The penultimate round of the Stawell Tennis Club’s Friday night competition posed more questions than answers with grand final hopefuls, Frewstal, blowing a golden opportunity to book themselves a spot in the big dance, with a loss to Farrers Tyrepower.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Meanwhile, unbeaten Crowe Horwath was far from convincing in a narrow victory over likely wooden spooners David O'Jones Mitre 10.
Farrers Tyrepower got the jump on Frewstal and raced out to a commanding early lead in its all-important clash, led by Chris Simpkin in the men’s section and Erin Freeland in the ladies, with both players winning all their sets for the evening.
Up and coming youngsters D'Aartagnan Walls and Luke Monaghan were also prominent on the night. Frewstal stormed back into the contest winning seven of the last eight sets but it was a case of too little too late, going down 13 sets 162 games to Farrers Tyrepower 14 sets 172 games. Nathan Baker, Cameron Hancock and Millie Francis fought valiantly in the loss.
David O'Jones Mitre 10 were agonisingly close to upstaging the raging premiership favourites Crowe Horwath, failing by just seven games to cause the boil over of the season. Madi Freeland and Tess Bailey were in outstanding touch, inspiring their teammates through their actions, as they sensed an upset brewing. However, normal transmission would resume with the Crowe Horwath men regaining control of the contest, Aiden Lee, Mick Sullivan, Jonah O'Shannessy and Zayne Hall leading the onslaught from the men, in the end Crowe Horwath keeping their perfect season alive, but not without some anxious moments, winning 15 sets 170 games to David O'Jones Mitre 10 12 sets 163 games.
There will be no tennis this Friday night due to the long weekend, with play resuming on March 16 – the final round before the grand final.
Both matches that night will have an impact on the makeup of the finals, with Frewstal and Farrers Tyrepower separated by just two points for the all-important second spot and a grand final berth.
Frewstal face the tougher task of playing top placed Crowe Horwath, while Farrers Tyrepower will lock horns with David O'Jones Mitre 10 in what promises to be a thrilling last round.
LADDER
Crowe Horwath 105, Frewstal 77, Farrers Tyrepower 75, David O'Jones Mitre 10 53.