Semifinals at Mansfield down to the wire

UNDER cloudy skies, Mansfield faced top side Terip in their semifinal clash. Benalla met Euroa alongside them in Mansfield last Monday. Many enjoyed watching the spectacle of the high-quality matches. Terip’s Cindy Hayes, Rebecca Lyttle, Frances Lawrence, and Phoebe Macdermid began with a burst. They won one opener 8-2, but Mansfield’s Peta Kelly, Michelle Pigdon, Keira McDonagh, and Clare Beecham took the other 8-4. The next pairs were also split, and only four games separated the teams. Powerful ball-striking and clever courtcraft were on display in entertainingly lengthy rallies. Terip stamped their authority in the final sets, winning both 8-2 and 8-6. They booked their spot in the grand final next week by defeating Mansfield 4/42 to 2/30. Euroa jumped out of the blocks against Benalla in their semifinal, winning both opening sets. Faye Mollison, Lyndall Bigland, Chris Ellis, and Julie Harrington were keen to make a statement with power hitting and precise placement. Benalla warmed up, fought back hard, and took two of the next three sets. Kate Campbell and Maureen Jewell won their set in a tiebreak, while Claire Sharp and Helen Checucti were unlucky to lose theirs in a tiebreak. The longest match of the day needed a third tiebreak to decide a winner. Euroa’s Lyndall and Chris won that one. After an amazing match of inspirational tennis, Euroa booked their spot in the grand final by winning 4/43 to 2/36. Afterwards, in the packed clubhouse, players and their supporters reflected on their season. They made plans for the summer competitions and found nourishment. Since 2016, Terip have won the flag for the past six finals. After many attempts, Euroa will again challenge Terip’s dominance for the premiership next Monday, the 16th of September. The grand final match will start at 10.30am in Euroa.

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