Saints swoop to claim title
Afast-finishing Horsham Saints dealt minor premier Drung South a crushing blow on Saturday, swooping from fourth spot to claim the 2020-21 Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant cup.
The addition of young gun Jess Mcdonald – who if not for COVID-19 would be competing in the United States’ collegiate system – has paid dividends, with the star player again winning three sets with relative ease.
Veterans Peter Hayes and Ian Nitschke got their side off to a good start at Central Park, defeating up-andcomers Dylan Emmerson and Logan Casey 8-5.
The Saints were victorious in all six doubles rubbers, while Drung South won all its sets in singles encounters.
There were several close showdowns throughout the afternoon, but the Saints – experienced finals campaigners – again came out on top.
They won the afternoon by four sets, 8-81 to 4-68.
Association president Jeremy Quast said the pennant competition headlined a great day of tennis in junior and senior grades.
“It was a very successful day and Central Park Tennis Club ran the event very well,” he said.
“There was lots of seating, lots of shade, amazing tennis and just a really good atmosphere.
“There were some very close matches, which there should be in finals. Considering the disappointing end to last season because of COVID, we were thrilled to be able to celebrate such a wonderful day of tennis and sportsmanship.”
A Special has been hotly contested all season and the grand final did not disappoint.
The match was an absolute thriller, with the result decided by games.
Horsham Lawn Massey, which only qualified for finals at the last minute, took it up to ladder leader Natimuk at Central Park.
Lawn’s Shane Gillespie won all three of his sets, with Cheryl Sudholz continuing her impressive run of form to achieve the same feat for the winners.
At the end of the day, both outfits produced a strong team effort, but Natimuk finished stronger to win by three games, 7-88 to 7-85.
St Michaels also saluted against Drung South in A Grade, capping off a dominant campaign.
The Saints women led the way, with Jess Cannane, Courtney Clough and Nat Henry winning three sets apiece.
Justin Lane, three sets, was among the better contributors for Drung.
Drung South celebrated a premiership in B Special, defeating Natimuk for the title, 9-88 to 3-51.
Erin Habel, Lee Marshall and Dianne Rudolph were key in the victory, while Travis Maybery contributed two of Natimuk’s three wins for the afternoon.
Horsham Lawn Tennis Club host the grand final in 2022.
Results Seniors – Pennant, St Michaels 8-81 d Drung South 4-68; A Special, Natimuk 7-88 d Horsham Lawn Massey 7-85; A Grade, St Michaels 7-76 d Drung South 5-64; B Special, Drung South 9-88 d Natimuk 3-51. Juniors – Open, Central Park White 5-34 will
d Central Park Blue 1-25; section-one boys, Homers 6-36 d Horsham Lawn 0-15; section-one girls, Central Park White 3-29 d Horsham Lawn White 3-28; section-two boys, Haven 4-32 d Natimuk 2-28; section-two girls, Haven Pink 3-31 d Central Park 3-28; section-three boys, Central Park 4-30 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-27; section-three girls, Haven Yellow 4-32 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-19; section-four boys, Haven 3-25 d Horsham Lawn Black, tiebreak decider; section-four girls, Horsham Lawn Green 4-32 d Homers 2-23; match play, Horsham Lawn Pink 4-17 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-15.