SPORTSCAM
sport@oclife.com.au
with HENRY DEROOY
Seniors tennis tournament draws record entries Despite the ever looming threat of rain, the Orange Ex Services’ Tennis Club’s 30-plus seniors tournament went off without any disruptions to play over the weekend. The two-day annual tournament, held September 17-18, attracted 65 entries, with players travelling from Sydney, Canberra and elsewhere to compete. Saturday saw players compete in a Men’s and Women’s American Round Robin tournament, with doubles competitions taking place on the Sunday. It was the biggest seniors tournament they’ve held at the club, said tournament director, Chrissie Kjoller. “It really was a huge success and we got lots of compliments on the day, which makes it all worthwhile,” she said, adding that she want to thank fellow organisers, Col Parsons and Kathy Penrose. “And the ladies on the canteen did a great job and deserve mention!”
Hitting your way to summer fun! — Free hats and mitts for new junior tee ball sign-ups
With winter sports wrapping up around the city and a hint of warmer weather in the air, local softballers and tee-ballers are excited by the approaching start of the new season.
Bletchington Softball Club is especially enthused, hoping to boost their junior ranks after the difficulties of the last two COVIDaffected seasons. To help promote this exciting game to newcomers, the club this Saturday, September 24, are holding a ‘Come and Try Day’ at Jack Brabham Oval for potential new recruits wanting to see what the sport is all about. “Overall, we have been able to hold steady numbers over the past few years, which is really pleasing as COVID-19 certainly challenged all sports,” Club President, Health Williams said. Keen to increase their club numbers this season, Heath said the club has multiple teams in every division from Tee Ball-B (for
kids 5–7 years up to C-Grade for those that want to have a bit of hit and giggle. “One of the great things about softball, is there is no travel. Games are at the same place at the same times, each week,” Heath said. “Games for Tee-ballers go for an hour, and the senior games are only one-and-half hours, so people can plan their weekends around this,” he added. “As a club, we have something for everyone, we welcome new players. Each year, people that have never played the sport register, meet new people, join a team, and they have a ball!” One more thing, all new junior members, get a free club hat and a free mitt, Heath added.
44 ORANGE CITY LIFE | SEPTEMBER 22 — 28, 2022
“We accept the ‘Active Kids’ vouchers, so it really does end up being a very low costing sport for parents to sign their kids up to,” he said. The season gets underway proper on Friday, October 7, for B-Grade (teen/adult competition) and then all junior divisions and other grades kick off on Saturday, October 8. Heath encouraged anyone interested in playing to pop out to the ‘Come and Try Day’ this Saturday at Jack Brabham Oval which runs from 10.30–12.30pm. “You can meet some of our players and committee members, have a throw, hit a few balls, and finish up with some fun on the jumping castle and a sausage sandwich,” he concluded.