Over one hundred and forty members and guests heard club president Bob Spurling outline the bid to enter teams in the 2010 State Grade tennis competition at a recent fundraiser dinner, with club sponsor Truffleduck Receptions newly renovated Balmoral Receptions at Fyansford providing an outstanding venue. Keynote speaker Craig Morris, Tennis Australia's Manager of Athlete Development praised the club on the initiative, describing State Grade tennis as providing the perfect competitive pathway for talented regional junior players.
Craig encouraged those present and the regional tennis community to get behind the bid, which has the capacity to re-energise the sport in the region. Geelong Lawn Tennis Club has competed in Tennis Victoria Pennant since 1890, and last had a Mens State Grade team in 1956. The region has never entered a team in Ladies State Grade competition, although many individual players have competed with Melbourne based clubs. Entries close in July for the competition played in October/November, and the task for the club now is to recruit Melbourne based players to join the local players expressing interest in being part of the action. Only six Victorian clubs will gain entry to the competition, with 2009 clubs being Kooyong, Royal South Yarra, MCC, Liston, Dendy Park, Donvale & Grace Park.
