10 Dec 2022

Rotokare looks to extend their lead in Soffe Cup competition

Matilde Silva – Luis Silva 

Rotokare will visit Huatoki and as they are currently the leaders of the competition, it is likely for them to top their hosts, however, the motivated Huatoki team is hungry for a win to keep their chances alive. 

From the men, Rotokare’s Ajeet Rai, a top player in New Zealand, could be seen on court displaying world-class tennis in Vogeltown followed by Will Roberts returning from a very successful week at Junior Nationals where he made quarters final in singles and finalist for the doubles title.  Luke De Villiers is expected to play Luis Silva from Huatoki, where the ex-teammates will fight for a win and Shane Devlin may have the opportunity for a rematch against Huatoki’s Joshua Wormald.

From the woman’s side, Rotokare is likely to present Karen Cranston, Tania Atkinson, Lucy Atkinson, Becca Smith and/or Jenny Weston.  This line-up seems to be too strong for Huatoki on paper, but the locals could bring some surprises including the participation of quality players such as Sophie Robertson and Ellen O’Byrne. 

Okaiawa will travel to Stratford where the hosts will have to bring their A-game to take home a much-needed win.  It seems that Okaiawa have the victory in the bag as they have proven to be strong competitors this season.  Regardless, you can bet that Stratford will not back down without a fight.  Key players to watch out for in these matches are Nicole Kowalewski and Ross Slinger from Stratford who were the only players to take out wins last weekend and will be looking to keep a winning streak.  From Okaiawa, keep your eyes open for Okaiawa’s doubles and combines as these matches have been their strength this season. 

In the other confrontation of round seven, Waiwaka will host Pukekura.  Waiwaka’s Nick Creery, Conrad Heron, Matt Verry and Alex Osten will have to take every ball seriously in order to beat the talented Pukekura men.  On paper, it seems that Pukekura women have a good chance of beating Waiwaka with their young team consisting of Tenzin Joe, Lili Lay, Olivia Pennington, Greer Upson and/or Jenny Van Praagh.