This did not improve as Wednesday was also hot and when the 14 men played on Friday, it was again was very hot but as usual play continued.

Both mid week days saw seven players venture out for play and on Wednesday Maureen and I decided to play two each and count as one because of the heat and came out the winners for the morning. 

Saturday saw a drop in players again but was cool to start, but by the end of play had turned on the heat again. 

Allen did join us for morning tea with a very nice banana cake. For a man his age he is certainly a good cook. 

Our first Hunter Valley Inaugural Tournament was played on Sunday and it was again strange weather. 

As players arrived it started to rain but the courts soaked up the water and by 10.15am we were able to commence play.  

With 20 players we had men’s and ladies doubles in the morning, with the wind coming during play but was playable and then everyone relaxed to an enjoyable lunch, before going back to the courts to play mixed doubles and contend with the gusty wind. 

The wind was so strong at times the ball could blow from the second court over to the sixth, so there were so very unusual shots  layed. 

One minute the ball was on your forehand and by the time you hit it was around to the backhand. 

The winners for the day were Maureen Davis and Moira James tied for first place. Sam Melita was the winner of the men’s, with Nevil Thomas runner-up. 

I was sorry to see the withdrawal of Sarah Smith – she was going to join us to further her experience in tournament play but was forced to cancel with an early morning bug. 

I hope she has recovered by now, and we had one entered player who forgot it was Sunday.  

All the players were happy with the days play and would like us to continue holding them at Cessnock. 

We are going to have a break until February and from then on the third Sunday of each month Cessnock will be the venue for the tournament. 

We will include a new division for junior players so they will experience tournament play, so looking forward to more players in February.