TENNIS
A strong field of masters players will take the courts at the Masterton Tennis Centre this weekend for the 60th Masterton Seniors Tournament.
To mark the anniversary event, each player entered in the men’s, women’s or mixed doubles will receive a special commemorative gift, and a cake will be cut on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the milestone.
The two-day tournament is open to players 35 years and over, and there has been a strong uptake, with over 100 players signed up before the cut-off last Monday.
Players aged from 35 to 85 from as far away as Auckland and Nelson will play in four levels [A1 to B2 grade] tomorrow and Sunday.
Some of the A-grade players use the tournament as good practice for the nationals in December, while a few loyal supporters return every year to renew friendships with old tennis buddies.
Others hope to improve their ranking or take part in what may be the first and only tournament they play all year. The organisers attempt to arrange the pools so that everyone is competing with players of a similar ability.
Play commences each day at 8.30 am, and prize-giving will take place at 5 pm on both days.
EQUESTRIAN
Horses and drivers from over the North Island will converge on the Solway Showgrounds this weekend for the Wairarapa Shafts and Wheels Driving Association’s Christmas-graded dressage.
The two-day event features driven dressage and a Gambler’s stake class [agility, obedience, speed, accuracy and gambling – all with horse and carriage] tomorrow. Sunday will feature cones – the driven version of show jumping – and a mini-marathon.
Thirty combinations from as far afield as Taranaki, Waikato, Manawatū and Kāpiti and all levels from novice to advanced will compete.
