Springvale rallies

By Stuart Teather
SPRINGVALE North Tennis Club did itself no favours by starring in its debut season in Pennant Grade One last year, finishing second and making it to the semi-finals.
The result meant expectations were high heading into season 2009, but hopes of a repeat performance were dashed when the club lost its star player in off-season movements.
The new season kicks off this weekend but Springvale North will be without Stephen Fotakis, who has gone to Donvale’s State Grade team.
Aside from Fotakis, the squad has not changed from the one that won eight games last year, meaning some of the younger players will have to step up in Fotakis’ absence.
Coach Stephen Sruk said teenage sensation Trent Cobb would step up to the number one position.
“I think he’s definitely a Grade One number one player, he almost had a State Grade opportunity this year too,” he said.
“He’s doing VCE, he’s got a lot of schoolwork to do so he’s not going to be able to play as much tennis as we would like … he’ll maybe practice twice a week or three times a week, which isn’t enough to win at Grade One every week.”
Zoran Josic will move up into the number two position from his number three spot in 2008, while relative newcomer Anthony Di Domenico will play in the third spot.
Di Domenico came across from Dingley and played a few games towards the end of last season, and has made the permanent jump for 2009.
Henryk Pawlukowski will start in the number four position, and Sruk said club stalwart Zelko Lovric would also be on hand to plug the gaps.
Sruk emphasised that his team would not be as strong as in 2008.
“It’s going to be a tough season for us, but everyone has got to step up and hopefully we’re capable of doing it.
“If we can finish fourth, it’s a great result for the team we’ve got at the moment.
“We’ll try and rebuild for the year after to try and get a maybe stronger Grade One side, or if we can a State Grade team.”