The team came close runners-up to Gunnedah five sets to three at the Sydney Olympic Park courts on Monday. 

The returning 2016 champions had some great opening plays, qualifying for the grand final after opening the round against Cantebury, and then defeating Forster.

The school congratulated the team of Maka Ofati, Luka Cowles, Hollie Staight and Mackenzie Morse. 

Officials said it was great to host the opening round in Merimbula for the first time ever with a good home crowd to cheer on the young guns. 

“The team from Canterbury Public School in Sydney got themselves out of bed at 5am in the morning for the long drive south to take on our team,” the school posted on social media. 

“Our players loved having all the local supporters on hand to cheer them on.” 

The boys had convincing wins in their singles matches, while the girls suffered narrow losses. The boys also conquered their doubles round, with the Merimbula girls going down in a tense tie-breaker.

“We would like to thank all the supporters that came to watch and Canterbury Public School for making the trip down to Merimbula.”

The school thanked James Poso and Foster Ofati for their coaching and support of the team. 

A spokeswoman for the school said it was a fantastic effort from the team to come close to retaining the title. 

“They did well to come second in the state,” she said.