Parkes Public School has finished a gallant third in NSW in the Public Schools Sporting Association (PSSA) Tennis Knockout competition.
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The team consisted of Joseph Tanswell, Gabe Goodrick, Maddy McCormick and Molly Kennedy.
The players travelled to Sydney last week to play in the finals at the Olympic Park Tennis Centre at Homebush.
Parkes Public was drawn to play Grafton Public, who were known to have a very experienced number one girl in their ranks.
The local players soon discovered the Grafton side had one very solid girl and three other big, strong and more than capable players.
Courageously Parkes didn’t back down in their fight to stay in the competition.
Although the home team gave it their all, they couldn’t manage to win one set.
After going down in the semi final, Parkes Public then took on Artarmon Public who lost 7 sets to 1 to Merimbula.
Parkes players, to their credit, rallied well.
Maddy and Molly won their singles sets convincingly.
Meanwhile Joseph and Gabe played well, but couldn’t quite get over the line in their singles.
The boys came out hard in the doubles, and both girls and boys had handy leads when the skies opened up and the squeegees came out on the plexi-cushion courts to sweep off the puddles.
Just when Parkes felt play may have been going their way, further showers prevented any further play.
Parkes Public team were disappointed as they felt they were in control of the doubles, with their mixed doubles matches to follow.
Many thanks to Mrs Dolbel from Parkes Public School who went above and beyond for the team.
Thanks also goes to the parents for their commitment to training and match practise to see the four players as well prepared as possible for the finals.
The encouraging factor is three of the four children are in Year 5 and after a wonderful experience, they are excited to go one step further next year.
Parkes Public School and its students are very proud of the efforts of Joseph, Gabe, Maddy and Molly.
Junior comp
There is no junior competition today as the Parkes Show is on. Next Tuesday will be Round 7.
The following week, on September 13 will be the washed out Round 3 for all half hour singles matches, followed by the barbecue and presentations.
The singles and doubles division will just play the match on their draw for Round 8.
