Sport
26 February, 2026
The Boroughs Set for Grand Final Showdown
The stage is set for a thrilling Ararat & District Tennis Association Grand Final, with minor premiers Maryborough to face Landsborough in what promises to be a fierce “Boroughs” battle.
BY MEL MURNANE
Maryborough secured their place in the decider with a commanding semi-final performance against Crowlands. The minor premiers stamped their authority early, dominating the men’s section by winning all four sets and opening up a massive 32–4 games advantage.
The women’s section was far more competitive, with each team claiming two sets. Maryborough, however, edged ahead on total games to take the section 27–24 and carry a strong lead into the mixed.
Crowlands had plenty of work to do and started brightly in the mixed, with their number one combination of Kate Vance and Doug Newberry defeating Maryborough’s Ally Ellis and Riley Ford 8–2. Crowlands continued to fight hard and won the mixed section 21–18 in a tight contest, but the damage had already been done. Maryborough’s early dominance proved decisive, sealing the overall victory 77–49 and booking their place in the Grand Final.
The second semi-final saw old rivals Elmhurst-Amphitheatre and Landsborough renew hostilities. Elmhurst-Amphitheatre were without their number one men’s player, Josh Barker, who was sidelined with a knee injury, but they remained determined to challenge.
Landsborough proved too strong in the men’s section, winning convincingly 33–14 games to take control of the match. Elmhurst-Amphitheatre responded in the women’s section, producing a strong performance to win 27–20 and keep their hopes alive heading into the mixed.
With a Grand Final berth on the line, the mixed section was tightly contested. Each team won two sets, but once again Landsborough edged ahead on games, claiming the section 25–19 and the overall match 78–60. The victory earned Landsborough their spot in the season decider and set up an exciting clash with Maryborough.
The 2025/26 ADTA Grand Final between Maryborough and Landsborough will be held on Saturday 28th February at the Crowlands Tennis Courts. Play will begin at 12:30pm sharp, with medal presentations and a BBQ to follow.
All signs point to a fantastic afternoon of tennis as the Boroughs prepare to battle it out for premiership glory.
Read More: Amphitheatre, Landsborough