After the two week hiatus due to the junior ITF’s, State League and Junior State League returns before the Christmas break.
Where we left off:
In the men’s, Cottesloe jumped Mt Lawley to take top spot after Mt Lawley lost their first game of the season to Claremont. Cottesloe now remain the only side to be undefeated and come up against Alexander Park this round. There has also been plenty of movement lower down in the ladder with UWA climbing off the bottom after an impressive win in round 5 against Alexander Park.
In the women’s, Cottesloe has barely put a foot wrong so far this season, remaining the only side undefeated. They will be tested this week with a massive clash against last years premiers Hensman Park. Dalkeith hangs onto third spot on the ladder but are closely followed by Royal Kings Park and UWA with only three points splitting the three sides.
The Junior Boy’s State League sees undefeated Reabold and UWA holding onto the top two spots while Hensman Park and Cottesloe follow close behind. Just like the women’s State League, Cottesloe is top of the table in the Girl’s State League, close behind them on three wins is Mt Lawley and Mosman Park.
Women’s State League Match of the Round:
Cottesloe v Hensman Park
Saturday 6th December, 1pm, Cottesloe Tennis Club
Last time they met: Round 1, Cottesloe won 3-3 on games.
In round 1 you could almost have not got a closer result with Cottesloe winning by only three games. This match could potentially be a preview for the final but more importantly decide who gets the top spot heading into Christmas.
The key to this fixture is the doubles. Hensman Park is a strong doubles side, having not dropped a doubles match making them eight from eight. The key will be in the singles rubbers, with regulars Ella Nurkic and Anja Dokic both putting in strong performances so far this season. While unsuccessful in both Junior ITF singles finals, Karin Hiramatsu has been in strong form and has played plenty of competitive tennis, making the finals of both Junior ITF’s.
For Cottesloe, Elena Manoj will be the key, having come off a big win in the Junior ITF final against Karin Hiramatsu. She will be joined by Jessie Culley, who defeated Anja Dokic in round one in three sets. The depth of Cottesloe will also be the key as the likes of Ksenija Vujacic, Nisha Whittome and potential Alicia Molik all will be in line to play.
Men’s State League Match of the Round:
UWA v Claremont
Friday 5th December, 6pm, UWA Tennis Club
Last time they met: Round 1, Claremont won 5-1.
UWA host the newly formed Claremont under lights on the clay courts of UWA Tennis Club. UWA have started to make their home games a fortress this season so far, going 1-0 albeit with two matches washed out. They are also coming off a tight win over Alexander Park in round 5. Ben Galvao has been the most impressive, winning two singles matches out of four while Ethan Reed and regular number one Archie Brown have won one game each so far this season.
Claremont has had an up and down season so far with wins over UWA and Mt Lawley. The team will be tested on the clay courts however players such as Tim Gray and Hans Bustiman have both played State League games for UWA in the past and their experience on clay could be key.
Ethan Cook has been the best this season, going undefeated in his two matches this season. Sam Ashenden has also been impressive int he matches he’s played, winning two singles ties from two matches.
Catch all the State League action on Tennis West Facebook and Tennis West YouTube.
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