by Leon Retallick
The battle for top spot will continue in Round 6 of the Bendigo Tennis Association’s Sportspower backed Premier League competition. With Bendigo Lawn Boltons, Lawn National and Spring Gully Brougham Arms all within 5 points, this season’s championships is shaping up as the closest in years.
Bendigo Lawn Boltons vs South Bendigo @ BBTC Crts 16, 17 & 18
The match of the round will see top placed Bendigo Lawn Bolton’s take on 4th placed South Bendigo on courts 16, 17 and 18. In the last meeting between these two teams, in round 2, the Bolton’s team took all before them in a 12 set to 0 hiding, however, with big names returning for the bloods, its perhaps South’s best chance to show the competition they are genuine contenders this year.
The highlight of the match will be in the opening men’s singles clash, where South’s Corbin Fleming and Bolton’s Leroy Miller (pictured) will battle it out in the 2nd match of the William Loud Bendigo International wildcard playoff.
Last week saw the of 3 wildcard playoff’s matches, with Bendigo Lawn National’s Curt Garwood takendown Miller last week in 3 tight sets. Whilst disappointed with the loss, Miller will be pleased that he was able to push the match into a super-tiebreaker, after losing the opening set 6-1.
Fleming comes into the clash, with only one premier league match under his belt. However, the South gun has been playing State Grade with Melbourne Club side MCC, in Australia’s strongest teams competition.
In the other matches, South will be hoping their men of Pat McMillian, Simon Kelly and Frank Ryan can mix it with the top sides experienced Mick Smyth, Terry Smith and Danny Watson.
The ladies sets will also be tight, with Bolton’s combination of Tova Penno and Michelle Rodwell likely to face stiff competition from Ashlea Baker and Alyssa Cole.
With the Bolton’s likely to get the better of the men and South the ladies, this match looks set to come down to the mixed.
Verdict: South to inflict Bolton’s first loss 7 sets to 5
Spring Gully Bigpond vs Bendigo Lawn National @ PM BBTC Crts 21, 22 & 23
Reigning premiers Bendigo Lawn National will be looking to get back on the winners list, following last weeks first defeat, when they take on 5th placed Spring Gully Bigpond.
Bigpond on the other hand had their maiden win of the season last week, with a gutsy 7 set to 5 battle with Epsom Butterflies. It was again the dominance of the Bigpond ladies of Eliza Long and Heather Robbins who led the Bigpond to victory, taking 4 of their 5 combined sets.
This weeks women’s matches will again be the key for Bigpond, with Long and Robbins tackling the pair of Tamara Wright and Mandy Connors-Butson. Long was in superb form last time these teams met in round 2, taking 2 of her 3 sets including a strong singles victory over Wright.
In the men’s Curt Garwood will be looking to extend his season unbeaten streak, with neither Jack Baker nor Kevin Derix likely to seriously challenge the leagues no 1 man. In the lower order, Nick Bath and Sam Storer should be winners for the National.
Verdict: National to return to the winners list with an 7 set to 5 victory.
Epsom Butterflies vs Spring Gully Brougham Arms @ BBTC Crts 13, 14 & 15
Spring Gully Brougham Arms will be looking to push back into the top four when they take on cellar dwellers Epsom Butterflies. It has been a tough start to the year for the Butterflies, who are yet to have a win and are in danger of slipping out of finals contention before Christmas.
The Brougham Arms on the other hand have looked impressive in recent weeks, and with some new players in the fold, are just beginning to gel as a team.
Andrew Lethlean and Craig Nolan will again feature prominently for the Broughie, and will combine well with Jamie Brown and Pete Valentine. They should have too much fire power for Epsom’s Matt Hartland, Jono Guy, Robert Jefferies and Fraser McCarthy.
For the ladies sets, the Broughie will welcome Lani Hamilton into the ranks for her maiden Premier League match. She will partner with Lynda Gallagher in what could be a tough day against the experienced Danielle Bowles and Janye St Clair, who will be keen to get some confidence under their belts.
Verdict: Spring Gully Brougham Arms to win 7 sets to 5
Section 2 Round 6
Spring Gully Sensation vs BLTC Tsonga @ BBTC 1 & 2
BLTC Rafa vs BLTC Boris @ BBTC 4 & 5
BLTC Stoser vs Spring Gully Spartans @ BBTC 6 & 7
BLTC Red vs Phoenix New China @ BBTC 8 & 9
Spring Gully Racqueteers vs Epsom McCarthy Homes (Scorpions) @ BBTC 10 & 11
Epsom DCK (Dragons) vs Spring Gully Rockets @ BBTC 19 & 20