18/06/2026
My MPTA Story - Peter Bertoncini https://play.tennis.com.au/mtprospecttennis/MyMPTAStory
1. Where did you grow up and what are some of your earliest memories playing tennis?
I'm a born and bred Castlemaine boy where I still reside currently and grew up playing tennis around the Castlemaine and districts area. My earliest tennis memories are hitting against the brick wall in the backyard with an old wooden Pancho Gonzales racquet, trying with all my might to win my first point against that wall. I then remember taking said racquet to an open day at the Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club, surrounded by other young players with the fancy Wilson racquets and all the gear. The coach leading that session told me that I should probably give up, which is also where I learnt how stubborn I can be even at a young age as it convinced me I'd keep playing. I ended up playing out at Guildford Tennis Club after a few years in Castlemaine when I wanted to start playing senior level tennis as a junior.
2. When did you first play tennis at the Association? And who got you involved?
My first year at the Association was in 2015. As the Guildford Tennis Club, we were on the hunt for a new competition to play in after the Castlemaine association had folded. It was a decision between Bendigo and Mt Prospect. Whilst Bendigo was closer none of us had ever played on a grass court before, so we made the decision to call Mt Prospect home. I still remember in the very first match we were having to draft in anyone to make a team, which resulted in my mum playing having not played regularly for at least 20 years. On a very hot day we played the mixed set together and I was determined to win, which mum must have missed because at 7-3 down she was telling herself just one more game to go so she wouldn't pass out. We proceeded to win 8-7 in a tiebreak, I'm not sure she has forgiven me yet.
Peter Bertoncini/Dianne Bertoncini def Barry Griffiths/Pam Kelly 8-7
3. Describe yourself as a tennis player?
Pre-Mt Prospect I considered myself a baseliner, someone willing to rally all day long and wear the opponent out. Before the grass I never once served and volleyed. That is very different these days where that is all I primarily do. I'd like to think of myself as someone who is a bit crafty, trying to hit the angles and play the soft touch. It's also probably fair to say that I could work on my fitness levels.
4. What are some of your highlights across your playing days?
Winning my first premiership at Mt Prospect in 2017 with the Guildford Tennis Club, by then rebranded Guildford Districts due to the number of other players we had recruited was a thrill and something I didn't think would ever happen. Moving up to A Grade was another highlight and not something I ever thought I'd achieve, followed by then winning now two A Grade premierships. Probably some memories others would prefer not to remember, but it will be hard for me to forget my semi-final performances in both of those A Grade premiership years. Both times they were days where everything just clicked for me.
5. Who are some of the best players you’ve shared a court with over the years?
I've shared the court with many good players in my time at the association, but I tend to find that I really struggle against those players who can play my type of game but better than me! The likes of Chris Todd, Geoff Reese, Gary Wealands and Stu Sullivan often provide me headaches when I watch even craftier shots drift past me. Outside of those player types the likes of Justin McGrath, Greg Parry, Kellie Swift and Rick Andrews were always a joy to watch.
6. What do you enjoy most about playing on the grass courts?
Well outside of it being great on the body, it's also just such an enjoyable surface to play on for the variability. You always have to turn up ready to play. It's a credit to the association how incredible the facility is looking.
7. Who have been some of the most enjoyable players to play with? And can you recall any funny stories from one of your matches?
When I moved up to A Grade initially, I thoroughly enjoyed played with both Griffin and Soren Andrews. Both incredible young men who had developed a really nice playing style. In more recent times my favourite sets to play are the mixed sets with Rachel White. We've developed a great bond, and our styles complement each other on-court very well.
A funny story I have is from my first ever Country Week with Mt Prospect. I had been playing with Russell Leishman for the Monday and Tuesday matches and we hadn't lost a set before Tony Heagney made a quiet complaint that he'd like to play with me. Russell set us up for the first Wednesday match, but I had a very enjoyable Tuesday night at the social function that left me a little worse for wear. We won the toss and Tony confidently said serve before handing me the balls and walking to the net. I spent nearly a minute throwing the ball up without swinging. Tony sensing my troubles came over to ask what was going on. I informed him that every time I threw the ball up, I was seeing three different balls. No problems he informed me, just swing at the middle one. I served a game of double faults. Thankfully I didn't completely disgrace myself and we managed to get the win.
8. How did you find the social aspect of the Association over the years?
I love the social aspect of the association. We battle it out on court, but there's a lot of camaraderie off the court and everyone enjoys socialising afterwards. We have some great characters who make it so enjoyable to be out there.
9. What do you think draws people to playing tennis at the Association?
I think the grass courts are a big attraction, but I think once people are out there it's the welcoming nature of the association that keeps everyone coming back. It's a great place to be and we'd love for more to become involved.
10. You have been on the committee of the Association for a number of years, including President for the last 4 years. What attracted you to join the committee?
I was first approached by Cam Beyer to help him out when he was Senior Director. I've always been someone willing to help out and volunteer, so thought I could assist him in what he was doing. I didn't really have any considerations for getting more involved until Cam's illness and it seemed like such a natural progression. The committee were and still are very welcoming and that made it much easier to join and help out. The transition to President was an easy decision when looking at how much support existed on the committee for me to move into that role.
11. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get involved with the Association in a voluntary capacity?
I think it's important to have younger representation on the committee and I'm always excited when I see the next generation take that next step. My advice would be for anyone considering getting involved to have the conversation with anyone on the committee and just make the jump. It's incredibly rewarding and fulfilling when you do get involved. I saw a recent statistic that suggested we're becoming a spectator nation when it comes to sport, I'd love for all of us to take the responsibility of getting involved, volunteering and ensuring that doesn't happen.
12. Do you have any other stories or anything else you want to mention?
I just want to thank all of those who have been involved in my time at the association on the court and off the court. In particular my mum and dad who have done so much for the association without ever being asked to do so.
Mt Prospect Tennis Mt Prospect Ballarat Tennis Creswick Tennis
