Parkes Public School won the Western region Todd Woodbridge Cup and travelled down to Sydney to compete in the NSW/ACT State Finals with 19 other school teams.

Parkes Public was represented by Ella McColl, Liliani Latu, Phoebe Forbes, Grace MacGregor, Belle Batt, Jett Johnstone, Rhys Thompson, Sam Riley and Taj Lovett with Mrs Dolbel managing the team. Parkes Public were in a group with St Mary’s Casino, Eleebana(Northumberland), Telopea Park(ACT) and Illawarra Christian School.

They lost to St Marys Casino six matches to two, to Telopea Park (the eventual winners) seven matches to one and defeated the other two teams and won their playoff match seven matches to one to finish in 11th place.

Well done to all the families involved for their commitment and for Parkes Public School for giving its students the opportunity to compete in Todd Woodbridge Cup and experience red ball tennis at this level.

The singles divisions for junior comp finished last week after a delicious barbeque and presentations. This competition included red, orange and green ball divisions.

Helen is hoping to have a different structure in 2019 where players will play with a friend and play both one match of singles and one match of doubles each week.

This will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the processes they are progressing through at their ANZHotShots sessions. More details towards the end of January.

Meanwhile results from term four were-

Last Thursday the tennis centre was a hive of activity with 130 school students representing Parkes East, Parkes Public, Holy Family, Parkes Christian School and Middleton Public across all three stages.

It was a huge day of red ball and green ball tennis.

Stage 1 played singles with 30 points of peg scoring. Stage 2 played Todd Woodbridge Cup rules of 8minute matches while Stage 3 played first to four sets.

After the singles and a delicious barbeque lunch cooked by Hedley Nicholson and Councillor George Pratt, players were keen to get back on court for some mixed doubles play.

Stages 1 and 2 played eight minutes of points play while Stage 3 played first to four set matches again.

After the conclusion of play everyone gathered to hear the final points tally for the day.

Parkes Christian School were ecstatic when they were announced winners of Stage 1 while Parkes Public were dominant in both Stage 2 and Stage 3 and were announced overall winners of the McDonalds/Magill trophy for 2018.

Special mention to Holy Family who finished second in every stage.

Thank you to the ongoing support of all the Primary Schools in Parkes and to the awesome ten Year nine and ten students from Parkes Christian School who came and helped the Stage 1 players for the day.

They quickly got the hang of how the day ran and the format of play and seemed to enjoy their experience.

ANZHotshots

HotShots has almost finished for 2018. Monday groups finished yesterday while Tuesday groups will finish on 11^th (due to the Show) and Friday groups will conclude this Friday, December 7.

It has been another great year of HotShots with plenty of opportunities for further match play and practise for those who are extra keen.

It is nice to see the coaches engaging with the players and everyone enjoying their weekly sessions. ANZHotShots will recommence mid-February after the Summer break.

There have been quite a few people asking about racquets and bags or backpacks for Christmas presents. There is a huge range of junior, intermediate and full size racquets available as well as small, medium and large backpacks and bags. The tennis shop will close on December 17th.

Abbey Kennedy, Maddy McCormick and Molly Kennedy travelled to Penrith on the weekend for the State Finals after qualifying through the CW junior development series throughout 2018. All three girls were involved in the under 14 division.

Molly won her first round against a player from Sydney then lost in the second round  to a player from the North West region. Molly then lost her first consolation match to a player from the South Coast.

Maddy played well in her first match but went down to a player from  Northumberland region then won an epic consolation match against the number seven seed from North West 11/9 in the super tiebreak.

Maddy couldn’t keep up that form though in the next match and went down to another North West player.

Abbey meanwhile had a BYE in the opening round and then defeated a player from South West 6/4, 7/5 and followed that up with a hard fought 7/6, 6/4 win in the quarter finals against a player from Northunberland.

Abbey then progressed through to the semi finals for the first time and came up against the Number one seed from  North Coast.

Abbey went down but recovered well shortly after in the playoff for third and fourth against a player from South Coast to take this match in a determined display 6/3, 6/2. A great finish to the weekend.

After a washout in Round 6, players returned to the courts last week full of enthusiasm. Davis Cup took on Deuce Bags without their team captain Kurt Matthews who reportedly spent his birthday trying to snag the odd fish or two. Sister Lyndal subbed in and helped Davis Cup boys Scott Knights and Max Keith to a four sets to two win.

The hot favourites this comp- Dreamteam- once again proved too solid for Net Nuts. Darren Fisher led the way with a 6/3 singles win over Alex Evans while Travis Carte looks to be in sterling form despite his inconsistent showings this comp.

He defeated Brent Tucker 6/1 while Line 3 stalwart Tim Bell showed no mercy on Amelia Tanswell in their singles. Dreamteam went to score a five sets to one victory.

Mixed Lollies got the better of The Dirty Daws last week four sets to two. Matt Burkitt enjoyed a 6/4 singles win over Lachy Tassell but Paul Dunford was found wanting against Ben Evans with Ben blistering some backhands to keep Paul at bay 6/1.

Bogan Gate Bandits and Top Shelf had a good match last week on the front courts and the final scoreline which saw the Bandits win five sets to one wasn’t a real reflection of the competitive nature of the match.

The line one men Phil Dunfrod and Gary Morgan played a ripper match with both players working hard to find weaknesses in their opponents play but both were proving tough nuts to crack. It was Phil who eventually pulled out some big serves and nice serve/volley moves to get the edge and score a 6/4 win.

Nice to see Janelle Goodsell filling in and as always loves getting out on court and playing matches. Janelle found Andrew McPherson a little tough not being used to having to cover the whole court but nevertheless gave Pherso a good run for his money.

Ben Rix and Brendon Hunt also had a good singles match with plenty of skill and guile on show. It was Ben who just fell over the line after some marathon rallies.

Arndell’s Aces outplayed The Questionables four sets to two with Angus and Julian Fyfe having a good singles match but Angus’ big serve proving tough to handle. Brad Wilson got one back for The Questionables with a 6/4 win over Holly McColl and Sheridan Kirk put another on the scoreboard with a singles against Mitch Arndell which went down to the wire 6/5 but ACES were too solid winning all three doubles sets.

Smashes boys were happy last week when they scored their first win of this comp over Regional Business Supplies on a games count-back. Smashes won all three singles matches and lost all three doubles sets but managed to get the victory by five games.

Next Tuesday, December 11 will be the final night for this competition and all are encouraged to bring along their eskis and enjoy a couple of drinks and nibbles to conclude the year of tennis.

This Sunday, December 9 will be the doubles and mixed doubles divisions for the 2018 Club Championships.

The singles were played two weeks ago (report next week) and it is hoped there is good support for the A and B grade Ladies and Mens doubles and mixed doubles.

Entries to Helen by Friday, December 7 for a 10am start on Sunday.