AFTER 14 rounds of intense and at times heated State League tennis with some of the best available touring pros, the competition enters the exciting semi-finals this weekend.
Mosman Park hosted Cottesloe at home in what could have been a rehearsal to a likely men’s final and some pre-match nerves were tested.
The battle of the two “lefties” between Cottesloe’s Will Hann (16) and Mosman Park’s Sam De Andrade (15) was a great matchup for juniors with Hann, who has recently returned from the Australian Open junior doubles, winning 6-1 6-4.
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READ NOWBig serving Aaron Leederchard from South Australia beat Cottesloe’s Tristan Schoolkate 6-4 6-1 while Cottesloe’s Andrew Roberts bounced back for a win over Brenton Bacon 6-2 6-3.
The teams split the doubles with Cottesloe holding on to a home semi-final to win by a tight one set and five game margin.
In the other men’s match, reigning champions Hensman Park ran out of fight against Royal Kings Park to record a draw.
Hensman were holding on to a one-set lead at two rubbers each after the singles but were unable to close out either doubles.
Hensman’s number one Zach Itzstein beat Jake Robinson in straight sets 6-2 6-4.
In other matches, Mt Lawley delivered a five rubbers to one win over Bayswater with good singles wins by club coach Rhys McDougall and Matt de Groot.
In a match played before the long weekend break, Peppermint Grove snuck home in a tight win over Dalkeith but not before Dalkeith’s Dylan McCloskey had a brilliant win over touring pro Frank Moser.
In the women’s matches, results were as expected with Royal Kings Park continuing on their winning way against Hensman Park four rubbers to two.
Cottesloe rammed home a five rubbers to one thumping win over City Beach with Maddy Watson City Beach’s only winner over Brenda Plint.
Blue Gum finished off their home and away matches with a 4-2 rubbers win over North Beach.
In the men’s semi finals on Saturday, league leaders Cottesloe will host Royal Kings Park while Mosman Park play last year’s winners Hensman Park.
Royal Kings Park women go into their semi-final at home as short odds favourites against City Beach and Cottesloe will host Blue Gum.
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