THE New South Wales Country Championships was held in Forster last week.
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An iconic event steeped in tradition, the championships boast many tennis greats as past champions.
Central Coast’s Sean Carson and Camden’s Rhiannon Marlin were crowned 2015 Country Men’s and Women’s champions.
A notable local performance came from Nelson Bay’s Ryan Andrews and Maitland’s Luke Rankovich in winning the men’s doubles title.
Andrews and Rankovich, former prominent NSW tournament players, turned back the clock to show the young stars how doubles should be played.
Other significant efforts came from Raymond Terrace Tennis Club’s Blake Dennison and Jake Woodcoe, winning the special men’s doubles, Nords Wharf’s Matt Ellis, runner-up in the special men’s singles and Whitebridge’s Rhys Searant, runner-up in the 18 years boys’ singles.
More than 130 players competed in the event, hosted by the Country Tennis Association.
The junior championships were also held in Forster.
The only Newcastle players to reach finals in main draw events were Kel Jeffries, winner of the 17-and-under boys’ singles, and Rhys Searant, runner-up in the 16-and-under boys’ singles and doubles.
The next major tournament on the local calendar is the Newcastle Platinum Australian Money Tournament, staged from July 16 to 20 at District Park.