From Tennis Captain, Kiva Gwynne
The fifth round of the season, and final round of the year, proved difficult for each team from the Opens to Year 8. The Barker boys and girls showcased their skill, showing no mercy as they thwarted every chance for Waverley to prevail.
The 1st and 2nd teams were both outmatched on Saturday, losing 2 sets to 6 and 0 sets to 8, respectively. Lachie Unsworth and I were able to defy the odds and secure the second set of our doubles match, coming back from 1-4 down to win the set 6-4. Lachie also took his singles set 6-3 in the number one position, showing outstanding grit and determination in a thrilling game of tennis.
A relentless Barker demolished the 3rd and 4th teams, with both defeated by the same margin of 0 sets to 6. Dion Sinodinos was the only Waverlian to win a set in the 5th and 6th teams, triumphing in his singles 6-4. The 5th team went on to lose 1 set to 5, whilst the 6th team lost every set.
There was another tough loss for Year 10, who unfortunately lost every set. The 9A and 9B teams were also unable to secure any sets, although Diego Berdaa came close in nail-biting singles set (losing 5 games to 7). Massimo di Napoli also put in a commendable effort, suffering a close 4-6 defeat.
Guy Hammerschmidt was once again a highlight in the fixture for the 8A team, winning his singles set 6-2. This effort, however, proved somewhat futile as the team couldn’t seize any other sets. The 8B team were the only team not to lose on Saturday; drawing in both sets and games (3 sets all, 28 games all). After being edged out in both doubles sets, Ronnie Roth, Jared Garwood and Aidan Trovato bounced back to win their singles sets to draw with Barker.
I’d like to say thanks to Mr Kinglsey and Mr Smith for their contribution to the opens tennis over the last few years, as they are leaving at the end of the year. A big thank you also goes to Jane Karakatsanis for her work as the head of the tennis supporters group, who is also leaving this year. We hope to come back next year refreshed and rejuvenated for the second half of the season.
