WHANGAMATA TENNIS0
Headbands adjusted, sun protection smeared and rackets at the ready, the seven entrants for the Whangamata tennis men's singles took to the courts on Saturday. Different tennis styles and approaches were seen from the traditional and patient " keep the ball in play" to the more aggressive dipping top spin shots and power serves. As top seed the playing through champion Frank Hilliar had a first round bye. In the final Frank played the deceptively effective Jack Smith in the first to nine games match. Jack took out this title by 9-5 against a strong finishing Frank. The machine like first serves of Frank helped keep him in the game after Jack jumped out to a strong 8-2 lead before he closed the game out. Des Glass with his effectively unique chopping style took out the Plate final accounting for Dean Hogwood 9-0 and Don Mackay 9-3. The women's singles final was a family affair as Cassie beat Kylie 6-3, 6-2. Cheers to match organiser David Branks, management Sally and Mike. Men's, women's and combined doubles coming up this weekend with good entry numbers. Local tennis historical note - the players with their names engraved on the Whangamata tennis club honours board the most are Geoff Mellsop with eight men's singles titles and Christine Grahame with seven women's singles titles.
Results Simon beat Dean 9-2, Tamati beat Don 9-6, Jack beat Des 9-2. Semifinals Frank beat Simon 9-2 and Jack beat Tamati 9-5. Final Jack beat Frank 9-5. Women's Cassie beat Kylie 6-3, 6-2.