Tennis: Eastern's saga rewarded with premier title

Eastern Harbour claimed the Dunedin premier men's title with a 6-0 win over Balmacewen on Saturday.

It was Harbour's third win in eight days, after qualifying third and having to take the long route to success.

After taking the minor semifinal in a tense countback last Saturday, Harbour went through the qualifying final and grand final as clean sweeps, although it was frequently taken to three sets. Balmacewen was able to take a set on four occasions but could not convert any of its chances.

Campbell Higgins completed an unbeaten season at No 1, but dropped the middle set 6-1 against Matt White before romping home 6-0 in the third.

Higgins looked to be on target for an easy win after a convincing 6-1 first set, but White hit some good winners for a time. Higgins had another gear and showed more focus and intensity when the pressure was on.

Philip Mirfin weathered the net-rushing storm from Andrew Hilliard and was more consistent overall, in winning 6-4, 6-3.

Ryan Eggers beat James Bourne 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to take yet another close three-set finish, proving slightly tidier in his execution in the last few games and benefiting from some looseness from Bourne.

Dimitar Trifunowski recovered from a 6-1 first set loss to veteran Rob McGavin and finished 6-4, 6-1 in the next two.

Harbour took both doubles but Mirfin and Eggers were taken to 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 by Hilliard and McGavin, and, despite having the tie won, fought to the end, to make the score even more convincing.

The women's final between Balmacewen and Eastern Harbour was postponed as several players are involved in the national secondary schools finals being held in Albany.

 

 

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