Clubs to battle for finals spot

Matt Bunny, regular member of the Masterton line-up. PHOTO/FILE

THE RACE for playoff positions will take further shape tomorrow evening with the latest round of Wairarapa Tennis regional one interclub matches being staged.

The table-topping Carterton team are at very short odds to claim an automatic finals berth as the leading qualifier, but it is the other two spots up for grabs that should ensure the intensity of these fixtures.

In jeopardy of falling off the radar is the bottom-placed Masterton side and they are in a must-win situation when they travel to Gladstone.

Masterton are eight points adrift of third-placed Opaki, but will put themselves right back in contention with a win.

That will not be an easy undertaking given Gladstone sit second on the ladder and the home side dished out a 5-1 drubbing to Masterton in their previous encounter.

However, being a Friday night fixture opens up the possibility of Masterton fronting with Luke and Georgia Atkinson, and if that is the case, then a Masterton upset is well and truly on the cards.

Regular team members Chad Parson and Matt Bunny have been hot and cold this season, and will also need to play their part for the visitors to triumph.

For Gladstone, their main aim will be to get back in the winner's circle after being routed by Carterton in their last outing.

Kelby Courtney and Alistair McWilliam will be looking to recapture their early season form to lead their team while 2016 regional two champion Lochie McNab looks well capable of making a big impression in the No 3 slot.

All things being even Gladstone should prevail, but it would not surprise if Masterton upset the applecart if they have their best personnel on hand.

Another team well in the hunt for a playoff spot are Martinbrough, though they have the unenviable task of playing Carterton on their home patch.

Carterton have yet to concede an individual match playing at home and for Martinborough it may well be a case of limiting the damage, rather than entertaining the idea of bowling over the runaway leaders.

With newly-crowned Wairarapa women's champion Rhona Lovell in their ranks, Martinborough have a good chance to open their account, although Carterton's Karen Herrick may have something to say about that if that encounter eventuates.

Andy Darling and Bruce Lovell will know they will be up against it for the visitors but with Carterton reportedly shuffling their resources for this fixture that may present an opportunity for Martinborough to make some inroads.

Cory Spooner and Andy Steinemann have both been in good form for Carterton and should ensure their team keeps their unbeaten record intact on their home track.

If Martinborough do notch up some much-needed championship points, that will hold them in good stead to potentially overhaul Opaki for the third playoff position in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile in regional two action the match of the round is Opaki 2 playing host to Carterton/Gladstone and they will be keen to reverse their earlier loss to this team.

Masterton 1 still look like the team to beat for overall honours and they should be too sharp for Opaki 1.

The home advantage should have Martinborough holding sway over Masterton 2 while Greytown will be favoured to beat Rathkeale.