Memorial Drive ladies have avenged last year’s State League Grand Final loss to take out the 2016/17 State League Title with a dominant with over a young Seaside line up.
The Drive started out the day in impressive fashion with number one Melanie Clayton beating Seaside Selina Turulja in a match where Turulja never really got to play her best tennis due to Clayton’s aggressive style.
The Drives number three Alexandra Walters was able to topple 14 year old Maggie Pearce 6-1 6-4 to give them a two rubber lead before Melissa Beadman and youngster Alana Repancih took to the court. Repanich came up against fellow youngster Tully Richter and proved superior on the day with a strong straight sets win while Beadman clinched the title for her team when she outlasted Tahlia Van Der Eerden in three tough sets.
The Drive ladies were ecstatic with the win after last season’s Grand Final defeat and an earlier finals loss to Seaside their mettle had been well and truly tested. Their blend of experience and youth has proven a successful formula for success.
For Seaside it was a disappointing end to an amazing season where the team of teenagers were able to perform week to week and prove to be one of the best teams in the state.
In the Men’s competition, Glenlea took out the title with a tough win over Trinity Gardens.
Trinity Gardens number one Li Tu got them off to an amazing start when he beat Glenlea’s Damian Farinola 6-3 6-2 in impressive fashion.
Following this match it was all Glenlea in the singles as Stephen Clasholm and Ben Mooney registered straight sets wins at number three and four.
Glenlea number two Brock Meuris was challenged by a gritty James Ma but eventually prevailed 6-4 4-6 6-4. The set Ma was able to grind out kept Trinity Gardens in the tie and after Ma and Tu combined to win in straight sets at top doubles it seemed a miracle may be possible.
Experienced Glenlea pairing of Mooney and Clasholm were able to clinch the tie when they squeezed past the dogged pairing of Scott Hughes and Charlie Nicholas.
Glenlea have proven to be the team to beat all season and their ability to get a strong team on the park week after week was integral to their top of the table finish and the subsequent State League Title.
For Trinity Gardens it will be a tough pill to swallow as they battled hard throughout the year only to be without regular number two Andrew Tavella when it mattered most due to his selection in the Australian Seniors team playing in Cape town.
State League – Results
Men – Glenlea Tennis Club 4-8-64 defeats 2-5-60 Trinity Titans
Women – Seaside Tennis Club 0-1-23 def. by 4-8-51 The Drive
Latest
SA