A group of strong Northland junior players has returned from two busy weeks on the courts, competing at the National Championships in Christchurch. All players come from Mairtown Tennis Club and delivered strong performances throughout the tour.

Summary of results and the tour from Coach Pete Stenberg, who travelled with the group: 

Had some fantastic results with all players showing a great fighting spirit.

Results for the couple of weeks tournaments are:

• 14 boys Nationals - Noah Jones - Finished 8th place, still has another year in age group.
• 14 girls Nationals - Lily Fannin - 5th place and still another year in age group and was runner-up in doubles.
• 16 girls Nationals - Lala Fannin 7th place with another year in age group.
• Louie Fannin narrow loss first round to the Oceania Wildcard and injured herself in the process so had to withdraw.
• Lily Fannin  was runner up , a truly remarkable achievement for such a young player to go so deep in the 16s age group. On the way to the final she beat the second and the 3rd seed and was so close in the final against a girl with vast international experience.
• 18 girls Nationals Louie Fannin finished top 16  and Lala Fannin finished a very creditable 8th losing in quarter final .

Then came probably the best result to match Lilys runner up in 16s was Lala Fannin played in a womens WTA 35k tournament in Tauranga and gained a WTA women's point for winning through qualifying. The only kiwi the made it through.

In first round main draw she played a Chinese player who was 27th junior in world. Lala had a nervous start but showed her best in second set and matched it with the best in the world. Served for second set, lost in straight sets but gained so much experience.