By SARAH MATTHEWS

Last year’s top two Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant sides will go head-to-head this week in what is shaping to be a highly competitive third round.

Kalkee, coming off a comprehensive win over Homers, 10-92 to 2-51, will travel to St Michaels, which fell short of Horsham Lawn on Saturday by eight sets.

Lawn produced an eye-catching victory, 10-88 to 2-52 with Cherie Wood, Tahlia Thompson and Wayne Morrell claiming three sets apiece.

Hayden Farlow got the better of his more experienced opponent, Ian Nitschke, in their singles rubber, winning 8-4.

Rumour has it Farlow was 3-4 down when he broke a string on his Wilson racquet, but after switching to a new Babolat Pure Strike, did not drop a game for the rest of the set. 

St Michaels was without Nitschke’s regular doubles partner Peter Hayes at the weekend and will want to welcome him back against Kalkee.

The Kees will also look to field a strong line-up as they eye off top spot.

They were on fire against Homers, dropping two rubbers for the day, a men’s set in a tiebreaker and a women’s encounter by three games.

But for the Kees to lead the competition after round three, they will not only need to win, but hope Horsham Lawn continues on its winning way against Drung South. Lawn takes scintillating form into this week’s match-up, but the ladder leader is unlikely to give up top spot without a fight. 

Drung South, 11-94, overpowered Central Park, 1-25, last week, spearheaded by in-form duo Dylan Emmerson and Logan Casey. 

Matthew Hill shone in the victory, dropping only two games for the day, while Georgia McLennan conceded just four games in two sets.

Holly Nuske was a shining light for Central Park, winning her singles rubber 8-6.

Central Park and Homers will look to win their first points of the season when they play at Central Park.

Due to the long weekend there are a number of senior matches being played prior to this Saturday.  
Thursday 22nd - Pennant - Central Park v Homers @ Central Park (6-6:30pm)
Friday 23rd - Pennant - St. Michael's v Kalkee @ St. Michaels (1:30pm)
Friday 23rd - A Special - Homers v Telangatuk @ Central Park (5pm)

Regardless of when they are played, there are some good match-ups across the board and results could go either way.

Pennant ladder: Drung South 8 points, 1100 percent; Kalkee 8, 242.86; Horsham Lawn 4, 166.67; St Michaels 4, 140; Homers 0, 14.29; Central Park 0, 4.35.

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