23 Feb 2023

Leader’s clash in Soffe Cup

 Matilde Silva-Luis Silva-Community Sport 

Okaiawa and Rotokare are the favourite teams to win the competition.  Only 4.5 points are the difference in the point tables and winning this clash could secure the right to play as host in semi-finals and finals. 

Okaiawa is playing at home, and it is expected to see in action the best players from both teams; the match between Okaiawa’s Hamish Mead and Rotokare’s Will Roberts is a guarantee of quality tennis.  Roberts and Mead are even when they played in the number 1 spot, however, this time Mead has the benefit of playing at home.  Based on their campaign this season, Blair Crowley and Luke De Villers look too strong for Mark Lawrence or Grant Morris.  Vincent Baylis in the four spot should not have problems to beat Shane Devlin if he plays his best tennis.  On the women's side, Okaiawa should take some advantage if Jorja Symes, Abby Ross and Ruby McIntyre bring their “A game” to the court.  Doubles are going to make the difference, so responsibility to captains to make the right choices. Tennis will start at 9am at Okaiawa courts. 

Huatoki is hosting Pukekura.  Huatoki needs to get as many points as possible to keep alive their hopes to qualify for semi-finals.  On the other hand, a win for Pukekura will secure a spot in the best four.  Pukekura’s Tomi Avery and Mike Erb (or Mark Belcher) should have close matches against Alistair Nairn and Luis Silva in the top men.  On the women's side, Pukekura is likely not lining up top players Tenzin Joe and Derryn Fleming creating an opportunity for the talented Jacqui Alexander and Maria Spurdle. 

Stratford is visiting Waiwaka; the locals have little chance to make the semi-finals in what has been their return to the premium tennis competition, however, the addition of new quality players, plus the increase in confidence and level can repeat the only win of the season they got in the first round after games countback.  Waiwaka’s captain Nick Creery is going to have a tough match against Callum Old, but Ritwik Kejriwal, Matt Dempsey and Will Gordon have good chances to get some wins for Waiwaka.  On paper, Stratford’s women look too strong and should not have a problem to get some wins.