By Dylan De Jong

Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant teams will push forward with matches this weekend, with only two rounds remaining before the start of finals. 

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the lifting of a five day lockdown on Wednesday.

Association leaders abandoned round-14 matches at the weekend after a State Government decision to impose a five-day lockdown due to COVID-19. 

Association president Jeremy Quast said all teams would receive zero points and focus would now be on round 15 this weekend.  

“We understand that these rounds could have been a chance for teams to redeem themselves or move up on the leader board, but unfortunately this is just how it is,” he said.

“We had to work out what was fair, so we felt no one should get any points for round 14.

Last year, Kalkee was the only team to qualify for the pennant grand final  before COVID-19 restrictions forced the association to abandon the competition entirely. Mr Quast said he hoped the competition could proceed through to the grand final this season. 

He said while Drung South was sitting comfortably at the top of the leader board, Horsham Lawn and theKees were serious contenders for the 2021 title. 

“In pennant, Drung South has been very good this season. It is very balanced between their men and women, but you can never count out Kalkee,” he said. 

“They will be the two teams to beat this year in the pennant.

“Horsham Lawn has also proven to be a strong team, so there could be a few upset matches in the finals – you just never know on the day.” 

Mr Quast said the association would keep all clubs updated on forthcoming matches.  

Ladder: Drung South 52 points, Horsham Lawn 34, Kalkee 32, St Michaels 22, Central Park 10, Homers 6. 

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