EDWARD Benson’s triumphs in his singles rubbers tie-breaks paved the way for Wodonga Raiders to edge out Thurgoona Cats in Albury Tennis Association section 1 on Saturday.
John Ryan and Matt Paull also produced excellent tennis when it counted to emerge with a 5-44 to 4-48 salute in a tense battle.
Rodney Wurtz was a standout for Cats.
The second match was more straightforward with Forrest Hill Galahs’ Joshua Graetz, Mick Reid and Sebastian Wrobel too good for their St Patricks-Diggerville opponents.
Forrest Hill Magpies had to work hard to fight off a determined SPD outfit in the closest of the section 1 ladies matches.
Magpies lost the first two sets before Sarah Chandler, Margaret Pridmore, Zoe Evans and Alison Botting all found form going on to complete a four sets to two victory.
Ladder leader Glenly easily accounted for Forrest Hill Tulips.
With the match evenly poised, Thurgoona Sharks stepped up to claim three of the last four sets to take the points against Sacred Heart in their section 2 encounter.
Paul Frankle led the way for Sharks.
Albury Blue finished strongly against club mates Black with the match up for grabs after four sets.
Cameron Scholz was a standout for Blue while Mark Cowie was best for Black.
Graham Wurtz and David Lake continued their stellar form in Thurgoona Tigers’ comfortable win over SPD White.
Forrest Hill Diggers were outplayed by Wodonga Bushrangers.
With sets locked at two each, Thurgoona Jade won the final two rubbers to take victory against Scots Smashes in section 2 ladies.
Leah Cassidy was a three-set winner for Jade while Cathy Jiang played well for Scots.
Gail Walsh remained unbeaten in Thurgoona Opals’ four sets to two win over SPD with Kate Taylor finished with two sets for the losers.
Glenly Blue had all the answers against club mates Gold in the third match.