As expected, Willaura got off to a strong start in its match against Moyston by winning the first two sets. Nick Vallance and Charlie Waites combined well in the first set not dropping a game on their way to victory over Matilda Hope and Tom Fraser. 

The remaining two sets both fell to Willaura with Waites continuing to play consistent tennis, finishing the morning without dropping a game. The win puts Willaura back on top of the ladder and seals Moyston’s place on the bottom. 

With only one match remaining in the home and away season, Moyston can’t improve its ranking. Next Saturday will see Willaura and Tatyoon do battle, with the winner ending the season on top of the ladder. Both teams are even on premiership points with Willaura just ahead on sets and games. The match will be a warm up for the grand final, to be played the following Saturday morning at the Ararat City tennis courts. 

In the other match of the morning, Buangor had a tough time of it against Ararat. Injuries and illness took their toll on the Buangor team. Due to the bye, Tatyoon’s Archie Conboy was already replacing an injured Tim Hartwich for the morning but when Ryley Walker succumbed to illness after the first set, an injured Hartwich took to the court so the match could be completed. 

Despite Buangor’s best efforts Ararat claimed three of the four sets to win the match. 

Buangor’s position remains unchanged on the ladder. The team is guaranteed four points again next week due to the bye and will finish the season in third place to once again do battle with Ararat in the B Grade grand final. 

Tennis tip for this week: Never chase a tennis ball onto a neighbouring tennis court while their point is still in play. Wait for the point to be completed and then collect your ball. If a ball comes across your court while you a playing a point, stop play and retrieve the ball for the other court then replay your point. 

Runaway tennis balls can distract players and cause injuries so it is much safer to remove them from the court. 

Results: 

Willaura 4-24 defeated Moyston 0-3. 

N Vallance, C Waites defeated M Hope, T Fraser 6-0; S Evans, T Vallance defeated J Hope, E Evans 6-1; N Vallance, S Evans defeated M Hope, J Hope 6-2; C Waites, T Vallance defeated T Fraser, E Evans 6-0. 

Buangor 1-17 games lost to Ararat 3-22.

A Conboy, R Walker lost to N Kuchel, P Bush 4-6; McInnes, R Dyer defeated G Tonks, T Bartlett 6-3; A Conboy, N McInnes lost to N Kuchel, G Tonks 1-6; T Hartwich, R Dyer lost to P Bush, T Barlett in a tiebreak 6-7. 

Tatyoon – bye. 

LADDER (after round nine): Willaura 34 (points) 24 (sets) 153 (games); Tatyoon 34 23 149, Buangor 14 9 116, Ararat 12 11 106, Moyston 6 4 71.