You could argue Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association looks healthier than ever ahead of season 2024-25.

The competition certainly seems rife with new contenders, having admitted several entries to the various divisions from other leagues.

An annual general meeting in late August first tabled the idea of allowing two Shepparton District Tennis Association clubs — McEwen Reserve and Shepparton North — into the fold.

Now, the obvious hurdle with the GMLTA’s operation is the L in that acronym — lawn being a fairly important aspect of the competition, while those two sides played on hard courts.

Eventually, McEwen’s outfits were given the green light to call the GMLTA home on the basis that its teams would lease out lawn or synthetic grass courts to use, with Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club the likely destination.

While Shepparton North opted not to proceed this season, the acquisitions weren’t done there.

Euroa Lawn and its handful of outfits arrive out of Benalla District Tennis Assocation, further bolstering the ranks and highlighting the GMLTA as a destination league.

With action starting on October 12, president Mark Mills adopts a tone of great optimism.

“We’re kicking off next weekend, which is exciting with some of this beautiful weather,” Mills said.

“The SDTA approached us and asked if a couple of their clubs would be able to play in a few of our divisions.

“Our by-laws stated that grass courts are required, so they will have to play their home games on loaned courts.

“We’re really excited to have McEwen Reserve on board and we believe they’ll play at Shepp Lawn in GM2.

“It’s going to be good to give players a pathway towards potentially better tennis; it’s the most teams we have had in our competition for quite a few years.”

All the additions will apply to lower-grade competition this season, though, with the GM1 top level set to remain at the same four clubs from 2023-24.

That means Numurkah Warriors will have the same task ahead in shooting for a third straight pennant flag.

Speaking to the overall strength of tennis in the region, though, the news doesn’t come without its sense of regrets.

“We’d love these other competitions to be thriving on their own, but they’re obviously finding it hard,” Mills said.

“I think a lot of smaller clubs and sports are finding it hard with the costs of maintaining their operations, but we’re thankful we can help out and hopefully this works out for everybody.

“We’re looking forward to getting started with everybody along and we’ll have another Gather Round in round two, so each whole grade can play at a certain venue.

“It was a big hit last year and we’re just keen for new teams and people with bigger grades.

“It’s going to be good tennis.”

The GM1 season will begin with a Shepparton Lawn derby on October 12 as The Valley meets Average Joes, while the two more distant outfits Numurkah Warriors and Nathalia’s Velvet Tigers collide.

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Saturday, 13th January 2024

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