24 October 2013 | Tennis Victoria

Central Gippsland will be looking to defend its title at the 2013 John Fitzgerald Cup to be held this weekend at the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre.

Some of the most talented 13 year old boys from around country Victoria will converge on the plexi-cushion hardcourt venue for two days of intense team competition. Nearly 50 competitors from all 11 country regions of Victoria will be participating in the two-day round-robin event.

Central Gippsland will be looking to defend their title again this year, having defeated SouthWest four sets to one in the final last year. Their team is once again comprised of highly ranked juniors lead by Jack Clements (Inverloch) and Justin Hough (Traralgon).

The team from Northern Mallee region also look like finals contenders with two members of the team, Jai Green (Mildura) and Jack Delmarco (Swan Hill), currently training in the Sunraysia Regional Sports Academy tennis program. Local hopes will rest with the Central Highlands team lead by local Ballarat player Tim McConchie and Conlon Love (Bacchus Marsh).

The John Fitzgerald Cup is one of several annual Regional Teams events held each year. This event serves as trial to select players to compete in the national event known as the Australian Made Foundation Cup. While John Fitzgerald is unable to attend this weekend he said “Congratulations to all players who have been selected to represent their country tennis region this weekend. This event gives our country players a rare opportunity to travel around the state and compete as a team. And for some players, the chance to be selected for the Regional state team that will play in the 2014 Australia Made Foundation Cup Interstate Challenge. Scores aside, I’m sure everyone will have a great weekend of tennis.”

The Australian Made Summer of Tennis celebrates junior sporting achievements, while highlighting the importance of buying Australian products and produce. Aussie tennis champion and 2013 Fed Cup Captain Alicia Molik is the face of the campaign.

“The Australian Made Campaign is all about ensuring a better future for Australians, particularly young Australians and generations to come. We are proud to support the children of rural and regional Australia by sponsoring the Foundation Cup,” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said.

This week’s best performing players will represent Victoria and compete in the Australian Made Foundation Cup in January 2014, to be held at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club in Victoria.

Australian Made and the Fed Cup Foundation will award the best and fairest male and female players each a $1,000 cheque to assist with their tennis development.

Teams will play three rounds on Sunday with the Semi’s, play-off and Final’s to be played Monday.

For a full draw, including a list of teams, please visit comps.tennis.com.au and search for Tennis Victoria.

13/u Boys John Fitzgerald Cup
When: Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October 2013, 8.30 – 4pm each day
Where: 497 Dowling St, Wendouree, VIC, 3355