2024 Festival Highlights & Overview
The 34th South Island Veterans Tennis Teams Festival returned to the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre (27 Benvenue Avenue) in Timaru on 28–30 December 2024. The Friday 27 December Meet & Greet welcomed over 72 players for drinks and team reveals.
Spectacular South Canterbury weather set the stage for fast, competitive yet social doubles tennis. Local catering stalwarts Val and Valmai ran the kitchen with daily fresh lunches, rolls, and slices, wrapping up on 30 Dec with medals and the traditional Wooden Spoon presentation.
2024 Teams & Final Standings
1st Place — Champions
Red Rackateers
Squad: Karl Mitchell, Bruce Eggleton, John Frood, Robbie Watson, Tania Howson, Elaine Middlewood, Mary Dollin, Ilona Kokay.
2nd Place
Team Jack Sock
Squad: Hiroshi Nakano, Fraser Richardson, Malcolm Strang, Weir Broadbridge, Belinda Hirst, Wendy Cooper, Karen Miles, Fran van Til.
3rd Place
Molloy's Militia
Squad: Aaron Bungard, Tony Brosnahan, Howard Wilson, Nathan White, Jacqui Robinson, Judith Wallace, Meredith Molloy, Jeanette McMillan.
4th Place
Are You Being Served
Squad: Anton Kumbaroff, Gavin Dunn, Mel Lesquillier, Martyn Gall, Mandy Wilson, Julie Cockburn, Janelle Rathgen, Wendy Jones.
Team Entry
Lob Mob
Squad: Craig Tinkler, Warren Mercer / A. Cowan, John Dunbier, Terry Vuleta, Irene Emond, Leianne O'Brien, Daniela Zavallone, Jan McLeod.
Team Entry
Shady Servers
Squad: Robbie Bennett, Steve Craigie, Mike Severinsen, Paul Fitzgibbon, Gill Cain, Jenny Eggleton, Kay Kirke, Liz Rose.
Team Entry
Da Ace Rappers
Squad: Alan Cannan, Grant Eastlake, Dave Pickles, Gary McCann, Jane Brosnahan, Ann-Marie Halliday, Lynne Wellington, Carolyn Norton.
Team Entry
Court Police
Squad: Saul Moore, Brian Needham, Graeme Wellington, Chris Hadlee, Karen Tait, Alison Coats, Joanie Dillon, Jenny Mills.
Wooden Spoon
Slice and Dice
Squad: Stu Hirst, Eddy van Til, Brent Morgan, Ian Moore, Cathy Forrest, Denise Colston, Anna Ashton, Janet Sime.
Sportingly awarded the 2024 Wooden Spoon!
Photo Gallery
2024 EditionMoments from the courts, team themes, Meet & Greet, and the Festival Dinner & Quiz.
Player Count by Club & Region
6 Regional Hubs RepresentedWhere the 2024 field came from across the South Island. Update the numbers below from the final entry list when ready.
Player Feedback & Memories
"Having a fantastic team captain and supportive squad made all the difference! Option of buying lunch and fresh baking on-site, clear instructions, and a great venue atmosphere in Timaru."
"Great venue, good format, very even teams, and excellent catering by Val and Valmai in the Trust Aoraki kitchen!"
"The friendly atmosphere, well put together balanced teams, fun dress-up themes, and working around the weather made it a truly memorable holiday festival."
"Trip out of town, fun times, lots of new people to meet, and good competitive yet social doubles tennis!"
"Well organised with great team camaraderie, welcoming host club hospitality, and great hard courts at Trust Aoraki."
"Worked well having 9 teams with players available for injury cover. Great format and high spirits throughout all 3 days."