Yarrawonga’s Jim Zanin plays a backhand during the North East Seniors Circuit on Sunday.
The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club has kicked off the 2026/27 season in style, hosting the opening round of the North East Seniors Circuit on Sunday.
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Players aged 30 and over travelled from across the region to enjoy a day of competitive tennis, plenty of laughs and the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
The Seniors Circuit has a unique format, with players entering individually rather than nominating a doubles partner.
Players are then matched with others of a similar standard, helping to create competitive but enjoyable contests throughout the day.
The Yarrawonga players certainly made the most of playing on their home courts, with six local players finishing on top of their groups.
Grant Kendall, Mike Lairson, Les Ryan and Jim Zanin all played strongly to win their groups, while Ellen Bruce and Amy Lairson also produced excellent tennis to finish first on their respective cards.
Six Yarrawonga winners from six cards was a fantastic result for the home club.
Yarrawonga tennis Amy Lairson (C) with equal runners-up Georgie Bruce and Danielle Lawrence.
Danielle Lawrence and Georgie Bruce also had strong days on court, both finishing runners-up in their groups.
Of course, the Seniors Circuit is about much more than the results; morning tea and lunch were provided, giving players plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise between matches.
The circuit has developed a loyal following throughout the North East and provides an excellent way for players to remain involved in tennis while enjoying the company of other players.
Yarrawonga was delighted to host the opening round and looks forward to seeing many of the players back on court throughout the season.
Wilby Association
The Wilby Tennis Association gets its 2026/27 season underway this Friday, October 9, with teams from Burramine, Mulwala, Savernake, Telford, Tungamah and Wilby again taking part.
Each team consists of four men and four women, with every player competing in four sets during a match.
The competition provides a great mix of competitive tennis and social interaction and has been an important part of the local tennis landscape for many years.
This week will see Tungamah host Burramine, Savernake travel to Telford and Wilby take on Mulwala.
Players interested in joining the competition are encouraged to contact Wilby Association president John Wright.
Goulburn Murray Association
Yarrawonga will again be represented in the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association Saturday afternoon competition following the club’s successful return last season.
The club will compete in Division 4 this season, with the first round to be played this Saturday, October 10.
The former Division 3 competition was split into two divisions based on player ability and geographical location; the two competitions were simply named Division 3 and Division 4.
Danielle Lawrence will again lead the Yarrawonga team, with the club looking forward to another enjoyable season of Saturday afternoon tennis.
Juniors back on court
The club’s huge Saturday morning junior program is ready to get underway this Saturday, with more than 220 children already registered.
The program caters for players aged five through to sixteen and provides a pathway for children from their first introduction to tennis through to regular match play.
Younger players begin with Hot Shots, using smaller courts and age-appropriate activities to develop their skills while ensuring tennis remains fun.
As players develop, the focus moves towards technique and the fundamentals of the game, including serving.
The older and more experienced juniors progress into match play, with three sets played each Saturday morning.
With such strong numbers, the club is working hard to ensure every child has an opportunity to participate.
Families will receive an email over the next few days confirming their allocated group and starting time.
Junior Squad will also commence on Wednesday, October 14, with club coach Grant Kendall working with players looking to further develop their game.
Grant also offers group coaching on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, as well as private lessons for players wanting more individual coaching.
Tennis for everyone
There is no shortage of opportunities for adults to get involved at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club this season.
Social tennis is held on Tuesday mornings for ladies, commencing at 9.30am, while the men meet on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm.
Both sessions provide a relaxed environment for players to enjoy a hit, meet other members and get back on court without the commitment of a regular competition.
For those wanting a more competitive option, the midweek competitions will again run from late October through to March.
Men play Tuesday nights and women Thursday nights, with matches commencing at 6pm.
Players enter individually and are placed into teams to help create even matches.
Each player plays three sets of doubles, with plenty of emphasis also placed on the social side of the competition.
A club built around community
Anyone wanting more information about the Seniors Circuit, junior programs, competitions or membership can contact Jason Bassett on 0448 838 256, who can put them in touch with the relevant organiser.
With the courts looking fantastic and the new season now underway, the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club is looking forward to another busy and enjoyable summer.
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