AFTER the completion of Round 15 of Southern Ports tennis, grand final positions have been set for this week.
The Frances/Lucindale Eagles had the toughest task of all, taking on Naracoorte, but they took it right up to the top side and went down by just six games.
However, the loss placed the Eagles in fifth position, to play off in Division 3.
Lucindale Koalas gave themselves every chance for that top division spot, securing a 13-11 win over Robe Rebels.
But with Robe Roosters taking the win over Millicent/Beachport, the Roosters to play off against Naracoorte in the Division 1, while the Koalas finished third and will take on the Lucindale Wombats.
Millicent/Beachport could not move this week so they already had their spot booked in for the Division 3 grand final.
The last match for the round which did not have any influence on the grand final except to finish the year on a high for the Cockatoos, who claimed a 13-11 win over Kingston Crays.
Naracoorte played its final home game against Frances/Lucindale, with three refurbished courts in play.
The mixed doubles went 4-2 in the Eagles’ favour to set the scene for a competitive day.
In the singles, Naracoorte reversed the trend to even up the day, with the doubles then to decide the outcome.
The doubles started with a 9-3 win to the Eagles in the top men’s double, which was quickly countered with a 9-4 win to Naracoorte.
The match of the day went to the bottom men’s double who fought it out for over an hour in the heat.
Eagles Bob Williams and Angus McTaggart secured the set 10-8, with Naracoorte then relying on on a win my Michelle Moyle-Read and Jen Malone to secure the day, with the 9-3 win handing the home side the overall victory 12 sets, 119 games to 12-113.
The Lucindale Koalas just got over the line against the Robe Rebels 13-131 to 11-102.
Played at Robe in stunning weather, apart from a tricky wind blowing from one end, the scene was set with each team winning six singles matches.
That trend continued in the doubles, where each side won three men’s and three women’s matches.
The deciding factor was the Koalas with an extra mixed doubles win to take the day.
Likewise at Beachport, the sun shone but the wind played havoc and the Robe Roosters enjoyed a strong 17-137 to 7-88 win.
The Roosters started on fire with five mixed doubles wins.
They continued on to win eight singles to control the day.
To finish the day the Roosters won four of six in the doubles to secure a spot in the Division 1 final against Naracoorte.
In the battle of the cellar dwellers the Lucindale Cockatoos just pipped Kingston Crays 13-116 to 11-113 in a match that could easily have gone either way.
Top seed Bianca Cunneen showed her class by sweeping her three sets, while Lachie Jones and Matt Menz had a great singles battle, with Jones trumping 6-4.
In what has been a tough season for Kingston due to several factors, the Crays finished with a spirited performance.
Lucindale hosts the grand final this weekend, with action to begin at 12:30pm.
This top six teams play off in three divisions.
Naracoorte takes on Robe Roosters in Division 1.
Back in Round 14 the Roosters inflicted Naracoorte’s first loss for the season, which suggests another tight contest.
Naracoorte has dominated the competition this season but Robe has worked hard, especially over the back end of the to claim eight straight wins.
In Division 2 the Lucindale Koalas face the Lucindale Wombats.
Both sides held second spot late in the season but could not hang on to secure a Division 1 spot.
The Koalas have been strong all year with a little lapse after the break but regrouped to win the last two matches, of which included the Wombats.
The Wombats have been consistent, with some convincing wins except when it comes to the top six.
The Division 3 final sees Frances/Lucindale Eagles against Millicent/Beachport.
The Eagles have been up and down all season but finished strong with a close loss to Naracoorte.
Millicent/Beachport started the season flying, sitting in second spot but the convincing first round loss to the Eagles saw them slide down the ladder.
Presentations and dinner will be held in the Lucindale Country Club from around 6pm.
