As the months start to cool down, there are some great outdoor sports that keep you out and about and can be played in the fresh evening air. Although it messes with my policy of issuing White Pant Fines, tennis has a strong tradition of being played with champagne between sets so I tend to a little more forgiving. Nowadays it is played with gusto and grunts by a whole range of men and women keen to hear the famous words - Game, Set, Matching Outfits!

Tuesday nights in Spring Hill are alight with a dedicated band of tennis lovers who play rounds of social tennis at the Gregory Terrace Courts next to Centenary Pool. Team Brisbane Tennis attracts a range of gay, lesbian & friendly tennis players to their social tennis night every week. There is a fantastic emphasis on the social aspect by playing doubles matches in sets of 8 games, each person serving once each side of the court. The group has a wide range of players from beginners to some potential Rafael Nadals. I find myself plucking my undies between every point just to confirm my skill level. Depending on your skill level (minus underwear techniques)  they try to match you up with a range of players, taking into account a reasonable skills match and mixing different players up. Best of all they hold true to the tradition of tea and biscuits in the club house (still trying to find where they hide the champagne!)

 The games commence at 7pm on Tuesday nights at the Gregory Terrace Courts near the Centenary Aquatic Centre, 400 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill. Don’t worry if you’re running late as they play until 10.30pm – just pop in and introduce yourself so that someone can record your name in the registration book. They also have a smaller group that plays on a private court in Fairfield on Sunday afternoons from 1pm. For more information contact Mark on 0421 088994 or just turn up. There is a small fee to play: $10,full fee, or $8 concession which includes court hire, new balls and light supper. I’m off to grab that headband I discarded after the fall of aerobics OZ style (I knew it would come in handy). Find them on facebook or email: teambrisbanetennis@groups.facebook.com .