10 February 2011 | Tennis Victoria

All roads will lead to Yarrawonga this Sunday as more than 1200 tennis players from country Victoria converge on Yarrawonga for the running of the biggest grass court tournament in Australia, Country Week.

Returning to Yarrawonga for the first time in 12 years, and injecting an estimated $2 million in financial benefits for the region, the 30^th running of the Tankworld-Rebound Ace Sports Victorian Country Tennis Association (VCTA) Country Week will see 200 teams across 24 grades compete in the round robin competition.

“Country Week is the biggest grass court event in the nation, if not the world,” said Pat Gilchrist, VCTA Administrator.

“Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club has been busy preparing their courts, as well as the adjoining football oval, the junior cricket ovals at Victoria Park and the oval adjacent to the Yarrawonga College P-12 in readiness for the event.  

“For six days next week, hotels, restaurants and bars in Yarrawonga will be filled to capacity with tennis players enjoying their annual pilgrimage to Country Week.”

Kay Hanrahan, Country Week Co-ordinator at Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club, said the town was overjoyed at being able to host Country Week again. Kay is duly qualified for her role, having only missed playing one Country Week in the event’s history.

“Yarrawonga is a small town with under 5000 people so an event like this creates a huge buzz for everyone,” said Hanrahan.

“I love my tennis and Country Week. I love catching up with the same people and meeting new ones each year.”

To cater for players’ needs, and ensure the event runs smoothly, the Yarrawonga Tennis Club has engaged local volunteer services including the Lions Club, Country Women’s Association, Probis Club and Inner Wheel.

“This way the club and the whole town [will] benefit,” said Hanrahan.

“In return for services and man power, each charity will receive a donation.”

Each playing team will consist of four men or four women (with a maximum of eight players) and will play in grades ranging from A to C.

Matches will be played daily at 9am, 12pm and 3pm, while nightly entertainment will be shared across local venues. Finals will begin at 9am Friday 18 February.