Tennis Victoria League Championship 2026
Clarinda Takes on Victoria’s Best at League Championships
Over the weekend of April 25–26, Clarinda Tennis Club proudly stepped onto a bigger stage, with our Men’s Singles/Doubles Section 1 premiership team from last winter invited to compete in the Tennis Victoria League Championship – Open Section 6, hosted at Dendy Park Tennis Club.
Representing Clarinda were Tung Lam, Roland Detterbeck, Tri Dinh, David James, and Vincent Wen – a group that combined experience, determination, and a genuine love of the game.
This prestigious tournament brought together the very best across Victoria, with only premiership-winning teams from each competition earning an invitation. The growth of the event was clear, expanding from 82 teams last year to an impressive 144 this year – a testament to the strength of tennis across the state.
Clarinda wasted no time making their mark. Drawn into a section of eight teams, split into two groups, the format saw teams battle it out across four eight-game doubles sets per match. Rising to the challenge, Clarinda proved dominant in the group stage, winning all their ties and earning a well-deserved place in the Section 6 Grand Final.
Awaiting them was Delahey, another undefeated and formidable outfit. Despite the challenge – including a standout opponent boasting a significantly higher UTR rating – Clarinda embraced the contest with determination. Fatigue from a gruelling weekend of tennis began to take its toll, but the team never wavered.
David and Vincent led the charge in a spirited performance, pushing their opponents to a tight tie-break that had teammates and supporters on edge. It was a moment that perfectly captured the team’s fighting spirit and refusal to back down.
While the final result didn’t fall Clarinda’s way, the weekend was a resounding success. Competing at such a high level, representing the club with pride, and sharing the experience together – on and off the court – made it truly memorable. From intense rallies to a team bonding lunch of Hungry Jack’s burgers and fries, the camaraderie was as strong as the competition.
A special thanks goes to Tri for organising and registering the team, making this fantastic opportunity possible.
Clarinda may not have taken home the title this time, but they certainly left their mark – with skill, resilience, and plenty of team spirit.
