THE day began with both teams, Lundavra and Tarawera, being on quite a high before even one game was played.
This was due to the sky looking the way it was.
Although bets were being made as to which team would be the winners of the Shield and by how many games they would win, bets were also being made as to what time the rain would begin.
Anyhow lots of sets were played with not only the opposite team proving to provide strong competition, but the gusty wind also showing its strength.
The wind was blowing not only the clouds over, but blowing balls that looked like they were going out, back in.
The wind was blowing balls that felt like a good shot either way out past the base line or east or west past the side lines.
By lunch time all the men’s and women’s sets were over and the rain had still not arrived.
Due to the western sky becoming darker and darker a few players were beginning to join a few spectators by beginning either a celebratory drink or commiseratory drink!
With lunch complete the mixed doubles began and it was now that both the Lundavra and Tarawera teams truly began their celebrations.
Though Lundavra finished the Winter Fea Shield tennis competition as the 2008 winners everyone from both teams and all the spectators, no matter which team they were supporting began celebrating.
It was the magnificent rain that ended the season.
No one minded such a brilliant ending to a competition that every year proves to be a popular, successful and social way for a country communities to gather together each Sunday.
So firstly we now pass on our congratulations to Lundavra for winning Fea Shield for the year.
Secondly we owe lots and lots of thanks to each captain.
Mike Webster of the Lundavra team, John Norman of the Tarawera team, Tony Selby of the Billa Billa team and Susie Killen of the Yagaburne team all deserve our thanks and congratulations on a successful season.
Each week the team captains make a huge number of phone calls getting together their players, which due to players sometimes spraying weeds, weaning calves, shearing, visiting children away at school, taking children to different sports etc, is definitely never an easy task.
We also owe thanks to Susie Killen for being the Fea Shield secretary and organizing the successful roster of which team plays where and when and who they play.
A huge thank you goes to David Rae for being the President of the Fea Shield.
David was prepared to take on this role and this has allowed this competition to continue for its thirtieth year,
Last, but not least thank you so very much to all the players from each community who travel often great distances to keep the Shield going.
We are now looking forward to it beginning again in 2009.
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