IT was a full weekend of tennis action for Limestone Coast juniors, with the 2020 Foundation Cup Mount Gambier Bronze Junior Tennis tournament held in the Blue Lake city on Sunday.
Played across two venues – Olympic Park and Mount Gambier Tennis Club – the tournament showcased junior tennis talent from the Limestone Coast, as well as Adelaide and interstate.
There was plenty of “local” success, with the Under 16 boys and girls divisions won by Mount Gambier’s Brady Cook and Emily Edwards respectively, while youngster Hamish Gordon took out the round robin 10 and Under boys competition.
Rain affected the tournament and matches were altered to two shortened sets as a precaution leading into the day.
Play was delayed for about 30 minutes midway through the day due to the wet conditions, but resumed afterwards to complete all games, aside from the 12 and Under boys final.
That match saw visiting players Ayaan Chowdhary and Abhik Khatry share the points.
Aside from the interruptions by Mother Nature the tournament ran smoothly, with Foundation Cup coach and Lakes Junior Tennis chairperson Cassie Edwards deeming it a success.
“It was enjoyed by all of the players I think,” she said.
“We saw some great tennis and some really good players from away who came to play.
“Our local players also put on a really good show – it was very good.”
She said Cook and Emily Edwards both did well to win their age groups, while fellow Limestone Coast players also managed positive results.
“Cade Kelly made the grand final in the 14 and Under boys, so he was runner-up in that which was really good,” Cassie Edwards said.
Zayne Young also finished runner-up playing in the 16 and Under boys, but lost to Cook in the decider.
Emily Jolley made the 14 and Under girls semi-finals, while Jorja Mitchell made the quarter finals in the same grade and Jayme Young also made the quarter finals in the 12 and Under girls.
Edwards will now begin to work on the selection process for the Foundation Cup teams.
“It will be at least a couple of weeks before I can get those teams chosen,” she said.
Teams will be selected based on Sunday’s performances, along with the junior development tournament held at Lucindale last December.
Edwards will also look at athletes involved with the Limestone Coast Academy as she makes her selections.
“There are a few factors I have to put together and then I will select some squads or teams from there,” she said.
Last year’s junior tournament was a closed event for Limestone Coast players only, but it was opened to outside talent this year.
While having the visiting players adds some challenges to Foundation Cup selections, Edwards said it was good to have such a high level of competition on show at the junior tournament.
“I am very happy to have an open bronze or silver tournament in Mount Gambier,” she said.
“Having one of these tournaments is fantastic for our region and for our players.”
Edwards said the tournament also reflected well on the professionalism of Limestone Coast players.
“I would like to compliment our local children on the way they played their matches,” she said.
“Our local kids played their tennis in such good spirit and showed professionalism.
“It is a testament to us as a tennis body I think and also to them as players and their parents.”
Edwards also thanked the local tennis parents who helped out on the day.
Attention now turns back to the Lakes Junior Tennis season, which is gearing up for finals.
The junior grand final dates have been set and will be contested on Friday night and Saturday morning on March 20 and 21.
