OUYEN’S “Oasis in the Outback” for tennis aficionados is ready for another long weekend extravaganza.
The 41st annual Rohan Gregg Memorial tennis tournament will take place over the Labour Day weekend from Saturday, March 11, to Monday, March 13, at the picturesque Ouyen Lawn Tennis Club.
The tournament was renamed in 2014 in honour of late life member and long-time tournament secretary Gregg.
Singles and veterans doubles matches will be held on day one, before men’s and ladies’ doubles on day two, before mixed events round out the weekend.
A new format was introduced in 2020 to ensure all players get at least one match in good time, rather than some having to wait until the afternoon to get a hit due to opponents making finals in other grades. All ages and abilities are welcome, with senior competitions taking place from Open down to D Grade.
More than 200 entries took part in the 40th anniversary of the event 12 months ago and while club president Paul Dean said numbers likely won’t be as high this year, he’s hopeful of a strong turnout again.
“It’s all looking really good. Entries are coming and hopefully we’ll be set for a really good long weekend,” he said.
“The courts are in great nick at the moment. Through scarification and plenty of work the bounce is good and they’ve been playing well in our weekly competitions.”
Defending men’s champion and favourite son Josh Gregg, nephew of Rohan and son of club legend Barry, will return to defend his crown after defeating Sam McHarg 6-4 6-1 in the final.
The women’s singles draw, however, is currently short on numbers.
Maidstone sisters Ella and Maggie Fitcher, who have played in the previous two finals winning one each, won’t be returning as they aim for higher honours chasing tour ranking points.
Dean said the courts have been in great conditions for their weekly competition.
“We’ve managed to get a few more people playing on Friday night this year which has been great,” he said.
“We have our grand finals the week following the long weekend so tennis season for us is just about done.”
To enter or for more information follow Ouyen Lawn Tennis Club on Facebook or head to the club’s website. Entried close on Tuesday, March 7.
