The GMLTA is a fortnight away from its finals series, yet the competition’s standings are still in flux, as another movement has been made to the ladder following the latest weekend of action.
Saturday’s results were arguably predictable, but the scorelines have provided extra points boosts for the winners, which may be vital to secure a home final at season’s end.
In the GM1 tournament, the top four will advance to finals, with the loser of first versus fourth holding a double chance - but the same cannot be said for second against third.
With a three-team race for pole position, every match until the post-season is crucial to try and take the minor premiership, or at the very least, hold home turf in what is effectively an elimination final in semi-final two.
As it stands, Shepparton Lawn Average Joes has been knocked from its perch in second after holding the bye in round 11, with Numurkah securing the spot after a comprehensive win over the Velvet Tigers.
The Warriors would sweep the Tigers in the men’s singles sets, opening a four-rubber lead, with gun tennis champion Nick Fenaughty boasting the best win of the lot with an 8-1 domination to firmly place the games ledger in Numurkah’s advantage.
Numurkah would go up five sets to love before the Velvet Tigers got on the board, but a six to one lead all but assured the Warriors would claim the points.
The Tigers were more competitive in the doubles but still lost the six sets two to four, with a final score presented as 9-84 to 3-64 in favour of the reigning champions.
Across to Tatura, current ladder leaders Shepparton Lawn The Valley made light work of the Grasscourt Snippers.
The Valley pipped the home side in the opening two sets 8-7, 8-6, in what was a valiant effort from the winless Tatura.
Ultimately, The Valley had too much class and were able to clutch match-winners when it counted after Tatura made its challenge.
Hence, although the scoreboard read 10 sets to two in The Valley’s favour, the games ledger was a far more respectable outcome - final scores 10-91 to 2-61.
The Valley is four points above Numurkah and five points above the Average Joes in first place, but a high stakes round 12 match could see the ladder shift once again.
A top of the table clash between The Valley and the Warriors could determine this year’s minor premier, although a one-sided victory from the Average Joes against Tatura could see the third-placed club usurp them both.
The Velvet Tigers have the bye in round 12, set to return against the Average Joes in the league’s final round.
Three clubs can’t fit into two home finals, and three clubs can’t fit into one double chance.
A fortnight of decisive, make-or-break tennis remains in the GM1 season.
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