Mighty finish to Stawell tennis

Stawell Tennis Club’s Friday night competition drew to a close with one of the competition’s most exciting grand finals in recent memory.

The contest was packed full of drama and remained undecided until the last groundstroke for the night made its way into the net.

Stawell Goldmine capping off an unlikely foray into the top two was victorious by the barest of margins over Stawell Toyota.

Stawell Toyota jumped out of the blocks, winning five of the first seven sets, with Brian O’shannessy, who was best player in the grand final, leading the charge.

O’shannessy combined with the two Shanes, Freeland and Pevitt, for 6-1, 6-0 victories.

Stawell club legend Jade Cross did her best to inspire her Stawell Goldmine team-mates with her two wins against the tide, keeping the team in the contest.

It was through the middle sets that Stawell Goldmine made its move, notching up four wins in the five matches on the back of some terrific play from Maddi Rickard, Emily Davis and youngster Theo Browne. Moving into the mixed sets the stage was set for a barn-burning finish, with both teams locked on 53 games apiece. It was going to be a case of which team could hold their nerve.

Henry Clough set the tone with a thumping 6-0 win in the singles, and that coupled with another Brian O’shannessy masterclass. This time he paired with Simone Grace for a 6-2 win and gave Stawell Toyota the ascendency.

Theo Browne and sub Carel Chang answered back with a 6-2 win for Stawell Goldmine and with just one set remaining, a mixed clash between both teams’ top players, Stawell Toyota clung onto a five-game lead.

Stawell Goldmine skippers Andrew Dunn and Jade Cross threw caution to the wind, blasting winner after winner en route to a 6-0 triumph in an incredible finish, providing their side with an improbable one game victory.

Stawell Goldmine players rejoiced while their counterparts were left to lament a lost opportunity.