The top eight pointscorers in each age division were invited to attend finals day in Bathurst. 

Parkes had seven qualifiers this year.

Under 11 girl Holly McColl was awarded a special plaque for her commitment to the region, participating in 10 or more tournaments. 

it is a superb achievement for Holly, and her mum Karen, who travelled with Holly throughout these events.

Holly finished fourth at the Champion of Champions and was given a wild card to the state finals.

11 year old Georgia Sideris has made a huge improvement throughout the year as she only started playing in the MJDS events in May. 

Georgia works very hard at her training sessions and deserved her runner-up placing at the Champion of Champions.

Jake Magill and Ben Evans both qualified in the 13s boys event. 

Ben finished in the top three while Jake just played enough MJDS events around his already busy schedule in the junior tour tournaments to qualify in the top eight.

Jake was the overwhelming favourite in the 13s and cruised to victory. 

Ben Evans started brilliantly but fatigue set in as he headed into his last of seven sets for the day. 

If Ben won his final match he would have finished runner-up. 

A loss saw him finish in a tie for third and unfortunately he finished in fifth overall after the count back and missed out on the state finals. 

Ben deserved a place at the finals as he has been one of the most consistent performers in the 13s during the season.

Yasmin Potts proved luckier than Ben as she finished equal second in the 15 and under girls division with two other girls. 

After the countback, she collected the runner-up trophy and has qualified for the finals to be held at Hawkesbury in late October.

James Beuzeville qualified in the 17 and under boys division after some steady performances throughout the year. 

James couldn’t produce any of that early season form though as he faded during the day to finish fifth.

Bec Kiley was the final Parkes qualifier but decided not to attend the event due to CHS Tennis the following week in Sydney.

CHS CHAMPS

Parkes girls competed at Parramatta last week as part of the Western CHS Open girls team.

Bec Kiley, Yasmin Potts, Hannah Potts and Phoebe Potts all made the team after selection trials last month.

The girls enjoyed the carnival but found the strength of the tennis quite fierce. 

Western battled hard through the three day event, playing teams from South Coast, Sydney North, Sydney South West, and Riverina to finish in ninth place.

ST JOSEPH’S TRY TENNIS

Peak Hill’s St Joseph’s Primary School students have been taking to the tennis courts during Term 3. 

Teacher Miss Klintworth organised Parkes coach Helen Magill to work with the 19 students over an initial five week period.

Peak Hill has an excellent tennis centre with four synthetic grass and two hard courts. 

The students were divided into three groups and used the ANZ Hot Shots program red, orange and green balls. 

They learned plenty of skills and activities during their sport time each week.

St Joey’s obtained a grant and purchased some Hot Shots nets, balls and racquets so every student could be catered for.

Principal Mr Colmer, along with teacher’s aid Mrs Bell, also gave some assistance and the students gained valuable skills and confidence from the program.

Helen was impressed with the impeccable behaviour of the students and their enthusiasm to listen and learn during her visits. 

All the students received Hot Shots t-shirts, play-anywhere nets as well as other Hot Shots play equipment.

St Joseph’s continued to participate in tennis for the remainder of the term, culminating in a ‘dress up as your favourite player’ final day and invited parents to join in for some tennis activities.

It is great to see this Parkes Shire village utilising their sports facilities.