14 Mar 2020
Semi-finals Time For Taranaki Tennis
This weekend will see the semi-finals take place for Soffe Cup, Wilson Trophy,
Sumpter Trophy and Fours.
In Soffe Cup, a full-strength Pukekura will be hosting Huatoki. The rules
exclude Jayden Harrison from being able to play in the top spot for Huatoki, so
it could prove to be a very long day for the Huatoki men. Things do not
look much better for the Huatoki women. Huatoki’s Sophie Robertson should
be able to compete with Nikayla Barnard in the top women’s spot but players like
Pukekura’s Ella Rogers and Derryn Fleming should be too much for their
respective Huatoki counterparts. In short, it will take a series of upsets
for Huatoki to overcome Pukekura.
Rotokare will be away to an under-strength Oakura. With Graham Mitchell
injured, Jaime Simpson unavailable and Jordan Fleming having played too few
matches to qualify, Rotokare should prove far too strong in the men. With
Blair Crowley and Will Roberts both capable number ones, it will be a long day
at the office, regardless of who Oakura gets to play. The women’s side of
the fixture will be more evenly poised. However, on the whole, it seems
likely Rotokare will prove too strong.
In the Wilson Trophy semi-finals, Inglewood will be hosting Rotokare and
Pukekura will be at home to Oakura.
In the Sumpter Trophy semi-finals, South Combined take on Huatoki down at Manaia and Pukekura are at home to Oakura.
In the Fours competition, Waiwaka
Wizards take on Pukekura whilst Waiwaka Power take on a resurgent
Stratford/South.