Players tackled the evening fixtures with gusto, but none more so than the A and B1-grade players in Super Round action at Tatura Lawn Tennis Club.
All 16 courts were in use at the facility, with the surrounds buzzing for the first time since early March.
“It was fantastic seeing all of the courts full with the juniors, there obviously hasn't been a lot of action this year,” Tatura's Damian Smith said.
“The courts are in pretty good nick, they're coming on nicely for the summer. It's the first time we've had significant numbers of players out there since Labour Day weekend.
“The parents who came along were all very aware of the new rules and were following the requirements for social distancing and the like.”
With organised sport on hold for more than half the year, the excitement of the players to be back on the court was palpable.
“We've had an increase in our junior numbers from last season,” Smith said.
“They were all really keen to get started and get active in a competitive format.
“The atmosphere was really good, and the Friday night format every now and then throughout the season — as well as the Super Round — really creates that buzz.
“Younger players can see the A-grade teams in action and think to themselves, ‘I'm not actually that far away from that level'. It gives them something to strive and aim for.”
Shepparton Lawn Blue, Kialla Park Blue, Mooroopna Cats Blue and Mooroopna Cats White tasted A-grade victory in the round two matches.
Kialla Park and Shepparton Lawn Blue were also on the winning side of the ledger in B1-grade, while Tatura drew with Nathalia 4-31 to 4-31.
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