League leaders Andy Bay Sharks suffered a loss to bottom-of-the-table Andy Bay Vets in the Dunedin premier men’s club competition at the weekend.
In the top singles, Mat McCutcheon (Andy Bay Vets) served his way to a 7-6(5), 7-6(4) win over Phil Mirfin.
Gavin Mockford then made it 2-0 for Andy Bay Vets as he used his experience and guile to beat the hard-hitting Anthony Mirfin 6-1, 6-4.
In the No4 singles, rising junior Bilal Ahmad all but sealed the tie for Andy Bay Vets as he beat Bryce Hoffman
6-2, 6-3.
Needing to win the remaining three matches comfortably, Andy Bay Sharks kept a sliver of hope alive as Mike Smith beat Daniel Lund 6-3, 6-0.
However, winning both doubles was a step too far as Andy Bay Vets claimed both matches and the tie 5-1.
With a chance to go top of the table, the second-placed Balmacewen2 team suffered a loss to Balmacewen 1.
A rejuvenated William Bourne (Balmacewen 1) was able to pull through in two tight sets in the top singles against Gerard Farrell, winning 6-4, 7-5.
At No 2 singles, Max Gaffaney got one back for Balmacewen 2 as he was too solid for Saul Moore, winning 6-4, 6-0.
The No 3 and 4 singles were also split between both teams, though Richard Bourne (Balmacewen1) was able to get a crucial set against Samuel Sherburd, the latter winning 6-4, 6-7(7), 10-8.
Needing to win one doubles in straight sets for the tie, Balmacewen 1’s father and son combination of Will and Richard Bourne did just that, beating Gaffaney/Sherburd 6-3, 6-1.
Farrell/Nick Cutfield were able to get one match back, but the tie went to Balmacewen 1 on a 3-3 countback.
With two weeks left in the competition, the tie next week between Balmacewen 2 and Andy Bay Sharks is likely to decide who wins the title.
In the women’s competition, Mornington’s Aminah Ahmad led her team to a win over Taieri, and Balmacewen got a surprise victory over an Andy Bay team missing their top players.
— Paddy Ou
