OUYEN’S “Oasis in the Outback” for tennis aficionados is ready for another long weekend extravaganza.
The 43rd annual Rohan Gregg Memorial tennis tournament will take place over the Labour Day weekend from Saturday to Monday, at the picturesque Ouyen Lawn Tennis Club.
The tournament was re-branded in 2014 following the passing of 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.
Club president Paul Dean said a fantastic event lies ahead.
“With hopefully a couple more late entries we should have similar numbers to last year which is about 160, so looking forward to a great long weekend,” he said.
“Considering we’ve had no rain since Christmas the courts are in pretty good shape, we’ve had to put a fair amount of water on them.
“With the entries we have 18 lined up for the men’s singles which is a great number, and six players in the ladies section 1, so the top level is looking really strong.”
Multiple-time event champion Josh Gregg won’t be defending his title, but Sam McKenzie-McHarg, runner-up for the past two years will be competing.
Broken Hill pair Nathan Crabb and Patrick Reincke will also be in the mix, Red Cliffs championship winner Zac Galbraith is set to enter alongside brother Liam, alongside fellow Mildura player Tague Morris, while home club players Gus Lynch and Lewis Hahnel will be worth keeping an eye on.
Last year’s women’s champion Sienna Jones make the trip from Aldinga Beach to defend her title along with her sister Mia, Mildura’s Brianna Bagnall will also be right in contention while Swan Hill sisters Jessica Miller and Danielle Bowles could make an impact.
The tournament is also renowned for its social aspects including live music on Saturday and Sunday nights, plus the club’s famous chook lotto.
