St Clair, Otago Boys’ back in interclub competition

• Published date: 09 October 2021
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

It begins at the revamped Stevenson Tennis Centre at Logan Park today.

The successful four men-two women team format of the past two seasons has been retained.

This ensures clear-cut results will be reached in all ties without relying on countbacks, and allows for mixed doubles to be played in some rounds.

Balmacewen 1

Defending champion Balmacewen may have diluted its strength by entering two teams in the top division, but both squads look capable of playing at this level.

Balmacewen 1 spearhead Jack Warner will be backed up ably by the experienced Gerard Farrell and Nick Cutfield, youngsters Ben Sinclair and Sam Porter, and newcomer Josh Harris. Kaitlyn Wilkinson will head its women’s roster which includes improving juniors Ella Richardson and Shreenidhi Mahamuni.

Balmacewen 2

The second Balmacewen combination features Pippa Sherriff and captain Mat McCutcheon, who will marshall a squad sprinkled with youthful promise. Thomas Chiang and Trey Russell make a welcome return to competitive play, while Chiang’s younger sister, Crystal Chiang, displays good technique. Juniors Max Gaffaney and Hugo Barsby are maturing into fine young players. Liam Kerr will surprise opponents with his power and athleticism.

Waimaru

North Otago entrant Waimaru has named a familiar cast in its women’s ranks which will seldom be bettered. Belinda Hirst is back on home turf, having played for Andersons Bay last season. Phillips sisters Mackenzie and Jordyn round out a strong trio. Among the Waimaru men are big server Josh Cameron, Josh Cochrane...