Top tennis clash turns into fizzer

Astawell top-of-the-table clash in

Tennis Club’s Friday night competition turned into a non-event with Crowe Horwath proving to be a class above Farrers Tyrepower.

Crowe Horwath scored an emphatic 71-game victory, with Stawell’s top-ranked male Blair Hart taking full advantage of arch rival Joel Freeland’s absence, dropping just six games against a hapless Shane Field. Hart was back to his best after indifferent form in recent weeks and was well supported by fellow skipper Sue Blakey.

Consistent Mick Sullivan and Dakota Cosson were also prominent in the victory.

Karl Scott and Angus Williams showed why they are two of the top fancies in B Grade singles club championships with another polished display, but it was not near enough for Farrers Tyrepower, going down eight sets 126 games to Crowe Horwath 19-197.

Frewstal forced its way into second place with a comfortable 46-game win over cellar dweller David O Jones Mitre 10.

Led by co-captains Howard Dunn and Jade Cross, Frewstal was never challenged in victory.

Caitlin Martin and Millie Francis did their best to emulate Cross’s heroics, displaying great touch on their way to multiple victories, while Sandy Kellas was also one of the better performing players of the evening.

Declan Pyke and Leon Monaghan battled hard against the odds for the underdog Mitre 10. its 17-190 to 10-144

This week sees a crucial battle, which will have a huge effect on the make-up of the final four when Tyrepower and Frewstal lock horns.

A comfortable victory appears assured for unbeaten Crowe Horwath against a Mitre 10 team searching for it’s first victory. Ladder: Crowe Horwath 86 points, Frewstal 64, Tyrepower 57, Mitre-10 41.