By BRUCE BLAKEMORE
THE Spring four-person challenge produced one of the most memorable semi-final nights the club has ever witnessed. Not only for the high standard of play, with incredible come backs in both matches and the upset individual defeats, but mainly for the nail-biting final rubber five setters in each match to break 7/7 deadlocks.
RESULTS
Semi 1: Raptors (K. McDonald, C. Barry, C. Galea, M. Duncan) 8 d Gators (R. Gore, J. Murphy, B. Muller, R. Yao) 7.
At 5/2 up the Raptors looked comfortable but a five rubber run by the Gators including two enthralling five set come backs had them poised needing only one more rubber. However it ultimately went to a 14/12 in the fifth set of the deciding doubles for the Raptors to snatch back a final-second victory.
Semi 2: Barracudas (R. Wheller, J. Brown, J. Campbell, S. Lidden) 8 d Piranhas (A. Munro, M. Clarke, S. Campbell, R. Byrne) 7.
Early season favourites the Barracudas were on shaky ground to say the least at 3/7 down, largely via Division 1 individual winner Jordan’s shock double defeat by Allan and Martyn. But it was heart break for one and sheer disbelief for the other as an incredible scenario unfolded. Barracudas took the final five rubbers, including the last doubles in five sets, to seal a finals’ berth and cap off an amazing night.
Competition night is Wednesday from 7pm with practice session on Monday evenings from 7.15pm. Social groups meet three afternoons a week.
All sessions are held at the Bicentennial centre Sunshine beach. Please call 54745526 for more information.
