Mixed results for tennis clubs
There have been mixed fortunes for Kapiti’s two premier 1 tennis teams, after the post-Christmas resumption of the Wellington interclub competition.
The Paraparaumu Beach women’s team picked up 15 points from a possible 16 in two comprehensive victories, recovering from their defeat to Lower Hutt in their last tie before Christmas.
Further north, the Waikanae Beach men’s team have lost twice, leaving them bottom of the standings.
Paraparaumu Beach welcomed back Leela Beattie for their first post-Christmas tie against Thorndon, after she missed the Lower Hutt defeat to play in a tournament in Christchurch.
Beattie, the country’s fifthranked women’s singles player, was given her sternest interclub test this season so far by Tamara Anderson, ranked 17 in New Zealand, but eventually prevailed 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.
Three of the matches went to three sets, but the Amelia Lawson-Georgia Kingi doubles combination was the only match Paraparaumu Beach dropped.
Paraparaumu Beach swept through Tawa-Lyndhurst in last weekend’s tie.
This weekend they face Wellington-Wakefield, and Amy Kieboom, 12, will make her debut.
Paraparaumu Beach are seven points clear of their nearest rivals, Lower Hutt, Thorndon and Wellington-Wakefield.
Defending premier 1 champions, Paraparaumu Beach also took out the pre-Christmas title last year despite their Lower Hutt slip-up.
Also facing Thorndon and Lower Hutt, the only victory Waikanae Beach had across the two ties was Kieren Rooney’s singles victory against Thorndon’s Pat Metham.
Captain Steve Joss said the team had been weakened by the absence of Bryce Hayr and Matt Alexander, who were brought in from Auckland before Christmas as the top seed at different times.
He said Patrick Joss and Kurt Amey, both 14, had been playing as the first and second seeds and were impressive despite their defeats.
Waikanae Beach face Miramar, who are fourth in the sixteam league, this weekend.
It is Waikanae Beach’s first season in the top grade after promotion last year.
Four straight wins before Christmas ensured they will also start next season in premier 1.