18 Mar 2023
 

Rotokare and Okaiawa deliver impressive performances to secure spots in the final.

By Matilde and Luis Silva

Alistair Nairn executing a perfect backhand against Will Roberts

 On a display of exceptional form, Rotokare and Okaiawa convincingly secured their places in the final of the 2022-23 Soffe Cup competition. Facing off against their fair rivals in the semi-finals, both teams delivered outstanding performances that highlighted their skill and consistency on the court.

Rotokare put on a commanding display against Huatoki, winning all 16 matches played. In the singles matches, Rotokare dominated right from the start with each player winning their respective matches in straight sets. Will Roberts set the tone for the team with an impeccable victory over Alistair Nairn. Caleb Fleming, Blair Crowley, Luke De Villiers, Emma Roberts, and Karen Cranston followed suit with equally impressive performances. 

The doubles matches were likewise one-sided, with Rotokare winning all matches comfortably. Will Roberts and Blair Crowley won their matches in straight sets against Alistair Nairn and Luis Silva. Luke De Villiers and Ollie Kerr, and Tania Atkinson and Juliet Farquhar also put in solid performances to secure victories for their team. Emma Roberts and Karen Cranston continued their dominance, winning their doubles match against Jacqui Alexander and Tracey Old without dropping a set.

Despite the loss, Huatoki's Alistair Nairn and Jacqui Alexander fought hard in their doubles match against Will Roberts and Emma Roberts, and even managed to take the match to a tiebreak where they had a match point, but eventually fell short.

Meanwhile, Okaiawa went up against Pukekura in their semi-final match, delivering a similarly impressive performance that saw them win all matches played. Despite Pukekura facing challenges in fielding their strongest players, both teams displayed great skill and determination throughout the day, making for an engaging contest.

Okaiawa's singles players put in an exceptional performance, with Hamish Mead, Mark Laurence, Vince Baylis, Jorja Symes, and Ruby McIntyre securing victories in their respective matches. In the doubles matches, Grant Morris and Vince Baylis put in a solid performance to secure a closely contested victory, while Jorja Symes and Abby Ross demonstrated their talent with a straight-set win.

The final of the competition promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair, with both Rotokare and Okaiawa displaying exceptional form in the lead-up to the final. The Taranaki Senior Rep team's participation in the hexangular in Wellington will temporarily interrupt proceedings, with the final set to be played in two weeks' time. Regardless of the outcome, both teams have proven themselves to be the best in the competition, delivering exceptional performances throughout the season. 

This Saturday, the 25th, the finals of multiple tennis competitions take place in our region. Here are the matchups:

Wilson Trophy: Oakura and Rotokare will go head-to-head at Oakura.

Sumpter Trophy: Hawera and Okaiawa will compete 0n the grass of Hawera.

Baylis Cup: Huatoki will host Stratford for a thrilling final.

We invite you to come and show your support for your favourite club and witness the tennis players display their skills and sportsmanship.  Make sure to mark your calendars and don't miss out on the action!