GMLTA | Tropics and Valley battle out division one thriller as season finally begins

By Zac Standish

Nov 7, 2022

In the zone: Alex Smith. Photo by Megan Fisher

Courts across Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association were finally brimming with life at the weekend as the 2022-23 season finally began after a three-week inclement weather delay.

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Six teams make up the premier GM1 division this season, with the opening round of competition serving up some intriguing results.

The headline act would come from Shepparton Lawn teams The Valley and Tropics, with the latter getting up 7-75 to 5-74 in a gripping contest.

Ready to go: Hamish Smith. Photo by Megan Fisher

With all rubbers being fiercely contested, the class of Tropics number one Jeremy O’Brien would be critical in the victory, as he played a hand in three of his team’s seven set wins.

This included a dominant 8-4 triumph in his singles tie against Matthew Crittenden, an 8-3 win in his men’s doubles match alongside teammate Tanner Hunter and an 8-5 victory in a mixed doubles contest with Leanne Moore.

Hunter would also secure three victories for Tropics, winning his singles match 8-2 over Luke Turcato and partnering Nathan Mitchell to secure an 8-7 doubles victory to go along with his win with O’Brien.

Eyes on the prize: Kieran Moon. Photo by Megan Fisher

Darcy Curtis-McDonald was a standout for The Valley, winning her singles match against Anna Reynolds 8-3 and claiming victory in a mixed doubles tie alongside Luke Turcato 8-4.

The other two results in GM1 were less dramatic, with Numurkah Warriors breezing past Shepparton Lawn Average Joes 9-75 to 1-27 to open their season with a bang.

While Kyabram-Echuca was dominant against Velvet Tigers, producing an 11-93 to 1-40 victory.

Solid form: Mike Schulz. Photo by Megan Fisher

Division two action was highlighted by a nail-biting contest between Kyabram and Shepparton Lawn Pelicans, with the Bombers prevailing 6-65 to 5-53.

Natasha Dodos was impressive, recording two wins for the victorious Bombers.

While Mitchell Cox was prolific in his pair of doubles matches, playing a hand in two vital victories.

Numurkah Raiders were far too strong for Shepparton Lawn Blues, dominating from start to finish to record a 7-68 to 4-40 triumph.

Stanhope easily accounted for Shepparton Lawn Demons 9-73 to 2-46, while Kialla Park Old Students rounded out the winners’ list with a comfortable 9-73 to 2-35 victory over Mooroopna.

Precision: Nicola Brown. Photo by Megan Fisher

There was just one game played in the GM3 competition, with Tatura Hurricanes recording a clinical 8-81 to 5-58 victory over Kyabram Bombers.

Matt Nihill was the star for the victorious Hurricanes, winning all three of his match-ups to be the real difference between the two sides.

GM4 had two matches played, with Numurkah Penguins triumphing over Dhurringile 10-88 to 3-45 and Tatura Tornados easily accounting for Kyabram Redbacks 12-97 to 1-33.