Two super tie-break sets were all that could separate Grammar and Hutchins in Wednesday's SATIS tennis final as the visiting Southern outfit clinched its first title in 15 years.
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After splitting the doubles ties 1-1, Hutchins' Jack Akl and Grammar's Jake Elmer both won straight-sets singles matches to pin the result on the final two matches.
Both finished in remarkably similar fashion as Hutchins players held their nerve in perilous scenarios to secure a 4-2 rubber win.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT:
Court two saw Grammar's Will Gibson narrowly miss a volley which would have secured him a 9-7 lead in the super tie-breaker, with Lachie Brown emerging triumphant 6-7, 6-0, 10-8.
On court three Gibson's fellow Grammar multi-sport talent Will Bennett had a match point opportunity at 11-10 before conceding the next three points.
Grammar director of sport Adrian Finch praised the efforts of players from both schools in a COVID-affected SATIS roster that began way back in term one.
"They've prepared while playing winter sports and they've gone and trained for tennis during a busy term," Finch said.
"To put those extra training sessions in with our coach James Bolzonello to then come up with the quality tennis that they've played, from both teams, [was impressive].
"I was very proud of our boys fighting it out against four very young talented players from Hutchins who look like they'll have a hold on the SATIS competition for a number of years to come."
RESULTS
- DOUBLES: Elmer/ Gibson (G) d Ferguson/ Akl (H) 6-3, 6-2
- Anderson/ Brown (H) d Bennett/ Murphy (G) 6-1, 6-4
- SINGLES: Elmer (G) d Ferguson (H) 6-4, 6-1
- Brown (H) d Gibson (G) 6-7, 6-0, 10-8
- Anderson (H) d Bennett (G) 3-6, 7-5, 13-11
- Akl (H) d Murphy (G) 6-0, 6-0
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
