Sport
4 March, 2026
Maryborough shine through the clouds
Cloudy skies set the backdrop for the Ararat & District Tennis Association Grand Final, but nothing could dull Maryborough’s shine as they produced a commanding performance to secure the 2025/26 premiership.
BY MEL MURNANE
With an earlier start scheduled in an effort to beat the forecast weather, ladder leaders Maryborough wasted no time asserting themselves in the men’s section. Riley Ford and Daniel Potter opened proceedings strongly with an 8–3 victory over Landsborough’s Theo Browne and Aiden Lee. The second set featured some eye-catching forehands from Landsborough’s Michael Mitchell, but despite the flair, Maryborough proved too consistent, taking the set 8–1 to build early momentum.
The women’s section was far more closely contested. Maryborough’s Ally Ellis and Jasmine King edged out Landsborough’s Christiana Henke and Courtney Ellen 8–5 in a tight battle.
Landsborough responded through Claire Monaghan and Rachel Austerberry, who claimed an important 8–6 win over Bianca Powell and Steph Lierich to keep the contest within reach.
As the skies darkened and drizzle began to fall, Maryborough’s men were quick to finish their remaining two sets, completing a clean sweep of the section. Their dominance was reflected on the scoreboard, winning the men’s 32–8 and handing Landsborough a significant hurdle to overcome.
The women continued in damp conditions, maintaining the competitive tone of the section. While Landsborough fought hard and collected valuable games, Maryborough’s steadiness saw them secure the section 30–22 and extend their overall lead heading into the mixed.
A brief rain delay blended conveniently with the afternoon tea break before teams returned to the court for the final chapter. Landsborough were still mathematically a chance, but the task was daunting as they needed to win every mixed set while conceding very little.
The number one mixed pairing of Riley Ford and Ally Ellis against Christiana Henke and Theo Browne provided a thrilling contest. Locked on serve throughout, the set was eventually decided in a tiebreaker, with Maryborough holding their nerve to claim the win, a result that effectively sealed the premiership.
Landsborough managed a convincing 8–1 win in the third mixed set, but it proved a lone highlight in the closing stages. Maryborough once again claimed the section overall, completing a clean sweep of match points and finishing with a decisive 88–52 games victory to be crowned premiers.
The best players on the day were Maryborough’s Ally Ellis, who won all three of her sets, and Lyndon Tait, who also remained undefeated while conceding just three games across his matches.
Congratulations to the 2025/26 ADTA Premiers, Maryborough, on a dominant and well-deserved season.
Commiserations to Landsborough, who once again placed themselves in Grand Final contention which was a significant achievement in itself and continue to show the determination and quality that keeps them among the competition’s strongest sides.
Thank you to Crowlands Tennis Club for hosting the Grand Final and to the dedicated ADTA committee members whose efforts ensure the competition continues to thrive.
RESULTS
Maryborough 88/10 def Landsborough 52/0
Mens
Riley Ford, Daniel Potter (8) def Theo Browne, Aiden Lee (3)
Lyndon Tait, Mark Christie (8) def Michael Mitchell, Karl Scott (1)
R. Ford, L. Tait (8) def T. Browne, M. Mitchell (1)
D. Potter, M. Christie (8) def A. Lee, K. Scott (3)
Ladies
Ally Ellis, Jasmine King (8) def Christiana Henke, Courtney Ellen (5)
Bianca Powell, Steph Lierich (6) lost to Claire Monaghan, Rachel Austerberry (8)
A. Ellis, B. Powell (8) def C. Henke, C. Monaghan (5)
Kate McLoughlin, S. Lierch (8) def C. Ellen, R. Austerberry (4)
Mixed
R Ford, A. Ellis (9) def T. Browne, C. Henke (8)
L. Tait, K. McLoughlin (8) def M. Mitchell, C. Ellen (1)
Matt Morse, B. Powell (1) lost to A. Lee, C. Monaghan (8)
M. Christie, S. Lierich (8) def K. Scott, R. Austerberry (5)
Read More: Landsborough