Competing in the 67th edition of the three-day event held in Yarrawonga, Loddon Campaspe finished a massive 49 points ahead of second-placed Goulburn to clinch the team’s first title.
Loddon Campaspe earned 297 points, finishing well clear of three-time defending champions Goulburn on 248.
Having finished second and third in previous years, team manager Sarah Crossman said it was a huge achievement to win the championship.
“It is unreal that we did it,” Crossman said.
“This is a very exciting win for our region. Loddon Campaspe has always competed at a high calibre, and we placed second and third in recent years.
“To finally win the trophy is a win for all our players this year, as well as those who played in previous years.”
Chasing their elusive first title, Loddon Campaspe put in a spectacular performance across the board.
Competing in various knockout stages, 27 of the team’s 33 players were still in action on the third and final day of the tournament.
Loddon Campaspe won 13 of the 40 events overall, finishing as the runners-up in 12 categories as well.
• CRICKET: BLU on top after dismantling Nondies Cohuna
• CRICKET: Bowlers fire Moama into second spot
With points awarded based on how deep into the tournament each player got, those deep runs were able to power Loddon Campaspe to overall victory.
The trophy was accepted by stalwarts of the region Michael Smyth, Isaac Watson and Isabella Crossman, representing all age groups who participate in the competition.
Lewis Murray, Willow Barnett, Matilda Cameron, Philippa Bush, Bella Marchant, Deagan Tomkins, Genevieve Bush, Danielle Bowles, Brandt Fleming, David Starling, Leanne More, Smyth, Crossman and Brooke Starling were the winners for Loddon Campaspe across singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
Crossman was one of the standouts, winning the women’s doubles alongside Brooke Starling as well as the women’s singles.
She was just one of a bunch of players to enjoy success on the court, with other teammates also winning more than one final.
David Starling claimed a pair of event victories too, teaming up with Michael Smyth to win the over 50s men’s doubles and Leanne More to take out the over 50s mixed doubles crown – with More also finishing first in the over 50s women’s singles.
Philippa Bush won the 18 and under girls singles and the girls doubles with partner Bella Marchant. Deagan Tomkins won the 25 and under men’s singles, as well as the mixed doubles with Genevieve Bush.
Loddon Campaspe returned from Yarrawonga with more than one piece of silverware, taking out the most improved region award to go with their overall victory.
The champions were one of eight regional country teams from across the state competing at the three-day event, played at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
More than 200 players took to the courts, participating across age groups from under-12s through to over 50s.
Loddon Campaspe’s players were selected from across the region, travelling from their home clubs in Moama, Echuca, Bendigo, Lockington-Bamawm, Kyabram, Castlemaine and Gisborne to compete in Yarrawonga.
