ST MICHAEL’S made it back-to-back wins to start the pennant tennis season – but the going was not easy against Haven on Saturday.
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The Saints had only three women available for the match, forcing them to forfeit three sets. While Haven secured more games – 78 to 72 – the Saints won the day eight sets to six.
Captain Chris Ellis said the sides were evenly matched.
“Haven had a few players out as well. Most of the sets were really close,” he said.
“Given we’d forfeited three sets, we were up against it from the start. They then won three of the first four doubles sets. But after that we won the rest of the sets for the day.
“Ange Nitschke had a close win over Sophie De Wit in a tiebreak in their singles. That set went for ages, and was probably one of the crucial sets that got us the win.”
Ellis said the reigning premiers definitely had what it took to go all the way again this season.
“Our ladies aren't quite as strong without Steffi McDonald playing, but it's strengthened our men's side, which is where we were lacking,” he said.
“Our ladies carried us last year. This year might be the men's turn to step up and win a few more sets.”
Ellis said the association’s new eight-game format had proved popular in the first two weeks of competition.
“It makes the day go a bit quicker. We had two teams playing at St Michael’s on Saturday, and we were both finished by 5pm,” he said.
“If you are playing to nine games, it adds another good hour to the day.”
Haven captain Kirby Knight said it was a great day of tennis.
“Both teams did really well in the windy weather. It was a great hit-out early on in the competition,” she said.
Kalkee also had an eight sets to six win, against Drung South. The teams split wins in the first four sets before Kalkee took the upper hand in the singles.
Jeff Friberg and David Pipkorn led the way for the Kees, winning all their sets, while Kate-Lyn Perkin and Sandra Casey each won three for Drung South.
Horsham Lawn posted its second win of the season, defeating Telangatuk East 11 sets to three.
Lawn was dominant from the start and a clean sweep looked possible, until Kate Rogers broke through for Telangatuk in the eighth set of the day. She won her singles match-up against Laura Rosevear 8-4.
In A Special, Noradjuha had the narrowest of victories against Haven, winning by a game. Homers had a 10-4 win against Horsham Lawn, while Central Park Red beat Natimuk 9-5. Brimpaen made it two from two with an 11-3 win against Drung South.
Horsham Lawn, Haven and Central Park were the winners in A Grade, while Natimuk and Central Park secured victories in B Special.
