7 November 2012 | Tennis SA

Memorial Drive is a name synonymous with tennis in South Australia and it is fitting that ‘The Drive’ are fielding teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions in the ATL this season.

The women’s team participated in the National Tennis League in 2011 and were a pre-event favourite but only mustered the one win finishing mid-table. Somewhat of an overhaul has taken place in 2012 with the additions of Nicki Barnet and the former Trinity trio of Melanie Clayton, Melissa Beadman and Michelle Leyden providing the squad with the guile needed to match it in the cut-throat ATL.

Along with the new additions, the squad will be headed by touring professional Alexandra Cannizzaro at number one, local gun Ainsley Fairhead and talented teens Madison Frahn and Megumi Matsumoto.

The Drive ladies start their ATL campaign tomorrow night (Thursday 8/11) against the Goodwood Saints from 6.15pm at Memorial Drive.

In the men’s competition, The Drive have pulled no punches by securing Colin Ebelthite to head the team – Colin was close to untouchable in the 2011 NTL where he represented the Rostrevor Raiders going through the singles undefeated including the dispatching of Luke Saville in the final.

Paul Kramberger and Daniel Crago in the two and three slots will be keen to stake their claim as elite locals and youngster Yuya Ito is making a fast rise through the ranks including claiming his first ATP point in September.

The Drive’s squad has rock solid foundations in the form of veterans Stephen Clasohm and Luke Smith. Clasohm will look to take his local domination to the ATL level whilst there will be great interest when Smith takes to court. Few South Australian players have a CV as impressive as Luke Smith with a distinguished career including NCAA Championships, Davis Cup representation, Australian and US Open singles and doubles appearances and a cache of Challenger and Futures titles.

See The Drive men take on the Golden Grove Lions from 6.15pm tomorrow at Memorial Drive – Entry is free and there is a free BBQ!