It wasn’t an average Saturday for Average Joes.
In round seven of Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association, the Shepparton Lawn derby between Average Joes and The Valley took place.
The match promised to be tight — the two sides were ranked second (Average Joes) and third (The Valley) in division one — and didn’t disappoint.
The fixture, held at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club, started with both sides winning a set each.
Luke Dixon’s victory over Zach Ranson in the second rubber was particularly thrilling, with Dixon winning the set for The Valley 7-8.
Average Joes responded well, winning the next two sets convincingly before The Valley’s Hope Curtis-McDonald returned serve — literally and figuratively — to cut the lead to 3-2.
The Valley tied the score at four sets apiece after winning the opening two doubles rubbers, keeping the derby a see-sawing affair.
With a 6-5 set lead heading into the last rubber, it was Rohde against Rohde as Will took on Ella in a doubles contest.
Ella was able to secure the set, 5-8, alongside Luke Turcato for The Valley, however, it was Will and teammate Ellie Mifka who got the last laugh as Average Joes won the match 6-79 to 6-72.
Up the road in the other division one contest, Numurkah Warriors secured a tight, upset victory over Velvet Tigers at Nathalia.
Ladder leader Velvet Tigers were left to ponder what could have been as they dropped points at home to bottom-of-the-table Numurkah.
The visitor won the match 6-68 to 6-75.
In division two, Tatura Monsoons defeated Kyabram Bombers 6-61 to 5-50 and Shepparton Lawn Blues beat Numurkah Raiders 4-48 to 7-66 on the road.
Cobram Crocs also secured a victory in enemy territory as they defeated Nathalia 5-58 to 6-61.
Shepparton Lawn Demons dominated during their win over Tatura Quakes, the scoreline finished 8-74 to 3-53 in the Demons’ favour.
Meanwhile, McEwen Reserve defeated Euroa Blue 7-71 to 4-63.
McEwen Reserve remains on top of the division two ladder with an eight-point lead over second-placed Monsoons.