AS the first half of the Sunraysia District Tennis Association junior winter pennant draws to a close, things are going well for Sarnia Gold and Sacred Heart Gold, who hold a strong lead on the rest of the A Grade field, but all last week’s matches were close tussles.
Top-placed Sarnia Gold took on Red Cliffs.
Although missing Antonio Daniele due to illness, the team of Aydin Yazici, Cooper Young, Layla Searle and Jayden Smyth prevailed against Red Cliffs, who put up a much stronger showing than in their last encounter.
The final score of 43 games to 30 shows that Sarnia Gold will have to work hard to keep their winning record.
As we approach the Olympics it was all green and gold when the two Sacred Heart teams fought for home-team supremacy.
Sacred Heart Gold, led by Derek Bagacay, proved up to the challenge but a slim 10-game win over Samar Warring’s Green team will keep them honest in the second half of the season.
The closest match of the round was between Sarnia Blue and St Andrew’s, winless up until Saturday.
Mason Pinnington led a team ravaged by illness and unavailability but the Saints under Nate Hogarth showed no mercy and made the most of the opportunity to get some points on the board.
The final doubles was a nail-biter which saw the game scores equal, but St Andrew’s got the win on sets.
Could this be the beginning of a second-half resurgence?
Junior pennant play will recommence on July 20 after the school holidays.
However, SDTA Championships will take place during the school break.
Junior singles will be played this Saturday, June 30, beginning at 9am and the doubles for both juniors and seniors will take place at the Eleventh Street courts at 9am and 1pm respectively on July 13.
