After the long weekend bye, State League returns for one final week before the finals commence.
In the men’s competition, Cottesloe locked away top spot and a home semi final after defeating Peppermint Grove 4-2 while Royal Kings Park and Mt Lawley/Sorrento edged out competitive UWA and Alexander Park sides to win an important game and hold onto their finals spot. The women’s competition saw Hensman Park and Royal Kings Park bounce back while Cottesloe made it back-to-back wins and clenched a home semi final.
A reminder that each rubber win is worth two points, while a match win is worth four points. Teams can win a maximum of 16 points per match.
Key match up’s this round:
MEN’S:
Royal Kings Park v Mt Lawley/Sorrento at Royal Kings Park Tennis Club
Saturday 8 March, 1.00 pm
This match has the most to play for out of the three men’s fixtures this round. Both sides have officially booked a semi final spot, however there is the off chance if results go their way that Mt Lawley/Sorrento could jump up to second spot and receive a home final. Mt Lawley/Sorrento sit eight points behind Peppermint Grove, a 6-0 win would give them a maximum of 16 points and would need Peppermint Grove to lose their match against Alexander Park. If Royal Kings Park grab rubbers off Mt Lawley/Sorrento, Peppermint Grove may only need to win one or two rubbers.
For Royal Kings Park, there is a chance the home side can leapfrog Mt Lawley/Sorrento if they win 6-0 which would mean they play Peppermint Grove instead of ladder leaders Cottesloe in the semi final.
These two sides met back in round 5 with Mt Lawley/Sorrento winning 5-1. Luca Katsamakis from Mt Lawley/Sorrento has been the form player of late with a winning streak of two matches in singles and was the finalist in the State Closed Championships over the long weekend. Teammate Kendrick Chia has also had an impressive run, winning his last three matches playing in the number four spot.
For Royal Kings Park, their number one man Hans Bustiman has had an excellent start to the year winning all three of his singles matches as well as winning the singles State Closed Championship over the long weekend. Zach Itzstein has also shown some form as of late with back-to-back wins in rounds 8 and 9.
WOMEN’S:
Dalkeith v Alexander Park at Dalkeith Tennis Club
Saturday 8 March, 1.00 pm
On paper it may be a battle between the two lowest ranked teams, however it is all to play for, especially for Dalkeith who sit nine points from fourth place. Dalkeith must win to make the top four and a convincing win will help give them the best chance. What is on the home teams’ side is that Peppermint Grove, who currently sit in fourth spot, play ladder leaders Hensman Park. Peppermint Grove would need to win or at least win a couple of rubbers to force Dalkeith to win all six of the rubbers against Alexander Park. Every rubber in both games will play an important part in determining who makes the final four.
Last time these two sides met, Dalkeith prevailed, winning 5-1. Dalkeith has depth with 5-6 players regularly playing throughout the season. Hayley Burton is the form player for Dalkeith, winning her last two singles matches while for Alexander Park, it’s been a year of development with youngsters Isla and Kendal Macdonald, Claudia SHearwood and captain Jana Ruzic all getting experience this season.
Round 10 fixtures:
(Home team listed first)
MEN’S:
Friday 7 March, 6.00 pm
UWA v Cottesloe
Saturday 8 March, 1.00 pm
Royal Kings Park v Mt Lawley/Sorrento
Alexander Park v Peppermint Grove
WOMEN’S:
Friday 7 March, 6.00 pm
Dalkeith v Alexander Park
Saturday 8 March, 1.00 pm
Peppermint Grove v Hensman Park
Cottesloe v Royal Kings Park
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