A28-strong squad of talented junior tennis players travelled from across the Limestone Coast to represent the South East at the State Foundation Cup last week.

The six-region competition was held for the 10th consecutive year at the Berri Tennis Club and the key pathway event for regional players and coaches alike did not disappoint, even if the weather was less than ideal.

Although rain hampered the preparations for the team event, matches started on time in cool, damp conditions with only the Under 17s forced off mid-fixture when the rain returned at the end of the first day’s play.

On Wednesday, windier conditions challenged the players while spectators rugged up to watch the main day of competition.

Action started at 8.30am and players were still on court around 6pm as a full day was hotly contested throughout each age group.

Matilda Lush, Phoebe Bonney-Dowson and Ryder Telford fought tremendously in the Under 11s and every player certainly benefitted from the experience.

Paige Telford improved greatly over the course of the week in the Under 13s, while Hamish Gordon performed consistently despite only just returning to action after breaking his leg in July.

Harrison Ellis thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of action on the grass and all members of the successful Under 15s, who finished runners up, were supportive of each other.

It also proved very tough for opposition teams to choose a recipient of the sportsmanship award.

Similarly, the Under 17s gelled really well and although they were a little rusty in their first hit out, they grew into the competition as the rounds continued.

Sarah Brown and Will Cameron had plenty of tight tussles and close games.

Overall, the South-East won 95 sets and finished in a more than respectable third place.

The Adelaide Hills-Fleurieu region dominated many age-groups, even going undefeated in multiple categories, amassing 148 sets to take out top spot.

Individually, Annabelle Gordon, Thomas Handbury and Sarah Brown were recognised for their ‘Sportsmanship’ in their respective grades.

The South East was also very well represented throughout the finals of the individual competition on Friday, with several players securing their spot on the state team that will travel to the Gold Coast in early December to compete against all the other states.