The Valley's Luke Dixon was “surprised” his side knocked off the defending champions.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association is back in full swing.
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As fresh kicks and kit were graced by grass stains on the lawn tennis court turf at Numurkah and Nathalia, two clubs began their seasons in ace style.
Four-time defending champions Numurkah Warriors ventured into The Valley for its first encounter of the season - and stunningly, it didn’t make it out the other side.
When you swing at the king, you best not miss, and The Valley landed blows when it mattered in a thrilling 6-66 to 6-74 victory.
The first six rubbers were won with the same scoreline of 8-3 by either team, but The Valley held a 2–4 sets lead halfway through the contest.
Numurkah’s Jack Bassett and Grant Chappell responded, however, claiming a tight seventh rubber 8-7 before Nick Fenaughty and Mark Mills scored an 8-4 set win.
But The Valley’s Curtis-McDonald chemistry would be the ultimate difference maker in the tight affair.
Hope and D’Arcy Curtis-McDonald claimed an unblemished ninth rubber 8-0, putting a significant games buffer in-between the defending champs and The Valley.
“Our girls played extremely well, they stepped up to the Warriors and it helped out the guys, who were going through a few new combinations and new dynamics,” The Valley’s Luke Dixon said.
The Warriors would claim two of the last three sets to square the ledger at six apiece, but The Valley stood ahead by eight games as the final point was scored.
Dixon said the win was a “bit of a surprise” but one that fills the team with belief.
“It was pleasing, but there was a few surprising results in there,” Dixon said.
“I didn’t expect it, especially with the new members and combinations, but we’ll certainly take the result and only improve from here.”
The Valley's Luke Dixon winds up a serve.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Matt Carrol hoists the ball in the air.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Darcy Curtis-McDonald played a critical part in the upset win.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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The Warriors' Yvette Ambrosini gets under a low bounce.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Warriors' Lucy Bassett smashes a high ball on the baseline.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Warriors' Jack Bassett hustles to continue the rally.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Hope Curtis-McDonald locks in on returning serve.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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The Warriors' Jack Forde whips a forehand over the net.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Velvet Tigers have mown down the Grasscourt Snippers in an affair tighter than what the scoreboard suggests.
While an 8-4 set scoreline depicts a comfortable victory for the Tigers, the result of 8-84 to 4–68 shows Tatura were so close, yet so far, on multiple occasions in the opening round battle.
The match started on positive terms for the league’s newcomers, winning opening rubbers 8-6 and 8-7, however the Velvet Tigers would respond with set wins of 8-5 and 8-4.
Chelsea Evans made an emphatic statement for the Grasscourt Snippers, winning a singles rubber 8-2, but the Velvet Tigers pulled away with the advantage immediately after.
Three straight sets, and overall six of the final seven, were won to the Tigers, handing Tatura its welcome to the league moment, although the Grasscourt Snippers were valiant to the end in its inaugural stand.
A true test of the Velvet Tigers’ improvement, following its wooden spoon winning year last season, will come in round two against the four-peat Warriors, while Tatura will need to avenge its loss to last summer’s minor premier Shepparton Average Joes, who begin their campaign with fresh legs after a round one bye.
After its thrilling opening win, The Valley can rest and recover from the physically demanding clash with Numurkah with the bye in round two.
“For me personally I’m glad (about the bye break), the body’s a bit tired today as an older bloke,” Dixon said with a laugh.
“But a new team is only good for the competition and growing numbers in the sport.”
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