Five straight Champion of Champions victories for Merrifield Park Tennis Club

The Lower Great Southern Tennis Association held its annual Champion of Champions tournament at Tenterden Tennis Club on Sunday, as Merrifield Park Tennis Club won a fifth consecutive title.

A total of 36 of the region’s top players representing five LGSTA clubs gathered to compete over the five round-robin events played on the day.

Merrifield Park player Kat Myburgh won the men’s singles event, while Trevor Scott and Les Bairstow took out top honours for the men’s doubles division.

Lawley Park Tennis Club players Jenny Rickerby and Deb Mancini claimed first place in the ladies doubles event.

Kendenup’s Vanessa Hillman matched up against Merrifield’s Jackie Brennan in the ladies singles final, but the match was abandoned due to deteriorating weather.

First and second place points were split between the two players and awarded to each club. The final round of the mixed-doubles event was also cancelled and points were allocated based on previously completed matches.

Emu Point’s Richard Piggott and Bec Jefferis gained valuable points and edged out runners-up Ken Pears and Cathy Beach from Merrifield Park.

Merrifield Park emerged victorious with 44 points, to continue their superb run in the Champion of Champions event.

Lawley Park were the runners-up with 21 points and they just shaded Kendenup with 20 points. Hosts Tenterden finished in fourth place with 18 points while Emu Point were fifth on 16.

The event marked the end of the LGSTA’s 2021-22 summer calendar and president Les Bairstow congratulated all clubs on a very successful season, applauding the efforts of club committees and members in promoting the continual growth of tennis in the Lower Great Southern.

“I wish all clubs well for the upcoming winter months and pass on my thanks to the hosts Tenterden Tennis Club for their outstanding hospitality in hosting the day,” he said.