Full effort: Eliza Long of the Velvet Tigers puts power behind the ball.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Velvet Tigers have roared their way to the top two on the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association GM1 ladder after a big win at the weekend.
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In an entertaining game at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club, the Tigers beat Shepparton Lawn Tropics by 23 games.
The away side was dominant on the court, with Ash Andrews winning 8-3 in her singles tie, before combining with Kelsey Williams and Alex Bakogianis to win both doubles rubbers.
Big performance: Shepparton Lawn Tropics’ James Curtis-McDonald did not drop a rubber on the day.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
For the Tropics, James Curtis-McDonald put on a clinic, doing his best to keep his side in the contest.
Eyes on the ball: Eliza Long is in full focus mode for the Velvet Tigers.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Curtis-McDonald did not lose a rubber, however, his side ultimately fell short — with finals now all but out of reach.
Digging in: James Curtis-McDonald works hard for Shepparton Lawn Tropics.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Both of the other round 13 ties were lop-sided results, with Numurkah Warriors downing Shepparton Lawn Average Joes by 40 games.
Anticipation: Josh Quigley of Shepparton Lawn Tropics waits for the ball.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
For the Warriors, it was a dominant day out, highlighted by David Poole, who won his singles rubber 8-0, his first doubles rubber alongside Mark Mills 8-0 and his second doubles rubber alongside Jack Basset 8-2.
Big serve: Velvet Tigers’ Ned Nihill gets ready to serve.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
It was an equally one-sided affair for Rich River Rebels and they downed Echuca Lawn by 41 games.
Undefeated: Ash Andrews had a dominant day on the court.
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Aydin Payne
The Rebels were too strong across the day and with a bye this weekend, it was a vital win to lock in a finals berth.
Reading the ball: Alex Bakogianis of the Velvet Tigers gets ready to hit the ball.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
In GM2 Mixed action Shepparton Lawn Blues continued their outstanding season, defeating Stanhope by 26 games.
The Blues, who have a bye this weekend, will be the team to beat come finals.
The outfit boasts some talented players in the likes of Ronnie Habel, who combined with Nathan Mitchell, Tom Turcato and Vivien New and did not lose a rubber.
Serve’s up: Velvet Tigers’ Kelsey Williams gets set.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
In the GM2 open division, no games were played, with Avenel having a bye, Kialla Park beating Dhurringile by forfeit and the Cobram Cobras and Shepparton Lawn Pelicans match was not played.
In GM3 East action, Shepparton Coyotes moved into the top four, beating Mooroopna-Stanhope 92-61.
Tatura continued its dominant season, defeating Nurmurkah Penguins 88-66, while Nathalia downed Dhurringile 81-65.
In the GM3 West, Kyabram Redbacks won by 52 games against Tatura Hurricanes.
The Redbacks, who are on top of the ladder, have been dominant all year and will be hard to beat come finals.
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