Two Gunnedah schools have served it up to the best in the state, and in front of one of the game's greats nonetheless.
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Representing the region at the Todd Woodbridge Cup state finals in Sydney, St Xavier's made it all the way through to the final while Gunnedah South finished eighth after just missing out on the semi-finals.
Gunnedah Tennis Club's Craig Louis said it was a great effort from the two schools, particularly St Xaviers to finish second in the state.
"We're very proud to be able to get two teams through to the state finals," he said.
"It's good for our growth here in Gunnedah."
He said the kids have all "worked really hard" and it was great to see them rewarded for that.
Two hundred and twenty schools participated in the competition, which is for students in Year 3 and 4, with the top 20 progressing through to the state finals.
Facing Mater Dei Catholic School from Wagga Wagga in the final, the St Xavier's team of Archie McCormack, Sam Swain, Jedd Smallwood, Oliver Gainsford, Lachlan Gurney, Jazmin Hobden, Hannah MacKellar, Dana Campbell, Leah Keam and Eliza Campbell played some great tennis.
"After the boys doubles and girls doubles it was two sets apiece," Louis said.
"They then played four matches of mixed but the Wagga Wagga team were too strong and won some really tight mixed matches."
St Xavier's had won all four of their pool matches to finish top of their pool and qualify for the semi-finals.
Gunnedah South unfortunately drew the eventual champions in their pool and finished second behind them after winning their other three games.
The man the tournament is named after was on hand over the day, and the players from both schools got the chance to meet him, which Louis said was special.
"He explained to the kids that that was how he started playing - for his school - and enjoying it," he said.
