SUNDAY saw 44 young people from all over Port Stephens and Stockton travel to take part in interclub Tennis Championships at Tilligerry Tennis Club.

The tournament saw 44 entrants competing, from seven to fourteen years of age, from Boat Harbour, Stockton, Soldiers Point and Tilligerry Tennis Clubs.

More than 150 people were in attendance on the day.

The competition was a great kick start to the summer of tennis which is just around the corner.

“We wanted to give the kids a taste of experiencing a real competition to get them in the mood for the upcoming season of Australian tennis,” James Bellette, Head Coach at Foreshore Tennis told News Of The Area.

“We had a perfect day with a wonderful turnout on our new hard court, which is the same surface that the Australian Open is played on, so that was pretty exciting for the kids, ” Mr Bellette said.

The new hardcourt was officially opened in October 2021 and is the first of its kind from Stockton through to Fingal Bay.

A host of local businesses supported the competition by donating prizes for all the players.

Winners of the tournament for Yellow Ball 11- 17 years boys were Harry Young from Stockton Tennis Club and runner up Rowan Burke from Soldiers Point Tennis Club.

Yellow Ball 11-17 years girls was won by Olivia McLoughlin from Tilligerry Tennis and runner up was Ella Robinson from Stockton Tennis Club.

Green Ball 8 -12 years boys was won by Bon Hammerton from Stockton Tennis and runner up was Henry Harris from Soldiers Point Tennis.

Green Ball 8-12 years girls was won by Lili Putica from Fingal Bay Tennis and runner up was Mia Ballardie from Stockton Tennis.

Orange Ball 7- 8 years boys was won by Will Hall from Soldiers Point and Runner up was Thomas Dunn from Stockton Tennis.

Orange Ball 7-8 years girls was won by Eva Hanrahan from Soldiers Point and Runner Up was Charlie Hafey from Stockton Tennis.

Roll on the summer of tennis.

By Jewell DRURY