Tennis NSW

Talented juniors converge on Central West for final

240 of the most talented up and coming juniors made their way across NSW to take their place at the 2012 Medibank Junior Development Series (MJDS) State Final at Richmond Tennis Centre and Nepean District Tennis Association over the weekend.

Players travelled from Metropolitan Sydney, South East, South West, Central West, Northumberland, North East and North West to compete for glory within their age group.

Players proved it was a difficult journey making the final, playing a number of regional MJDS events in which they accumulate points. From those points the best players from each region partake in their Champion of Champions event which feeds into the State Final.

The Clarke family, from the North East region, demonstrated that tennis is a real family affair; Blake played in the 14/U Boys Final, Corey in the 12/U Boys Final and Krystal competed in the 10/U Girls final.

“I’ve now played in the 10/U, 12/U and 14/U age groups. It’s great that my brother (Corey) and sister (Krystal) are now involved in their age groups, when we travel around NSW it’s much easier.”

“Sometimes it’s hard for my parents to keep up with all of us playing at the same time but at the same time it’s great that we can all share something” said Clarke.

The 2012 MJDS State Final was a first for long time Tournament Referee Dave Allen. His experience at the event was encouraging believing that is important to recognise good behaviour on court.

 “I was very pleasantly surprised and pleased with the attitude of players and parents on court”

“Susan (Harris, Tennis NSW Tournaments Coordinator), included a best and fairest award during the weekend. I think this is something that we need to reward players for more often” said Allen.

Congratulations to the following players who were awarded the daily best and fairest player from Richmond and Nepean.

Angelina Graovac (12/U G), James Ward (12/U B), Lachlan Rook (10/B), Shaylee Sydenham (14/U G), Courtney Cook (12/U G) and Ronan Wallace (12/U B).

Central West player Bethany Cullen (16/U G) was presented with the 2012 MJDS State Final overall best and fairest award.

“Bethany displayed all of those qualities; respect and good sportsmanship both on and off court” explained Allen.

This year the MJDS State Final directed by Tournaments Coordinator Susan Harris incorporated a Regional Point Score. The point score was a highlight of the final; it gave players that extra incentive to win points for their region.

“It was very close between North East and North West coming down to a couple of points, North West just edged in front of their neighbours” said Harris.

Central West Community Tennis Officer (CTO), Nathan Wilkins, believes that his region has the facilities and community support to attract tournaments such as the MJDS State Final.

“The whole region since it was announced the region has been abuzz, hopefully we can retain the final next year”.

“It’s great to see that all of the coaches and players are supporting this tournament, it is a great introduction into the Tennis NSW tournament pathway” said Wilkins.

Tennis NSW would like to acknowledge Tournaments Coordinator Susan Harris who did a wonderful job in organising and running the event.

Thank you to Nepean District Tennis Association CEO, Chris Woodland and Richmond Tennis Centre, Tim White, for providing such wonderful facilities throughout the event.

MJDS State Final Results

10/U Boys

Spencer Reynolds[1] d. William Hatzis [3] 6-4 6-0

10/U Girls

Caitlyn Portela [1] d. Krystal Clarke [3] 6-0 6-3

12/U Boys

Miguel Bandula [8] d. Corey Clarke [1] 6-2 6-4

12/U Girls

Katie-Rae Fing [2] d. Tayla Garratt [12] 6-4 6-2

14/U Boys

Alexander De Jong [2] d. Blake Clarke [1] 6-7 6-2 7-5

14/U Girls

Gabrielle O’Gorman [1] d. Briahna Bessant [3] 6-0 6-0

16/U Boys

Rhys Johnston [1] d. Alex Mitton [2] 6-4 6-1

16/U Girls

Bethany Cullen [1] d. Sarina Kang [4] 7-5 6-4