The GMLTA welcomed back GM1 action on Saturday.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association has eased back into GM1 action after its interleague bye last week, with a forfeit result meaning just one match took place on Saturday afternoon.
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Numurkah’s clash with the Velvet Tigers fell through after the latter could not field a team, handing the Warriors a major boost with an automatic 12-96 to 0-0 result.
The forfeit win elevates Numurkah into first place due to Shepparton Lawn The Valley’s round seven bye, albeit The Valley has played one less game overall.
In the sole match played on the weekend, Shepparton Lawn Average Joes have defeated Tatura Grasscourt Snippers in convincing fashion.
A singles rubber to open the clash saw Average Joe Zach Ranson reach the eight-game tally without a blemish, before Nicholas Gattuso and Luke Turcato held their own to etch a three to nil sets lead.
Snipper Sid Vijay provided some resistance for Tatura, winning the fourth rubber 8-5, before Keira Muskee claimed a fortunate set win due to Average Joes’ Ella Rohde’s mid-rubber retirement when she led 5-4.
However, the Grasscourt Snippers would be unable to capitalise on the momentum and lost five consecutive rubbers before taking one for consolation at the end, with the final score well and truly in the Average Joes’ favour, 9-87 to 3-64.
Both clubs are unmoved on the table in third and fifth respectively, but the Average Joes are marginally behind the top two sides, separated by no more than 3.33 per cent of relative set difference.
Tatura will have the week off in round eight, while the Average Joes could be on the rise if they defeat a Numurkah outfit that may need to shake off some rust following a fortnight without play.
The Velvet Tigers host The Valley to close out the round.
News photographer Rechelle Zammit captured GMLTA GM4 action following Numurkah and the Velvet Tigers’ forfeited match, with the Tatura Rommels and Numurkah Raptors seen vying for a spot in the top half of the ladder.
