Saturday Afternoon Fixtures

In Brief

Our Saturday Afternoon fixtures cater for competitive tennis players of above average ability, whether they be teenagers full of youthful exuberance or more mature members who rely to a large degree on patience, guile and cunning. 
 
These Saturday fixtures are played between 1:00 pm and approximately 5:00 pm.  Teams consist of five players of which four play on any given Saturday.  Matches consist of 8 sets, each of which is 8 games (two serves each).  The captains, who are appointed by the RLTA, select their teams from the list of available players at the beginning of each season.  Two fixture seasons are held each year.
 
The competition is relatively relaxed (except around finals time) and the atmosphere is very friendly. It provides a great way to de-stress at the end of a busy week, get some moderate exercise and meet new friends.
 
Contact the Pro Shop (3821 0337) or Ian (3821 1857) if you are interested in playing.
 

Season 1 2012

The next season of Saturday afternoon fixtures will commence on February 4, 2012.  The Team list and draw is now available.

Season 2 2011

The final of the A Grade competition was played on Saturday December 2 under sunny skies but with a blustery south-easter adding another dimension to the contest. The Minor Premiers and clear favourites for the title (The Pres's V) were up against their arch-rivals in John's Barbarians. However, a couple of late changes to the John's Barbarians' line-up meant all bets were off.

In a move clearly designed to target the Pres's perceived weaknesses, the Baa-Baa's (as they are affectionately know by the other teams) sought the services of the talented left-hander Tony Bachman whose swinging service into second court is understandably feared by most right-handed players. And in pulling another ace from up their shirt- sleeve, the Baa-Baa's also played their very much improved #5, "Pistol" Pete Hansford, in place of Graham Ward who had evidently pulled a heartstring.

The contest began as some may have predicted: the Baa-Baa's hit the ground running reeling off three quick games with Bruce playing his best tennis of the season and Tony showing why left-handers have such a big advantage when it comes to tennis in gale force winds. The 4th game of the first set was the turning point when the Pres, despite a monumental struggle, was able to hold serve. Clearly a line had been drawn in the sand. After some long rallies where no one dared miss, the set was eventually tied at four games each. Time for a tie-break! Both teams had chances but it was the President's pair of Ian and Barry that took their chance when it came and won the tie-break 8-6.

Second set... well almost a replica of the first. Pistol Pete and his side-kick Mende took on the President's ladies Karen and Betty. After yet another close encounter, the scores were locked at 4-4. Once again, the President's team prevailed with Karen and Betty winning the tie-break 8-6.

From this point on, the cracks started to appear as the Pres's team took a stranglehold on the match. A 2-game advantage became 6, then 8, then 12. By the start of the last set, it was all over... or as John D would say...game, set and get-off. The final result was an 18 game margin and history will record that the Pres's V won their first ever A-Grade Championship.

The Pres's V: Drew,Barry, Betty, Ian & Karen

John's Barbarians: Bruce, Pistol Pete, Tony (ring-in) , Graham, John (awol) & Mende