Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club won their first men’s title in 17 years, while Glenlea Tennis Club claimed a three-peat with a hard fought win in the women’s as the Tennis SA State League grand finals took place at Next Generation Memorial Drive on Saturday.
In the men’s competition, the match was locked at two rubbers apiece following singles, before Tea Tree Gully won both doubles matches to win the tie over Seaside Tennis Club.
It was an emotional victory for the Tea Tree Gully side, with the premiership dedicated to Jai Clarke, the club’s much loved junior captain who passed away following a tragic accident just three weeks ago.
“It definitely meant a lot to our club, we were playing for Jai. Before we got on for the final, we had a chat to the boys; we were not only playing for us, but we were playing for some other reasons. We wanted to leave everything out there and regardless of the result we didn’t want to come out with any regrets,” Tea Tree Gully team captain, Ashwin Vijayaragavan said.
“It was one of the most exciting finals I’ve been in. We were expecting to be 3-1 up before the doubles started, but then it was 2-all. I was a bit nervous when we got in to the doubles to be honest, but we really had faith in our number two doubles that they would get it done and everyone stuck together which was a big positive for us.
“Seaside are one of the strongest teams from positions 1-4. They deserved their spot in the final, but we didn’t want to play them in the final! Their talent is unbelievable, you can clearly see the depth in their team.
“Personally, it was a big win for me. I haven’t really won many team events, individually I’ve done a lot in the sport, but I’ve always fallen short in any team event, so this one was very special for me.”
In the women’s competition, Glenlea survived an almighty scare from the Seacliff Tennis Club in a tie that came down to a doubles super tiebreak to decide the premiership.
“We have won the last three summer seasons, along with the last two winter seasons, so this is five premierships in a row for our team,” Glenlea team captain, Olivia Ley said.
“Seacliff competed really hard today, they came at us with everything and it was the final that we wanted.
“We wanted a really hard contest and we got that today, we were just so lucky that we were able to come through with the goods.”
Tennis SA State League Coordinator Luke Taylor was thrilled to congratulate the winning teams.
“We are very proud to congratulate our 2021/22 Tennis SA State League champions, Tea Tree Gully and Glenlea,” Taylor said.
“For Tea Tree Gully, we know how much this win means to them and 17 years after their last Tennis SA State League premiership, we congratulate them on an outstanding victory.
“And for Glenlea, after a nail-biting finish, they take home their third Tennis SA State League premiership in a row, well and truly cementing their names in to the history books.
“We would like to thank all clubs, players and volunteers who have been a part of this season. Your support is very much appreciated.”
Tennis SA State League men
Smith Partners Tea Tree Gully 4-9-61 def Seaside 2-5-55
S1 – Ashwin Vijayaragavan def Asykal Azhar 6-1 6-3
S2 – Stefan Bianchet def by Doni Gashi 3-6 6-4 3-6
S3 – Dale Nixon def Eddie Vo 6-4 6-4
S4 – Hamish Crawford def by Christian Salmeron 0-6 1-6
D1 – Ashwin Vijayaragavan/Stefan Bianchet def Eddie Vo/Doni Gashi 5-7 6-1 10-4
D1 – Dale Nixon/Hamish Crawford def David Reutlinger/Christian Salmeron 6-4 6-3
Tennis SA State League women
Glenlea 3-8-64 def Landscape Techniques Seacliff 3-7-52
S1 – Olivia Ley def Cydney Crumbie 6-3 6-0
S2 – Mia Tsoukalas def by Elim Yan 2-6 6-2 3-6
S3 – Georgia Plunkett def by Caitlin Baker 4-6 2-6
S4 – Sarah Mildren def Kate Brzostek 6-0 6-1
D1 – Mia Tsoukalas/Tayla Whitehouse def Caitlin Baker/Elim Yan 7-6 4-6 10-4
D2 – Olivia Ley/D’Estree Colalancia def by Cydney Crumbie/Kate Brzostek 5-7 6-2 7-10
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