Carterton No 2 Andi Steinemann. PHOTO/FILE
TENNIS
CHRIS COGDALE
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Carterton look well placed to maintain their lead in Wairarapa men’s regional one interclub championship in today’s round to be played at Gladstone.
Carterton lead the race for the Shirley Corlett Trophy on seven points, with Opaki on five and Martinborough One in third on four points.
Carterton’s opponents for today, Martinborough Two, have lost both fixtures, the most recent a 2-1 loss to Masterton.
Matt Spooner gives Carterton a strong hand at number one, and Andi Steinemann provides good back up at number two.
The experienced Ed Wilkie, Mike Jones, and Jaime McMaster played for Martinborough Two in the first two rounds, and whichever two front today will give their opponents a difficult match.
Defending champions Martinborough One play Opaki in what is arguably the match of the round.
With Marco de Groot at number one and Steve Chapman or Chris Wilkie at number two, Martinborough have more depth than other teams. They were too good for Masterton in the first round.
Opaki also have good depth with Chris Davidson, Brett Dymond, and Duncan Oakley, although they’re coming off a loss to Carterton last week.
Perhaps the most intriguing clash is between Gladstone and Masterton. Gladstone started with a 3-0 loss to Carterton, whereas Masterton have had one win over Martinborough Two.
Former Auckland junior Boon Huxtable gives Masterton a strong player at the top of the order.
