The sixth and final ‘minor’ round of the Metro Mid-Week comp took place Wednesday night at the Memorial Drive Centre Courts.
First up was second v third, with Pembroke taking on Tennis SA. In the first single it was very close match in a see-sawing battle, with Grant Pietsch (Pembroke) taking on Rayden Cresswell (Tennis SA). Cresswell got to a great start taking the first set (4-2), but the endurance and consistency of Pietsch then came to the fore taking the second set (4-1) and forcing the match to the match tiebreak set. Cresswell then delivered on the important points winning the tiebreak and the match.
Next was the skillful Tom Adams doing battle with James Hart. Hart was all class early, taking the first set. However, the one-handed backhand of Adams then did the job in the second evening it up. Hart then got it done in the match tiebreaker with a 3 set win. The experience Matt Adams got off to a good start against young-gun Brodie Johns winning the first (4-3), but Johns then answered in the second forcing the third match of the night to the match tiebreaker. Adams was then too strong in the big points just edging out the youngster in 3 close sets.
Big hitting Beckett Wolfe then gave the Tennis SA side a 3-1 lead heading into the doubles with a dominant straight sets win. In the first double Pietsch and Matt Adams took on Johns and Cresswell. The Tennis SA pairing started well taking the first set, however, Pietsch and Adams then went to another gear taking the match in, you guessed it, another match tie break set. Tom Adams and Paul Kohene then proved the importance of quality doubles collaboration, with a very strong showing for Pembroke. They were on song taking the rubber in two.
At the end of the night, this match up could not have got any closer, with both teams even on rubbers, even on sets and Pembroke taking home the chocolates by just a single game! At the end of the day Pembroke showed their class and booked their ticket to the grand final next week. Tennis SA will take some heart with a good showing after some down weeks. Unfortunately for them, the best they can do now is play of for third place next week.
The other match took place between the undefeated Henley and the fourth placed Prospect. First up was Jay Laginestra (Prospect) playing Heath Johnston (Henley). Laginestra was too good early taking the first (4-2). The class of Johnston then answered taking the second in a strong showing, however, Laginestra proved too strong in the match tiebreaker with a three set win and giving Prospect a great start.
Rhys Johnston, Matt Robinson, and Chris Kelly then all proved why Henley are the team to beat, taking their singles matches in two sets. Both doubles matches then went to the premiership favourites, with Robsinson and Kelly combining superbly in the second double with a two set victory. The placement, and team work of Henley was on display for all to see and no doubt at all they will take some serious stopping to knock them off the top.
Next week the grand final will be between Henley and Pembroke. Henley have not put a foot wrong all season, and will be looking to Heath Johnston to get them off to a strong start at number one. It will be interesting to see who comprises their 2-4 positions with strong depth on display all year.
A mix of Rhys Johnston, Sam von Einem, Matt Robinson and Matt Tregoweth will likely take the court, and it is really hard to see that outfit going down. Having said that, Pembroke at their best are not without a chance. If the one-handed back hand fires, Tom Adams will give Johnston some headaches at one. Then throw in the consistency of Grant Pietsch and a mix of Ben Adams, Andy Fried and Matt Adams, and an upset is certainly on the cards.
Henley will be confident, but Pembroke at their best will fancy their chances. I am tipping a close match with Henley, who have been the best side this season, just getting over the line. However, one of the beauties of sport, is that an upset is always on the cards…
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