ALBURY tennis association’s Saturday afternoon summer pennant season kicked off in style at the weekend, with two hard-fought section 1 men’s encounters a highlight.
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The closest match was between Wodonga Raiders and St Patricks- Diggerville, with Raiders home five sets 54 games to four sets 50 games.
Edward Benson was a stand-out for the winners. He claimed his two singles rubbers which set up the narrow win.
Benson was supported by Jonathan Ryan and Doug Smith.
Elias Tukoroa was best for SPD.
Elsewhere, Thurgoona Broncos started their match against Cats strongly before being reeled in by their Thurgoona club mates.
Rodney Wurtz was unbeaten for Cats in their 3-6 set win.
Dave Elliott was in fine form for Broncos.
In section 1 women, Forrest Hill Tulips — led by Di Star’s three-set haul — finished the stronger against SPD.
They claimed the last three sets for a 4-2 win.
Michelle Schilg was SPD’s best.
In the second match, an unbeaten Carol Sewell was instrumental in Glenly’s 10-game win over Forrest Hill Magpies. Sewell was well supported by Danielle Sands and Pam Stubbs, with Alison Tinworth a two-set winner for Magpies.
In section 2 men, East Albury prevailed in a close one with Sacred Heart.
An unbeaten Hayden McIntosh gave East the upper hand, with Mick Shiel and Neil Mitchell also contributing in the 5-3 set triumph.
Elsewhere, some outstanding form from Dom Mahaffey saw Albury Blue start its summer campaign in winning fashion — a 5-3 set winner over the Wodonga Bushrangers.
Forrest Hill Diggers dominated the doubles rubbers in their comfortable win over Thurgoona Sharks.
In the other games, Albury Black and Thurgoona Tigers enjoyed straightforward wins over Wodonga Cowboys and Forrest Hill Galahs.
The stand-out match in section 2 ladies was between SPD and Scots Smashes.
Belinda Warner was key in the four sets to two salute by SPD with good support from Lean Parnell, Maddy Wighton and Alicha King.
Maisie Adams was in fine touch for Scots.
In the remaining two matches, Thurgoona Jade and Thurgoona Opals were too strong for the Glenly Blue and Gold line-ups.
Robert Gilchrist, with a dominant first and final set, led Albury-East’s victory over Thurgoona Bears in section 3 men.
In the ladies, Thurgoona Bronze escaped with a five-game win over Lavington.