It was a perfect day for the resumption of Tennis Geelong’s summer pennants, and with the countdown to finals restarted the competition is hot as the weather, especially in Section 4 Mixed where all 7 teams are still in finals contention.
Ladder leaders Newcomb had the bye this week, and with only eight points to Lara in fifth, results would determine whether they would stay there.
Drysdale closed part of the gap between them and a finals spot when they travelled to Lara and secured a 4-2 win. Lara started well, winning the first set 6-2, but retired in the second set. From there Drysdale won the men’s and women’s doubles, and secured the fourth mixed to win the day.
It was derby day for Western Heights with third placed Red taking on Blue at Lunan Park. With only one point separating the teams and bragging rights on the line, competition was both fierce and friendly with smashing volleys, spinner serves and great rallies all highlights of the day.
The teams were even after the first mixed sets, with each team taking one set 6-2. It was still neck and neck after the doubles as Red took the women’s 6-2 while Blue the men’s 6-1. The reverse mixed would determine the day’s winner and ladder positions.
It was Blue that made the most of their chances, winning both sets 7-5 and 6-2, with Shaun Howard helping his team over the line winning his three sets in the 4-2 victory. The win moved Blue to within one point of Newcomb, and will make their round 13 clash one to watch.
With all teams being so close, Wandana Heights moved themselves from fifth to third, despite having the closest win of the day against Bannockburn. Banno’s dad and daughter combo, Melissa and Brendan Gillett, battled hard to win the first mixed in a tie-break, while spouses Melissa and Craig Smith had an easier time in the second winning 6-0.
The doubles were decided in a similar fashion with Banno winning the women’s 6-4 and Wandana the men’s 6-1. The reverse mixed also went one each way, but Wandana’s eight game lead was too big for Banno to overcome, giving Wandana the win on games and putting them within five points of top spot.
At the end of the round things are tighter than they started with only 17 points between all teams and six points between first and fifth – with the wrinkle of Western Heights Uniting Red, Lara and Drysdale still to have their second bye.
