Top teams assert dominance

Moolap: Jack Minnee, Ella-Rose Minnee, Emelia Webber and Sophie McCoy. (pictures supplied)

In contrast to last week, this week’s Tennis Geelong’s Junior Pennant finals results went with ladder position with all home teams winning.

Geelong Lawn had nine teams playing with five coming home with a win. White split the singles with Grovedale in Premier, but got over the line in the doubles to win two rubbers to one, while 3 Boys White and 2 Girls both had wins over Surfcoast five sets to one.

4 Girls Green managed a closer win over Barwon Heads 4-2, and 5 Boys White had the closest result with Ocean Grove, coming back from 3-1 down, winning both doubles to finish ahead by two games.

Ocean Grove had a mixed day, but did defeat Geelong Lawn Green 5-1 in the 3 Boys second semi, and will face minor premiers Wandana Heights who got over Highton 4-2.

The Orca’s in 8 Boys went down 5-1 to Clifton Springs in the first semi, while the Rays got up 5-1 over St Mary’s in the second.

Wandana slugged it out with Ocean Grove in 1 Boys with the Grove four games ahead but level on sets after the singles. Wandana rallied in the doubles, winning both 6-4, giving them a 4-2 win, but even on games.

Wandana had its third win for the day when Green Ball 1 won through against Highton 4-2, their one loss was Blue team in 1 Girls to Barwon Heads by four sets to two.

Barwon Heads were also successful in Green Ball 2, winning all four singles in an eventual 5-1 win over Geelong Lawn, giving the club two wins for the day.

Lara won two from three finals with their 7 Boys and 3 Girls both posting wins over Geelong Lawn five sets to one while St Mary’s proved too good in Green Ball 3 also winning 5-1.

Western Heights Uniting booked their place in next week’s grand final against Geelong Lawn in 2 Girls with a 4-2 over Hamlyn Park, but 7 Boys were not so lucky in their match against All Saints. The teams were level on sets and games going into the doubles, but the Saints combinations proved too good, eventual winners 4-2.

Drysdale had one match for the day in 4 Boys, which they won comfortably against Grovedale 5-1 while Point Lonsdale and Bannockburn, in their clubs’ only finals, had the closest match of the day in 6 Boys. The teams were only separated by two games after the singles, and were tied on sets and games after the doubles forcing them to a deciding set.

In the end, Lonsdale’s Finley Costello and Lachlan Gaylard got their team over the line winning 6-4, while Bannockburn were left with the long drive home.