dominate West Gippland titles

LAST weekend was the West Gippsland Tennis Association annual tournament at Pakenham and the local club’s players dominated both singles and doubles events.
The open ladies’ singles was won by Pakenham’s Robyn English, who defeated Simone Dillon, also from Pakenham, 84.
The open men’s singles was a battle between local tennis coaches Paul Osborne and Chris Millidonis, Osborne winning a highquality final 62, 61.
In a strong Bgrade men’s singles field Pakenham’s Seb Moreno defeated Tynong’s Phil Van Strijp 86 in a great contest.
The open ladies’ doubles final was again an allPakenham affair, Robyn English and Simone Dillon defeating Leonie Arthur and Christi Silvagni 83.
In the open men’s doubles final Osborne teamed up with his coaching pupil Matt Hendrie from Upper Beaconsfield Tennis Club to defeat WGTA life member John Gallasch and Michael Dillon 87 in an enthralling final.
The Bgrade men’s doubles was won by Pakenham juniors Matt and Sean Bell, who were successful over Phil and Luke Van Strijp from Tynong 86.
The mixed doubles were played on Sunday and Osborne and Emma Gallasch defeated Michael Dillon and Robyn English 86 in another allPakenham final.
The Bgrade mixed doubles final was a family affair, Luke and Kira Desiatov defeating Craig Arthur and Jenny Desiatov 83.
The 47 players who competed over the two days played a total of 93 sets of singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
Many were juniors who gained valuable experience playing against the seniors.
Cheques were awarded to the winners and runnersup in each event at a presentation held on Sunday afternoon.
Tournament director and WGTA president Osborne, thanked the players, the Pakenham Tennis Club, the Gazette and the tournament sponsors Prince Tennis and Ossie’s Tennis Coaching for their support of the tournament.
Many players will be competing in the Gippsland interassociation challenge next Sunday representing the WGTA.
Senior players interested in being part of this team should contact Paul Osborne, phone 5629 2121.