9 February 2025 | Tennis Victoria

The 2025 Tennis Victoria Country Week event has begun with the announcement of new Country Week Legends.

Kaye Anderson, Colin Mann, Cecile Nicholas, David Guthrie, Bev Kilkenny and Courtney Walsh were announced as the newest Country Week Legends by Tennis Victoria CEO Kim Kachel, adding to the current collection of 32 Legends.

“We’re thrilled to welcome six new inductees as our newest Country Week Legends. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and passion for our game have left a lasting impact on Country Week. We look forward to honouring them alongside past Legends and celebrating their contributions to this iconic tournament.’ Kachel said.

Get to know the 2025 Tennis Victoria Country Week Legends:

Kaye Anderson, Patty’s Team 

Playing Country Week since 1993 Kaye has played with family and friends from across Victoria including Shepparton, Ocean Grove and Moe. It’s the friendships that keep Kaye coming back and she arrives on the Saturday so she can soak it all in. A quiet achiever, she takes care of all the accommodation, travel, social activities and window check ins. She’s the dynamic leader of Patty’s team and now a legend.

 

Colin Mann, Pyramid Hill 

Known as Stan the Man, Colin has been attending Country Week since the 80s. He epitomises Country Week and his determination to win on the court is only surpassed by his desire to catch up with the many friends he’s made over the 40 plus years of playing. Always keen to share a story and a beer, Stan has always been committed to ensuring Pyramid Hill fields a team at Country Week. There are now three teams from Pyramid Hill and a new generation driving the growth of participation under Stan’s mentorship.

 

Cecile Nicholas, Mud Island Robbies 

The driving force of the women’s Mud Island teams since 2001. Together with her good friend Robyn Willetts, Cecile won a C Grade Country Week, a fond memory for their friendship. Robbie unfortunately has since passed away however Cecile has  never given up on Country Week, instead dedicating wins and naming the team after her dear friend. Cecile manages the team’s accommodation, travel and logistics and can even make the hard decisions when it comes to player pairings and team selections.

 

David Guthrie, Gippsland Studs 

Dave first attended Country Week in the 1990s and was a member of the successful Gippsland Bulls team that won several A Grade titles. Inclusive, accepting and incredibly social, watch out for his big swinging left-handed serve. It’s Dave’s mission to recruit as many new players to his beloved Country Week as possible and every person who steps on a tennis court with him year-round will hear “Have you been to Country Week? You should definitely come!”

 

Bev Kilkenny, Sunbury Ladybirds 

Attending for 29 years without missing a year, Bev has been a key contributor on and off the court, encouraging new teams to Country Week. The accommodation and uniform captain she’s an amazing player and great team member who doesn’t mind a celebration whether they win or lose.  At times Country Week has come before family commitments! Bev says the place to be in February is Tennis Victoria Country Week.  We agree Bev!

 

Courtney Walsh, Westernport Penguins 

A mainstay of the Westernport Penguins in Section 1 for nearly 30 years. Courtney is renowned for his exceptional touch, skill and sportsmanship on the court. Universally respected for his modesty and humility, Courtney is known as one of the nicest players you could meet. He embodies the spirit and enthusiasm of Country Week. There’s always a smile and a positive attitude towards the week – win or lose. His dedication to the event is second to none, and now he can be officially known as a legend. You couldn’t write about it!

 

About the 2025 event

Tennis Victoria Country Week is running from Sunday 9 February to Friday 14 February 2025 at the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Teams will participate in four days of round robin competition to determine the top four teams per section to play in the semifinals on Thursday afternoon. The finals will be held at Swan Hill Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Friday 14 February from 9am.