Inaugural City v Country Challenge…Friday 10-Sunday 12 April
By David Jones – pictures courtesy of Joe Moseley
As The City buses neared Kiama and closed in on the much anticipated inaugural clash with the Rustic Team from the town known for its Blowhole, the storm clouds gathered and augured a mighty clash.
This Challenge started as a vision…Can we increase the numbers of young players getting excited by tennis with this unique tournament which involves children of all ages and levels? In addition will we be able to engender a feeling of being a part of a Team.
The Inaugural event kicked off with a Welcome Dinner and talks by our President Bob Morgan, Pat Jensen of Jensen’s City Community Tennis and then a presenting of Team members by Head Coach Jess Engels, Lucy K and Daniel Jones from City in addition to Joe Moseley, Head Coach from Kiama.
Bob Morgan, hence forth to be named The Spit Meister, did a magnificent job in managing the roast lamb, beef and pork and performed with surgical precision, the carving of the meat to augment the balance of the feed provided by Chef extraordinaire, Catherine.
Joe presented Country Team members with their shirts during the ‘Welcoming’ of the Teams and then Team photos were taken by Raito from the City squad.
The Night ended with the feeling of anticipation of what lay ahead…
What lay ahead the next day was unfortunately dominated by the weather and text messages to team members was the order of the Day. Many of the players decided while the rain continued, to play table tennis, hotshots inside and under the marquee and totem tennis also beneath a marquee. The decision to hold our first BBQ at 12:00 noon worked and following lunch the competition commenced.
Courts 1and 5 were designated to The Yellow ballers whilst Green Ball was held on Courts 2 and 6 and Orange on Courts 3 and 4.
From start of play, Competition was tough and exciting including some terrific close contests across the board. On one court Andrew from City, who gained an award from managers after the Event, was having a superb 3 set, tie breaker in the third, with Isabella Masi from Country. Meanwhile Reid Formosa, Country and Finn, City were also deeply engaged in a massive 3 set match and 5 all in the tie breaker. Chelsea Moseley, Country v’s Leon City just seemed to go on forever with great stroke play and both players trying their hardest….and so on All Day…A wonderful Day of Tennis!
Also, for this observer, I watched a couple of player’s right at the beginning of their journey in Tennis. In fact one player, Paige Forland from Country, a late entry was involved in her first competitive match and said she loved her experience.
Doubles followed the singles and again competition was terrific.
City ended the Day ahead on points, however, Country was then given a motivational speech by Head Coach Joe explaining that “This Contest is far from over and keep the heads up high”.
Sunday started at 8:00 am to try to beat the promised 11:00 am rain.
Again competition was terrific and importantly played with tremendous spirit.
Today player 1 was pitted against player 2 etc. whereas Day 1 saw 1v1 and 2v2 etc.
This produced some interesting results and Country was able to claw back into contention.
Again Reid Formosa prevailed and Tom Nastovski enjoyed his battle while Ben Rankin was involved in a titanic match with Leon from City.
In the Orange…Malakai Speechley picked up the threads from Day 1, Paige Forland improved and gained further experience, Bronwyn Moseley scored a win with deft placement and consistency while Isabella Masi showed her potential with a cracking victory.
In The Green…Chelsea Moseley again produced some terrific tennis; while Ben Rankin struggled a little with Leon, however, will definitely kick on from here. Olivia Joshi, troubled with injury on Day 1 swung into action on Day 2 playing with increased confidence especially partnering Chelsea Moseley in the reverse doubles. Hamish Tanner also enjoyed some terrific moments and the combination with Ben Rankin in the doubles was very positive.
The Yellow Team fought hard with Reid Formosa leading the way as no.1 winning his singles to add to his victory on Day 1. Tom Nastovski worked hard and this observer has not seen him move so impressively. Noah Koder now wants to keep playing tennis following some superb play including a great effort in the doubles with Tom Nastovski. Nicol Petkovic impressed and enjoyed the pace coming from her opponents. Nicole Petkovic seemed to enjoy her battles on both days playing some power tennis.
At the end of the day Joe and Reid played Lucy, City Coach and Finn in a Fast 4 Match, with Country reigning supreme in a very close and exciting encounter.
Many of the juniors then milled onto Court 1 for a Game of Tennis cricket and then Players were summoned for the Presentations to be made in the Club house.
Catherine organized the team signings of the framed Tournament posters and then Hannah led us into the Presentations by firstly introducing Daniel who announced to a hushed audience…
The Winners of The Inaugural City v Country Cup is…City by 25 matches to 11!!!
Then Joe presented the Country Team their Certificates advising all that “we’ll be back” and to keep the Cup polished for its return. Then to great applause from all, Daniel presented the Medallions to City players. Then the Cup was held high by the City team.
Team photos taken by Raito were what, for all of us, a wonderful weekend of fun, camaraderie and Tennis…
Congratulations City and many Thanks to All those who worked hard to make this tournament a success.
See You All Soon!!!