Gladiator we salute you

A few years ago I was chatting with a couple of fellas at a BBQ at my place and reminiscing about how I played tennis when I was younger. Having grown up in Kooyong, I missed the great balance between comradery and thrill of winning.

The fact that I had consumed several beers and possibly even a glass of red may have assisted to elevate my tennis prominence to a hybrid of Russell Crowe in a leather skirt and Roger Federer but as I prefer to say never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Since this BBQ I have played in the Thursday night competition for the Woodend Tennis Club over the past few years and taken great joy from what this offers in “work life balance". There is something special about dropping an ace or a great lob shot that gets the adrenalin flowing and brings a smile to your face.

Another great aspect to Thursday night tennis are the characters from various clubs. Over a post-match beer or two you meet a truly eclectic mix of country locals, men and women, who have lived in the Macedon Ranges for decades (G’day to Lenny from Kyneton) and fellow city slickers who have moved up to escape Melbourne.

For anyone thinking of playing again I can wholeheartedly recommend coming down for a hit and getting involved in any of the current competitions at the Woodend Tennis Club. And no you don’t need to be a gladiator of the tennis court!