Marsh, Mihaere to defend pairs title

GISBORNE Sam Marsh and Heather Mihaere will defend their A-grade mixed pairs title in the FMG seniors tennis tournament at the Gisborne Tennis Club, starting at 8.30am tomorrow.

Marsh and Mihaere beat Auckland couple Steve and Kim Parkinson in the final last year.

Tennis club president Robyn Tomlinson said the number of entries was up on the hundred received last year.

“We have 29 men’s doubles entered and 22 women’s,” Tomlinson said.

“They play on Saturday with the finals in the afternoon, then we have 41 mixed pairs playing on Sunday.

“That’s a big draw for the mixed pairs.

“With players coming from as far afield as Whangarei and the West Coast, it should be a good weekend.

“With so many players, some of the games will be played at Wainui.”

The seniors (players over 35 years) have a national circuit and players coming from Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, the Bay of Plenty and Taupo will be battling for titles.

“There is a strong contingent coming over from the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay,” Tomlinson said.

Former Gisborne woman Annie Hawaikirangi (now playing for the Koru club in Pakuranga) is expected to show out strongly.

In the men’s doubles, Steve Denton and Sam Marsh will be looking to fly the local flag.