7 November 2011 | Tennis Victoria

Liston Tennis Club and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club have defended their inaugural titles, going back-to-back in the men’s and women’s Premier League competition, defeating Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and Geelong Lawn Tennis Club respectively.

Both teams scored comprehensive victories, with Liston taking the title 5-11-99 to 2-6-83 and Kooyong winning 5-10-66 to 1-2-32.

“I want to thank all the boys for coming back each week from the tournaments, and especially to Dane Nebel and Gary Clark and everyone at Liston,” said Sam Groth, Liston’s No.1 player, after the win.

Groth was also full of praise for the new competition, which is still growing.

“It’s a better competition now. It’s a shorter format and getting a lot more guys who are playing on the tour. It has really increased the level of tennis in Victoria and hopefully it can keep going from here and get stronger.”

Paul Arber, Captain of Kooyong’s men’s team congratulated Liston for their effort in winning the competition.

“Congratulations to Liston, they were far too good. Well done to Dane for really bringing in some terrific players and making the competition really incredible,” he said.

Despite losing their No.1 player, Sally Peers, for the final, Kooyong’s women’s team were too strong for Geelong on the day, setting up their win after taking out the opening three doubles matches.

“I’d like to thank my team,” said Laura McNamara, Captain of Kooyong’s women’s team.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Everyone was so eager to play. I’d [also] like to thank Tennis Victoria for the time and effort they’ve put into making this event possible.”

Geelong Lawn’s Captain, Brianna Bateup, was full of praise for the team and their efforts in again making the final in only their second year back at the highest level of competition in Victoria after a 54-year absence.

“I just want to say thanks to the girls. I think we played really well. I don’t think we thought we’d get this far actually, but we pulled together with girls making a lot of effort to play – some coming back after babies and travelling a long way as well. Hopefully we’ll be back stronger and better next year.”