Sport
A tight contest between first and last highlights round eight of Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association
A division one battle between first and last place did not disappoint on Saturday, December 14.
Capping the final round of Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association action for 2024 was a thrilling encounter between Shepparton Lawn Average Joes and Numurkah Warriors.
The struggling Warriors hosted Average Joes in good conditions during round eight, with both sides eager to finish the year on a high before the Christmas break.
The visitors got off to a bright start as Average Joes pair Zach Ranson and Nic Gattuso won their respective rubbers.
However, the Warriors fought back across the next two rubbers to tie the score at two sets apiece.
The match continued in a see-sawing fashion as both sides would win two straight sets before losing the following two.
Heading into the final two rubbers, the score was 5-57 to 5-59, as the Warriors looked to stun the ladder leaders.
Average Joes claimed the penultimate rubber thanks to doubles duo Gattuso and Matilda Cameron as they defeated the Warriors’ Grant Chappell and Lucy Bassett 6-8.
The Warriors fought back again in the last, winning the set 8-7 thanks to Mark Mills and Ellen Bruce.
However, it wasn’t enough, as Average Joes escaped with a victory, 6-71 to 6-74.
In the other division one match, Shepparton Lawn The Valley comfortably defeated Velvet Tigers away from home.
The final score was 4-57 to 8-86 in The Valley’s favour at Cobram Lawn Tennis Club.
In division two, Cobram Crocs defeated Shepparton Lawn Demons 8-75 to 3-50, while Euroa Blue beat Tatura Monsoons 8-69 to 3-46.
The other results for round eight in division two weren’t available.
Average Joes are in first place in division one with Velvet Tigers (second), The Valley (third) and Warriors (fourth) in tow.
Meanwhile, in division two, McEwen Reserve sits in first place with the Crocs close behind it in second.