CLUB sentiment will be put to one side when the two Spring Gully teams - Brougham Arms and Bigpond - lock horns for the opportunity to play Bendigo Lawn in next Saturday’s Bendigo Tennis Association grand final.
The Broughie suffered a heavy loss last week to the reigning premiers in the qualifying final, while Bigpond prevailed in the last sets of the afternoon in their elimination final with Epsom Butterflies.
The Broughie has dominated this year’s meetings, winning by nine games and 18 games in their two encounters.
The teams have also met twice in finals in recent years, with the Broughie recording convincing wins on both occasions.
There will be some intriguing match-ups this afternoon.
The battle between the two superior women of premier league sees the experienced Jess Hartland (Broughie) go up against the next generation of players in young gun Eliza Long (Bigpond).
The pair have met once this year, with Hartland inflicting Long’s only singles loss of the season, 8-3, in a high-class display.
With both teams relying so heavily on their women for results, the outcome of this match will be crucial to the overall outcome. Jamie Brown (Broughie) Jack Baker (Bigpond) have had some close battles in the past two seasons, with Brown taking the points in their only meeting this year 8-6.
Neither player was at their best last Saturday, with Brown going down to Ward Garwood 8-6 and Baker completely overwhelmed by Matt Hartland 8-1.
As the number one men’s spot is not an area these two teams generally dominate, the winner of their battle will give their side bonus points which will be vital to the overall outcome.
The Broughie has been the second-best team all season and deserves its place in the grand final.
The Broughie has dominated all of the recent matches against Bigpond, having conceded only seven of a total of 24 sets in battles this year.
The team also carries a lot more finals experience than Bigpond, with the Broughie playing off in the past four grand finals.
Bigpond comes into the preliminary final full of exuberance and enthusiasm, following last week’s come-from-behind victory over Epsom Butterflies.
This confidence will set them in good stead today and give them the edge to push the Broughie all the way.
In section two, Epsom Dragons will be looking to reverse last week’s fortunes when they battle BTLC Federer in the preliminary final.
The Dragons have been the team to beat all season, having suffered only one loss in the home and away matches.
They will be disappointed by last week’s poor showing against Spring Gully Sensation in the qualifying final.
BLTC Federer on the other hand was in fine form in dismantling Spring Gully New China seven sets to three.
The teams have met twice this season, with the Dragons winning by just two games on both occasions.
With that in mind, we can expect a close game as both teams look to make the grand final for the first time.
In section three, BTLC Red takes on BLTC Black.
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