McDonald made history this season as she became the first female player to play in the men’s section in Central Wimmera pennant tennis.

She has stepped up to the task remarkably well and was a key part of St Michael’s ascendancy at the top of the ladder, winning 10 of her 14 sets. She was absent when the side lost its only contest of the season against Haven in round seven.

McDonald leaves the country in January, but missed last match with a broken nose that will also keep her out of this weekend’s top of the table clash against second placed Horsham Lawn.

St Michael’s captain Chris Ellis said she is going to be difficult to replace. 

“We’re going to miss her, she’s been great for our men’s team and she’s strong in the doubles,” he said.

“It weakens our men a little – we all go up a number, so Ian Nitschke or Peter Hayes will go up to number one. Myself or Nick Robertson will probably step up into those last spots.”

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It should be an interesting contest at the weekend against Lawn who have significantly improved this season.

“We’re looking forward to a close match,” Ellis said.

“Last time we played at Lawn it was a pretty close contest and we had our best side in that day, so I’m expecting a similar contest. It should be good.”

Ellis said with McDonald’s absence, the men’s side of the match could be a challenge. 

“The men’s is going to be a real test for us,” he said.

“Their number one, Jae McGrath is a great player and will take some beating, and then they’ve got Hayden Farlow and Graeme Wood who are really good players.

“We will have a full strength ladies side so we might have an advantage there, but the men’s will be a challenge.”

In other contests, HAVEN take on DRUNG SOUTH with both sides looking to secure fourth spot before the Christmas break. 

Haven have had two big wins against St Michael’s and Horsham Lawn in the last three weeks, but slipped up last weekend with a loss to Kalkee. Drung South meanwhile have struggled for consistency this season, and  are coming off a close loss to Horsham Lawn last round. 

This will be a key contest with finals places heating up heading into the final four rounds of the season.

In the round’s final match, TELANGATUK EAST continue the search for their first ever pennant victory when they take on KALKEE. Kalkee will hope to continue the good form from their win against Haven last week.