by Leon Retallick
With a fine forecast the BTA’s Premier League returns to the Bendigo Bank Tennis Complex today. All teams will be keen to get maximum points, following last weeks washout. The Sportspower back Saturday Pennant has lost 3 complete weeks of play with 2 full washouts, and a cancelled first week due to the AFL Grand Final rematch.
Spring Gully Brougham Arms vs Bendigo Lawn National @ BBTC Crts 2, 7 & 8
Third placed Spring Gully Brougham Arms will have the opportunity to assert themselves as a genuine premiership contender when they battle, 2nd placed Bendigo Lawn National in this weeks premier league match of the round.
With both teams expected to be at full strength, the battle should come down to the mixed.
Bendigo Lawn National will again rely on their unbeaten captain Curt Garwood to give their team the edge. His gritty credentials were again on display, in the wildcard playoff for the upcoming William Loud Bendigo International, where Garwood withstood spirited challenges to overcome both Leroy Miller and Corbin Fleming in tight matches to win his place into next weekends qualifying event.
The Broughie team will be hoping the depth in their men can counter Garwood’s dominance, with Jamie Brown, Andrew Lethlean, Travis Toner and Craig Nolan expected to play in what is the Broughie’s strongest men’s combination.
In the ladies, Jessica Hartland is in almost career best form and should have the answers for both Tamara Wright (pictured) and Mandy Connors-Butson.
With the Broughie likely to get the better of the women, and the National the men, this match should come down to the mixed.
Verdict: Spring Gully Broughie in an upset.
Epsom Butterflies vs South Bendigo @ BBTC 1, 5 & 6
South Bendigo will be keen to try to gain some ground on the top 3, when they battle cellar dwellers Epsom Butterflies.
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Michael “Tiger” Nhill sure to be a prominent feature. Nhill, who was spectacularly dumped by the Butterflies after 3 matches, will be fired up and keen to impress his new South Bendigo team.
Nhill will be joined by Frank Ryan, Simon Kelly and Grant Leader, in what should be close fought tennis against Epsom’s Matt Hartland, Jono Guy, Rob Jefferies and James McArthur.
In the ladies, South’s Ashlea Baker and Maxine Everitt will be looking to build their season campaign when they face the dangerous Danielle Bowles and Jayne St Clair. Bowles and St Clair have played well in doubles thus far, however, have struggled in the singles and will need to be on top of their games to cause an upset.
Verdict: South Bendigo to win 7 sets to 5
Bendigo Lawn Boltons vs Spring Gully Bigpond @ PM BBTC 9, 10 & 11
Bendigo Lawn Bolton’s will be looking to extend their lead over the competition when they tackle Spring Gully Bigpond. However, the league leaders might not have it all their own way, with the Bigpond team keen to score their first scalp of the year.
The even-ness across the line up has been the strength for Bolton’s this year, who are yet to taste defeat in 7 rounds. Their men’s combination’s have been extremely impressive, with Leroy Miller and Terry Smith proving strong in the opening men’s doubles, with Michael Smyth and Danny Watons also proving a hand team at 3 & 4.
The Bigpond team will be hoping that their combinations of Jack Baker and Kevin Derix, along with Leigh Campbell and Zac Storer can be equally effective.
The ladies sets promise to be close, with a highlight likely to be the singles clash between Eliza Long and Rebecca Tweed. Tweed has been a revelation for Bolton’s since returning to tennis after a 6 year absence, whilst Long’s seemingly weekly improvement will give confidence to here side.
Verdict: Bendigo Lawn Boltons to win 7 sets to 5
In other news, the women’s wild card playoff will take place this Sunday 21st November at the Complex from 10am
Sunday 21st November @ 10am
Jessica Hartland v Tamara Wright
Ashlea Baker v Eliza Long
followed by
Jessica Hartland v Ashlea Baker
Eliza Long v Tamara Wright
followed by
Jessica Hartland v Eliza Long
Tamara Wright v Ashlea Baker
The winning player will receive a wild card into the qualification draw for next weekends William Loud Bendigo International.
Section 2 Round 7
Spring Gully Sensation vs BLTC Rafa @ Lawn 3 & 4
BLTC Stoser vs BLTC Tsonga @ Lawn 13 & 14
BLTC Red vs BLTC Boris @ Lawn 11 & 12
Spring Gully Racqueteers vs Spring Gully Spartans @Lawn 9 & 10
Epsom DCK vs Phoenix New China @Lawn 7 & 8
Spring Gully Rockets vs Epsom McCarthy Homes @ Lawn 5 & 6