SOUTH-west Victorian tennis players have emerged with their heads held high from the Victorian Regional Teams’ Challenge.
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The 12-member South West squad, featuring under 12, 14 and 16 players, finished fifth at the two-day tournament at Shepparton.
South West placed third in its pool with a 2-2 record, beating Loddon Campaspe and North East but losing to Waverley and Melbourne-based North Eastern.
It defeated East Gippsland/Goulburn 16 sets to two in its first positional playoff before accounting for Goulburn 14 sets to three to wrap up fifth spot.
Thomas Champness and Sophie Drake led the way, each winning all of their under 16 singles rubbers and most of their doubles rubbers.
South West region co-ordinator Andrew Drake said the result was pleasing. South West was the best-performed country squad, excluding Barwon.
“If we look at the team, I’ve commented on the two 16-year-olds Tom and Sophie who have done pretty well and dominated,” Drake said.
“They’ll move out of the team next year but we have quite a number of bottom-aged players who will play in the same age group next year.”
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au