18 Feb 2011
Round Nine of Soffe Cup tennis will be played this weekend with only two rounds remaining before the post-season playoffs determine our champion for season 2010-11.
Hareb Deken Oakura plays Sanfords Manaia at home on Saturday. For Oakura this weekend's match will shape up as their final opportunity to stake a claim for the playoffs. The challenge before them doesn't come much tougher however than the reigning premiers and this season's competition frontrunner. The No. 1 mens match will be between Graham Mitchell and Jordan Fleming. Fleming won the previous match 6-1 6-4. The No. 2 match will be played between Tei Walden and Cameron Koch with the Manaia player winning their last encounter 6-0 6-1. Sue Oldfield will play against Nicole Koch at No.1 with Koch favoured to take the match. Louise Brankin will play against Sarah Kelly in the No. 2 womens singles match, with Kelly favoured. Manaia will be favoured to continue their procession to the minor premiership, in spite of a mid-season revival in form from the Oakura team.
AWE Huatoki meet Stumble Inn Waiwaka at the Huatoki courts. This match is shaping as a decider for the final fourth spot in the playoffs. As it stands presently Waiwaka sit in fourth spot on 67 points while Huatoki are 5 points behind on 62 points. In the No.1 mens match Amrit Rai will play David Lace, with Rai the favourite. The No. 2 mens match will be played between David Geange and David Lace- Lace won the last match 7-5 6-2. The No.1 womens match will be between Alice Caskey and Krystal Oakes, with Caskey favoured. The No. 2 womens match will be Chris Wilson up against Michelle Lace. Lace will be favoured in this match.
This match will be very difficult to separate with both team's respective seasons on the line.
Central Finance Rotokare host Tariki Icon Sports Pukekura at the Rotokare courts on Saturday. This will be the match of the round as the winner will effectively determine who gains home court advantage in the playoffs. Pukekura sit second on the table with 79 points, while Rotokare are three points behind on 76 points, hence these two teams have everything to play for as home advantage can not be overstated in the playoff atmosphere. The No. 1 mens match will be between Blair Crowley and Callum Old with Old favoured. Malcolm Elder will play at No.2 against Pukekura's Mike Fleming with Fleming also favoured.