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Finals locked in for LBU

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Winning ways: LBU’s Katie Condliffe utilises the back hand. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Lockington-Bamawm United’s second team has moved up to third on the Campaspe Tennis Association division one standings at the expense of Rochester, which slipped to fourth after a loss to Echuca.

LBU 2 was a 7-80 to 6-72 winner over clubmates LBU 1 after a mid-game comeback, reeling in an eight-game deficit after five sets to claim its fifth win of the season.

Just four games separated the two sides heading into the final two rubbers, but Grant Humbert and Harrison Condliffe’s 8-0 victory helped LBU take an unassailable lead into the final set.

The result means LBU 2 has now booked its place in CTA finals.

Meanwhile, Rochester 1 was defeated by 24 games at the hands of Echuca 2 to leave it on the precipice of the four.

But with two rounds to go and with a two-game buffer on fifth-placed Rich River, it isn’t quite panic stations for last season’s grand finalist.

Ace: Elmore’s Hugh Acocks prepares to serve. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca started the clash with five consecutive winning sets before Karen Taylor and Michelle Winchcomb broke their run.

Rochy went on to win four of the last seven sets to finish strongly, falling 5-60 to 8-84.

In division two, Rochester 2 kept its unbeaten five-round run alive with a tight win over Echuca 7.

Rochester reeled in an eight-game deficit midway through the clash, holding off Echuca to record a 7-59 to 6-52 victory.

Rochester sits fourth with two games remaining.

Elmore 1 kept second spot in division two with a thrilling five-game win over Echuca 5, while Colbinabbin had the round 15 bye.

In the junior ranks, LBU 3 jumped into second on the A-grade ladder after a big win over Echcua 10, while Rochester 3 remain in the running for finals despite a loss to Echuca 9.