The Valley's Hope Curtis-McDonald starred in an all-time top of the table clash.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
And breathe.
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A wild weekend of results has taken place in the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association, and with one round to go, the round 12 matches will undoubtedly shape the standings heading into this season’s finals series.
Shepparton Lawn The Valley has proven a little bit of hope - or a little bit of Hope Curtis-McDonald - goes a long way, maintaining its spot atop the ladder after a narrow victory over Numurkah, but a quick glance at the scorecard may have you believing otherwise.
The Warriors would win the total sets count 7-5, but a couple of dominant rubber wins by The Valley, as well as tight losses throughout the match, meant that when the final set was completed The Valley stood above the Warriors in games won.
Numurkah soared out to a three rubbers to love lead to begin the contest, with the likes of Nick Fenaughty, David Poole and Jack Bassett proving why the reigning champions are back in contention.
But as Matt Carroll reeled the lead back in, the ladies would continue that momentum for The Valley in the singles.
Curtis-McDonald’s singles set could be reflected on as the catalyst for the marginal victory, bagelling Yvette Ambrosini to hand The Valley the games tally lead, while also backing it up in the doubles with 8-2 and 8-3 set wins when joined by Ella Rohde and Luke Dixon.
Heading into the final rubber, The Valley trailed five sets to six, but led the games count 69 to 64.
Needing to restrict The Valley to three games or less for victory, Numurkah could not hold back the defiant Shepparton Lawn side, and while it claimed the final rubber, its 8-7 result was not enough to overturn the deficit, The Valley winning 5-76 to 7-72.
The Valley's Hope Curtis-McDonald dominant performances with the racquet helped serve up victory for her side.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Numurkah's Jack Bassett plays a forehand.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Jeremy O'Brien keeps a keen eye on the ball.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Numurkah's Yvette Ambrosini launches a fierce return.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Jayden Doyle plays a drop shot.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Numurkah's Nick Fenaughty whacks with power and precision.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Numurkah's Lucy Bassett awaits serve.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Numurkah's Jack Bassett braces for the umpire's call.
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Rechelle Zammit
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The Valley's Ella Rhode lines up a serve.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Meanwhile across the Welsford St lawn, the Grasscourt Snippers have had their say in the finals standings despite being a far cry from a top four finish.
The Snippers edged out the Average Joes, which are now five points off a home final in third and eight behind a minor premiership finish, defeating the flag contender 7-79 to 5-72.
In Tatura’s second win over the Average Joes, and second win of the summer, Tess Bassett’s 8-1 victory in the sixth set was the difference to cause a boilover of huge consequence in the race for a top two finish.
The Average Joes will have to defeat the Velvet Tigers in the final round of the season and hope Tatura can produce another upset over Numurkah if it is to claim second place, while The Valley’s current claim to the minor premiership hangs in the balance with a final round bye.
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