Tennis Sport
he 2007 tennis season for the 1st VIII team had initially promised to be an admirable one with our hopes set on breaking through as one of the more dominant teams of the competition. Aided by a rigorous preseason training and fitness programme during fourth Mr Geoff Jamieson term last year and over the Coach 1st VIII summer holidays, the team significantly improved and saw the emergence of new players like Chris Johnston and Alex Antionazzi who proved to be great additions to the team. With a long line of boys in the squad this year pushing themselves to make the team, the standard of tennis lifted remarkably as members of the current team fought hard to retain their positions. This ultimately led to significant improvements across the board and gave a whole new depth to the team. However, we also discovered that as we improved, so did the rest of the competition in a similar fashion.
T
While we didn’t live up to the potential we had as a team, and suffered some hard defeats toward the end of the season, it was surely not one to frown upon. A noteworthy occasion was our draw with rivals Aquinas. There was also a real sense of mateship and unity within the team this year, as everyone encouraged one other and aspired to improve their game, because although in tennis we each play as individuals on the day, our collective efforts go toward the final result. I’d like to congratulate the boys on their efforts this season; I hope you are all so very proud of what you accomplished. We have not had a team this strong in many, many years. Well done boys. And finally I’d like to sincerely thank our senior coach, Mr Geoff Jameson. His efforts and hard work made us determined and inspired to go that bit further and push that bit harder even though there may have been nothing left in the tank So thankyou very much Mr Jameson, we really appreciate it. This season can essentially be seen as a building block, a foundation for what is to come for tennis at Trinity College, and the future is certainly looking bright.
Awards 1st VIII Leadership Most sets won Most improved
Nick Barbas Chris Johnston Alex Antoniazzi
2nd VIII Most sets won Most improved Training award
Aleska Petranovic Mathew Beor Andrew Stroud
3rd VIII Most sets Most improved Training award
Luke Roberts Robert McKenna Kristian Ostle
Tennis Tour to Melbourne During January this year, 13 students embarked on a 12 day tennis tour to Melbourne. Sam Birrell, Kristian Ostle, Samuel Slaven, Chris Johnston, Wei Jiunn Ng, Joe Samineeni, David Sutherland, Nicholas Chortis, Blake De Vos, Braden Smith, Scott Tognolini, Kyle Mackin and Alex Antoniazzi along with Mr and Mrs Jamieson enjoyed a memorable time in Melbourne. The boys were entered into 2 tournaments and the best results came from Wei Jiunn Ng who came home with a singles title and two doubles titles. The highlight of the tour was the two days spent at the Australian Tennis Open. To be able to see the world’s best tennis players close up was an experience I am sure the boys will never forget. Hopefully it will inspire them to strive hard to be the best they can in whatever endeavour they choose to pursue in their life. We were staying within walking distance of the MCG and were lucky enough to also see some great one-day cricket games. I would like to make a special mention of Frank and Dot Johnston for their efforts in the two sausage sizzle fundraisers and also organising the touring jacket each boy received as part of the touring party. I would also like to sincerely thank Integrated Group and Major Motors for their kind donations to offset some of the costs associated with the tour. The camaraderie that developed between all the boys made the trip very successful. They bonded very well and appreciated each other’s company. The boys conducted themselves so well that it was a pleasure to be with them and will ensure that another trip will be organised within two years.
TENNIS 1ST VIII Back row: Kyle Mackin, Teerapon Polsittichok, Scott Tognolini, Mitchell Spark, Mr Geoff Jamieson (Coach) Front row: Wei Gen Ng, Alex Antoniazzi, Nicholas Barbas (Captain), Christopher Johnston, Braden Smith
Nick Barbas Captain Mr G Jamieson Coach
221
