Collaroy retains TNB InterClub Challenge 2026

The winning Collaroy Team - Emma, Kona, Geoff and Lauren

The annual Tennis Northern Beaches InterClub Challenge was held on Sunday 22 February 2026 at Keirle Park. Reigning title holders Collaroy this year fought it out against players from Allambie, Bareena Park, Belrose, Manly Lawn and Mona Vale.

The day dawned hot and sticky with players from all clubs battling it out for the coveted title and still delivering some excellent, competitive tennis, despite the demanding conditions.

Collaroy was superbly represented across all three divisions – Men’s and Ladies’ Singles and Mixed Doubles. One of our very best young players, Kona, played the Men’s Singles, our Ladies Club Champion Emma represented us in the Ladies Singles while Geoff and Lauren took on some of the best Mixed players in the district.

Kona produced a flawless performance, winning all five of his round‑robin 10-point tiebreaker matches, before also taking out the Final, securing maximum points for our Club. In a display of real maturity, he played super solid tennis, prioritising consistency over shot making and waiting for his chance to hit some beautiful winners.

In a small Ladies Singles draw, Emma accounted for Lilliana from Allambie in a comprehensive victory before falling to rising talent, Maddison from Manly Lawn. These two also played the Final and again, the teenage young gun was just that much stronger in the trying conditions.

In the Mixed Doubles, Lauren played bravely, dealing with a debilitating shoulder injury that would have seen most players pulling out of competition. Geoff stayed strong, his trademark consistency winning many important points. The team contributed significantly, winning three of their five matches, adding valuable points to the overall tally.

The drama peaked in the Final of the Mixed with Manly Lawn needing a win over the always tough Mona Vale pairing of Adrian and Lisa to draw level with Collaroy on the leaderboard. In a tense, high‑quality contest, the Manly pair just edged out the favourites to win 6–4, resulting in a Tie for the top spot.

Collaroy and Manly Lawn Team Members at the presentation

As the reigning Champion Club, Collaroy proudly retains the TNB Interclub title for a second consecutive year, though the trophy will be shared, spending 6 months at Manly Lawn Tennis Club before returning to our bulging trophy cabinet at Collaroy.

Congratulations to our Team on a magnificent all‑round effort and a huge thank you to Club members Damian, Dave, Karen W. (with her pup Jessie) and Club Captain Kenny who all turned up to cheer our team to victory. Kenny drove all the way from Ulladulla the night before to fly the flag for Collaroy… an outstanding effort from our Club Captain.

Great too, to see Geoff’s daughter, Lucy, there supporting her dad (along with the family’s gorgeous Golden Retriever, Harley).

Champions for another year! Well done Collaroy.