On Friday 26 March we had a closely fought Grand Final between the highly favoured Newstead Sec 2 team against Castlemaine Rinky. Newstead came out on top 4 matches 10 sets to 2 matches 6 sets. But 2 of Newstead's wins were in tie-breakers, and had a few points in each of those matches gone the other way then Rinky could have won 4 matches to 2 themselves.
Section 2 players
Section 3
On Saturday 27 March we had an even more stunning close match. Castlemaine Aces and Castlemaine Chargers fought out the match and to great surprise for everyone it came down to one game in the end - Aces won 3 matches all, 7 sets all, and 31 games to 30!
Section 3 players
Junior 1
On the same morning there was another all-Castlemaine affair in Junior One between Castlemaine Fire and Castlemaine Sharks. Fire won all 4 singles to seal the match, but then Sharks bounced back and won both doubles to end in a 4 matches 9 sets to 2 matches 5 sets result in favour of Fire.
In total all 4 CDTA Clubs - Castlemaine, Newstead, Harcourt and Maldon had great seasons and much good tennis and good sportsmanship was on display throughout the season. A special thank-you to all parents, Team Managers and Club and CDTA Officials who all put in so much effort.
Junior 1 players
Special thank you to all our team managers who did a great job this season.
Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club will be hosting an exciting tennis event on Sunday October 4, 1 - 4pm. The Victoria UTR Series is a Tennis Victoria initiative and is open to juniors and adults. The Fast4 round robin format is lots of fun and all players will get to play three matches.
In line with the federal and state governments partial easing of the current Covid-19 restrictions, the club will be open to players from Wednesday 13 May.
The committee have agreed to open the courts between 8am and 5pm each day. Gates at the clubhouse and at court 6 will be left open between these hours and players should only use these points to access/exit the courts. Players should provide their own balls and equipment and adopt all the relevant guidelines from Tennis Victoria, which are available at https://www.tennis.com.au/vic/news-and-events/covid-19-community-tennis-return-to-tennis
The clubhouse will remain closed as will the water fountain, whilst the outside toilet is available and hand washing facilities will be provided. Members are asked to maintain personal hygiene by washing their hands before and after play and following the current guidelines.
The grass courts were brushed last week and the hard courts pressure cleaned recently, so the facility is in great condition and ready for play. Nets on alternate courts will be temporarily removed to space out play. Use of the courts/lights at night is still under review.
The committee will reassess the situation in 2 weeks time. We look forward to seeing you back enjoying tennis at the club.
Join us for the official opening of our new LED light system... a visionary club moving forward into 2020, lighting our tennis courts to increase club and community participation.
Bring all your friends and family for some fun and games on AND off the courts.
On a warm, windless evening, a good sized crowd watched Helen Kaptein play Demi Kowal for the women's singles title. It was aggressive tennis from the first serve and it looked like a 3-set thriller was inevitable. But many matches, particularly finals, are decided by a few key points. Helen won the first set 6-0 but the flow of play felt more like 3-3.
In the second set Demi adopted the "hit the ball really hard" strategy and winners started to flow, it looked like she might level the match. But Helen has stacks of trophies and flags for a reason. Receiving at 4-4 she hit two winners down the line, got the break and served out the match.
Too good... this time round. Let's hope they meet again next year. We might make them play best of 5, just so we can enjoy the show.
Demi Kowal and Helen Kaptein - Women's singles finalists
Men's singles final - Brodie 3-6, 6-1, 6-2
Our top seeds, Brodie Murray and Leigh Campbell, made it to the final without dropping a set. It was a match of contrasting styles - Brodie's athleticism, consistency and counter-punching vs Leigh's shot-making and aggressive net play.
Leigh was best early and won the first set 6-3, but Brodie settled and won the second and third sets 6-1, 6-2. In the end Brodie's patience and fitness out-lasted Leigh's know-how and shot-making. The match went for just under 2 hours.
That's two club champs in a row for Brodie and he's improving each year, so he'll be ready for a third in 2020. Some players have suggested Brodie play in gumboots or carry a few bricks to even things up - worth a thought ☺.
Leigh Campbell and Brodie Murray - Men's singles finalists
Doubles final - Linda and Maree 6-4, 6-2
Congratulations to Linda Holden and Maree Sartori for winning the doubles grand final 6-4, 6-2 against Brett Fitzpatrick and Paul Puttifoot.
It was an entertaining match (the crowd was disappointed it didn't go to 3 sets) with plenty of aggressive action on the net, and played in good spirits.
That's yet another trophy for Linda and Marie, they've won almost everything that's on offer.
Linda Holden and Maree Sartori - 2019 doubles champs
Special thanks to President Sam Beckett who organised and ran the club champs and umpired the men's final. He's also been busy raising funds for the club in the carpark during the Castlemaine Festival, working on the club's master plan and a 1000 other things. Please say thanks to Sam for all his hard work when you next see him.
The club has met with Lascorp, the developers of the proposed supermarket to the east of the courts.
Discussions are underway to see if there are any options for Lascorp to assist the tennis club and local community.
A federal funding application has been submitted for new LED lighting for courts 7 and 8. The total project cost is approximately $153,000 with the club funding $40,000. Fingers crossed!
Our 2018-2019 club committee was recently elected at our AGM.
President - Sam Beckett Vice President - Graham Forbes Secretary - Jo Rhone Treasurer - Faye Noble Sally Kaptein Rob Phillips Marion Landy Sarah James Brett Fitzpatrick.
We thank out-going committee members Sue Grimes and Paul Puttifoot.
We're looking forward to another exciting year with lots going on and off the courts at the club.
A WONDERFUL BOOST FOR THE PROFILE OF TENNIS AS A SPORT IN THE MOUNT ALEXANDER REGION
Thurs PM 11:30am to 2:30 pm = Approx 210 kids from Years 3 to 4 mainly, with a few older ones from smaller schools from wider places
(Campbell’s Creek, Maldon, Newstead, Harcourt Valley, Elphinstone, Taradale, Olivet Christian)
Fri AM 9:30am to 12:30 pm = Approx 160 kids from Years 3 to 4 from Castlemaine schools
(Castlemaine North, Castlemaine South, Campbell’s Creek, Winter’s Flat)
Fri AM 12:30am to 2:30 pm = Approx 170 kids from Years 5 to 6 from Castlemaine schools
(Castlemaine North, Castlemaine South, Campbell’s Creek, Winter’s Flat)
FANTASTICALLY WELL ORGANISED BY Carly McGinniskin & a large team from Tennis Victoria - Adam Crameri (Manager), Peter Bertoncini, Susie Dundas, Gabby, + about 3 or 4 others
OUR COURTS HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO NEAT AND CLEAN AND FREE OF LEAVES, GRASS ETC (Great effort from Marion & Peter Landy to get the courts looking good with much help finishing off by Graham Forbes, Merv Dowling, Peter … )
GREAT WORK DONE BY SALLY KAPTEIN – biscuits cooked, flowers in clubhouse, water and cups out for kids
MUCH APPRECIATED 400 APPLES (every one used) BY SALLY KAPTEIN & MARGARET GRANT and these paid for ($150) by tennis Victoria, kindly
GRAHAM AND SALLY ON HAND THROUGHOUT BOTH DAYS AND JO RHONE ON THE FRIDAY – helping out where we could
AIDAN FITZGERALD THERE FOR THE START ON THURS & A COUPLE OF HOURS TO “Raise the profile of the Coaching Opportunity”
We handed out over 400 flyers about the club and coaching & hot shots
SALLY ORGANISED A DRONE KINDLY PROVIDED BY CPG Property Group which flew over the courts on the Thurs pm and tool a video of it all
Local tennis coaches Brandt Fleming and Aidan
Fitzgerald have joined forces to offer professional tennis coaching in Castlemaine for all ages and standards.
Brodie Murray has taken out the Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club singles championship in a hard fought and very entertaining encounter with Mark Nascimento on Sunday 25th March.
In a very tight first set the seventh game produced 6 deuces before Mark held serve. The set featured several long rallies from the back of the court with each player testing the other’s depth of shot. At times Mark showed an attacking style as he forced Brodie into the backhand corner of the court where he often forced an error. With 4 breaks of serve, Brodie finally held serve in the 12th game to win the first set 7-5.
Early in the second set Mark held a 2-0 advantage, but Brodie broke back immediately in the third game and then won 5 consecutive games with a dazzling choice of shot whilst showing a maturity beyond his age. Mark saved a championship point in the 8th game, before going down 6-3.
At 16 years of age, Brodie Murray obviously has a long tennis future ahead of him and it is hoped he will around for many years as the club approaches it’s 125th anniversary of the club championships in 2022. A thanks to Lincoln Fitzgerald for umpiring the final and Sally Kaptein for the refreshments.
The Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club has just held its annual club championships.
Winners and Runners-Up of all events are
Open Singles
Winner Brodie Murray
Runner-Up Mark Nascimento
Under 18 Singles
Winner Brodie Murray
Runner-Up Stefan Maroudas
Junior 1 / Under 15 Singles
Winner Lewis Murray
Runner-Up Finian MacKenzie
Junior 2 / Under 11 Singles
Winner Noah Sartori
Runner-Up Ciara MacKenzie
Runner-Up Girls J2 Singles Anthea Carlile
Runner-Up Boys J2 Singles Raf Forbes
Big thanks to all competitors and volunteers for making the club champs a success.
Left is Runner-Up Finian MacKenzie, Centre Graham Forbes (Junior Organizer), Right is Winner Lewis MurrayLeft is Winner Noah Sartori, Centre Graham Forbes (Junior Organizer), Right is Runner-Up Ciara MacKenzieLeft is Runner-Up Stefan Maroudas, Right is Winner Brodie Murray
Tennis Victoria Country week 2018 was held in Swan Hill, where the weather was excellent and the courts even better.
Castlemaine entered 3 teams this year (2 womens, 1 mens). They worked together beautifully, maintained concentration and hit their marks when needed... and that was just on the dance floor! On the tennis court they were even better.
The Castlemaine CCs (Women's B1) finished 5th and missed out on a finals spot by 1 point - doh! Castlemaine Rocks (Women's Special C2) also finished 5th - so close! Both teams have flags from previous campaigns and will be back next year to add to their collection.
It's taken 9 years for Castlemaine to secure a win in the mens, so congratulations to the Bootleggers who won the elite and prestigious Men's C3 grade. The Bootleggers finished the group matches on top of the ladder and maintained their laser-sharp form in the semi and grand finals. Look out Men's C2 in 2019! At one stage the Bootleggers were playing on a court adjacent to Men's A-Grade and you couldn't tell the difference*.
Bootleggers 2018 - Lincoln Fitzgerald, Sam Beckett, Nico Cathary, Mick Grant, Ben Bailey, Brett Fitzpatrick (Not pictured Jason Wilsher and Mark Nascimento)
Shepparaton hosts Country Week for 2019. We're looking forward to it already. If you're interested in joining one of our Country Week teams for 2019 then let us know. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome and if you're a good dancer then you'll be in good company.
* That's not true, you could totally tell the difference.
ANZ invited our junior members to the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Day at the 2018 Australian Open on Thursday 18 January. We are part of Tennis Australia’s Community Play program which is delivered at clubs with sessions run by local volunteers making tennis more accessible for children living in regional areas.
Each year, ANZ invites Community Play clubs to attend ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Day at the Australian Open which includes ground passes and travel costs. This year we were one of the lucky clubs chosen to attend.
The club members had the chance to meet three-time Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott.
Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club is ready for a great season of competition for young players aged from 7 upwards.
If you are interested to play now is the time to enrol. Either ring Graham Forbes on 0406 346 466 or email him at forbesgk@gmail.com. Expressions of interest should ideally be in by 03 September, but are welcome at any time after that.
Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club is planning to have a bumper number of teams competing this year in the Castlemaine and District Tennis Association competition.
A junior tryout tennis day is to be held on Sunday 10 September from 9.30 – 12 noon at the Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club. Come along and have some great tennis with other juniors in the region. Ring Graham to register for that.
Bring the family to the club for a relaxed game of tennis on Sunday from 2pm. Balls supplied and of course the 'kettle' is always on for a cuppa.
We want to return to the days when Sunday afternoon tennis was just part of the social calendar and we hope to have a mix of people and ages- for new friendships and new tennis partnerships on court. We will help arrange games and can provide hot shot nets for the children.
Cost: $3.00 for members (to cover cost of new balls) and $6.00 for non-members
Barry Constable has been doing some research about the club's history. Thanks to Barry for sharing this snippet into the club's beginnings.
It is generally thought by many club members that the tennis courts have been on their present site since the late nineteenth century probably because the club champions board in the club rooms indicates that to be the case. The club did exist but not at its present site as the notes following show. The most probable site would have been the Camp Oval.
The two reserves separated by Wheeler Street. (The gas works is in the foreground.)
Photo: 1872-5 (from the Holterman collection, courtesy Ken McKimmie) shows the realigned creek. The Borough Council minutes of 9/3/1871 notes that "the completion of the Forest Creek channel will be considered for next year".
The completion of the channel walls effectively meant that the Western and Eastern reserves had unofficially been created.
The photo shows the two reserves separated by Wheeler Street. (The gas works is in the foreground.)
Castlemaine Reserve
from the Melbourne Argus 7/5/1926
Replying to protests against Eastern Reserve, Castlemaine, being closed as a public reserve and leased to a tennis club, the Under Secretary for Lands (Mr H O Allan) said yesterday that a permissive occupancy had been granted to the Castlemaine Tennis Club on the recommendation of the Borough of Castlemaine. Such action had been approved by the Board of Land and Works.
The occupancy had been granted for 10 years on condition that the lessees improved the land. The club had to be open to all citizens of Castlemaine at a very low subscription. The Council had written to the department stating that the reserve was practically unimproved and little used and the council was unable to find money to improve it.
The reserve was not suitable for a cricket ground. Another area of land, known as the Western Reserve could be made into an excellent cricket ground and the tennis club had offered to put down a cricket pitch at its own expense for the returned soldiers.
Mr Allan added that the Minister for Lands (Mr Downward) had been asked to hold an inquiry into the closing of the reserve but had decided that the matter could not be reopened.
There are smiles on the faces of the players who participated in last weekend's club championships.
This was the first year that our club championships were held over the one weekend and we're delighted with the numbers and the standard of tennis. The fun the competitors had was obvious - but the competition was still keen.
The junior singles singles was hotly contested.When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object - Helen Kaptein beat Bryan Fitzgerald 10-8 in the third set. This was the match of the tournament (and there were quite a few good ones).
Winners for 2016
Junior singles - Luke Casley
Senior singles - Ben Bailey
Men's doubles - Peter Bertoncini and Matt Butler
Women's doubles - Linda Holden and Maree Sartori
Mixed doubles - Tammy and Jack Chaplin.
Junior singles champion Luke Casley.Nico Cathary presents Ben Bailey the singles trophyMen's doubles champions Peter Bertoncini and Matt Butler.Women's doubles champions Maree Sartori and Linda Holden.Mixed doubles champions Jack and Tammy Chaplin.
We also organised a trivia night on Saturday with over 80 attending and raised just over $900.
