Former New Zealand representative Harry James brought a touch of class to the Dunedin club competition when he led McGlashan to a clean sweep against Balmacewen on Saturday.
James dropped only two games in beating James Bourne 6-2, 6-0 in an impressive warmup for his Otago debut next weekend after previously playing for Southern Lakes.
Bourne showed some powerful touches and hit several clean winners but James, despite limited match play because of exams, was always in control. He knew when to stay in a rally and when to force the winner better than his opponent.
He also showed his class partnering Paddy Ou to a 6-3, 6-2 doubles win, showing penetrating returns and well-placed volleys.
Eastern Harbour won the other men's tie beating Mornington-Roslyn 3-0.
Debbie Cartwright (Eastern Harbour) reversed her earlier loss to Brittany Wong (Balmacewen) by mixing her game up and using occasional net rushes to unsettle her younger opponent 6-2, 6-1.
However, Jessie Stevenson beat Marlies Marthen 6-1, 6-3 and Balmacewen also won the doubles for a 2-1 win.
St Clair had a hollow 3-0 win when Heike Cebulla-Elder was forced to withdraw due to injury while up 5-4 against Lauren Fowler. Cebulla-Elder also missed the doubles.
