Tennis returned from the summer break in the Southern Ports Association on Saturday, after seeing the previous round cancelled due to heat.
While results were mixed across the round 12 matches, some tight tussles at the top of the ladder really set the scene for the remainder of the season.
Beachport Pirates defeated Kingston Crays
A double header at McLaughlin Park saw the Pirates host Kingston on Saturday in very warm conditions.
With the Buccaneers and Penola playing on the adjacent courts, the day started off evenly with both Kingston and the Pirates taking three sets apiece.
Beachport were set for a strong performance, stacking the side with local talent from the Kelly family.
The top order doubles saw Bianca Lawrie and Shaun Mules prove dominance over power couple Cade Kelly and Jorja Mitchell taking the match 6-3.
Father and daughter combo Shane and Madi Kelly returned to tennis in style, winning 6-3 over Neville Hines and Hudson Menz.
Kingston took the lead in the singles with strong wins from Steve Edwards, Will Edwards and Tim Parker – conceding just four games from three sets.
In the women’s, Allana Mueller took the chocolates over Jacob Mules 6-3.
Madi Kelly defeated Hudson Menz 6-1, Nicola Crane defeated Ellen Clarke 6-4.
Three set winners for the day were Allana Mueller, Alex Menz and Nicola Crane.
Beachport Buccaneers defeated by Penola Rangers
Penola defeated Beachport Buccaneers 14-10 on a very hot day at the Millicent courts.
Beachport started off strong winning 4/6 of the mixed doubles, with Penola thinking here we go again another slaughtering … but wait.
Penola fought back in the singles with the Penola men winning 5/6 of the men’s singles with Cam Bartrop and Pete Bissel winning their singles in tie breakers over Shultz and Wheal.
Beachport’s number one Chris Robinson too strong for Penola new recruit James Phillips.
Beachport’s number one Shea Morris was too strong for Penola’s Sarah Tibbs, Shea winning all mixed, singles and ladies doubles having a great day out.
Going into the last round Penola were up 10-8 securing the win, winning 4/6 doubles in the last round with some great tennis being played on centre court with the men’s number one and two game providing some great entertainment for the crowd as Penola’s Phillips and Hackwill proved too strong for Robinson and Whitehead winning 9-7.
A great hot summer’s day of tennis was had by all.
Frances-Lucindale Wombats defeated Lucindale Koalas
The Eagles welcomed the Lucindale Koalas to the new Apsley courts.
Both teams had some new players due to families still being on holidays.
The Frances Lucindale team started well winning four of their mixed doubles.
For the Koalas, it was the two Leannes, fresh back from playing in Adelaide, showing their experience and skills, winning their singles and ladies’ doubles.
While the younger generation enjoyed their day keeping cool on the water slide and pool area, players were sweating it out on the courts.
Two of the ladies’ doubles were not completed due to the heat.
The Frances Lucindale men finished the day off with wins in their doubles.
Three set winners were the ever reliable Leanne G for the Koalas, and Tarrant F , Ollie C and Angus McT for the Eagles.
A big thank you to all the fill-in players who allowed teams to play on the day.
Special mention to Hayley H and Mark K for picking up a racquet after not playing for many years.
Players from both teams then supported the Apsley Hotel for a welcome drink and dinner.
Lucindale Wombats defeated by Robe Rebels
A warm day in Lucindale brought a great idea of starting early with six courts to try and finish as quickly as possible.
The courts were in good condition for the warm summer it has been.
Four mixed sets had a score line of 6-2 with the Rebels winning three of them.
The only tiebreaker of the day was in the number six mixed, going the way of the Wombats.
Some powerful hitting along the courts in the singles was good to watch from the hill, and a slight breeze in the shade made it very enjoyable.
Ben Green was hitting a big ball but the experience of Lynton Everett was too wise winning 6-3 on the middle court.
The last six doubles went to the Rebels 4-2 and I think everyone was slightly happy to be off the courts by 3.45om with the Rebels winning the day 17-7.
Three set winners were Jed Regnier, Jamie Bettoncelli, Lynton Everett, Courtney Drabsch and Barb Hensel for the Rebels and well done to John Buckett for winning his three for the Wombats.
Robe Roosters defeated by Naracoorte Aces
Matches were under way early in Robe to ensure that teams could make the most of the beautiful coastal weather in the late afternoon.
The teams started evenly matched, splitting the mixed doubles three apiece to start the afternoon.
The match of the day came early, with a massive battle between the number sixes, with Robe Roosters taking the win in a tiebreak.
In the singles, Naracoorte started taking hold.
In the women’s’, the ever-reliable Moyle-Reads held their sets with ease, as did K Baker.
In the top men’s single Pete Obst (Roosters) pulled out some brilliant shots against young gun Sid Malone, but Malone was just too good, winning 6-2.
For the Roosters, Paul Rains took a singles win over Daniel Menzel, 6-3, and Jess Hawkins also found a 6-3 win in her tennis return.
But Naracoorte’s men’s side were just too strong.
Wins to M Malone, D Blacker, J Grundy and S Biggins had Naracoorte only seeking one doubles set to seal the win.
Despite gallant efforts from the Roosters’ Obst/Rains and Baker/Hawkins, who each won their doubles sets, Naracoorte were able to secure the points with a 16-8 win.
Three set winners included Jack Grundy, Darcy Blacker, Poppy Moyle-Read, Michele Moyle-Read (Naracoorte), while for the Roosters it was Paul Rains and Jess Hawkins.
Round 13
After a break for the long weekend, round 13 will kick off with a Friday night match between Frances-Lucindale Eagles and Naracoorte.
The Eagles are looking in form, but do not count Naracoorte out of a possible win.
On Saturday, the Robe Rebels will host the Kingston Crays.
At Lucindale the Koalas will be seeking a win against the Robe Roosters.
Finally, another double-header at Millicent will see the Beachport Pirates host Penola and the Buccaneers host the Wombats.
Ladder Points
Frances-Lucindale Eagles (22), Beachport Buccaneers (15), Kingston Crays, Penola Rangers (13), Beachport Pirates, Naracoorte (12), Robe Rebels (11), Lucindale Koalas (9), Lucindale Wombats (7), Robe Roosters (4).
