2026 collaroy + CBTC challenge

The third instalment of the annual adult Collaroy Challenge was another great success,  with 20 competitors from each Club enjoying a terrific day of tennis and socialising.With Careel Bay taking out the 2024 & 2025 events, Collaroy were keen to claim the perpetual shield this year despite Careel Bay having the home ground advantage.

Both Clubs were represented by 10 mixed doubles teams divided into two groups, each playing five eight-game sets across the afternoon. Collaroy got off to a cracking start, but the Careel Bay teams settled and started playing some terrific tennis and as the afternoon wore on, we got the upper hand and never looked back.  After the completion of 400 games, Careel Bay retained the shield 230 games to 170.

The day is of course about much more than the scores, and in keeping with this,  each Club voted to determine the opposition Club’s “Best & Fairest” pair in each of the two groups.  For Careel Bay it was Donna Underwood + Tony D’Aquino and Jodie Jenkins + Steve Koolloos. For Collaroy it was Yoness Blackmore + Mark Wynyard and Fiona Kelly + Kenny Moyle. Congrats also to our leading combo Rachel Wilson + Graeme Saunders who won all their five matches losing only 8 games along the way for a commanding score of 32 out of a possible 40 points.  Well done guys!

Big thanks to the Collaroy Committee for collaborating with CBTC to bring our Clubs together to socialise and share our love of tennis. Thanks also to Andrej Budja for organisating the day, to Ivor Ackermann + Tommy Bartle for running the scoreboard and keeping the sets rolling, the Social Committee and chef Chris Contro for all the yummy food and to all the members who represented CBTC and Collaroy so well, both on and off the court.  At these events our Careel Bay and Collaroy spirit continues to shine!