LAWN Purple has confirmed its status as the pre-eminent side in the Surry District Tennis Association for the 2023-24 season, defeating Lawn Red convincingly in the A grade grand final at Lawn tennis courts, with the final score reading 5-44 to 1-27.

Purple’s opening partnership between Cam McCallum and Peter Rayner on the men’s side of things, and Kerri-Ann O’Keefe and Leah Sandeman on the women’s side, got them off to the ideal start.

McCallum and Rayner defeated their opponents Aiden Mibus and Quinn Elijah in a close set, 8-6, while the women were more convincing in their victory against Nyla Conheady and Jane Booth, with the margin being 8-2.

The set featuring McCallum and O’Keefe versus Mibus and Conheady was the closest of the day, with Purple’s class ultimately shining through as they won 9-7.

McCallum said the team was very pleased to have come away with a victory in what he said was a closely fought battle.

“It was absolutely perfect conditions for tennis on the weekend, you couldn’t ask for better weather,” McCallum said.

“The first men’s game was a great battle; Aiden is always tough, and I thought young Quinn Elijah played the best tennis I’ve ever seen him play.

“I think the girls Leah and Kerri-Ann showed their experience with a bit of an easier win in the other early matchup.

“The mixed sets were close as well… I think probably our experience was the key difference between the two sides.”

Meanwhile, Sandeman was able to dole out another strong set win, this time alongside Rayner, as they defeated Elijah and Booth 8-2.

With Purple holding an insurmountable four sets to love lead, it would have been easy for Red to roll over and accept defeat, but nonetheless they stood tall in the final two sets, as Booth and Mibus combined to defeat McCallum and Sandeman 3-8.

However, O’Keefe and Rayner once again proved too strong for their opponents, able to come away with another 8-2 victory against the young duo of Conheady and Elijah.

Sandeman echoed the sentiments of her teammate, adding that she came into the match expecting a close battle.

“Aiden always comes out strong in finals, so we had to be ready for that, and we won the first two sets against him 8-6 and 9-7, they were probably the deciders which allowed us to win the match,” she said,

“I think we really benefited from having played together for such a long time, we know each other’s games so well that shows when it comes to these big matches.”

McCallum said the match highlighted the fact that this season has been about players of all different ages and experience levels coming together to create a strong A grade competition.

“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying this, but Peter Rayner is getting a bit older, yet he’s still playing some fantastic tennis and played a great match,” he said.

“On the other hand, it’s great to see some younger players like Quinn and Nyla come through the ranks, and I think the combined A grade and A reserve comp gave some people some valuable experience playing at the next level as well.”

Sandeman said while the competition had been a little bit down on teams this year, she agreed with McCallum that this had provided some players with an opportunity to experience playing at a higher standard.

“Some of the Heywood teams struggled a bit at times but I think all their players will be better for the experience they’ve had this season,” Sandeman said.

Minor grades

• Heywood Roses proved too strong for local rivals Heywood Woodies in their clash, winning 5-44 to 1-30.

The combinations offered by Jai Skinner, Harry Wass, Jorja Farrugia and Marnie Mueller were simply too strong for Barry Bardoe, Brandon Barnett, Cindy Kollar and Amali Edwards.

• Tyrendarra was too much for Lawn Volleys in their B grade grand final, winning 5-44 to 1-25.

Although Lara McClintock and Felix Gill were able to win an opening set for Volleys, Tyrendarra dominated the rest of the match to win in convincing fashion, with Gene Stewart, Quinn Stewart, Darcy King and Eden King able to claim a big victory.

• The C1 grand final saw the closest battle of the day, with Tyrendarra able to edge out Heywood Volleys 4-30 to 2-29.

Declan Botica, Chad Daniel, Jordie McIlroy and Millie McIlroy were able to get the best of their opposition in a close battle which saw them win just one extra game despite being up two sets at the end.

• The C2 grand final witnessed a big victory for Lawn Orange over Heywood Lobs, with Dylan Goodman, Hamish McCallum, Ethan Mately and Levi Carr taking out the victory 6-36 to 0-12.