Careel Bay maintains title in Inter-Club Challenge

Justine & Lavinia did a sterling job all day, updating the digital scorecard on the big screen

On Sunday May 4, ‘the Force’ remained with Careel Bay in the annual Adult Inter-Club Challenge as they retained their title in an away match for them at Collaroy Tennis Club. (See more photos in Gallery at end of story.)

Congratulations Careel Bay

The club from the far north of Tennis Northern Beaches fielded a strong team, solid across both divisions, and though Collaroy won its share of matches on the day, the tally was always in their favour.

Past and current Careel Bay Presidents, Graeme and Steve, flying the flag

A notable absentee from the Careel Bay playing ranks was Club President, Steve Koolloos, kept from the court due to an ankle injury. However, this didn’t stop him from turning up and flying the flag for his club - literally! (There were gentle jibes that Steve only unfurled and waved his massive club flag when Collaroy players could see it, but that distraction alone couldn’t be held to blame for the regular results in Careel Bay’s favour.)

Tally aside, the event was again played in a wonderful spirit of sportsmanship, without losing the competitive nature of the Challenge. Tennis and the friendships it builds were definitely the winners. Even the spectator cheer squads on the sidelines were fair in giving applause as and when warranted to players from both clubs.

A huge thank you to Collaroy Club Captain, Wil, who though unable to be at the event until late in the day, did a lot of the pre-organising behind the scenes. It was Wil who created the digital scoreboard displayed on the big screen, which was the centrepiece of the action and a big hit among the players, and then trained the scorers on how to use it. He also encouraged Collaroy members in advance to nominate for representation.

Careel Bay's Club Captain Andrej grasped the workings of the digital scoreboard immediately and explained and answered many questions from both teams throughout the day as to how the draw worked. Like Wil, Andrej was also responsible for encouraging his club's players to nominate for the Challenge.

Among the playing groups, a special mention must go to Careel Bay pairs Graeme and Rachel who won four of their 5 matches in the Blue pool and to Duncan and Michelle, who remained undefeated in the same pool, albeit with three draws along the way.

Collaroy Vice-Captain Kenny was quick to snap up new member Cat who can hit a ball and enjoyed her first outing representing her new club. They returned the best result in terms of games won v lost in the Blue Pool (24-16). A shout out to Sue B. who according to several onlookers, played the best tennis she ever has, partnering Chris E., while Mark W. and Clair and Damian and Maria R. were our star pairings in the Green Pool.

Anna and Stuart were almost undefeated, their one loss seemingly causing some friction in the ranks.

Collaroy members Justine and Lavinia did a sterling job all day, updating the digital scorecard on the big screen as each match finished and directing the next set of players to their relevant court. Kate and her hard-working social sub-committee did a fantastic job providing nibbles and treats throughout the day to keep the players fortified and when play was finished, member Miles Blackwell and his wife Jane pulled out all stops to ensure Collaroy won the ‘Best in Hospitality’ award.

Their amazing platter of lamb accompanied by several exquisite salads was superb in every sense. Not to be outdone, Careel Bay members provided an array of delicious desserts, the sticky date pudding an absolute standout.

L to R - Kenny, Andrej, Steve and Damian... 'The Committee Men'

Committee Members from both Clubs – Damian and Kenny from Collaroy and Steve and Andrej from Careel Bay spoke about the similarities between both clubs (the two most active on the northern beaches) and the genuine warmth and friendly rivalry that exists between members. Steve went so far as to say we are “creating club history” in these early years of the Inter-Club Challenge and that the event could be massive for future generations.

In the meantime, CTC members including Glenn and Dave were seen at the end of the day in a corner of the clubhouse, huddled over glasses of red and already plotting a strategy for revenge next year. Glenn was overheard saying:“We’ve got to get a bigger flag”. The chance for redemption will come earlier than that when the Junior Inter-Club Challenge between the two clubs takes place a little later in the year. Collaroy holds that title… and we’re hell-bent on retaining it!

A big thank you to the members of both clubs who helped out with the post-event clean-up... and thanks again for a great day Careel Bay. Congratulations!