23 November 2014 | Tennis Tasmania

The final chapter in what was a scintillating Medibank Junior Development Series (MJDS) was completed yesterday on a picturesque day at the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre. The top ranked eligible players from each of the 4 age groups were on display in a celebration of the twenty MJDS events throughout the state. With prizes as well as the bragging rights as being the best performed MJDS player on the line the stakes were high as the players battled away.

The 9/u girls singles was the first event to be completed with rising stars Arwen Koesmapahlawan and Rosie Fish playing out an epic battle. Rosie gave Arwen all she could handle before falling in two hotly contested sets. Arwen, who fell over during the point, then got up and continued to play with a bloody knee exemplified the grit and hard work she is renowned for. In the 9/u boys event it was Kiran Naidoo who used his laser speed and superb sportsmanship to claim another 9/u title in his remarkable climb to the top. For their impressive performances throughout the series both players will receive a free trip as part of the Super 10s camp.

In a battle between close friends and hitting partners the 11/u girls final between Rebecca Flinn and Rosie Fish was always going to be an arm wrestle. After a two hour battle it was Flinn who used her booming serve and forehand to claim a hard fought 7-5 6-3 victory. Both girls will be ones to watch moving forward as they get set for the 12/u rankings events. In the 11/u boys it was Thomas Hann, who recently claimed the Super 12s Title with the Trevallyn Titans, claiming a comfortable victory over second seeded Jed Plukett-Smith. Hann has been on an impressive run since the Bruce Cup, where he only dropped one singles contest. For their efforts both Hann and Flinn collected their $1,000 novelty cheque, which is to be spend on tennis related expenses.

In the ultra competitive 13/u group four lucky finalists from each age group would go on to represent Tasmania at the ever popular Foundation Cup in Melbourne. In two highly entertaining contests it was Samuel Edgar upsetting William Gibson and Georgina Fish defeating Lucy Jones. Edgar and Fish both played flawless tennis, using a quick start to set the tone for the rest of the match. For their efforts both players receive a free trip to the Foundation Cup which is set for January 12-16 at the prestigious Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. Congratulations to the following players on qualifying through to the Foundation Cup team;

1. Georgina Fish             1. Samuel Edgar
2. Lucy Jones                   2. William Gibson
3. Chelsea Leggett           3. Oscar Targett
4. Claudia Barnes            4. William Bennett

Lastly in the 15/u under events where the winner would receive the coveted prize of direct entry into the 2015 Pizzey Cup team (hosted in Tasmania) it was Jessica Fowler and Sam Plunkett-Smith claiming straight set victories to claim the title. Plunkett-Smith was first off the court after eking past a pesky James Anderson in a highly entertaining final. Both players played the match in great spirit with Plunkett-Smith’s movement and aggression too much for Anderson. Fowler on the other hand was able to use a strong start against friend and foe Sophie Johnstone to her advantage, coolly claiming the match with the loss of only one game.

Overall it was a fantastic day in Launceston with a great turn out to celebrate such a fantastic series sponsored by Medibank. These tournaments serve as such a focal developmental tool for players first entering tournaments and a gateway into the Australian Junior Tour.

Thanks to everyone for supporting this series of twenty tournaments ranging from Burnie through to Kingston. A big thank you to all the clubs and organising committees. It is through your hard work and commitment that we are able to provide such a clear pathway and valuable tennis playing experiences to our players. Stay tuned for our 2015 MJDS calendar which will be released promptly.