7 January 2014 | Tennis Victoria

The Mt Prospect Tennis Association provided the perfect backdrop for the 58^th Inter-Regional Country Championships held from 3-5 January.

Close to 270 players travelled to the beautiful rural setting that is Creswick and were rewarded with wonderful hospitality and facilities. The 16 grass courts were in excellent condition and played with true but slow bounce. The curator and team did a sterling job. The 13 hard courts were also well maintained for the junior players.

Friday saw a perfect summer day with play commencing at 9am. The event was opened by the Mayor Cr Don Henderson after welcomes from Tennis Victoria Executive Director Matthew Kennedy and Country Committee Chair Ken Barton.

225 matches were completed on day one. Judy Dalton and Peter Keller provided the entertainment for the evening for the 150+ guests that stayed on for dinner and guest speaking. You could hardly hear a pin drop as they spoke of the old days and their thoughts on tennis today.

Day two was delayed by two hours due to rain but once play recommenced the battles continued. Unfortunately the consolation rounds were cancelled due to the rain delays.

The final day saw wind and blustery conditions which made long rallies hard to come by. Several players participated in not only the Singles final but also Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

The presentation ceremony took place immediately upon the conclusion of the final match with Mt Prospect Tennis Association President David Hay speaking along with Shire council representatives and Graeme Mitchell from Creswick Community Bank who sponsored the event.

Matt Hicks from Barwon won his second Open Singles championship, his first in 2008, when he defeated No 1 seed Adam Lasky also from Barwon.

Carolyn McGann from Barwon won her fifth Open Singles title and second in a row after defeating Romona Mataruga also from Barwon in the final.

Congratulations to Barwon for winning their sixth consecutive title and to the host region Central Highlands for Most Improved.

Tennis Victoria looks forward to returning to Creswick in January 2015 for the 59^th Annual Inter Regional event.

Final standings.

1. Barwon 247 points. Winner sixth year running.

2. Goulburn 164

3. Central Highlands 137 and Most Improved.

4. Loddon Campaspe 129

5. Mornington Peninsula 123

6. South West 119

7. Wimmera 94

8. East Gippsland 67.

9. Northern Mallee 66.