A 13-game grand final victory over Echuca South 1 on Saturday marked the fifth time the club has hoisted the Dolly Christie Memorial Shield in six years.
Putting to bed its loss in last year's decider, Rich River's Trina Godfrey said the team's ultimate success this season was “very satisfying” for all involved.
“We were not 100 per cent confident. We always have a close match with Echuca South,” Godfrey said.
“It boils down to who is in the better head space on the day, and thankfully everyone was switched on.”
After losing to the same side in the semi-finals a fortnight ago, Rich River made sure there wouldn't be a repeat in the biggest game of the season.
But in windy conditions, it was by no means an easy ride for Rich River.
With Echuca South edging ahead in the men's singles and doubles, Rich River pulled the lead back in its favour with a dominant display in the ladies doubles.
“Once we got to the mixed, we were seven games up, but (Echuca) won the first mixed, so we were only up three games with three sets to go,” Godfrey said.
“Their combinations on paper were quite good, so it was very even matched.
“Not knowing what was happening on the other courts, it wasn’t until I came off I was told we had the win with a set to go.
“A couple of our kids hadn’t won before, so they were stoked – it was great feeling.”
With very little changes to the team over the last half-decade, Godfrey credited her side's recent success to its consistency on court year-to-year.
“At least half the team have been together for the last four or five years,” she said.
“You get to know each other’s games and how you play. We had four men and four women this season, so our combinations stayed the same all year and we really settled in and were playing in the right pairs.”
With Rich River reaching a dynasty-like prominence in the section one competition, Godfrey said the club would come back as hungry as ever when tennis resumes next summer.
“The aim is to just be as successful as we can each year, play our best and if that wins it at the end of the day, great,” she said.
“We all love our tennis and have all put our hands up again for next season so we'll see how we go.”
MORE LOCAL SPORT
Winter preview: Annual Easter tennis tournament set for Echuca stage
Winter preview: Echuca Moama Cycling Club speeding towards Crit Festival
Echuca Pacing Cup ready to light up Frank Ryan Raceway
26°C