Round 12 produced some drama in Section 1 Mixed, with six teams moving ladder positions with just two rounds to play before finals.
Both Bannockburn and Grovedale Black were undefeated going into their clash, with the original encounter in round seven abandoned due to rain. While they are all but guaranteed to finish one and two, both teams were gunning for top spot to help secure a home court advantage for finals.
Scores were level after the first two sets with Zoe Duff and Michael Best winning the first mixed for Grovedale 6-1, while Rachael Le Maitre and James Le did the same for Bannockburn in the second. From there, however, Grovedale took control of the match winning the next four sets to earn a 5-1 win, with Michael Best the standout dropping only one game for the day.
It was third versus fourth in the second match of the day with Moriac travelling to Anglesea to face Surfcoast Bellbrae. With only two points between them, both teams were keen to post a win to keep finals hopes alive.
Kristie Walters and Trevor Colbert kicked off for Moriac with a 6-2 win, while Bellbrae scored in the second mixed with Kate Darbyshire and Scott McCardel winning 6-4. The father/son combination of Trevor and Jarryd Colbert proved too strong in the men’s, but Bellbrae’s Darbyshire and Grace Taylor kept their team in touch winning 6-2.
With only one game separating the teams going into the reverse mixed, both teams knuckled down with long games, many rallies. With just one break of serve in each set, Moriac got over the line in both 6-4 to take the win 4-2, extending their lead over Bellbrae.
Grovedale Yellow is still only two points behind Moriac after their encounter with St Leonards, where they also managed a 4-2 win. Rachel Knez and Wayne Bulman started well for St Leonards, winning the first mixed 6-2, but the Grovedale’s seasoned husband and wife pairing of Steve and Linda Muratori proved too good in the second winning 6-1.
The women’s went to St Leonards’ Cleta Forrest and Ranie Daw 6-3, but Muratori and Craig Watson proved too good in the men’s, winning 6-1. Grovedale lifted a gear in the remaining mixed with Watson and Linda Muratori winning 6-3, while Steve Muratori teamed with Sue Sutherland to get his third set for the day and give Grovedale the win.
Western Heights and Winchelsea delivered the tightest contest of the season so far in a thrilling showdown at Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club. The hosts struck first with Jayde Kelly and Peter Varszeghy landing the opening blow 6-3, but Winchelsea responded immediately with Ange Oldham and Matt Allen producing a strong performance to win 6-2.
The doubles sets were swift and decisive. Kelly and Livinia Ryan were ruthless and overpowering for the Heights in the Women’s winning 6-0, while Winch’s father/son combination of Matt and Fletcher Allen were too strong for the Heights father/son combination taking it 6-1.
The match was tied going into the final two sets, and was perfectly poised for a dramatic finish. Domination continued with Winch’s Oldham and Fletcher Allen winning 6-0, and while Kelly and Seb Varszeghy did their best to tie the match for the Heights, but left them one game short.
