Swan to spread wings

A CROWD of more than 700 has begun arriving in Swan Hill as the 60th annual Inter-regional Championships kicks off today with a host of local players on show.

Swan Hill was chosen to host the event because of the grass courts available to organisers, bringing a massive financial boost to the town in the process.

On the court, there are players who can bring the trophy home for the Northern Mallee team.

Elise Morrison has been touted to play deep into her draw, while seasoned athletes Julie Wardle and Daniel Gardner will take to the Veterans competition (45 years and above).

Malcolm Swan and Matt Witney will also look to take out the top gong in the Open Men’s division with both expected to progress deep into the draw, before pairing up for doubles action.

Making his Inter-regional debut will be Swan, who has toured the world playing tennis.

The Swan Hill local started his tennis career in the Mallee more than 30 years ago and is looking to progress through the Men’s draw across the weekend.

“It is a privilege to play for Swan Hill on the grass courts in the tournament, it will be lots of fun, and hopefully I can make it through some matches,” Swan told The Guardian.

“It would be a stretch for me to win it, I am not expecting to, but to play this weekend will be great, and I am not sure what the field is like so hopefully I can play well.

“I am a serve and volley player, I want to hit lots of serves and come into the net behind them and stay away from the baseline if I can. My match fitness would have to be a weakness at the moment, I haven’t played a lot of matches recently but hopefully it isn’t too hot and I can make it through.”

Swan will show the juniors of the club what he had the chance to learn while playing for Idaho State University when he was younger.

Swan Hill Lawn Tennis and Croquet club president Pete Morrison said he was excited about the weekend.

“We are looking at 700 people coming into town, we are really excited. I expect the hotels to be fully booked with plenty checking out restaurants and shops throughout the weekend. It is very good news.”

Check out the local’s on show over the next few days:

Friday

Malcolm Swan    Men’s Open Singles Fri 8:30am

Matt Whitney    Men’s Open Singles Fri 8:30am

Gemma Fawcett Girl’s 14/U Singles Fri 8:30am

Malcolm Swan Men’s Open Singles Fri 8:30am

Barry Dow Mens 45+ Singles Fri 9:30am

Daniel Gardner Men’s Seniors Singles Fri 10:00am

Luke Morrison Men’s 22/U Singles Fri 10:00am

Will Gardner Boy’s 14/U Singles Fri 10:30am

Sunny Handy Boy’s 14/U Singles Fri 10:30am

Bridie Gardner Girl’s 16/U Singles Fri 11:30am

Laughlin Carroll 18/U Singles Fri Fri 12:00pm

Elise Morrison Girl’s 18/U Singles Fri 12:30pm

Luke Morrison Men’s 22/U Doubles Fri 3:00pm

John Wardle  Men’s 22/U Doubles Fri 3:00pm

Will Gardner 14/U Doubles Fri 3:00pm

Sunny Handy 14/U Doubles Fri 3:00pm

Bridie Gardner Girl’s 16/U Doubles Fri 3:30pm

Daniel Gardner Seniors Doubles Fri 4:00pm

Laughlin Carroll 18/U Doubles Fri Fri 4:30pm

Elise Morrison Girl’s 18/U Doubles Fri 6:00pm

Saturday

Laughlin Carroll 18/U Mixed Doubles Sat 1:00pm

Elise Morrison 18/U Mixed Doubles Sat 1:00pm

Gemma Fawcett 14/U Mixed Doubles Sat 1:30pm

Bridie Gardner Mixed 16/U Doubles Sat 1:30pm

Daniel Gardner Seniors Mixed Doubles Sat 2:30pm

Will Gardner 14/U Mixed Doubles Sat 1:30pm

Sunny Handy 14/U Mixed Doubles Sat 1:30pm

Luke Morrison 22/U Mixed Doubles Sat 2:30pm

John Wardle  22/U Mixed Doubles Sat 2:30pm