2025 Festival Highlights & Overview
The 35th anniversary edition brought veterans and masters players from across Marlborough, Canterbury, North Otago, Otago, and Southland to Oamaru. The Meet & Greet on Saturday 27 December unveiled the secret 8-person team squads before 3 full days of spirited grass court tennis.
The tournament concluded on 30 December with the AGM and prizegiving where the commemorative gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to the podium squads, along with the festival's traditional Wooden Spoon for the last team.
2025 Teams & Final Standings
1st Place — Champions
Dazed and Confused
Squad: Aaron Bungard, Jon Brooks, Mike Miernicki, Paul Fitzgibbon, Karen Tait, Judith Wallace, Sue Letham, Karen Manson.
2nd Place
The Tie Break Wizards
Squad: George Carnoutsos, Mel Lesquillier, Terry Vuleta, Martyn Gall, Belinda Hirst, Lynne MacKenzie, Ilona Kokay, Karen Miles.
3rd Place
Roadies
Squad: Karl Mitchell, Gavin Dunn, Howard Wilson, Robbie Watson, Jane Brosnahan, Meredith Molloy, Cathy Aitken, Caroline Norton.
4th Place
I Scream Tennis
Squad: Fraser Richardson, Peter Meehan, Jason Mitchell, Rob Aitken, Eunju Jung, Elaine Middlewood, Lynne Wellington, Bernie Blackgrove.
Team Entry
Court Captains
Squad: Joshua Joseph, Eddy van Til, Graeme Wellington, Rod MacKenzie, Gill Cain, Daniela Zavallone, Sheryl Black, Jan McLeod.
Team Entry
Wildcats
Squad: Stu Hirst, David Corlett, Dave Pickles, Peter Simpson, Anna Simpson, Denise Colston, Mary Dollin, Liz Rose.
Team Entry
Oamaru's Outrageous Ones
Squad: Anton Kumbaroff, John Frood, Malcolm Strang, Ian Moore, Tania Howson, Janelle Rathgen, Janet Sime, Wendy Jones.
Wooden Spoon
Ram Bows
Squad: Saul Moore, Tony Brosnahan, Nathan White, Peter Yates, Wendy Cooper, Ann-Marie Halliday, Joanie Dillon, Jeanette McMillan.
Proud recipients of the 2025 Wooden Spoon!
Photo Gallery
35th Edition · Oamaru 2025Moments from the grass courts, team themes, Meet & Greet, and the Dinner & Quiz at Loan & Merc.
Player Count by Club & Region
6 Regional Hubs RepresentedWhere the 2025 Oamaru field came from across the South Island. Update the numbers below from the final 2025 entry list when ready.
Player Feedback & Memories
"The camaraderie and team spirit was exceptional! The North Otago grass courts were in beautiful condition and the dinner and quiz evening on the 29th was thoroughly enjoyable."
"Everything from the gluten-free food options, great weather, shade, and chairs around the courts worked brilliantly. Such a relaxed and friendly festival."
"First festival for me but everything was seamless. The marquee tents were great, balanced format, delicious evening meal, and a fun quiz night."
"I find it a really good, relaxing festival. The quiz was really good — a wonderful way to mix people up and, for most of us, much better than trying to dance!"
"Location, parking, playing surface, and host club hospitality were top notch. Start and finish times worked well with lots of courtside seating and shade."
"The food was great both at the tennis courts and at the evening dinner. The 27 Dec Meet & Greet set a wonderful tone for the entire week."