The Martinborough Tennis Club courts were busy over the weekend of 10–11 January 2026 as players from across the lower North Island – and beyond – travelled to compete in the annual Over-the-Hill Tennis Tournament, a two-day event marked by hard-fought battles, strong camaraderie and challenging conditions.
Saturday’s Men’s and Ladies Doubles in both Gold and Silver draws were played in blustery but sunny weather, with a big turnout creating packed courts and an energetic atmosphere. Sunday’s Mixed Doubles proved an even sterner test, as gale-force winds turned serves into guesswork and demanded sharp teamwork.
In the Men’s Gold Doubles, Niel Hendriks and Chris Wilkie prevailed in a hard-fought battle against Marc Paulik and Ed Wilkie, while the Silver title went to Wairarapa pair Duncan Oakley and Jon McNab, from Opaki, over Jeff Guppy and Russell Thomas.
The women’s events again drew strong interest. Daisy Leckie and Asoiva Mckavanagh took out the Gold draw against Tania Martin and Quinavera Te Rupe. Local fans had plenty to celebrate in the Silver draw, where Martinborough duo Lynette Batty and Pip Dalgleish overcame Ada Wilkie and Libby Paterson.
Sunday’s Mixed Doubles finals were keenly contested despite the relentless winds, with an intriguing mix of pairings, including several family combinations. Gold honours went to Asoiva Mckavanagh and Martin Simonlehner over Trevor and Emily Dine, Silver to Joseph Kelly and Stephanie Walker against Nathan Young and Ha Vo, and Bronze to Daz Wilkes and Yuvaraj Manickam over Ada Wilkie and Neil Wong.
What sets the tournament apart is its setting and strong sense of community. With six of eight courts still on grass and a history dating back to 1904, the historic clubhouse once again became the centre of the weekend.
Members volunteer countless hours preparing the grounds and courts, while off court there were home-baked morning teas, great-value lunches and a popular Saturday barbecue, enjoyed alongside wine from local vineyards and craft beer from Martinborough Brewery.
The club also gratefully acknowledged its sponsors for their generosity, without which the weekend would not have been possible, and extended special thanks to Scotty’s Meats for coming to the rescue with a replacement fridge when the original unit stopped working, and to P&K, who go above and beyond with their support year after year.
With its rare grass courts, proud history and trademark hospitality, Over-the-Hill continues to be one of Martinborough’s standout sporting traditions, attracting players back year after year.
