On Friday, the committee announced via social media it would recognise grand finalists for the season, Kalkee in pennant, Noradjuha, A Special, and Horsham Lawn Savage, A Grade.
The announcement was met with controversy, particularly in relation to the pennant competition, with Kalkee given the nod over minor premier St Michaels.
President Jeremy Quast said he wanted to clarify the difference between ‘grand finalists’ and ‘premiers’.
“We wanted to recognise and acknowledge the top four teams, that made finals, in each grade,” he said.
“We also wanted the record to reflect that a final was played.
“The semi-finals went ahead under finals conditions and in finals atmosphere. At the end, we had teams make it through to grand finals, waiting to see who would play them.
“We decided to put their names on the shields as ‘grand finalists’, to acknowledge they made the grand final. We did not announce premiers, because no grand finals were played and premierships were not won.
“From a history point of view, we wanted to acknowledge what happened rather than leaving the shields blank.”
The finalists names will also be inscribed on the pennant cup and medallions.
Mr Quast said the committee found it difficult to reach a resolution.
“There are six people on the executive committee and we had six different opinions,” he said.
“We worked together to come up with the best solution we could.
“We know we’re never going to please everyone and we understand it’s not the nicest end to the season, but we are looking at the bigger picture, in years to come.
“We also had a lot of people give their opinions about calling off the rest of the finals.
“I think it was the right decision to make. It was hard to do, but at the end of the day, the community comes first.
“There is going to be plenty of time to play tennis again.”
Grand finalists
Seniors: Pennant, Kalkee; A Special, Noradjuha; A Grade, Horsham Lawn Savage.
Juniors: Section one – open, Central Park White; section one girls, Central Park White; section two boys, Central Park Green; section two girls, Central Park Purple; section three boys, Homers Black; section three girls, Homers; match play, Horsham Lawn Gold.
• Stawell Tennis Club officials have also called off the club’s Friday night tennis competition.
The entire March 25, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire March 25, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
