SUNRAYSIA District Tennis Association (SDTA) president Bill Madafferi said the competition had been left with no choice other than to cancel the 2021 Winter Pennant season.
Like a number of other competitions in the district, restrictions on both sides of the border have made it near impossible to predict when action can return and difficult to organise upcoming contests.
No premierships or home-and-away season awards will be given for the 2021, however trophies and medallions will be presented for the Doubles Championships in July.
While Madafferi admitted disappointment at the decision, he said circumstances beyond the SDTA’s control made continuing the season difficult.
“It’s a pity isn’t it. While it was just NSW in lockdown we thought we could cancel a couple of weeks and get straight into finals, but then we got locked down and we weren’t left with much choice,” he said.
“There hasn’t been too much blowback about the decision because I think everyone is starting to get that COVID fatigue and are understanding of our position.
“We all wanted to play but we realised it wasn’t likely to be happening again so when we threw up the idea, there wasn’t anyone who was against it.
“One of the good things about tennis is that it’s played all year-round, so I feel for people playing sports like netball and football which have just the one season.”
Madafferi said the SDTA thanked all all participants, the committee, clubs and volunteers for their contributions across the year, with summer season looking to begin in October.
The organisation is also aiming for a social day on Saturday, September 11, with the Doubles Champions presentation, if permitted.
Madafferi said the SDTA was hoping to play a tournament across the Melbourne Cup weekend in November, but said that may also be put on the backburner if restrictions remained.
“There was a lot of interest from the community and from outside as well, and local businesses have been really generous in putting prizemoney forward. It hasn’t been ruled out yet, but we’re also aware of how quickly the situation can change,” he said.
“In general, the support from small businesses here has been incredible. I think everyone understands we have roll our sleeves up and work together moving forward.
“I want to be successful from the start and not interfered with by COVID, so we’ll wait and see on that.”
