THE rain came for Round 4 of Southern Ports Tennis, with three matches called off due to wash outs.
However, the rain did not affect all locations which meant play continued in Naracoorte and Lucindale.
The Lucindale Cockatoos gave Naracoorte a run for their money, with the latter taking the day 14 sets to 10.
The Lucindale Koalas narrowly snuck in against a depleted Frances/Lucindale Eagles team.
Furner and Kingston locations were washouts, with both waiting until late afternoon to call the day off.
The Koalas had a close win against the Eagles 13 sets to 11.
The day started off even, with each team winning three mixed doubles, which included a thrilling tie breaker which saw Peter Lawrie and Jane Haynes just over the line against Trevor Smart and Bron Longbottom.
The men’s and women’s doubles also went three sets each way.
The day was won by the singles matches, with the Koala men holding strong and just getting their team over the line.
The singles match of the day was Tim Durik versus Craig Jones.
With a lot of clever spin and not much bounce, Jones just got over the line 7-5.
Winners of all their matches were Jane Haynes, Bob Williams, Jock McKay and Sophie Ford from the Eagles and Leanne Graetz, Chandler Smart, Kiele Longbottom and Adrian Maywald from the Koalas.
A wet start to the morning had the Cockatoos v Naracoorte clash in doubt but blue sky and sun appeared just in time.
Matches started close with each team sealing three mixed doubles.
A dominant display, 6-0, from George White Poppy Moyle-Read was one of many highlights of the day.
In the singles, the matches continued to be close.
Jamie Bettoncelli secured a tiebreak for Naracoorte, closely defeating Tim Legoe.
George White put on a clinic for spectators, taking the win over Lachie Jones, 6-0.
In the doubles, one match went on through the rain, while a tight match played out between Poppy and Kelsie Moyle-Read, up against Casey Weaver Leanne McCarthy.
The sister-duo sealed Naracoorte’s win 10-9 (7-5), with a 14-10 set overall victory.
Unfortunately the day was ended early by the rain, resulting in a draw for Kingston and Robe.
Some great close matches were played in the mixed doubles and there were a few tight battles in the singles which were able to finish.
The day started at Furner with blue skies and sun but unfortunately only the mixed doubles and the first round of singles had started before the rain set in.
Both teams were reluctant to call it a day but later in the afternoon the decision was made.
Match of the few games was easily the third mixed double where Heidi Ware and Duncan Ogilvie narrowly got the win over Sally Bateman and Darcy Bateman in a tie breaker.
Round 5 draw: Frances/Lucindale Eagles v Robe Rebels at Lucindale; Lucindale Wombats v Lucindale Koalas at Lucindale; Kingston Crays v Millicent/Beachport at Kingston; Robe Roosters v Naracoorte at Robe; Kingston Dolphins v Lucindale Cockatoos at Kingston.
