16 April 2013 | Tennis Victoria

The 2013 Tennis Victoria Premier League men’s and women’s finals were played yesterday with two strongly contested battles showcasing a very high standard of local tennis talent.

Played at Glen Iris Valley Recreation Club, on a day that threatened rain in the outset, the many spectators that came along witnessed some incredible talent from veterans of the court to stars of the future.

The women’s final was decided first with newcomers Delahey Recreation, proving to be too strong snatching a convincing win over Kooyong Lawn.  Making their club debut in Tennis Victoria Premier League and led by Viktorija Rajicic the Delahey Recreation ladies were relieved to win 3 rubbers to 1 just before the rain delayed play.  Rajicic and team mate Karolina Wlodarczak who were critical to the win were overjoyed to provide Delahey Recreation with the clubs first ever Tennis Victoria Premier League final win.

In the men’s final it was an epic battle between two proud strong clubs.  Kooyong Lawn, led by stand in captain Mitchell Burman managed to overpower the might of a strong MCC line up.  Playing at No.1 and No.2, Peter Luczak and Rubin Statham were strong in their singles and doubles rubbers but it was all for nothing as the wins by Daniel Byrnes and Marc Polmans in singles and doubles was enough to clinch the victory on sets. 

Tennis Victoria Executive Manager Operations, Nick Hinneberg, said “It really was a battle of Kooyong’s youth versus MCC’s experience.  MCC who were led by former Australian Davis Cup player and former World No. 64, Peter Luczak, started strongly but were then pegged back by the younger Kooyong Lawn players who performed with experience beyond their years when it counted.”

Kooyong Lawn (men’s team) and Delahey Recreation (women’s team) were rewarded for their wins with $4000 in prize money for each club.

James Lemke (Grace Park) and Viktorija Rajicic (Delahey Recreation) were awarded the Ace Award for the highest total of points accrued from singles and doubles rubbers throughout the competition.

Full match results