The first third of the 2021-22 Mount Gambier and District Tennis Association season will already be ticked off the calendar this weekend and it represents a chance for teams to firm their spots on the ladder.

The undisputed highlight of the fifth round of Division 1 will be fought between Reidy Park and West Gambier.

These adversaries are in an arm wrestle for second spot and their one-on-one battles could determine their fate in 12 rounds time.

Reidy Park is the favourite having not only won the previous encounter, but also arrive flying after a huge win over Glencoe.

The side led by Zayne Young perfectly executed all eight sets last week and won the previous encounter by a comfortable 10-2 margin.

But West cannot be completely discounted, having shown improvement since the round 2 loss.

Jo Sealey and her team bounced back with a fruitful road trip to Glencoe and fought hard against the all-conquering Central/Uniting.

This weekend appears the perfect chance for West to put its hand at the pointy end of the competition, but it will not be easy.

Central/Uniting appear too hot to trot for the winless Glencoe. The ladder leaders are on the ball winning every encounter so far, while they also won double the amount of sets than Glencoe in round 2 and easily overcame West Gambier away from home last week.

Glencoe is also fresh from a miserable match against Reidy Park losing all eight sets.

Mark Heemskurk should guide his team to a high five.

The tight race for the Division 2 ladder lead is set to continue with five clubs in the thick of the action.

There are many tasty match-ups and one of them is Mount Gambier Blue v Glencoe on Heriot Street.

Despite being one of two undefeated sides, Mount Gambier Blue sits fifth on the ladder, while curiously Glencoe sits on top with a win, loss and draw all recorded.

The home side has fresh legs after the bye and Glencoe is buoyant following a big win over Mount Schank.

After beating its inter-club rival, West Gambier Blue should continue its momentum against the winless Mount Gambier Green.

A one-sided fixture may take place at Malseed Park where West Gambier Red welcomes Mount Schank.

West Red has put together a solid campaign so far in contrast to the winless Mount Schank.

There are high stakes on the line in Division 3 when title contenders Suttontown Tigers and Mil Lel clash heads on Kennedy Avenue and only one will maintain their unbeaten record in 2021-22.

Ladder leader Suttontown Dons should carry on its winning ways against Moorak.