Down to the wire
Competition resumed for Wimmera tennis clubs at the weekend after a summer break, with teams meeting for their first matches of 2022 in Central Wimmera Tennis Association.
Pennant ladder-leader Horsham Lawn held off St Michaels in the match of the round, to remain in top spot heading into round nine.
In a close struggle where each side won six sets, Horsham Lawn took the win by six games overall, beating St Michaels 6-73 to 6-67.
Kalkee enjoyed a win over
Drung South Purple 1-43 to 1195 to claim second place on the pennant ladder from St Michaels.
Drung South Orange was not good enough to climb out of last place with a loss to Central Park, 5-69 to 7-86.
Association president Jeremy Quast said he knew the match between Horsham Lawn and St Michaels was always going to be close.
“It could have gone either way really,” he said.
“St Michaels are always quite strong and the hard courts at St Michaels are something very different for Horsham Lawn.
“Central Park played great and got its first win of the season over Drung South Orange. It was an impressive showing by Central Park’s men’s doubles teams who were strong all day.”
In a ‘great’ first week back, Mr Quast said mid-season matches were crucial for clubs, given the switch to a knockout final series this season.
“There are no second chances this year, so it is crucial to get wins now given the importance of home finals,” he said.
“Where clubs finish on the ladder is so critical this year.
“Teams can’t settle heading into finals and they will need to push to the last round for the best shot.”