THE Northam Lawn Tennis Club women’s open day was held on November 11.
Sixteen pairs competed in three divisions over the day with teams travelling from as far as Perth, Mundaring, Goomalling, Quairading and surrounds.
The weather was warm with little breeze and the courts were textbook grass.
In the Frangipanis Division (A Grade), competition was fierce, with only four pairs challenging for the honours and playing each other twice over the day to accumulate championship points.
Congratulations to Cathy North and Vanessa Leeson who took out the win over Jodie Schell and Fiona Siegert.
In the Roses Division (A Reserve), play was evenly matched between all pairs with a tie for runner-up announced and decided on a count back.
Well done to Gillian Longworth and June Vonderling who took out the win over Peta Clarke and Britanny Norrish.
In the Azaleas Division (B Grade), play was more relaxed but nonetheless competitive with visiting pair Lazore Pringle and Shirley Jensen taking the win out right over Jeanette Masters and Marie Fox who on count back were announced runners-up.
Many thanks to the sponsors Byfields, Elders Insurance and Summit Fertilizers for the awards and to the raffle donors Pauline Blechynden, Hannigans, Riverside Hotel, Stewarts Pharmacy and Everlasting.
Special mention to women’s captain, Jo Hill and Kevin Smith who worked together to run the day and to Cathy North and Kirsten Arthur for organising the event.
Further thanks to all those who worked in the kitchen, the bar and behind the scenes to ensure a successful day was enjoyed by all.
On November 14, Northam 1 had a bye while Northam 2 hosted Meckering.
Play was well contested over the afternoon and although the lightning strikes threatened to cease play at times the match was able to be completed.
Meckering took the win 21-9 sets.
Pennants continued on November 21, with Northam 1 going down to Goomalling by six sets, 18-12 and Northam 2 losing to Beverley by 10 sets, 10-20.
Well done to Kirsten Arthur for taking five sets.
This week sees a local derby with Northam 2 set to host Northam 1.
The day will culminate with a meal out for the Christmas wind-up.
All players, partners and families need to RSVP to club captain Kirsten Arthur on 0427 040 262 ASAP.
Junior coaching continues each Wednesday from 3.30-6.30pm each week until December 9.
Unfortunately, due to the unexpected extreme heat forecast for the Northam Junior Mixed Doubles Open Day tournament on November 15, the tournament was postponed until after the New Year.
For any queries please contact Kate Swenson on 9622 8445.
On the social front, a new inter-town relationship is blossoming between the Northam Lawn Tennis Club and Toodyay Tennis Club with players from each club invited to come along and have a hit.
Toodyay promotes night tennis in the Avon region with play starting each Friday night from 6pm, while Northam provides social tennis on both Wednesday mornings from 9am and Sunday afternoons from 1.30pm.
Congratulations to club vice-captain Daniel Vernede for taking on this initiative.
This Sunday the club is hosting a Movember Men’s Health awareness afternoon with a raffle to raise funds and prizes donated by Hannafords to be presented to the most interesting moustaches, beards or combinations thereof.
This is in conjunction with the annual mixed doubles championships proudly sponsored by Valley Ford, Northam Hyundai and the Global Care Group.
Play begins at 12.30pm and all players need to notify Kirsten Arthur by 5pm on Friday if they plan to participate.
The Northam Lawn Tennis Club is a family friendly club and encourages players of all age and ability to come along and enjoy the game of tennis in a social setting.
Membership is half price for new members for their first year of membership and there are a range of memberships available that cater for individuals and families alike
