State League returned with a bang after the Christmas break with some big upsets and thrilling finishes.
WOMEN’S
Hensman Park 3 (7 sets) defeated Applecross 3 (6 sets)
The Friday night feature match proved to be one of the matches of the round as Hensman Park came from behind to narrowly win by one set.
Ruby Broadbent caused an upset, defeating the undefeated Anja Dokic in straight sets 7-5, 6-3. This was followed up by Sunny Youn and reserve Elena Manoj winning their rubbers for Applecross in tight battles. Manoj defeated Karin Hiramatsu in three sets with the match ending in a third set tie-break. Alfee Stevens recorded Hensman Park’s only win in the singles ties, defeating Ioanna Papastamouli 6-2, 7-6.
As predicted, the strength of Hensman Park this season in doubles rubbers proved to be the difference with Dokic and Hiramatsu winning in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 and Stevens and Vujacic teaming up and winning 6-3, 6-2 against Broadbent and Youn.
Dalkeith 3 (7 sets) defeated Peppermint Grove 3 (6 sets)
Dalkeith caused the upset of the round defeating Peppermint Grove by one set at Peppermint Grove. The No. 1 singles tie between Jessie Culley and Lauren Nikoloski went to three sets with Culley coming out on top after dropping the opening set. Dalkeith would go on to win their next three singles rubbers with Ali Connell, Hayley Burton and Ruby Culley all winning their ties in straight sets.
Peppermint Grove brought it back in the doubles rubbers with Caitlin Hindmarsh coming in with Culley and winning 6-2, 6-2. Mary Quinn and Kester Sunkar defeated Meg Connell and Charleen Tiwari 6-4, 6-2 but the first set win from Nikoloski in the singles tie proving to be the difference in the end.
Alexander Park 4 defeated Royal Kings Park 2
Alexander Park climbed to third place on the ladder after an impressive 4-2 win over Royal Kings Park. Shanelle Iaconi returned to playing and came up against an in-form Amelia Tatafu. Iaconi would prove too strong winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Alexander Park’s Peyton Duckett and reserve Claudia Shearwood won their rubbers in straight sets; however Royal Kings Park’s Maree Casey came from a set down to win 3-6, 6-0, 10-8.
With Alexander Park needing just one more win, Iaconi and Duckett teamed up and defeated Justine Hayward-Janney and Brooke Campbell 6-1, 6-2.
MEN’S
Blue Gum Park 3 (65 games) defeated Peppermint Grove 3 (64 games)
This fixture had it all with the tie coming down to one game and four of the six matches ending in match tie-breaks. Ethan Cook started things well for Blue Gum recording a 6-3, 6-4 win over Jake Robinson. Jay Fairclough and Sam Ashenden traded blows in the first two sets with both sets going to tie-breakers. The match was settled in the third set tie-break with Ashenden coming out on top.
Peppermint Grove’s Darren Slater defeated Nathan Schupelius in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 while Cam Fenner tied the score up at 2-2 heading into doubles with a three-set win over Luka Vujacic 6-3, 3-6, 10-8. In the doubles, Blue Gum Park’s Ethan Cook and Brendan Jayaprakash held their nerve to defeat Darren Slater and Jake Robinson 7-6, 4-6, 10-5. Sam Chapman and Sam Ashenden managed to win their rubber to level the tie at 3-3 but it wasn’t quite enough to take the win.
Cottesloe 4 defeated Alexander Park 2
Cottesloe continued their dominance to remain on top of the ladder against Alexander Park. Ethan Dunn and Will Hann won their matches in straight sets; however, Benjamin Webster was made to work hard for his victory with the match against Austin Vos lasting three sets. Alexander Park’s Harry Bourchier recorded an impressive win over Scott Webster winning 6-3, 3-6, 10-6.
In the doubles, matches went down to the deciding set with Harry Bourchier and Daniel Downey defeating Scott Webster and Will Hann 3-6, 6-4, 13-11. The second doubles match also ended the same way with Cottesloe’s Ethan Dunn and Adam Kehane defeating Austin Vos and Evan Manso 6-4, 5-7, 12-10.
UWA 5 defeated Mt Lawley/Sorrento 1
UWA were made to work for their win with three of the four singles rubbers going to a deciding tie-break. UWA’s Hans Bustiman and Tim Gray both fought back from a set down to record wins against Casey Ambler and Michael Faulkner respectfully. Josh Carter recorded one and only rubber with a hard fought three set win against Alfonso Calderon 7-6, 3-6, 12-10.
UWA continued their dominance with wins in both doubles rubbers to make it 5-1, climbing up to fourth on the ladder and remaining in sight with third place Alexander Park.
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