THE success of a country sporting club is driven by the contribution of its players, members, committee and volunteers.
Ouyen Lawn Tennis Club (OLTC) is no different and last weekend, at the club’s annual Labour Day tournament, two of its long-serving members, Barry Gregg and Deane Munro, were rewarded for their contribution to game with life memberships.
Gregg and Munro are two of Ouyen’s most recognisable and successful sportsmen and their contribution to tennis – and sport in general – is widely acknowledged by everyone in the community.
On the tennis court both have been outstanding players, Gregg in particular, dominating competition at a local level.
Gregg’s achievements include 31 club singles championships and two runners-up trophies.
He has also played in nine winning grand final teams and served as club president for four years.
Gregg has not only excelled at club level, he has also been an outstanding representative player, winning a number of titles at Mallee and inter regional level.
In 1996 he teamed with Sunraysia tennis identity Nick Reck to win the men’s open doubles final at the Victorian Country Championships in Warrnambool.
Gregg has also represented Vic Country and SA Country in national competitions.
His work in promoting tennis across all levels, particularly in Ouyen, has helped with the success of the game locally.
Munro, who was named Ouyen’s citizen of the year at the Australia Day celebrations, has also been a great servant and player over a long period.
Like most of OLTC’s current players, he started his career in the junior ranks, but quickly established himself a player to be reckoned with and was promoted to the senior A Grade competition where he played in three winning grand final teams.
But it is off the court where he has made his most significant contribution.
Munro has served as president for eight years and continues to be an active member of the committee, helping at all levels to ensure the ongoing success of the OLTC.
