Rhys Hooper, pictured, and Masterton Blue teammate Boon Huxtable are top qualifiers for the Shirley Corlett Trophy final. PHOTO/FILE
TENNIS
CHRIS COGDALE
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The Wairarapa Tennis pre-Christmas men’s interclub final will be an all-Masterton affair.
Masterton Blue had already booked their place in the Shirley Corlett Trophy final before last Thursday’s final round, and they were joined by Masterton White, who needed a 2-1 victory over Opaki Black to guarantee their place.
The singles were shared after number one Kelby Courtney had gone down 2-6 1-6 to Lochie McNab, and Liam Kerr continued his unbeaten run in singles with a 6-2 6-3 defeat of Richie Day.
Courtney and Kerr won a tight first set in the doubles 6-4 but were untroubled in winning the second set without dropping a game, to lock in a final spot against their clubmates.
Masterton Blue confirmed their favouritism for their second consecutive title, with a fifth clean sweep in six fixtures, beating Opaki Red without dropping a set.
Boon Huxtable easily accounted for Mike Jackson 6-0 6-2, and Rhys Hooper withstood a second set comeback to beat Ben Riwai-Couch 6-1 7-5. Huxtable and Hooper then cruised to a 6-2 6-4 win in the doubles.
Masterton Blue finished 23 points, out of a possible 24, well clear of Masterton White on 15 points.
The Masterton women warmed up for their final with a comfortable 3-0 win over Martinborough Three.
Hilda Holman despatched Ella McWilliam 6-2 6-1, and Netia Morison beat Caroline Barton in a super tiebreaker 6-0 4-6 10-6. Holman and Morison strolled to a 6-1 6-2 victory in the doubles.
Masterton will play Martinborough Two in the decider.
Both finals will be played at the Trust House Masterton Tennis Centre on Friday night.
