October is already here so the Bendigo Bank Southern Ports Tennis season got under way on Saturday.

The opening round produced great competition which will set the trend for summer with all clubs having lots of players around.

As a result the association has increased to 10 teams with Robe and Kingston filling two sides each. With the weather being wet early, the clouds cleared for a nice day in most locations except for Robe where the last three matches were called off.

There were one-sided affairs in all matches, but as everyone dusts off the cobwebs from the racquets the score lines will not continue to be that way.

The match between Lucindale Wombats and Kingston Crays was in great spirits with everyone excited to welcome the newly formed Kingston Crays into the Southern Ports Association.

The Wombat ladies proved too Strong with five of the six girls coming away with their three sets.

It was great to see old buddies Brad Hocking and Matt Menz battling out on centre court.

Hocking took the set 6-4.

Tom Handbury and James Lehman had a tight battle with the former just getting over the line 6-4 after some slicing and dicing in some great rallies.

The Wombats came away with the points 18 sets to six.

Furner/Beachport hosted the Kingston Dolphins for the first round of the year in what turned into a nice day for tennis following some poor weather early.

It was good to see a second Kingston team entering this year bringing some fresh faces to the competition.

Despite Furner/Beachport finishing 23 sets to Kingston’s one at the end of the day, there were some great performances.

A quality display at the top of the order for both the men and women’s singles, with Jake Harris and Lisa Duldig claiming wins over Shaun Mules and Nikki Gluyas.

Stephen Edwards’ lightning paced serve kept Tim Loveday on his toes all day, however proved not quite enough to get across the line in the number two singles, falling short 6-4.

Nat Chambers and Lucy Corman made a flawless return to tennis, winning three sets each in their first day on the court for Furner/Beachport.

Declan Martin and Piper Steiner put up a well-fought battle against Furner’s Robbie Bateman and Alexis Heim with majority of games going to deuce before finishing 6-3 down.

Abby Mules picked up Kingston’s only win for the day, beating Maddie Pulmer 6-4 in the number three singles.

Furner takes on reigning premiers Robe Rebels at home next week in what will be a tough challenge, but with the return of Melissa McGrath and the Lang crew, Furner should be set to have a strong side on the court.

At Naracoorte the rain cleared up leaving perfect weather for tennis.

Naracoorte took the early lead securing five sets in the mixed doubles.

Bobridge and McKay put Robe on the board early with a 6-3 win over Moos and Moyle-Read.

In the singles, Naracoorte took a convincing lead, securing most sets with the help of 6-0 wins by Malone, Clyne and Baker.

The top men’s singles was a highlight of the day seeing a tough battle fought between George White and Jed Regnier.

In a hard-hitting match, White came away with a 6-4 win.

Naracoorte extended its lead further in the doubles.

However, Robe had one late fight back with Agnew and Kokiousis winning the bottom men’s double in a tiebreak over Baker and Mann.

Naracoorte 20-153 defeated Robe Rebels 4-80

It was four seasons in one day at Robe to kick off tennis season.

In changing weather conditions the Lucindale Koalas beat the Robe Roosters 15 sets to 6 – with three sets washed out at the end of the day.

There was some close tennis with Chandler Smart beating Max Robertson 7-6 in a tie break and also some solid wins – with Mark and Andrea Buckett both winning their single matches to love.

Everyone was sorry to see Alan Hall go down with a back strain.

Winners of all their matches were Lisa Hall from Robe and the Koala’s Andrea Buckett, Chandler Smart, Trevor Smart, Sam Crocker and Melanie Bill.

This Saturday the Kingston Crays meet the Lucindale Koalas at Kingston, while the Cockatoos fly to Robe to play the Roosters.

Frances/Lucindale Eagles meet Kingston Dolphins at Lucindale, Millicent/Beachport faces Robe Rebels at Furner, while Naracoorte welcomes the Lucindale Wombats to its home court.