Finn Tearney and Clint packer with Calvin, 6, and Mathew,9, Harrison, runners up in the boys (10 and under) doubles event last December. Photo supplied.
By Chrys Ayley
One of the oldest tennis clubs in the region is tucked in a valley and not all that easy to find but, in spite of its location, the Khandallah Tennis and Squash Club is has experienced a fantastic year. Founded in 1899 the club has gone from strength to strength with the squash element added in the 1960s, and now boasts over 520 members. Office manager Robyn Lush said tennis has gained in popularity in recent years and partially attributes the increase in members to having Finn Tearney, New Zealand top junior tennis player, as a member. ?He?s our star and is an inspiration for a lot of the juniors,? Ms Lush said. Tearney won gold medals in the singles and the doubles in the 2008 Commonwealth Youth games in India and also won the NZ under 18s singles and doubles titles and is now ranked 5th equal in NZ. Tearney?s presence and popularity may explain its large number of junior members ? approaching 300, with 22 inter-club teams. Having professional Trans Tasman coaches and a pro-shop also attracts members, she says. The seven outdoor tennis courts are used all year round for coaching and winter competitions and members have even played during hurricanes, Ms Lush said. Mid-week is ?terribly social? with young people in their 30s to retired people in their 70s and 80s playing in the morning. There are facilities to help those with children still keep up or take up tennis and squash such as Friday morning child minding. The youngsters, 5 and 6 year-olds, play Whippa Snippa tennis on a half court with soft balls four or five days a week with coaching and there is even a six year-old that plays inter-club competitions. Tennis competitions continue through the winter with mixed inter-club competitions once a fortnight. Shane Johnston, Wellington Men?s Player of the Year is a member of the squash club which has a full calendar including social league squash. It will be hosting the Khandallah 2009 Open from June 12-14.
