Northern Mallee finish third

TENNIS Victoria and some of the best players from Country Victoria have praised Swan Hill as one of the best destinations to hold a tournament, just days after the 60th annual Inter-regional tournament wrapped up.

Organisers believe more than 600 people visited the city with local restaurants and hotels the winners in a financial boost.

It was the third time Swan Hill has hosted this event — previous events were held in 1984 and 2013 — and officials have hinted at the possibly of the tournament returning in the next four years.

On the court, the Northern Mallee Tennis side finished in an unprecedented third place, one of the highest rankings the side has had in the history of the tournament.

While yet to win the Country Championships, the future for the Northern Mallee side is bright after the Under-18 players dominated their draws.

Tennis Victoria tournament and events manager Andrew Reynolds said he was impressed by the playing conditions the town offered.

“We have said it a few times, but every player I spoke to, they said the courts and the service and the effort made by everyone in Swan Hill was outstanding,” he said.

“The courts played fantastically, the players had no excuse, and the weather was perfect. The court, facilities and community effort was fantastic and the players couldn’t speak higher of it.

“I was most pleased that people didn’t just come for the tennis and got to go to other activities … a lot of people enjoyed the river, camping, water sports and of course the restaurants.”

Northern Mallee dominated the Under-18s division with the grand final being contested between Swan Hill’s Elise Morrison and teammate, eventual champion, Sheree Moore.

Zac Warne came second in the Under 12 main draw, Julie Wardle and Catherine Dawes second in the over 45s doubles, Elise Morrison and Sherree Moore took out the Under 18 doubles and the Northern Mallee picked up the most improved team in the competition.

For the eighth year in a row Barwon took out the competition on a whole.

Reynolds also said the fact players were willing to travel to Swan Hill showed the city had potential to be one of the main stays of the tournament.

“Everyone loves it there, they are willing to travel … they have come from all over and left happy whether they won or lost,” he told The Guardian.

“Many wished it could be in Swan Hill every year and it would be great, but Tennis Victoria will want to promote it through all the regions.

“There will be an expression of interest for the next four years coming out, I think Swan Hill is well within its rights to apply and it may be back again.”