Local tennis players Lachlan Johnson, Sylvie Peart, Marielou Baudouin and Onyx Cheong represented the North East region in the U/16 division of the Wendy Saville Cup in Newcastle over the weekend and came home with the shield after playing against some of the best players in the state.

On day one of the contest the team had three wins from three, including an 8–0 triumph over South West, to top their pool and head into the playoffs.

The side was managed by David Johnson.

On finals day they came away with a 6–2 win against a metropolitan side and also won the final 6–2 against Northumberland.

Onyx and Marielou play with the Mullumbimby Club, while Lachlan is from the Tweed and Sylvie plays in Ballina.

‘The girls were undefeated in all of their singles and female doubles games, the boys only lost a couple of games as well,’ David said.

‘The depth of the side was our advantage, and they have played plenty of tennis alongside each other, so that helps as well.

‘There is good understanding between everyone.

‘The Wendy Saville Cup is highly contested by a lot of good players, so to win is a great achievement and an honour.

‘To be able to take on some top metro sides, and win, shows that tennis development is not lacking in the regions,’ he said.