TWO of the leading contenders for the Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club women’s championship title know each other’s games inside out.
Brianna Bagnall and Renee Affleck have often been doubles partners and singles opponents over a number of years, and friends for just as long.
The 19-year-old duo also played together for Sacred Heart’s Sunraysia District Tennis Association Division 1 side that made last year’s grand final.
The prospect of potentially facing each other for the Red Cliffs singles title on Saturday is exciting for both players.
“Renee and I are pretty good friends and have played with and against each other for a long time,” Bagnall said.
“I think we know each other’s game like the back of our hand.
“If we’re both playing our best then a match could go for a while but whatever happens it will be fun.”
Affleck had similar sentiments.
“Brianna and I were friends before that and we’ve played against each other and with each other a lot of times,” she said.
“It always makes for good fun going against each other.
“In previous years I feel like I’ve gotten pretty good results for myself (at Red Cliffs) and I have been a runner up in A Grade before.
“It comes down to how you feel on the day but it should be a fun weekend.”
Bagnall has previous experience in the Red Cliffs junior championships but is looking forward to her first foray into the senior competition.
After playing for 12 years the teenager feels she has developed her game in recent seasons.
“I had a bit of a break after 2020 but since coming back I feel more confident in my game and think I’ve been able to keep improving,” she said.
“I do really enjoy the competitiveness of tennis but the social aspect as well, I think it brings a good balance to my life.”
The 63rd annual Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club Championships begin Friday night with the Twilight 60s competition, where the combined age of partners must be 60 or more.
Singles championships begin at 9am Saturday and double championships from 1.30pm, before the mixed double category on Sunday.
