TENNIS is making a comeback in the local psyche, as the timeless sport has been championed by three clubs across the Myall Coast.

Players from Karuah, Hawks Nest, and Bulahdelah have been meeting regularly, once a month, since December 2022, in what is becoming the nucleus of a spirited, local competition.

Sixteen passionate players turned out on the chilly night of 27 July at Hawks Nest, to get into the swing of things and serve up some rowdy rallies and volleys.

“It is currently informal, but there is a certain rivalry forming,” said convenor Damien Walker, of the Riverside and Karuah Gardens Motels in Karuah.

For Damien, tennis has been a lifelong passion, playing since he was a kid back in Victoria, and never letting go of what is clearly a good activity for a healthy lifestyle.

The teams from the three locales meet alternately at each other’s home courts, with the latest happening at Hawks Nest courts, near Myall Park.

Unofficially called the ‘Super-8s’ by Walker, each team currently consists of “eight of the best players from Myall Lakes, Karuah and Bulahdelah Tennis Clubs”.

Teams are mixed, and engage in one-set matches with a competitive vibe, allowing them some deliberately more-serious play experience than the average social court outing.

The ‘Super-8’ clubs’ ultimate shared goal is to start up some real pennant competition in the region.

“Something that players can be rewarded with a cup or a trophy,” said Karuah’s Lisa Floyd, also from Riverside Motel, and an avid member of the consortium.

The budding competition encompasses all ages, from children to adults, with the youngest player present on the night being 16 years of age.

By Thomas O’KEEFE