HAVING A HIT: Peter McKeachie in action at the Myrtleford lawn courts on the weekend. PHOTO: Simon Crase

The Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club summer pennant competition commenced on Saturday in perfect weather conditions and on the new grass courts that played exceptionally well.

The ball bounced through truly and a bit like a hard court with a good even bounce.

It was pleasing to welcome seven players from Bright Tennis Club, three juniors from Myrtleford, seven past players and two new players to the club.

The competition has 40 players, one of the best numbers for a few years.

The two matches were close affairs with Pepsi having a 7/5 win over Solo.

Players in good early season form were Steven Perkins and Michael Crocker for Solo while sub Ryan Gropel had a three-set winning day and other players in good form for Pepsi were Andrew Robertson, Roz Walpole, Peter McKeachie and Annelise O’Kane.

In the other match, Sprite also had a 7/5 win over Fanta.

Denis Piazza led his team from the front with a three-set winning day and others hitting well for Sprite were Ryan O’Kane, Marcus James, Jeno Simon, Emma McCormick and Dylan Piazza.

Rhiannon McIlroy carried the flag for Fanta with a three-set day.

Marnie Broz was the only other multiple winner for Fanta.

The results were Sprite 7/76 to Fanta 5/63 and Pepsi 7/83 to Solo 5/67.

Tennis recommences on Saturday, January 28, with Coke on duty and Sprite with the bye.

Players are reminded that commencement time is 1.30pm for a 1.45 hit off. All sub players should be notified to Peter Ternes or Marnie Broz.

Social tennis will continue this Friday evening from 5.30pm.

The courts will be open for casual play during the week although some courts will be closed for maintenance work.

Please observe the courts closed signs.

The club’s popular Hot Shots program will recommence on Saturday, February 4 at 9am at the McNamara Reserve courts as will the junior competition but at the grass courts, and the junior squad will resume their weekly sessions on Wednesday, February 1, at 5pm at the grass courts.

Names for the Tuesday twilight competition, which will commence on Tuesday, February 7, are now being taken and should be forwarded to Andrew Robertson on 5753 4439.