Wangaratta Hardcourt have improved their position on the ladder with a comprehensive win over Everton Blue on Saturday. Hardcourt took control early, winning the first 3 sets and from there they went into cruise control and recorded a comfortable win that catapulted them to second on the ladder.
Everton were never a chance of causing an upset but did manage to push Hardcourt, but Hardcourts overall power and consistency proved the difference between the 2 teams. Chris Lucas, Kylie Doig and Denise Goodwin were unstoppable for Hardcourt while Ruth Kneebone, Bec Sacco and Robert Voss flew the flag for Everton.
A depleted Corowa outfit were always going to find the going tough against the might of the Rutherglen team, and this definitely played out on Saturday with Rutherglen recording a convincing win. Corowa never took a backward step and continued to pressure Rutherglen, but the mountain proved to big
to scale and eventually fell away which allowed Rutherglen to hone their game and skills for the finals. Scott Francis, Josh Quick and Sheree Coghill were Rutherglen’s best, and Corowa's best were Marianne Spencer, Jo Mathews and Anne Rhodes.
Section 2
For the second week in a row Everton Red have lost a match by less than 4 games, this week it was the experienced Myrrhee team that inflicted the loss. Myrrhee were quick out of the blocks and set up an early lead, then after the second round of sets Myrrhee had increased their lead to 7 games. Everton were
still a chance for victory, but Cathy Van Berlo and Di Griffin snuffed out any hope Everton had of victory with an 8-0 win. Everton continued to apply the pressure, but Myrrhee had all the answers when it mattered and held on for a 4-game victory. Cathy, Di and Phil Corker were instrumental in
Myrrhee's victory while Everton's best were Lukas Evans, Alan Wood and Jo Lucas. Wangaratta Hardcourt continue to improve and grow in confidence with each passing week, and they have developed into a team that demands respect after each performance. Hardcourt gained the ascendancy early by winning the first 3 sets
and from there it was a cakewalk as they won sets a will. Boorhaman weren't disgraced as they managed to win 3 sets thanks to Nick Batchelor, Kirsty Tyers and Merryn Byrne. Hardcourt were best served by Ray Munari, Tomo Moriya and Henry Dean.
Section 3
Boorhaman (Darren Saward, Kane Tyers, Jack Keys, Dale Robinson) continue their steady rise up the Section 3 ladder with a comprehensive win over Wahgunyah Wranglers (Wayne Johnstone, Mitch Parker, Lily Palmer, Allison Bartel). Wahgunyah Wahnation (Ollie Sturve, Jack Reid, Scott Parker, Andrew Palmer)
continue their winning way with another stunning performance against Wahgunyah Deep Heat (Josh Reid, Jacob Palmer, Katie Bergin, Kendall Reid). The final position in the Section 3 top 4 will be decided next week, Wranglers will need to win a couple of sets against United to give themselves a
chance of playing finals, as Wooragee and Deep Heat play each other and a big win to either team could see them sneak into the top 4.
RESULTS
Section 1- Hardcourt Pinkertons 8-71 def Everton Blue 1-34, Rutherglen 8-70 def Corowa 1-23
Section 2-Hardcourt Pulvirenti 5-54 def Boorhaman 3-37, Myrrhee 5-52 def Everton Red 4-48
Section 3-Wahgunyah Wahnation 6-48 def Wahgunyah Deep Heat 0-13, Boorhaman 6-48 def Wahgunyah Wranglers 0-24
Under 15- Wahgunyah 5-37 def Corowa Hewitt 2-24, Corowa Barty 4-32 def Rutherglen 3-30
LADDERS
Section 1
Rutherglen 92, Hardcourt Pinkertons 77, Corowa 70, Wahgunyah 67, Everton Blue 52
Section 2
Hardcourt Pulvirenti 62, Everton Red 51, Boorhaman 46, Myrrhee 42
Section 3
Wahgunyah Wahnation 93, Boorhaman 52, Wahgunyah United 41, Wahgunyah Wranglers 32.5, Wooragee 29.5, Wahgunyah Deep Heat 28
Under 15
Wahgunyah 71, Corowa Hewitt 53, Corowa Barty 27, Rutherglen 23