What a brilliant start to the 2017/18 season, with results across the Pairs warm-up event (08/10/2017) and Round One of the Vic Beach Tour (15/10/2017). Which is why this wrap includes the results from both events.
We’ll start with Lauren… AAA winner! What a freak! Playing alongside the ageless Marta Slawuta, Lauren finished the Pairs event as the youngest ever winner of AAA Women’s, at just 15. They did it the hard way, beating the best players in Victoria in exceptionally close matches. In Round One of the official tour, the pair almost made back to back finals, only just losing to the eventual winners Date/Schaw 20-22, 22-24 in the semi’s.
Nick and Blake finished a respectable third in their Pairs Warm-up AAA Men’s pool, in what was Nick’s first ever foray in the division, and only Blake’s third. The lads held their own against the best players in the state, proving they’re moving closer to the top by the week. Nick was away for Round One, so Blake paired up with some old guy, losing a closely fought AA semi on a dodgy line call…
“It was out by almost 10cm! Can you see the ball mark ref?” argued that old guy.
Although, the other Round One AA semi saw Zeb – along with partner Mitch – pull through, and go on to win their final. That was Zeb’s first AA win, at only recently 16! A result that now opens the door to a ‘nothing to lose’ opportunity in AAA for Round Two. Brilliant job boys!
In the Women’s AA Lucia and Laura made it two straight final appearances, when they came back in their semi to beat the number one seeds in the division. It meant they would be lining up against the same opponents – Sarah Ellis and Sara Roth – who beat them in the final of the Pairs Warm-up a week early. A pairing they beat in both Pairs Warm-up pool matches.
Two straight finals shows just how close the girls are to breaking into their first AAA event.
Evie won her first AA match, playing alongside fellow crew member Eliza in Round One. This wouldn’t be all that significant, given she is in the Tier One fold, were it not for the fact Evie is only just 13! The pair went on to finish third in their pool. Eliza, was available to play Round One with Evie after regular partner Imy unfortunately broke a finger playing indoor. That shouldn’t keep her out for long though, which means Eliza and Imy will be back on court, continuing the fine form they showed in the Pairs Warm-up; taking each of their opponents – in what was a strong pool – to three sets.
In the Round One Men’s A division, a family affair saw dad Clinton – playing alongside former VBVA crew member Lachy Volk – up against his youngest son, and VBVA Tier One prodigy Joey and his partner Kyle. A tight contest, won by the old man and Lachy 17-15 in the third, was enough to ensure Rodda family bragging right stay with dad for at least one more event.
Finally, props to the Warriors crew, with Rudi and Octavi losing a close Pairs Warm-up AA final, and making the quarters a week later. Andrea stepped up onto the podium in Round One of the B division, losing a close final.
Great work crew!
