be looking forward to next year!

Event Winner/s Runner/s-Up

MS35-50 Geoff Hayes 5 sets/32gms Grant Robinson 4 sets/29gms

MS55/70 Greg Winston 2sets/22gms Roger Brittain 2sets/19gms

MD35-40 C Edwards S Homsey 3/18 G Robinson A Hook 1/14

MD50 S Harris J Coutlis 4/25 M Dunn G Cooper 2/18

MD50-70 D Passmore S Taylor 4/22 G Winston G Brenton 3/18

WD40-50 J Andrews C Cooper 5/28 V Kuba H Burge 4/28

C100MD G Woodward D Ash 4/28 R Thomson Ash McLeod 2/19

C115-130MD R Anderson G Hayes 4/25 M Dunn A Olsen 3/20

C85WD S Mitchell D Roddom 3/24 Z Haggarty C Johnson 2/17

C85MD C Edwards S Homsey 5/31 G Brenton A Girdler 4/29

C100WD C Cooper V Kuba 3/24 C Long A Jones 2/19

C100-130XD M Hook R Castle 3/18 G & C Cooper 2/15

C85XD C Edwards S Mitchell 4/24 A Hook D Roddom 3/19

XD50 M Dunn R Castle 4/26 K Renneberg C Johnson 2/18

May 2015

9

A nother successful ITF

tournament was organised

by Pat Moloney in

Canberra, and the

participants were the first to use the

new block of “Italian Clay” courts at

Lyneham. They all said they were

extremely happy with them. In future

years, it is hoped that players will be

attracted to these courts at the Easter

tournament as practice for overseas

representative teams.

There was great competition in the

Men’s Singles, where there were some

hard-fought 3-setters which lasted for

hours. One player rarely sighted at

tournaments, is Craig Withell, a

winner of the 60’s, an ex-Canberra

player who moved to Sydney in the

late eighties. It was an interesting

Final as Craig and Rick Genge are

brothers-in-law. Rick’s mother,

(Craig’s mother-in-law) along with

wives and other family members

attended to watch the final. Rick did

well to get there as he is suffering

from an eye problem, which is

difficult to rectify.

Andrew Rae had a tough workout on

his hip replacement as he was

involved in a number of long matches.

He played the Men’s 50+ Singles and

had long matches against Greg

Westwood (over 3 hrs), Michael

Vickery (over 2 hrs), Malcolm

Pearson (almost 4 hrs) and even a

Mixed Doubles over 3 hrs. Andrew

did well against the younger players

and it was good to see Greg

Westwood back after terrible elbow

problems. Unfortunately he drew

Andrew in the first round.

Isabelle Gemmel, a former

administrator for the ITF Seniors,

now working for Tennis Australia

was the winner of the Women’s 40+

Singles and the 35 Mixed with

Andrew Rae. Eight years ago,

Isabelle had a ranking of #1 in the

35+ age group.

In the Women’s 65+, Helen

Worland continued her very good

form to win a close 3 set match

against Adrienne Avis 6-4 5-7 6-4.

Narelle Raftery, after completing her

last round of chemo the week before

the tournament won the trifecta,

Singles, Doubles and Mixed. (At

least this time Narelle, you didn’t

have to apologise to your

supporters!)

In brief, the Singles winners were:

M35, Justin Woodward (NSW)d

Ben Hanson (NSW) 6-7 6-4 6-4;

M45 Mark Hodgson (QLD) d

Andrew Kew (NSW) 3-6 7-5 6-1;

M50 Andrew Rae d Malcolm

Pearson 5-7 6-2 7-6; M55 Roger

Spraggon (NSW) d Ron Evans

(VIC) 6-2 6-1; M60 Craig Withell

(NSW) d Rick Genge (ACT) 6-1 6-

1; M65 Max Bates (QLD) d John

Stark (ACT) 6-3 6-2; M70 Ian

Davis (NSW) d Phil Higgs (ACT) 6-

3 6-4. W40 Isabelle Gemmel (GBR)

d Di Cassel (NSW)6-4 6-3; W50

Narelle Raftery (ACT) d Wanda

Howes (VIC) 6-0 6-1; W60 Sara

Goddard (NSW) d May Howard

(ACT) and Rosemary Davis (VIC)

on a countback; W65 Helen

Worland (NSW) d Adrienne Avis (NSW) 6-4 5-7 6-4

In Men’s Doubles the winners were:

35+ Ben Hanson (NSW) / Justin

Woodward (NSW); 50+ Greg

Westwood (NSW) / Michael

Vickery (NSW); 55+ Michael Dunn

(NSW) / Ron Evans; 60+ Col

Holgate / Andrew Rae; 70+ Mick

Bruton (NSW) / Ian Davis (NSW).

Women’s Doubles: 40+ Narelle

Raftery / Yvonne Stanton (NSW);

60+ Adrienne Avis (NSW) / Helen

Worland (NSW). Mixed Doubles:

35+ Isabelle Gemmel / Andrew Rae;

50+ Narelle Raftery / Martin

Warwick; 55+ Sara Goddard

(NSW)/ Col Holgate; 60+ Adrienne

Avis (NSW) / Graeme Sticka

(NSW).

Pictured below: L to R Craig Withell and Rick Genge on the new Clay.

N ewcastle’s Fundraiser struggled to function well, amidst the persistent Easter rain, but of the

109 entries, they managed to run some events to conclusion:

35-50MS Craig Edwards Dean Robertson

50-60MS(1) Paul Thomas John Deane

50-60MS(2) Noel Yule Washington Rodrigues

Div 1 WS Stephanie Asprey Narelle Follington

Div 1 MD Scott Homsey Craig Edwards Glen Woodward Jason Quinn

Div 2 MD Les Collings Cliff Lorimer Richard Baranski Dallas Wade

Div 1 WD Narelle Follington Jo Walter Kaye Nealon Kerri Summerhayes

Div 2 WD Vicki Frost Lisa Dale Susan Johnston Loretta Funnell

CXD (1) Kaye Nealon Dean Robertson Sharon Mitchell Craig Edwards

CXD (2) Mary Gordon Les Collings Kris McIndoe Don McIndoe

24 players entered the 18-35 Men’s Singles but all had pulled out by 11am. Saturday was a complete

washout, when they would have filled all the District Park courts....Raffles and Auctions also suffered,

as the funds raised did not reach their usual total, for the NSW Cancer Council. The final amount given

this year was $ 8,455.00

(Frank Kitcher reports: In the 8 years of running these Fundraising Tournaments our total amount

donated to the Cancer Council is $ 88,000.00 ) A sensational effort!

Cougars’ Easter Fundraiser - Newcastle

Report on the ACT Championships, April 3-6

J ohn Marks was born in 1952, the son of keen tennis players Fred (an Illawarra official) and

Kath, nee Callinan, a Div 1 Ladies Midweek player for more than twenty years. John’s parents built the backyard court “Calimar” in Beverly Hills for their own enjoyment But John quickly took to the game at age five or six. His backyard court was one of the finest loam courts in Illawarra, and the Association often asked to have comp finals played there. John entered the Sat morning Junior Comp at C6 with Lyn Pollitt, Sue Priddis and John McCumstie – the following comp the same team was in C9: “we might have been the only players who ever went backwards in Junior Comp!” The team eventually progressed from C9 to B13 to A9 to A1 in juniors. John, coached by Bob Ryan at Melville St, Theo Milledge at Riverwood and Noel Kirkby at Kingsgrove, first represented the Association on Court 6 at Chapel Street in President’s Cup and took every opportunity to watch Blackwell Cup on Court 1. John’s goal was to reach that standard. His first tournament win was at the age of 10 in the Under 11 Boys’ Singles in the Illawarra Schoolboys’ Tournament. He

went on to greater things in winning the Australian 10

Player Profile: John Marks

Junior Doubles with fellow Illawarra player Mike Phillips. John had to decide at this point between tennis and study. He chose to do an Engineering degree at Uni. John was in four Blackwell Cup winning teams 1971, 1972,1973 and 1975 – he says “I beat Alan Carroll 6-3 in my first Blackwell Cup Singles”. He also won the Association Championships in 1972. John was consistent with solid groundstrokes, quick on his feet and a superb volleyer. John won the Sydney Metropolitan Hardcourt title three times (once on a coin toss when his opponent called ‘edge’ instead of ‘heads’ or ‘tails’ - Bob Giltinan...) He also won twice in the NSW Hardcourt and the Manly Seaside; also winning the Metropolitan Grasscourts and the Western Australian Open, defeating Bob Carmichael 14-12 in the 5th set. He finished his degree in 1975, just as the NSW Open was being held. It was at this televised event that John burst into national prominence on the tennis scene with victories over England’s Richard Lewis and John Lloyd, Colin Dibley, Geoff Masters and Australian #2 Tony Roche before losing the final to Ross Case. John partnered Mark Edmondson to win the Doubles. Inspired by this Doubles win and John’s great Singles

exploits, Mark, with new-found confidence won the Australian Open a few weeks later, in January 1976. John toured from 1976 to 1980. He sky-rocketed to international fame at the 1978 Australian Open. He entered the tournament ranked #177 in the World, and having been a first round loser in his three previous attempts. In the first round, the #2 seed Jose Luis Clerc forfeited to John after winning the first set 7-6. Clerc claimed a knee injury but just turning up for this event qualified Clerc for money from the Grand Prix bonus pool. John grabbed this opportunity. In the second round he defeated Phil Dent, Australia’s #5, in the third round John accounted for American John Sadri who was to be runner up the next year. In the quarters, he beat #6 seed and #3 Australian John Alexander. In the semis, John played #3 seed Arthur Ashe, May 2015

winner of Wimbledon three years prior. This was to be one of the most thrilling matches in the long history of the Australian Open. Three times in the fifth set, Ashe served for the match and twice reached match point, but John triumphed 9-7 in the deciding set to face world #2 Guillermo Vilas in the final. Vilas won that match in four sets but the tennis world was well aware now of John Marks, the boy from Beverly Hills. In overseas Grand Slams, John defeated Penshurst neighbour Dick Crealy in the first round of the French, before losing to eventual semi-finalist Dick Stockton. John reached the quarters of the French Doubles that year with Mark Edmondson. John’s best result at

Wimbledon was to upset seeded Dick Stockton in the first round in 1978, the year he reached the quarters of the Doubles with Mark Edmondson and the quarters of the Mixed with Renata Tomanova. John’s best result in the US Open was reaching the semis of the 1978 Doubles with Mark after wins over Arthur Ashe/Yannick Noah and John McEnroe/Peter Fleming. His highest end-of-year ranking was #63 in Singles and #14 in Doubles. John has recently decided to pick up a racquet again after 10 years of involvement in Cricket, and was intending to make his come-back at Gloucester. In those 10 years, John made 3 centuries (152,142 & 104 not out) and 12 half-centuries, including one in A Grade. John also had a 62-run partnership with fellow veteran Craig

Edwards (he only scored 19 of those !!) He scored 2904 runs at an average of 25.9. Not bad for a tennis player. John coached at Westfields Sports High from 1999-2014, having 5 National Champions. He retired from coaching at the end of 2014, but did not retire from life. With regard to his come-back, fate was to take a different turn, and John is presently nursing a badly injured fourth finger (stitches and a broken bone) – so we hope to see him when he recovers. Welcome back to tennis, John! By Robyn Castle – with grateful

acknowledgement to Chris Maron &

Frank Holden, editors of “The

First One Hundred Years – the

history of Illawarra Suburbs Lawn

Tennis Association.”

11

Tennis Seniors NSW

Dec 2014 - Dec 2015

Executive:

President Mick Bruton Phone: .................................... 9679 0355 Mobile: ............................... 0416 219 656

Vice President Ian King Phone ..................................... 4283 3617 Mobile: ............................... 0416 036 815

Secretary Robyn Castle Phone: .................................... 9624 7075 Fax: ........................................ 9838 9236 Mobile: .............................. 0400 389 234 E-mail: .. tennisseniorsnsw@bigpond.com

Treasurer Arthur Olsen Phone: .................................... 9816 4196 Mobile: .............................. 0400 525 591

Committee:

Bob Bow Mobile ................................ 0430 470 161 Carol Campling Mobile: ............................... 0401 057 866 Craig Edwards Mobile ................................ 0412 185 130 Julie Pratt Phone ..................................... 9894 4961 Mobile ................................ 0456 874 253 Monique Spiller Mobile ................................ 0400 050 881 Graeme Sticka Phone ..................................... 9713 5597 Mobile ................................ 0418 402 415 John Whittaker Phone ..................................... 9680 2090 Mobile ................................ 0417 200 761

State Selectors

Men Arthur Olsen ....................... 0400 525 591 Craig Edwards ................... 0412 185 130 Mick Bruton ........................ 0416 219 656 Women

Carol Campling ...................... 8065 9647 Jo Clarke ........................... 0427 922 075 Margaret Wayte ...................... 6557 6481 National Selectors

Narelle Follington ............... 0433 379 723 Carol Campling ................. 0401 057 866 Di Cassel ........................... 0426 227 946 Graeme Sticka ................... 0418 402 415

ATTENTION ALL NEW MEMBERS!

Are you aware that Tennis Seniors NSW has its

own Tracksuit? Made by KEA Australia,

and they last “forever”!

The pants have a l-o-n-g zipper for easy removal,

and the top is excellently crafted with three

vibrant blue and white panels.

OUT they go - limited sizes $65 top - $30 pants

Phone Robyn 9624 7075

or Arthur on 9816 4196

We are currently investigating the option of a new top,

similar to our 2011 Shower jackets....

Sunday Social

Lawn Tennis

Hunters Hill Lawn Tennis Club

5 Real Grass Courts

Come and try some real

grass court tennis

Social tennis every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm

$20 which includes a delightful afternoon tea.

Corner of Woolwich Rd & Jeanneret Ave Hunters Hill

Graeme Sticka (Club Captain) 0418 402 415

Courts 9816 2504

info@huntershilltennisclub.com.au