Ky Lawn Tennis Club sweeps round 15 in preparation for prominent finals runs

It was a close match all day, with six sets going down to a tiebreaker. Kyabram held a narrow three-game lead with three mixed doubles sets to go.

In the number one set, Regan More and Miley Morris battled against quality opposition and eventually fell in a tiebreaker that brought Shepparton within striking distance.

However, it was the mother-son duo of Sheree and Kade Starling that were the heroes in the number two mixed set, with a strong 8-5 victory to put Kyabram five games up with one set to go.

This left Mitchell Cox and Kat Wearne requiring four games to secure Kyabram’s place in the finals.

Cox and Wearne were able to do what was required; despite losing 8-4, this was enough to get the GM2 side across the line and into post-season.

Sheree Starling was a standout on the day, winning all three of her sets, including a tough 6-5 victory in the number one singles and partnering Abby Prycroft to a strong 8-6 doubles victory.

Prycroft also won her only other set for the day in a tight 8-7 with Miley Morris.

The win and other results mean that Kyabram finished third on the ladder and will play an elimination final at Tatura against Euroa Blue.

In the two match-ups between Euroa and Kyabram this year, the Bombers have been able to get the better of the newcomers to the league.

GM3 Kyabram Redbacks 7-73 defeated Tatura Tornados 6-68

With both teams secured in first and second on the ladder, this match-up in the final round was to try to get the edge before the finals.

The match was close throughout the day; however, it was the ladies who gave the Redbacks an edge early.

Sonya McCraw was on fire to start, delivering back-to-back 8-0 victories partnering Marg Haw and Susie Bennett.

Going into the mixed doubles sets, Kyabram held a narrow advantage in a match-up that had twisted and turned all day.

McCraw partnered Darren Woodcock to a narrow 8-6 defeat that brought Tatura a little bit closer.

However, following a strong 8-2 victory by Marg Haw and George Brega, the Redbacks would have thought the job was done.

Yet, a strong Tatura victory in the number three mixed doubles (8-2) meant it would all come down to the final game.

Rookie Xavier Dodos and team captain Susie Bennett took to the show court and got the job done (8-5), securing the Redbacks a five-game underdog victory against the ladder leaders.

This win will give the Redbacks the mental edge going into next week’s qualifying final against the same opponent.

Another victory will see the side move into the grand final.

GM3 Kyabram Bombers 9-78 defeated Numurkah Penguins 4-64

The Bombers are the only team at Kyabram not gearing up for finals this year; however, the weekend’s result showed it wasn’t from a lack of talent.

Struggling to get their entire team on the park throughout the season, the Bombers were never able to reach their full potential.

However, a dominant 14-game victory against finals lock Numurkah showed that there is plenty for the Bombers to build on next season.

Wil Worsfold was a particular standout for the Bombers, who dominated in every match that he played.

Young gun Jaxon Eddy continued to improve over the rounds in his first season of senior tennis.

The girls also showed that they have a bright future, as Alyssa Christou continued to develop and turned into a genuine number one lady.

Shylee Donaldson in her first season of senior tennis also showed great improvements, and captain Zane Sutton also had a strong season.

GM4 Open

Kyabram 6-61 defeated Tongala 3-38

With a top-two ladder position secured, the GM4 Open Kyabram side was looking to notch a final victory against third-placed Tongala.

Rachael Costello was the standout of the day, hardly dropping a game, partnering Evan Cooknell and Amy Harrison to 8-1 victories and Rebekah Lawson to an 8-2 victory.

Harrison also secured an 8-2 victory with Scott Hausler and an 8-2 victory with Evan Cooknell.

These dominant sets paved the way for the open side to have a 23-game victory.

This means that Kyabram has defeated all other teams that have made the finals in their grade.

For a team that is made up of players playing their first senior season for the Kyabram Lawn Tennis Club, it has been quite the fairy tale season.

Kyabram will take on the Tatura Twisters, whom they were able to defeat just a few rounds ago, for a place in the grand final.