Gallery | Reigning premier’s rotten run continues, while new candidate emerges in Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association

By Liam Nash

Oct 28, 2024

Shepparton Lawn The Valley's Luke Dixon loads up a full-faced forehand against Numurkah Warriors. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Last season Numurkah Warriors lost their first game and went on to win the flag.

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However, after dropping three matches on the bounce to start the 2024-25 Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association GM1 campaign, the door has blown open for another side to unhand the Warriors’ grasp on the competition.

The back-to-back-to-back champs were drubbed by Shepparton Lawn The Valley on Saturday, with the latter sliding into second spot after an 11-90 to 1-32 pasting.

The Valley’s Jeremy O’Brien and Luke Dixon combined for three rubber victories, with Dixon’s bageling of John Forde setting the tone for a tough day on the track for the Warriors.

Numurkah’s Lucy Bassett was the only visitor to salute, moving past D'Arcy Curtis-McDonald 8-2 in the first of the women’s singles ties.

The commanding result pushes The Valley into second behind Nathalia-based Velvet Tigers, leaving Numurkah Warriors with ground to catch up on third-placed Shepparton Lawn Average Joes.

Velvet Tigers secured a 9-79 to 3-50 victory over Average Joes, featuring several mixed doubles rubbers that went right down to the wire.

News photographer Rechelle Zammit was on hand to catch the match between Shepparton Lawn The Valley and Numurkah Warriors.