GRAY is currently in third spot in Swan Hill tennis pennant.
After losing its first match to top side McCallum, it has done everything right, winning the next three against Stradbroke, Curlewis and Campbell.
Beveridge, tomorrow’s opponent, started with a blast, beating Stradbroke and Splatt.
The last two weeks have been harder, with losses to McCrae and McCallum.
Gray’s men have carried the team.
John Wardle, Darren Hender, Christian Devlin, Trevor Holt, Spencer McKenzie, Bruce McDowall and Ron Fatt have gelled into a formidable unit.
Last week Brendan Blackmore returned from injury, but the jury is still out on whether he will be able to continue playing.
Unfortunately for Gray, its women have had a real battle to find form, and last week Campbell’s girls almost stole the match.
Hayley Siddons and Colleen Grant are a solid pair at one and two, but neither seems able to carry that form into the next round of sets.
Youngsters Milly Saville and Jamie Gorringe looked very promising last year but haven’t fired yet in 2013.
Beveridge has top player Matt Witney leading the line in the men’s sets, but even with Witney doing well, McCallum’s men finished well in front last week.
Gene Brooks’ return will make a difference and Darren Wardle is due for a good day.
Vaughn Catton should also improve the side’s balance.
Jacqui Brooks, Narelle Maeder and Carolyn Willox, with substitute Elise Morrison, managed what many believed was mission impossible last week, when they clean sheeted the strong McCallum side.
The mixed sets should decide the contest.
For more on this story see Friday’s edition of The Guardian (November 7, 2013).
