Team serves up winning Cup performance

The Lower Great Southern Tennis Association has scored a major victory, knocking off defending champions the South West to claim the prestigious 2017 D’Arcy Slater Cup last week.

Held in Bunbury, the annual competition between country players from across WA was a success for the LGSTA as they beat their more fancied rivals for the title.

The boys team of Brock Dawson, Daly Kerr, Cooper Childs, Tom Hillman and Ulrich Kriek produced an impressive performance as they went through the team doubles event undefeated, which included beating the South West in straight sets.

The LGSTA boys then backed up their team win with solid singles results. Dawson was the main draw singles finalist but lost a gripping final to top seed Joshua Carter, 6-2 6-3.

Kerr and Kriek both reached the quarterfinals of the main draw and Childs came up against Carter in the round of 16 and lost, but went on to win the consolation event.

The event is decided by a points system, with points awarded for your team placing in the doubles competition as well as the singles.

The LGSTA had three players reach the quarterfinals, setting up a great last day of tennis where they secured the title with a comfortable doubles win in the morning.

Regional coach David Kerr said the title was a credit to the young talent who quickly adjusted to the conditions.

“It was a fantastic week of tennis,” he said.

“Usually it takes a few days to get used to the grass but the boys were on the ball from the very first match.

“Four of our five team members all play regular tennis with adults at their clubs and it was apparent by the quality of aggressive attacking doubles they played all week.

“We have had a few runner-up finishes at this event so it was great to get the win.

“Some of our boys have been playing this since they were eight and nine so it’s further proof persistence pays off, and it’s a great reward for these players to win the trophy.”