16 February 2024 | Tennis West

It’s the last round of State League before the first week of finals. This weekend’s feature match sees Alexander Park host Peppermint Grove this Saturday at 1 pm. 

There will potentially be a lot riding on the result of this match with a win for either side all but confirming third spot on the ladder and a home final in the first week of finals.

For Alexander Park (4th on 64 points), a win will confirm third spot and a home final against the sixth ranked team next week while a loss could put them to as low as fifth if Applecross (5th on 61 points) defeat Royal Kings Park (2nd on 81 points).

It will be the same for Peppermint Grove (3rd on 66 points), with a win confirming third spot and a home final against the sixth ranked team next week, however they have a slight chance of clinching second spot and a double chance if Royal Kings Park to lose 6-0 against Applecross and if they defeat Alexander Park 6-0.

Last time these two sides met, Peppermint Grove defeated Alexander Park 5-1. Tara Aleksic defeated Sheridan Currie while Peyton Duckett was the only one to record a victory for Alexander Park, playing Jessie Culley in the No. 1 spot and won in a match tie-break 6-4, 4-6, 13-11. Reserve Peppermint Grove players Nisha Whittome and Isabelle Criddle won their rubbers in straight sets then the home side went on to win their doubles rubbers in straight sets.

The home side went down to Hensman Park 5-1 last weekend with Peyton Duckett recording their only win. Alexander Park has struggled to gain momentum this season, recording consecutive wins just once this season.

The home court advantage could be key for Alexander Park with a 3-1 win-loss record at home, while Peppermint Grove have won only once this season from three away games.

Peppermint Grove go into this match with a new No. 1 seed with Tara Aleksic getting the nod over Jessie Culley who has played in the No. 1 spot every game this season.

 

Key match-up 1: Peyton Duckett (Alexander Park) v Tara Aleksic (Peppermint Grove) 

This match-up proves to be an exciting one with the 2022/23 women’s State League Final the last time these two met. Aleksic edged out Duckett in a momentum swinging match and came back from a set down, winning 2-6, 6-4, 10-5.

Duckett has had an impressive season as Alexander Park’s No. 1 seed, winning six of her eight singles matches this season. Duckett is also in form, having won her past three matches against Anja Dokic (Hensman Park), Amelia Tatafu (Royal Kings Park) and Ruby Broadbent (Applecross).

Aleksic has also been impressive representing Peppermint Grove as the No. 2 seed. Aleksic has won four out of six singles matches this season.

 

Key match-up 2: Katy O’Shea (Alexander Park) v Jessie Culley (Peppermint Grove) 

This contest sees Culley play as the No. 2 seed for the first time this season. Culley’s form has been strong this season, playing against the best with a win-loss record of 5-3. Culley has only played on grass once this season, winning that match against Applecross’ Ruby Broadbent. In her most recent match, Culley defeated Lauren Nikoloski (Dalkeith) 4-6, 6-3, 10-5.

Katy O’Shea plays her third singles match this season and will be her first time playing as the No. 2 seed this season, having played as the No. 4 seed. O’Shea has won one and lost one match this season with her win coming in round three against Sunny Youn (Applecross) winning in three sets 7-6, 4-6, 10-8.

 

Other Key Match Ups around State League on Streamer (home team listed first) 

Friday 16th February, 6 pm 

Women’s: Dalkeith v Hensman Park

Key match-up: Lauren Nikoloski v Alice Stevens

 

Men’s: UWA v Blue Gum Park

Key match-up: Hans Bustiman v Nathan Schupelius

 

Men’s: Peppermint Grove v Alexander Park

Key match-up: Jayden Court v Ashwin Sharma

 

Saturday 17th February, 1 pm 

Women’s: Applecross v Royal Kings Park

Key match-up: Ruby Broadbent v Amy Findlay

 

Men’s: Cottesloe v Mt Lawley/Sorrento

Key match-up: Ethan Dunn v Casey Ambler