Magnificent spring sunshine welcomed the semi-finalists, and a gallery of spectators who came to support the teams and watch their matches. They were rewarded with entertaining contests less than a fortnight ago.
Terip’s Cindy Hayes and Rebecca Lyttle encountered a determined Mansfield Black partnership of Jenny Bell and Di Ellis.
Play was “next level” as the women put on a masterclass of baseline hitting and powerful put aways. The lengthy set also drew onlookers from the adjacent court and ultimately went to Terip 8-4.
Beside them Black’s Jenny Smith and Rhonda Carpenter began well despite their nerves and led Terip’s Phoebe McDermid and Jenny Martin early.
Tentatively the pair regained control after Terip levelled with them, then pulled away with precision placement and solid retrieving. Black took the set 8-3. Only one game separated the teams.
As the reigning premier found its range in the remaining sets they continued to toy with their challenger in lengthy rallies, unpredictable placement, and friendly banter. Terip convincingly controlled the match.
After reaching the finals for their first time since entering the competition last year, Mansfield Black relished the opportunity to play Terip at last. Both home and away matches had been washouts.
Meanwhile at the US Open, Aussie giant-killers, Nick Kyrgios, and Ajla Tomjlanovic, had made it through to the men’s and women’s singles quarter finals.
Everyone enjoyed the contest, acknowledged each other’s precise shot making and laughed at comic moments. After the match Black’s number one Jenny Bell said: “I’ve never had so much fun losing!”
Terip won 5/43 to Mansfield Black 1/20.
Euroa and Benalla met in the other semi-final and took the first two sets comfortably. Euroa’s Chris Ellis, Sue Vaughan, Lyndall Bigland and Rowena Ellis overpowered the ladder leader. Benalla’s Kate Campbell, Claire Sharp, Maureen Jewell, and Deb Siggers fought hard to gather games in the next sets, winning one 8-5 and losing the other 8-5. The lengthy contest saw Euroa winning the final pairings and defeating Benalla 5/45 to Benalla 1/25.