THE first half of the Ararat City Tennis Club’s Wednesday night men’s winter competition has been complete with McDonalds the front-runner.
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McDonalds sits two points clear on top of the ladder, with Sportz Biz (26) and Fisher’s IGA (24) nipping at its heels.
Last week’s match between Foster’s Mensland and Stan Hamilton and Sons saw both teams depleted as a consequence of illness.
As a result it was decided that each side would field three players each, which saw one set of singles per player and two doubles matches.
It was a workable and interesting change.
Mike Connellan and Ben Hartwich played the first singles contest of the night, with a thrilling 4-4 tie the result.
Nick Spinks and Andy Kalluri put Stan Hamilton in front with a big 9-2 victory over Carl Barry and Adam Ghazal.
Spinks played well and despite missing many rounds due to work commitments, is always a consistent performer.
His second set win of the night (6-2) came in the final hitout, where he paired with Connellan to seal the result for Stan Hamilton and Son’s — 3-33 to 1-21.
Lachie McGregor had his first taste of Wednesday night tennis, playing with Watson Auto Repairs.
He showed good promise throughout the match against Fisher’s IGA, hitting strong drives on both forehands and back hands.
It was a tough night for Watson Auto, with all four of IGA’s players on song.
Another newcomer Louis Robinson, had a great debut, winning all three of his sets and looks likely to join the competition permanently next season.
The Ararat City Tennis Club now breaks for the school holidays, resuming on July 15.
Results
Stan Hamilton and Sons 3-33 def Foster’s Mensland 1-21
M Connellan drew with B Hartwich 4-4; N Spinks, A Kalluri def C Barry, A Ghazal 9-2; N Spinks lost to C Barry 2-5; M Connellan, A Kalluri def B Hartwich, A Ghazal 8-4; A Kalluri drew with A Ghazal 4-4; M Connellan, N Spinks def B Hartwich, C Barry 6-2.
Watson Auto 0-28 lost to 4-36
R McGregor, L McGregor lost to L Robinson, P Goudie 5-7; S Payne, P Hartwich drew with C Hartwich, G Bush 5-5; R McGregor, S Payne lost to L Robinson, C Hartwich 5-6; L McGregor, P Hartwich lost to P Goudie, G Bush 5-7; R McGregor, P Hartwich lost to L Robinson, G Bush 2-5; L McGregor, S Payne drew with P Goudie, C Hartwich 6-6.