13 March 2025 | Tennis West

After ten rounds of round robin action, the finals have arrived for eight sides. This weekend is set to serve up some mouthwatering matches with all games played on Saturday afternoon. 

MEN’S:

Cottesloe v Royal Kings Park at Cottesloe Tennis Club 

Saturday 15 March, 12.30 pm 

Last year’s premiers have had another impressive season, finishing first and receiving a home semi-final. Cottesloe come up against fourth placed Royal Kings Park who will come into the match with form, having won their last three rubbers to close out the home and away season. Cottesloe on the other hand will look to bounce back after suffering a shock loss to UWA in round 10. 

Last time these teams met, it was Cottesloe who took the reins 5-1 with wins from Will Hann, Cam Burton and Ben Webster. Hans Bustiman will be key for Royal Kings Park, the number one player for most of the season has claimed some big scalps including Cottesloe’s Max Weir in round seven. 

One thing to look out for will be who Royal Kings Park selects as their top 4. The away side has used players such as Jake Robinson, Darren Slater and Zach Itzstein who all have many year years of experience in the men’s State League competition. Cottesloe will also boast a strong side who have experience in finals with Will Hann, Max Weir, Cam Burton and Ben Webster while joined by doubles specialist Adam Kehane. A Cottesloe win would see them host a home grand final for the third consecutive year. 

 

Peppermint Grove v Mt Lawley/Sorrento at Peppermint Grove Tennis Club 

Saturday 15 March, 12.30 pm 

Both these sides have had an impressive season with both recording some big wins. Peppermint Grove finished the home and away season in second place, only succumbing to Royal Kings Park and Cottesloe once. The final four will be an interesting choice, with Peppermint Grove adding a lot of depth in their side this season. Locals Tim Gray, Sam Ashenden, Vuk Velickovic and Sam Chapman have all played a part while Jayden Court and Ethan Cook may also play, making selections tough. 

Mt Lawley/Sorrento have proven they can win against any side after upsetting Cottesloe earlier in the season. The additions of Luca Katsamakis, Hugh Castello have added depth while the regulars of the team in Casey Ambler, Michael Faulkner and Jake Dembo have given valuable contributions to the season. 

The two sides met in round seven where it was Peppermint Grove that edged out as victors, winning the tie by one set. Three of the four singles matches went to three sets meaning it will be anyone’s game come Saturday. 

 

WOMEN’S: 

Hensman Park v Dalkeith at Hensman Park Tennis Club 

Saturday 15 March, 12.30 pm 

After edging their way into the final four in the last round, Dalkeith have a massive task ahead of them taking on last year’s premiers Hensman Park on their turf. Hensman Park have been close to perfect this season, only dropping one match against Cottesloe and have only lost nine rubbers all season. 

After a slow start to the season, Dalkeith found their mojo in the last four rounds, winning against Cottesloe and Royal Kings Park – both higher placed on the ladder and only lost to Hensman Park showing they can match it with the best. A key to that has been their depth, even without main stayers playing every week like Lauren Nikoloski, the team has put good players on the park, lead by Hayley Burton who has won her past five singles matches. 

Hensman Park have had the wood over Dalkeith, defeating them twice this season 6-0 and will take that confidence going into this match. The standout has been number one ranked player Alice Stevens, with her incredible consistency throughout the season, Stevens is yet to drop a singles match. In the fixtures against Dalkeith, Ali Connell and Tara Aleksic were no match for Stevens. Hensman Park have been represented well and boast a strong all-round team with experienced players Anja Dokic and Ella Nurkic joined by youngsters Alice Stevens, Juan Yum, and Riana Tan. 

 

Cottesloe v Royal Kings Park at Cottesloe Tennis Club 

Saturday 15 March, 12.30 pm 

The newly formed Cottesloe host Royal Kings Park for a spot in the final. The match is set to be close with both teams suitable to the grass courts. Cottesloe have had a strong year, finishing second and winning eight matches including winning one against Hensman Park giving them the confidence to know they can match it with the best. 

It was only last week these two sides met with Cottesloe proving to be the better side winning 5-1. In round five, it was the same story with Cottesloe winning 5-1. The Cottesloe side boasts some big names in Alicia Molik who is undefeated in State League singles matches this season. Jess Culley has also found some form as of late, winning her last two singles matches and winning eight of 10 matches this season, only losing to Hensman Park’s Alice Stevens. 

It will be interesting to see who these sides line up with. Royal Kings Park boast Sara Nikolic, Mahta Khanloo, Amelia Tatafu and Brooke Campbell while Cottesloe will consider players such as Alicia Molik, Jess Culley, Elena Manoj, Ksenija Vujacic and Ruby Culley.