On a sunny Sunday afternoon, 7 April 2024, the first ever adult Inter-Club Challenge between Collaroy and Careel Bay Tennis Clubs was held, with the latter as first-time hosts. Huge congratulations to our own Kenny Moyle and Careel Bay’s Michelle Lusty for instigating and organising the event.
20 players from each club lined up in mixed pairs across two divisions, playing a total of 50 matches and no less than 400 games, with a combined tally kept as the afternoon progressed. It was an enthralling contest with first one club, then the other taking the lead as the scores from each match came in and the tally see-sawed back and forth.
Late in the day with only a few results to count, the home club led by just two games, but those last matches went their way and Careel Bay ran out deserved winners by 12 games on the day. In doing so they reversed the result of the Junior Inter-Club Challenge held for the first time between the two clubs last year, which Collaroy claimed. (The second match in that series will be held at Collaroy in June.)
Results aside, tennis and the friendships it builds, was definitely the winner. While play was always competitive, the atmosphere all day was one of fun and conviviality, both on-court and among spectator cheer squads on the sidelines.
Our most successful pair, winning most games on the day, was Caroline Mathie and Mark Wynyard who remained undefeated across all 5 of their matches – a huge effort – congratulations to you both! And Michela took home the ‘Club Spirit’ award for Collaroy, as voted for by Careel Bay members. In turn, Collaroy voted for Careel Bay’s Andrew West to receive the same award.
Special mention to Eri, who shared a ‘tag team’ partnership with Wil and Dave. Eri won three matches, drew one and she and Wil lost in a close 3-5 result to the overall winners from Careel Bay, James and Jan. Also worthy of a shout out are Kim and Steve who lost some close early matches but then stormed home to win their last two, 6-2 and 5-3 to keep Collaroy in the hunt.
Other Collaroy representatives on the day were Geoff, who tag-teamed with Simone and Lynne, Glenn and Samantha, Damian who tag-teamed with Lavinia and Kate, and Chris Evans who partnered Barbara Meister. Collaroy’s club spirit was also clearly demonstrated by the members who weren’t playing, yet still turned up to cheer on the team, among them Vito, Ros, Clarrie, Eric and Warren.
Both Vito in his role as CTC President and his counterpart Graeme from Careel Bay, spoke at the trophy presentation about the similarities between our clubs (the two most active on the northern beaches), the friendly rivalry that exists between us and just how much everyone enjoyed the day. Both clubs are eagerly looking forward to the return clash next year.
Careel Bay Club Captain, Michelle Lusty (also co-organiser of this event with our own Kenny), said: “Such a great inaugural event for our two clubs. What amazing community spirit was on display from all our players.”
Careel Bay set a very high bar for 2025 in terms of hospitality. Sandwiches, cakes, pikelets with jam and cream and other treats flowed all day, while after the tennis, a professional chef cooked up an amazing feast of chicken and lamb and drinks were supplied to all present. The Collaroy contingent prepared some stunning desserts, with Garry’s Apple Crumble and Simone’s Lemon Slice topping the popularity stakes. (Gary also brought along a superbly smooth, 10 year old Tyrrell’s red from his much vaunted cellar.)
All in all, it was a great day of friendship, fun and tennis. What more could you want? (Except the win we’ll get when we host the event next year!)
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