Dainfern College hosts a tennis festival for local schools

Dainfern College hosted a tennis festival on February 17, called The Fern Tennis Tournament 2024. The school invited teams from St Benedict’s College, Saheti, Redhill, and Beaulieu College, for singles and doubles matches which followed a time-based system. Each match was only 20 minutes long.

St Benedict’s head of tennis Nicky Hammann said he was impressed with how their team performed as the players came home with a silver medal after winning all of their games.

Media and communications officer of Dainfern College Chevaun Barker said it was the idea of the school’s sports department to host the tennis festival because they want to showcase both their dazzling facilities and, more importantly, the talent of the young sports enthusiasts.

In the girls’ competition, Dainfern College’s A team clinched the gold with an impressive tally of 133 games, followed by the college’s B team with 96 games for the silver. Redhill School secured the bronze with 88 games.

Notably, Diana Hendrik of Dainfern College was named the Girls’ Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance.

On the boys’ side, Redhill School emerged victorious with a total of 108 games, earning them the gold. St Benedict’s College was not far behind, securing the silver with 102 games, while Dainfern College took home the bronze with 85 games.

Cristiano Nicoletti from Redhill School was honoured as the Boys’ Player of the Tournament, a testament to his exceptional skill on the court.

Barker said the format of the tournament was one of a kind and took a different feel.

“We tried something new with timed tennis matches, as well as shifting the doubles matches to the end of the day. This allowed schools to keep track of their position on the leadership log but the doubles threw in a curve ball, which could have changed the placings right up to the very end.

“Our sports department is very proud of the success of the inaugural Fern Tennis Tournament and is enthusiastic about hosting more sports festivals and tournaments throughout the year.”

Related article: Tennis INC Annual delights with Wimbledon Mixed Doubles grass court tournament at Dainfern Country Estate