Carterton clean sweep: Tennis

Marie Millar, part of an upset combined doubles win for Masterton. PHOTO/CHRIS KILFORD

A CRUSHING exhibition from Carterton has seen them extend their championship lead in the latest round of Wairarapa Tennis regional one interclub played on Saturday.

Pitted against the dangerous Gladstone side in a top-of-the-table clash at Carterton, the home side were in a rampant mood and brushed aside their nearest rivals 6-0.

From the outset it was clear Carterton meant business against the visitors, who have been left somewhat vulnerable with the loss of both Scott Day and Sophie Fitzgerald in the mid-season break.

The singles matches were particularly one-sided in this contest.

While victories to Matt Spooner and Karen Herrick were expected, the performances of Cory Spooner -- who tamed Alistair McWilliam in quick time -- and the heavy-hitting Andi Steinemann definitely raised a few eyebrows for the home side.

Even though the horse had well and truly bolted heading into the doubles, Gladstone showed plenty of resilience to make these matches competitive.

The men's doubles went right down to the wire, but a near-perfect tiebreaker from the Carterton duo of Cory Spooner and Steinemann proved the difference against the experienced combination of Kelby Courtney and McWilliam.

It was a clinical day at the office for Carterton, who are certainly making their home courts a fortress, as they have yet to concede a match there this season.

Opaki continued their charge up the ladder as they accounted for Masterton 4-2 in the other fixture played at Masterton.

With Masterton unable to front up with a full complement of men, Opaki started this encounter two matches to the good and, in the final wash-up, that was the difference.

In the singles Opaki were well led by Chris Davidson who capped off some solid performances of late with a straight-sets victory over Chad Parson, reversing his previous loss to the same player.

Katie Alsop was predictably far too strong for Marie Millar in the women's singles to edge Opaki further ahead.

Matt Bunny pulled back one match for Masterton with a strong victory over Jon McNab, while Parson and Millar also registered a point for the home side in the mixed doubles, with a surprising defeat of Davidson and Alsop in three sets.

The signs are looking good for Opaki to claim the third playoff position for the Gawith Shield, although Martinborough may well have something to say about that in the coming weeks as they have a match in hand and were starting to run into form before the break.

Results:

Carterton beat Gladstone 6-0 (Carterton names first). Men's singles: Matt Spooner beat Kelby Courtney 6-0 6-1; Cory Spooner beat Alistair McWilliam 6-1 6-0; Andi Steinemann beat Lochie McNab 6-2 6-2. Women's singles: Karen Herrick beat Petra Hall 6-1 6-1. Men's doubles: C Spooner and Steinemann beat Courtney and McWilliam 6-2 2-6 7-6. Mixed doubles: M Spooner and Herrick beat McNab & Hall 7-5 6-2.

Opaki beat Masterton 4-2 (Opaki names first). Men's singles: Chris Davidson beat Chad Parson 6-3 6-3; Jon McNab lost to Matt Bunny 5-7 1-6; Duncan Oakley won by default. Women's singles: Katie Alsop beat Marie Millar 6-0 6-2. Men's doubles: McNab and Oakley won by default. Mixed doubles: Davidson and Alsop lost to Parson and Millar 4-6 6-1 4-6.

Competition points: Carterton 38, Gladstone 28, Opaki 20, Martinborough 14, Masterton 12.
Due to the long weekend and the Wairarapa Closed Championships being played on the following weekend, regional one interclub will resume on Friday, February 19.