28/06/2026
🌈 Pride Cup Round 🌈
All the colours of the rainbow were out in force for Pride Round as ECTC hosted the Glencairn Gladiators in the Battle of Merri-Bek's inaugural Pride Cup.
There were headbands, wristbands, socks, bunting, traffic delays, banners, kids’ crafts, activities, rainbow cakes and cookies, and some absolute classics booming over the PA system - Dancing Queen, It’s Raining Men, Somewhere Over the Rainbow - all officially approved by Melbourne radio royalty, JOY FM’s very own Joel, who was there in the flesh.
https://joy.org.au/joybreakfast/2026/06/25/thursday-breakfast-lynton-joseph-interview/
There had been plenty of talk in the media during the week about the potential splitting of the Begovic/Santacroce pairing, and to be honest, they have been travelling terribly. Father Time is catching up with them, although both continue to refuse to wear a watch or look at the time.
Van Herk made the tough call to bring Joseph in for his first doubles match in over 12 months, partnering Santacroce in place of Begovic. The decision immediately looked questionable, with Santacroce/Joseph finding themselves 1–5 down before somehow coming from behind to take the first set.
They are still scratching their heads, mainly because both are firm believers in giving up early and thinking about the next set. Their motto remains simple: if at first you don’t succeed, just give up.
The Van Herks were elevated to the number one doubles position on account of the latest UTR rankings, and also surprised the bookies with a straight-sets win.
The singles were another hard-fought affair, and with Tennis Victoria CEO Mr Kim Kachel in attendance, both teams were, as always, on their very best behaviour.
But the real highlight came after the final ball was hit.
Post-match was what the day was truly about - celebrating inclusion, community, pride, respect, friendship, and making sure everyone feels welcome at our club, regardless of who they are or who they love.
A formal presentation for the Pride Cup was made, speeches were delivered, food was devoured, and both teams did the right thing and hydrated. And hydrate they did - right into the night, until it was time to order a soul-testing vindaloo from Saleems Indian Restaurant, a regular go-to for the ECTC boys.
In the end, tennis was the reason we came together, but community was the reason the night mattered.
Pride Round reminded us that a club is at its best when everyone has a place, everyone has a voice, and everyone is welcome on and off the court.
Pride Cup
Tennis Victoria
Elite Tennis Academy
Merri-bek City Council
🌈🎾
