The Great Lakes College boys’ tennis team has finished fourth in the state at the recent Combined High Schools (CHS) finals at Nelson Bay.
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The team consisted of senior campus students Nathan Monk and Blue Evans as well as Sam Gibson and Eli Worldon from the Tuncurry campus.
The team’s win at the Hunter region finals earlier this year saw them qualify with the other regional winners for the state finals.
Due to a dominate performance in the earlier rounds, the boys were seeded through to the second round where they played Coffs Harbour High.
Their ability to work well together in doubles set up a six sets to two victory.
From the 250 plus schools who had entered this year’s tennis competition, the side then played North Sydney Boy’s High for a place in the final.
The quality of tennis on display, the shot making and the lengthy rallies were outstanding.
North Sydney eventually won five sets to three –their closest game all year.
Great Lakes then faced off with Westfield Sports High (who now have a focus on elite tennis) in the playoff for third.
An amazing match finished at four sets all with Westfield winning by a solitary game.
Team manager and Great Lakes College teacher Matt Horne said he was proud of the resilience of the side against players who are based in elite sporting academies.
“The boys all conducted themselves impeccably with no signs of tennis tantrums and plenty of good sportsmanship,” he said.
“The boys all enjoyed the high standard of play and two days of success in beautiful Nelson Bay.”
He also thanked the parents for their wonderful support, good humour and assistance this year. Matt is hopeful of keeping the players together next year.
However, he conceded that pressures of Year 12 could hinder their chances of playing on.
Meanwhile, Nathan and Sam were a part of the Hunter Region boys CHS tennis team that finished fourth in competition in Bathurst.
Their efforts earned them selection in the NSW merit side.