Soffe Cup produces exciting results

Some surprises emerged in round five of the Soffe Cup.

Pukekura faced South Combined at home and ran out 15–1 winners.

Abby Ross was the only South Combined player to have a win – and what a win. Ross was up against Ella Rogers, an older, more experienced player. Ross refused to be intimidated and played with poise throughout.

This hard-fought win follows on from Ross’ success at the primary schools’ tournament, where she emerged victorious against higher-ranked players to be the Tennis Central Primary Schools champion. Ross is a player who continues to exceed expectations.

The other player who has been flying under the radar is Derryn Fleming. Playing at No 2 for Pukekura, Fleming got the better of Jorja Symes 6–2 6–3. Fleming has now gone 17 matches in the Soffe Cup without a loss.

Oakura, at home to Stratford, recorded an 11–5 win. Stratford’s Michael Boland pulled out an exciting victory over Gavin Stanley 2–6 6–3 6–0. Oakura’s Andrew

Hood showed real improvement from his first outing for the club to record a comfortable 6–1 6–0 victory over Grant Kite, playing in the No 2 position.

Michael Boland and his partner, Paul Waite, nearly recorded another victory for Stratford but fell just short against Stanley and his partner, Colin Handschuck.

Oakura will be happy to have been able to record a win, particularly in the absence of their two top male players.

The last Soffe Cup fixture of the weekend saw Huatoki beat Rotokare at the Huatoki courts 12–4. Rotokare was without either of its two top men and this was the opportunity Huatoki needed.

The singles were split fairly evenly, with Huatoki taking a 5–3 lead into the doubles and combines. This was the point where Huatoki asserted dominance, conceding only one further match.

This was won by Rotokare’s Alex Macesic and Luis Silva. Huatoki can be well pleased with a real team-oriented victory.

Dominance came about through combinations playing well together that have developed as the season has progressed.

In the Wilson Trophy, South Combined lost to Inglewood 16–0,

Rotokare won by default over Oakura and Waitara lost 5–11 to Pukekura. In the Sumpter Trophy, South Combined defeated Pukekura 13–3 and Oakura beat Huatoki 9–7.

The Soffe Cup points table is Pukekura 76, Oakura 51, South Combined 42, Rotokare 39.5, Huatoki 39 and Stratford 22.5.

The Wilson Trophy points table is Inglewood 77, Oakura 60, Pukekura 44, Rotokare 35, South Combined 32, and Waitara 22.

The Sumpter Trophy points table is South Combined 75, Pukekura 45, Oakura 36 and Huatoki 18.