mmg.com.au

Goulburn Region’s 15-and-under Ambassadors Cup tennis team performed well at Creswick last weekend despite a tough round-robin draw.

Shepparton’s Jessica Mason, Kialla Park’s Layla Simmie, Strathmerton’s Louis Pinnuck and Cobram’s Joshua Riseborough finished fifth in the seven-team Victorian country tournament.

Each contest consisted of two mixed doubles and four singles matches.

Goulburn Region’s round-robin group included eventual champion Loddon Campaspe, runner-up Barwon and Central Highlands.

Goulburn Region enjoyed a five-set-to-one, 15-game victory over Central Highlands, but went down to Loddon Campaspe (five sets to one) and Barwon (four sets to two).

Those results left Goulburn Region in a three-way battle for fifth spot and it was successful against Central Highlands and Mornington Peninsula.

Mason was the No.1 girl in the team despite still being eligible for this age group next year and proved competitive, while Simmie claimed the honours in four of her five singles matches.

Team manager Paula Hansen, Pinnuck’s mother, praised the four players’ performances.

‘‘They did very well. They got put in the tough draw, but, other than those two teams, they beat everyone else, which was good,’’ Hansen said.

‘‘Louis, Layla and Jess have represented our region in all the age-group events up to this point, so they’ve been really consistent in this region and formed really good friendships across the state.

‘‘That is great to see as well and it’s a good experience.’’

Players earn their spot through the Goulburn Masters Series tournaments and another of these events is on tomorrow at Euroa Lawn Tennis Club.

There are 85 entrants for the latest Masters tournament.

‘‘It’s just a great opportunity for the kids to go further with their tennis,’’ Hansen said.

‘‘They’re at that age when they’re all so used to it and my role is really just filling the scores in.

‘‘They really enjoy it and the friendships they’ve made with the other teams over the years, too.’’

The next regional teams’ event is the Alicia Molik Cup on April 13 and 14 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club for 12-and-under players and the Goulburn Region side will be picked this month.