Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association season starts with a hiss and a roar

By Liam Nash

Oct 15, 2024

Shepparton Lawn The Valley’s Jeremy O’Brien whacks a well-timed forehand during the opening match against Shepparton Lawn Average Joes. Photo by Holly Daniel

It was emerald heaven for tennis lovers on Saturday as match play roared back to life on the region’s perfectly manicured grass courts.

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Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association’s top division — GM1 — witnessed a carbon copy result to last season’s opener as defending champs Numurkah Warriors were bested by Velvet Tigers.

The Nathalia-based side scalped a 9-73 to 3-49 result, with Ned Nihill the star as he was involved in no less than three of the Tigers’ winning rubbers.

In the division’s other game, Shepparton Lawn Average Joes trumped their rival The Valley 8-77 to 4-72 with Jayden Doyle starring for the victors, snatching an 8-1 rubber victory over Matt Carroll.

Meanwhile, McEwen Reserve made a graceful return to the GMLTA with a 6-66 to 5-61 beating of Cobram Crocs in GM2, while other new entrant Euroa Blue couldn’t mark its start in similar fashion, falling 7-65 to 4-52 to Kyabram Bombers.

Other GM2 sides to begin on a high were Nathalia, Shepparton Lawn Blue and Tatura Monsoons.

MMG photographer Holly Daniel was courtside to snap the players in full swing during the Average Joes-The Valley match.