The Foundation Cup regional team events was played over three days from Monday 30 September-Wednesday 2 October at the picturesque Berri Tennis Club as part of the 2019 Foundation Cup.
Six regions, Eyre Peninsula, Upper Northern and Yorke, Lower Northern, River Murray, South East and Hills Fleurieu competed in the teams format combining the boys and girls in each age group for 13-and-under, 15-and-under and 17-and-under.
With nearly 200 of the best regional juniors in South Australia battling it out, the standard of tennis throughout the event was extremely high. Spectators were spoilt for choice with sensational matches taking place on the many courts.
This year for the first time coaches were allowed to speak with their players during change of ends and the end of sets. This was a change that was very positively received with both players and coaches enjoying the greater access throughout the matches.
Lower Northern were the dominant region this year taking out both the 13/u and 17/u teams events, going undefeated in both age groups. Hills Fleurieu provided stiff competition finishing second in both age groups and only dropping one match each. However, Hills Fleurieu were able to snag the 15/u teams event where they were undefeated, narrowly edging out a very strong River Murray team.
One player from each division was awarded the prestigious Kevin Schwarz Sportsperson Award. This award is presented to the boy and girl who demonstrate exceptional on court behaviour and is voted on each round by the opposing team. The huge spread of votes across such a large number of players spoke volumes of the professional and respectful manner in which players were participating in, and was a credit to all involved.
The winner of the 13/u Boys award was shared between Sidney Malone from South East and Jack Duffield from River Murray on seven votes just edging out Cooper Jarrett from Upper Northern and Yorke for second with six votes and William Turner from Eyre Peninsula for third with five votes. The winner of the 13/u Girls award was Imogen Hawker from Lower Northern on six votes, finishing ahead of a three-way tie for second, with Kierra Schuman, Imogen Davis and Ruby Wauchope just missing out finishing on five votes.
The winner of the 15/u Boys award was Callum Hillier from Hills Fleurieu who polled in every match and finished with eight votes. Second place was a tie between Ben Mellow and Shaun Robinson finishing on six votes. Also with a tie for third with Obe Weir and Zac Jarrett finishing on five votes. The 15/u Girls award went to Sophie Nettle from River Murray polling nine out of a possible 10 votes. Second place went to Anna Stewart from Hills Fleurieu with seven votes with third going to Renee Davis from Lower Northern who polled six votes.
There were joint winners to 17/u Boys award with Jake Baker from Hills Fleurieu and George White from South East both polling a perfect five votes. There were also joint runner ups with Zeke Mumford from Lower Northern and Josh Bright from River Murray finishing on four votes. Followed by Arley Byass from Eyre Penninsula who polled three votes to finish third. The 17/u Girls was won by Annika Tobin from Hills Fleurieu who polled a maximum five votes. There was a tie for second place with Nikki Rawlings from Lower Northern and Lily Miegel from River Murray finishing on three votes.
Congratulations to all winners and we sincerely thank all the great people involved in helping make this event so successful. From the volunteers, Berri Tennis club, regional coordinators, coaches, team managers, parents, players and everyone else! We look forward to next year’s Foundation Cup!
Read about the State Foundation Cup individual event
Sportsmanship Award winners
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