The 2025 Cobram Lawn Tennis Club committee. Back: tournament director Rod Armstrong, Duane Kelly, Col Mackay, Mario Bruni, committee president Brennan Edgar, vice-president Matthew Ross-Soden, Steve McPherson and secretary Erin McKinnar. Front: Marika Newey (life member), Danny Blackburn, David Bate and treasurer Tamara Bate.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Players and enthusiasts from across Victoria and NSW filed into the district recently as the Cobram Lawn Tennis Club served up its biggest event of the year.
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From Saturday, March 8, to the public holiday on Monday, March 10, the CLTC hosted its annual Labour Day Tournament.
It was no ordinary year for the club, either, which marked 100 years of hosting the event.
Sam Dowler won the open mens singles final again this year.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
CLTC vice-president Matthew Ross-Soden said it was a credit to the hard work of the club’s committees to continually host the tournament.
“For 100 years, it’s a fantastic effort for a small town and a small committee,” he said.
A number of Melbourne-based clubs supported the CLTC by bringing dozens of players up to compete in the event, which this year fielded over 400 players. More than 550 matches were played across singles, doubles and finals.
Committee member David Bate said the event was a great opportunity for Melbourne-based players to get the best of both a country holiday and the chance to play the sport they love.
CLTC committee member David Bate.
Photo by
Barb Love
Mr Ross-Soden echoed his words.
“To get quality grass courts in regional Victoria is a credit to our grounds-keeper, but also to our club to have such a great facility,” he said.
In the mens’ open singles, Sam Dowler snatched his tenth tournament crown after defeating opponent Riley Walker in straight sets, before teaming up with Sebastian Tring to take gold in the mens’ open doubles.
Meanwhile, Lisa Newman took out top gong in the women's’ open singles against Hope Curtis-McDonald.
There was also some representation from local players, with Ava Ross-Soden and Ella Janssens coming together to claim the title in the under-16s girls’ doubles.
Ian Dimble and Cooper Woodland also took out the top title in the under-16s boys’ doubles by a convincing six games over William Gore and Digby Squirrell.
The Robinson family was named Labour Day Legends for their contribution to the tournament.
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