Sport
23 October, 2025
Warm Start to the Season as Tennis Returns Across the District
The first matches of the 2025 tennis season got underway over the weekend, with perfect weather setting the scene for an exciting start to the competition. Last year’s grand finalists, Maryborough and Elmhurst-Amphitheatre, both opened their campaigns with strong wins, taking an early lead on the ladder.
BY MEL MURNANE
At Amphitheatre, the home side hosted Crowlands in what proved to be a close and competitive encounter. Crowlands claimed victory in the ladies’ section by just two games, thanks in large part to the impressive form of Kate Vance, who dominated her sets and looks to be starting the season strongly. However, Elmhurst-Amphitheatre’s men responded with convincing wins in their matches, setting up the team for an overall victory.
The highlight of the day came in the number one mixed doubles, where Crowlands’ Kate Vance and Doug Newberry faced Elmhurst-Amphitheatre’s Josh Barker and Sally Riley. The pairings battled it out in an epic contest that had spectators glued to the sidelines. After a series of long rallies and momentum shifts, Josh and Sally edged out their opponents 9–7 and it was the first mixed doubles on court and the last to finish.
The final score saw Elmhurst-Amphitheatre defeat Crowlands 85 - 41 games and 8–2 match points.
Across the hills at Landsborough, the home side took on Maryborough in a match that went right down to the wire. Maryborough narrowly claimed the men’s section by just two games, while the Landsborough ladies responded strongly, winning their section by 10 games to give their team an early eight-game advantage heading into the mixed sets.
The mixed section featured some thrilling matchups, with the number one and two mixed sets evening up the contest and leaving the result wide open. However, Maryborough’s number three and four pairings proved too strong in the final matches, securing the overall win.
The final score saw Maryborough defeat Landsborough 79–78 games and 8–2 match points. A thrilling finish to a great day of tennis!
It was a fantastic start to the new season, with great sportsmanship, close contests, and plenty of friendly rivalry all played under brilliant early-summer sunshine.
Next week, we look forward to a rematch of last year’s grand final, with Maryborough hosting Elmhurst-Amphitheatre in what promises to be another exciting clash. Landsborough will host Buangor-Ararat, while Crowlands have the bye.
RESULTS
Elmshurst/Amphitheatre 85/8 def Crowlands 41/2
Mens
Josh Barker, Darryl Driscoll (8) def Doug Newberry, Chris Frampton (0)
Will Edgar, Marlon Edgar (8) def Dave Cail, Garreth Cail (2)
Josh Barker, Will Edgar (8) def Doug Newberry, Dave Cail (0)
Darryl Driscoll, Marlow Edgar (8) def Chris Frampton, Garreth Cail (1)
Ladies
Sally Riley, Mel Murnane (1) lost to Kate Vance, Jess Frampton (8)
Aimee Harrison, Heather Driscoll (8) def Alana Newberry, Mel Cail (5)
Sally Riley, Aimee Harrison (3) lost to Kate Vance, Alana Newberry (8)
Mel Murnane, Heather Driscoll (8) def Jess Frampton, Mel Cail (1)
Mixed
Josh Barker, Sally Riley (9) def Kate Vance, Doug Newberry (7)
Will Edgar, Mel Murnane (8) def Chris Frampton, Jess Frampton (5)
Darryl Driscoll, Heather Driscoll (8) def Dave Cail, Alana Newberry (2)
Marlow Edgar, Aimee Harrison (8) def Garreth Cail, Mel Cail (2)
Landsborough 78/2 lost to Maryborough 79/8
Mens
Theo Browne, Karl Scott (1) lost to Daniel Potter, Lyndon Tait (8)
Zayne Hall, Mat Jenkins (8) def Mark Christie, Jasmine King (5)
Theo Browne, Zayne Hall (5) lost to Daniel Potter, Mark Christie (8)
Karl Scott, Mat Jenkins (8) def Lyndon Tait, Jasmine King (3)
Ladies
Christiana Henke, Claire Monaghan (8) def Ally Ellis, Bianca Powell (4)
Kate Mulvenney, Courtney Ellen (9) def Sophie McQuienn, Steph Lierich (7)
Christiana Henke, Kate Mulvenney (9) def Ally Ellis, Sophie McQuienn (7)
Claire Monaghan, Courtney Ellen (8) def Bianca Powell, Steph Lierich (6)
Mixed
Theo Browne, Christiana Henke (6) lost to Lyndon Tait, Sophie McQuienn (8)
Karl Scott, Claire Monaghan (9) def Daniel Potter, Steph Lierich (7)
Zayne Hall, Kate Mulvenney (4) lost to Mark Christie, Ally Ellis (8)
Mat Jenkins, Courtney Ellen (3) lost to Jasmine King, Bianca Powell (8)
Read More: Landsborough, Ararat, Elmhurst