Boys’ long drive for LMR tennis pays off

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – LODDON MALLEE REGIONAL

Year 8 Boys & Intermediate Boys Tennis

On Tuesday 29 April, the Loddon Mallee Regional Tennis Finals were held in Mildura. It was an early start for our players, departing Bendigo at 4.30 am for the four-and-a-half-hour journey to the Mildura Lawn Tennis Club. Some players were fortunate enough to travel the night before with their families, allowing for a little extra rest ahead of the big day. Both teams had plenty of support from the sidelines throughout the event, adding to the positive and encouraging atmosphere.

Junior Boys Team

The Junior Boys Team comprised Liam Carter, Max Haw, Tomas Dunne and Xavier Tyrrell, all competing in their first Loddon Mallee Regional Finals competition. The boys played strongly as a team, securing a convincing win against Trinity Lutheran College, Mildura in their first game. Unfortunately, they then narrowly lost to St Joseph’s College, Echuca. Although the teams were equal on sets, our boys fell just short on games. The lawn courts posed a challenge, but the players adapted well to the conditions and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Results:

• Game 1 vs Trinity College:
  CMC won – 5 sets, 21 games to 1 set, 9 games
• Game 2 vs St Joseph’s College, Echuca:
  CMC lost – 3 sets, 17 games to 3 sets, 20 games

Junior Boys: Tomas Dunne, Liam Carter, Max Haw, Xavier Tyrrell

Intermediate Boys Team

The Intermediate Boys Team featured brothers Christopher and Carlo Gamboa, whose doubles partnership was a highlight of the day. They were joined by Maurice Nihill and Henry Hetherington, forming a strong and balanced team. All four players had previous experience playing on the Mildura lawn courts and were familiar with the Fast Four format, which includes sudden death at deuce. This knowledge proved to be a real asset.

The final result came down to the last singles match between Carlo and his opponent from St Joseph’s Echuca. Carlo needed to win for the team to secure the overall victory. He fought for every point and managed to clinch the win in a tie-break, 4 games to 3.

Results:

• Game 1 vs Irymple Secondary College:
  CMC won – 4 sets, 20 games to 2 sets, 13 games
• Game 2 vs St Joseph’s College, Echuca:
  CMC won – 4 sets, 17 games to 2 sets, 16 games

Intermediate Boys: Henry Hetherington, Chris Gamboa, Carlo Gamboa, Maurice Nihill

Both teams demonstrated excellent commitment, sportsmanship and skill throughout the competition, making the long trip to Mildura a worthwhile experience.

Congratulations to the Intermediate Boys Team for winning their division. They now progress to the State Finals in Melbourne on Friday 16 May. Thank you to all parents and supporters who ensured students arrived early for departure, and a special mention to those who travelled to Mildura. It was wonderful to have you there cheering on the teams.