1 September 2014 | Tennis Tasmania

After a full week of testing their mettle against the very best 12/u tennis players from across the country, the 2014 Bruce Cup is officially in the books. All States and Territories participated in this years Bruce Cup with Victoria taking the honours in a hotly contested competition. Tasmania finished a very competitive 6th with wins over the host Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.

There was much anticipation around this years Bruce Cup with a brand new Platinum individual rankings event to be ran alongside the teams championships. In the end the tournament and teams championships worked in harmony and apart from a few glitches the events were a huge success!

After a sweltering opening ceremony where much emphasis was placed on keeping hydrated and eating properly the team kicked off with a doubles header against defending champion Queensland and forth placed New South Wales. It seemed our training days had paid on the doubles court with some great 

chemistry and stellar play throughout. From the outset the energy and enthusiasm shown by all players was phenomenal with great sportsmanship and team comradely at an all time high.

After playing four States in two days (Vic and SA on day two) the team was feeling the affects of a mountain of tennis. The recovery swims in the pool back at our resort was definitely helping as was the dinners being prepared and cooked by two members of the team (each night).

Day five brought on the highly fancied Northern Territory outfit looking to claim its first win. From the outset the team came ready to play, willing and chanting each other to victory which was inspiring to those on court. “Tassie fans in the stands if you hear us clap your hands” was being belted out by the team, thrilled with excitement on claiming a very tense win. After the win the team came together to do their ritual “Oooooh Team Tas” chant that other States seemed to copy. After a very close loss to Western Australia the team faced off in their last day of competition against ACT.

With their bags packed and cabins vacated the team steam rolled out of the blocks against a competitive ACT outfit, not looking back after taking a 5-1 lead into the mixed doubles. After claiming a very comfortable victory the team came together one last time before we all sang happy birthday to Lucy Jones.

From a coach/managers perspective it was an absolute pleasure taking this group of kids to Darwin and we cant wait to see everyone on the tennis court shortly ahead of the Bruce and Pizzey Cups in Tasmania in 2015.