In the feature match of the day, Carlos Reid (Andersons Bay) proved too strong for Mitchell Sizemore (St Clair). While both players struggled with their usually reliable serves, Reid’s returning game proved the difference in a narrow 6-4, 7-5 upset victory. In other results, St Clair junior Ayoub Ahmad impressed in edging George Alexander (Andersons Bay) 6-4, 7-5, and Mike Smith (Andersons Bay) returned from an extended period away from the sport to beat St Clair stalwart Tony Ryder 6-0, 3-6, 6-3. In women’s games, Andersons Bay’s Marie Reid came back from losing the opening set to defeat Melania Kaitaeifo 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. The three doubles matches were swept by Andersons Bay as it claimed a week one victory 8-1.
Balmacewen also proved too much for opponent Otago Boys’ in their opening tie for the season. Recent Otago indoor open women’s champion Libby Scott (Balmacewen) played as the top male and overcame Mat McCutcheon (Otago Boys’), coming away with a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 win. There were also close wins for Balmacewen further down the men’s order, including Jack Warner winning a marathon against Thomas Chiang (Otago Boys’) 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-2) and Fraser Richardson (Balmacewen) winning in three sets over Henry Dickson. Jessie Stevenson (Balmacewen) who recently won the indoor open doubles title in partnership with Scott, continued her good form, winning her singles over Annalisse Wilson (Otago Boys’) in straight sets and her doubles comfortably with Rileigh Fields as Balmacewen also ran away with an 8-1 win.
In next week’s round two action, Andersons Bay plays Otago Boys’, while Balmacewen takes on St Clair.
- Ryan Eggers
