In conjunction with new sponsors, Smiths Sports Shoes, the Gate Pa Tennis Club hosted the 51st running of its annual junior tournament played at the Western Bay Tennis headquarters at Papamoa over Labour weekend.
Early rain on Saturday disrupted play, but extended hours on Sunday allowed a catch-up, leaving a handful of finals to be completed on Monday. "Player skill levels were again very high for all of the age groups, and consistency of rallies contributed to many long matches and exciting finals," Gate Pa coach and tournament referee, Peter Blow, said. One benefit of the tournament is attracting players from other regions to provide competition for Tauranga players.
There were plenty of highlights for Tauranga. Hannah Walpole, winner 12 girls' singles, combined with Emily Mahon to win the doubles title. Carrigan Hartley won the 12 boys' doubles and Consolation singles, Emma Bartram took out the 12 girls' Consolation singles, while Lucy Schuler and Larissa Meads were the 14 girls' doubles champions. Jackson Loomb won the 14 boys' singles and Darcy Adams the 16 boys' Consolation singles.
