By SARAH MATTHEWS

St Michaels has achieved what no other team has been able to do this Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant season – defeat Drung South.

Drung has had a couple of close encounters throughout the past few months but more often than not, has been a step above the rest of the competition. 

The Saints are still sitting in fourth spot, trailing the nearest team by 10 points, but would have to like its chances come finals after a strong display at the weekend.

Drung South can hardly be discounted and will, of course, enter finals in a fortnight’s time as clear premiership favourite.

The side was without number-one man Dylan Emmerson – who rarely drops a set – on Saturday, while the Saints were bolstered by young gun Jess McDonald in the number-one women’s spot.

The match went down to the wire, with the Saints winning by two games, 6-74 to 6-72.

Spectators would have enjoyed a competitive day of tennis at Coughlin Park.

Peter Hayes did not drop a set for the home side, while Janelle Knight won all three of her encounters for Drung South. 

The Saints will meet Central Park in the last round of the home-and-away season on Saturday, while Drung South will host Homers.

The match of the round will be between second-placed Horsham Lawn and third-placed Kalkee. 

Only two points separate the sides on the ladder, with the winner to finish second overall. 

Lawn is coming off a big win over Homers, 11-91 to 1-30.

Hayden Farlow was a standout, conceding only one game for the day, while Homers’ winning set came courtesy of Jacqui Hopper in singles.

Kalkee was also far too strong for Central Park, triumphing 11-88 to 1-48.

Blair Penrose enjoyed a stellar singles performance to give Central Park its one set for the day, with Paula Weidermann finishing the day on a high note with an 8-1 singles win of her own.

Kalkee has been touted as the team most likely to challenge Drung South for the premiership, so there will be plenty of interest in the outcome between the Kees and Lawn.

In A Special, Brimpaen upset second-placed Telangatuk East at the weekend, but has been knocked out of the top four by Horsham Lawn Massey on percentage. 

Results this weekend will determine who finishes fourth, with Noradjuha likely to hold onto third spot with a win over bottom side Homers.

The top four is already set in A Grade, with little change expected in B Special.

Pennant ladder: Drung South 52 points, Horsham Lawn 38, Kalkee 36, St Michaels 26, Central Park 10, Homers 6.

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