BELLINGEN, NSW – May 18, 2025 – Perfect weather provided the backdrop for a day of electrifying tennis at the 2025 Paul Holding Doubles Tournament in Bellingen last weekend, where a packed crowd witnessed everything from dominant victories to stunning comebacks.
Luck arrived just in time for the 2025 Paul Holding Doubles Tournament in Bellingen last weekend.
The clouds parted and blue sky all day allowed some of the best tennis in club history to be showcased in front of a huge crowd of family and friends.
The day kicked off with the C Grade Final which was literally a David & Goliath contest.
Ati & Indi were too big for Lachie & Sterling winning 6-4 6-1 in a very entertaining match.
B Grade was next with the Ridgewell family Ian & Darcy taking on Alice & Bryan in a seesawing arm wrestle from which it was impossible to look away. Athough Alice & Bryan equalised by winning the second set, the Hammer & Sickle prevailed in the tie breaker. 7-5 3-6 (10-6)
A Grade saw singles champion Mike Hartley & Tom Barne take on Moshik Goffer (Rob Gale Cup winner) and Judy Thorn on centre court. Mosh & Judy were outstanding in the first set before coming from behind 0-5 in the second set to steel the silverware in front of a stunned crowd.
6-4 7-5.
The under 13’s was possibly the match of the day. Sterling & Lachie were back, but this time on different teams. Sterling was joined by Kai and Lachie teamed up with Xavier. The first set went to a tie break and the second set was all equal at 3-3, before Sterling & Kai changed gears with some cunning plays not seen before this side of the equator. 7-6 6-3.
The womens doubles saw Anna & Cherie up against Alice & Mel in a match that lived up to the hype. There was great finesse, but it was the power hitting that had court side referee and club President Steve Salvestro looking for cover under an umbrella (it wasn’t raining). Anna & Cherie finally inched ahead winning 6-1 6-3.
Special thanks to IGA Bellingen & Tie Break Tennis Academy for their continued support.
The Club Committee would like to thank members, family & friends for contributing to another successful tournament.
Rod Keers
Club Captain
A Grade - Mike, Tom, Judy & Mosh
C Grade Champions - Kai & Sterling discussing tactics
B Grade - Ian, Tomm & Darcy
Womens Final - Cherie, Anna, Mel, Alice