SWANPORT claimed their second big scalp in a row with a thrilling last set victory over reigning premier Murraylands in their Murray?Bridge lawn tennis match on Saturday.
In warm conditions, Murraylands top gents pairing of “Cool Hand” Luke Wilson and Geoff Mills incredibly came back from 8-3 down to win a tie-break to help split the early doubles sets.
However, Swanport were able to ground out a small lead with comfortable singles wins to Leanne Vanzo, Hayden Schulz and Keith Scott.
Murraylands top lady Deanna Smith was in great touch disposing of the steady Val Scott en-route to an undefeated day.
The evergreen Cathy Bolt also remained unbeaten to get Murraylands back into the contest.
Phil Marks and big hitting Geoff Mills secured comfortable wins to help Murraylands get their noses in front however the Swannies strung together a series nail-biting sets as Stephanie Hagger, Leigh Ryswyk, Alex Cazzolato and Albert Goodridge all captured vital wins.
Top gent Dave Altmann then turned back the clock with a great serve-volleying performance to snatch a dramatic tie-break win over Luke Wilson in what was a pivotal set.
The Swannies held a handy four set break going into the last doubles although the Murraylands crew soon eroded that by capturing the first four of the last doubles sets played.
With sets even at 11-all, Swanport steadied to comfortably capture the last two sets and grab the points in a cliff-hanger for second time in a fortnight.
Schools v Sportsmen
Schools went a step closer to the minor premiership after an emphatic 14-set victory over bottom side Sportsmen.
Sportsmen’s ladies line-up were unfortunately no match for a dominant Schools as they clean swept that section.
Top duo Tania McFee and Kylie Bormann were in great touch.
Olivia Scholz continued her recent great form with a ruthless display against Rachel Andrews.
Rose Ward also contributed with a good win over Nat Pearson.
Youngster Dana McDonald enjoyed her best day of the season with a three set effort.
In the men’s section Sportsmen performed better winning four of the seven singles.
Top gent David Schulz was too cunning for Ash Temby while Hermann Magerkorth won a hard fought battle against Jason “Stiffy” Bormann at number two.
Kelvin “Froggy” Farnham returned to the Sportsmen line-up and was too good for Ben Gregory.
Paul Hein had an intriguing battle with Kym McFee before triumphing 9-6.
For Schools, the wily Rob Butcher enjoyed a three set day along with young-gun Tom Austin while Martin “Doc” Altmann was at his entertaining best in his 6-2 win over Todd Lienert.
Postel v Brinkley
Postel went a game clear in second spot after a comfortable win over Brinkley.
Brinkley got off to a promising start.
The “Beige Brigade” picked up the two ladies doubles to be within touch of Postel after the first doubles rotation.
But they were then outplayed in the men’s singles with only youngster Joel McFee’s tie-break win over veteran John Bryan stopping a clean sweep by Postel’s men.
Top duo Anthony Lapinskas and Mark Holmes remained unbeaten for the victors although the former was pushed by lefty Damien Bates before winning 9-6 at top gent.
Paul Holmes returned to the line-up to join this duo, young-gun Ben Hindle and wily veteran Jack Reddin as unbeaten players.
David Crouch had a comfortable singles win over Jordan Richards.
In the ladies section Angela Barker and Paula Reid had good singles wins for the vanquished.
For Postel the steady Ann Hein had a good win over Donna Altamura and top lady Helen Daish triumphed against Jen Magerkorth.
Leading by six sets coming into the final doubles, Postel captured all but one of these sets to cruise to a 10-set victory.
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