26 March 2008

This Saturday sees top of the table Central Finance Rotokare take on defending champions AWE Huatoki in the final of Soffe Cup.

Huatoki will be chasing its second successive Soffe Cup tennis title after narrowly beating Hareb Deken Oakura in a nailbiting countback of sets in the semi-finals a fortnight ago.

Central Finance Rotokare had an easier road to the final beating Hooker Pacific Pukekura 11-5 in their semi-final.

When the two sides last met in round play, AWE Huatoki convincingly beat Central Finance Rotokare 14-2.  However, with the Soffe Cup at stake, this clash shouldn’t be quite so one sided. 

The match between Huatoki’s Tristan Stayt and Rotokare’s Ben Pollard will be a close one if Pollard shows the same form he displayed against Pukekura’s Michael Fleming in the semi-finals.

AWE Huatoki’s ladies, which are likely to comprise Lucy Barlow, Saori Han, Chris Wilson and Megan Walsh, are expected to be too strong for Central Finance Rotokare’s ladies, although the return of Leith Atkins should strengthen the Rotokare side.

In its history as a club, Rotokare has twice been the bridesmaid but never the bride, coming runner-up in the 2001-2002 and 2004-2005 seasons.

With this track record Central Finance Rotokare will be keen to go one better this time and win the elusive title.

Soffe Cup play starts at 10:00am on Saturday at Rotokare Tennis Club, Walsh Road, New Plymouth, so come along and enjoy some great tennis.

In the Wilson Trophy final Okaiawa 1 face Hawera, at Okaiawa, and in the Sumpter Trophy final Stratford square up against Manaia 2 at Midhirst.