SSC had their very own representative during last month’s Australian Open with tennis member Dave Rutherford competing in the 2016 Australian Tennis Championships at Melbourne Park.
Hosted by Tennis Australia and Sport Inclusion Australia the annual event is an opportunity for players with an intellectual disability to compete on a level playing field.
As Dave would wipe the floor with most of our tennis members he was keen to test himself at a national level – and used the opportunity to see some of the world’s best players at the same time.
The tournament was played on Melbourne’s famous plexi-cushion surface, similar to the two state of the art hard courts at SSC, which provided ideal preparation in his build-up.
Dave performed admirably across the four days, reaching the quarter-finals in the singles and semi-finals of the doubles in his group.
He has been competing at the event for over a decade now, with Dave estimating this was the 13th time he’s made the trip south during January.
“I love the competition but the best time is had away from the court catching up with friends and making new ones from all around the country,” Dave told the SSC website.
“I’m already planning to go down again next year and hopefully I can go even further in the draw.”
Dave is one of our most loved members at SSC, with a strong opinion on all issues involving sport – just don’t say anything disparaging about his beloved Parramatta Eels!
He has been a long time servant of the club’s Badge teams and is also a keen cricketer who has represented NSW in indoor tournaments.
On behalf of everyone at SSC we’d like to congratulate Dave on his recent achievements and wish him all the best for his tennis pursuits in 2016 which we’ll be watching closely!
To book a tennis court at Strathfield Sports Club contact our staff on 9747 5055.