THEY finished fourth on the ladder but that meant little to St Patrick’s- Diggerville Gold in the biggest game of the season.
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The club, led by Border star Mark Shanahan, comfortably beat Thurgoona Broncos to claim the section-1 men’s Albury Tennis Association winter pennant grand final on Saturday.
Shanahan, James Curtis and Aaron Breust had too much firepower for the Broncos, with Harry Pascoe’s singles win their only highlight.
In section-2 men, Thurgoona Tigers completed a top season with a comprehensive win against Wodonga Bushrangers. Graham Wurtz, Pat Garratt, Terry McLean and Paul Frankle had the answers early, winning two tight sets to set- up a whitewash. Justin Mocellin tried hard for the Bushrangers.
The closest match was in section-2 ladies where second-placed Thurgoona Opals downed minor premier East Albury 4-2.
Sharon McKenzie, Tricia Baldwin, Denise Kleinig and Helen Wilson had Opals away well, taking the first two sets before East fought back through Jo Takle and Sue Tanner.
Jindera signed off a dominant season with a big win against SPD Gold in Section 3 men.
The combination of Simon and Josh Kilo, Sam Weisner and Hayden Jelbart had the better of three close sets before completing a straight-forward victory.
After finishing in fourth position, Lavington Purple produced a strong finals series, culminating in victory in section-3 ladies.
Beth Taylor, Kate Greenaway, Kristina Young and Rosalie O’Keefe dropped just one set, with Samantha Chant and Christine Clarke claiming a win for Gold.
After squeezing out a win in the first set tiebreak, Forest Hill Cats were never threatened in their section-4 finale against SPD White.
John O’Neill, Justin Clancy, Ashley Wurtz and Bailey Thompson all performed strongly, while Jim Hermiston and Matt Davidson were best for SPD.
In another one-sided encounter, Lavington, with Jessica Kerslake, Enid Antone, Pat Rafter and Janice Elsey all contributing, defeated SPD Green in the section-4 ladies decider.
The Saturday afternoon summer pennant starts on October 13.
Meanwhile, early-bird entries for NSW Country Week close on October 31.
Early-bird entries cost $250 a team, discounted from $295 for a late-entry fee.
Country Week will be held from January 14-18 at Albury Tennis Association.
The Uiver Park Tennis Club is holding a Thursday-night mixed competition, starting on October 11.
For more information call 02 6021 7290 or 0417 236 424.
And the first of the North East veterans tennis tournaments will be held this Sunday at Bendigo.
For more information call 03 5447 2668.