This summer season shows that tennis really is a family sport with more than a dozen teams having juniors playing with parents and numerous other teams with husbands and wives, older kids and cousins teaming up to enjoy the flexibility that tennis has provided for decades.
Peter Wharton started playing as an emergency at Newcomb many years ago, with daughter Ava watching from the sidelines.
When she was old enough Ava started playing juniors and is now in her third season playing with dad creating memories that they can cherish, but still chasing that elusive premiership. Diana and Adam Spork are involved with the same team and they will all be hoping to break through with the ultimate win this season, as they are sitting atop the ladder in Section 5 Mixed.
Sutherlands Creek has a team of cousins who have been playing together for six years and show no signs of stopping.
William and Thomas play with cousins Katie and Nicola (their three fathers are brothers) along with Thomas’ wife Lauren and the rest of the team in Section 5 Mixed, enjoying their tennis and ensuring that Sutherlands Creek Tennis Club will be around for years to come.
Grovedale has a number of teams with family members, some in the same teams while others have separated to participate in other teams.
The Watkins family have father Peter playing his first season without one of his children in a number of years with Laura and Peter Junior playing together in a mixed team, while another son, Christopher, has moved to a team with mother daughter combo Sue and Matilda Sutherland.
This is Matilda’s first full season of seniors and Sue loves being able to pass on her tennis knowledge to both Matilda and son Thomas who fills in when needed, and having fun while doing it.
The combination seems to be working well with the team sitting top of the Section 2 Mixed ladder.
There are a number of mothers playing with their children, including Moriac’s Sue Maibaum and Fiona Blood playing their second season with their children – Sue with sons Gus, Joel and Zac, while Fiona plays with daughter Emily.
Husbands Matt and Brian are also part of the team making Saturday afternoons at Moriac a real family affair.
Clifton Springs has several family members playing, including the Ballagh’s in Section 4 Mixed.
Father Graham came out of retirement two years ago to play with children Max, Jesse and Shannon, and then last year they were joined by mum Susan and eldest daughter Kierra to not only play a season, but win a premiership. “(It’s) One of the most amazing experiences not just to play with your kids but we were lucky enough to win too,” Sue said.
“Even if it is just one session, dust off the racquets and get on the court with your kids.”
The team is obviously enjoying its tennis and combining well, and well poised to make a big impact come finals time.
