Geelong teams put on a show at Country Week last week, with one win and three runner-up finishes.
From February 14 to 18, roughly 1000 tennis fanatics assembled at Tennis Victoria’s Country Week at Swan Hill, including several Geelong teams.
They came away with the win in the women’s B2 grade competition, along with making the final in the men’s special B1, B3 and C2 competitions.
The event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic but nothing could stop the players last week from enjoying the hospitality of the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club, with 194 teams in 23 grades competing to win a much desired trophy.
First time participant Raelene Pearce said it was an amazing experience to see 92 grass courts lined up ready for action.
“I frequently listen to my friends’ stories about Country Week and felt it was time to experience it for myself,” she said.
“I knew the heat was going to play a factor and Monday’s 37 degrees was certainly a challenge but we were prepared with cooling neckties and ice packs and plenty of water.”
“The temperature exceeded the 37.5 the next day so the heat rule came into effect; earlier starting times and shorter sets.
“Besides the tennis I also enjoyed the social activities in the evening that were organised to show what the town has to offer.
“Living in Inverleigh, I know how important it is to support Regional Victoria. Being able to combine my love for tennis and back the local community was a big plus.
“I was absolutely thrilled to be part of a team that made the finals and as icing on the cake we won the B2 grade trophy. Not surprisingly, I am hooked on Country Week now.”
