Carterton to be tested

HARD HITTER: Sophie Fitzgerald, could give Gladstone the upper hand.PHOTO/FILE

TIGHT matches should be the order of the day in the third round of Wairarapa Tennis regional one interclub being played on Saturday.

After only two rounds of action there has already been plenty of talking points, none more so than the early season form of Carterton who have stolen a march on the competition with two impressive victories over Opaki and Gladstone.

This weekend they travel to Martinborough and this could well prove to be their toughest test to date given they will be without the services of Karen Herrick and the big hitting Andi Steinemann. Also, taking into account the grass courts will be in action for the first time would surely suit the home side, there is plenty of reason to believe Martinborough could sneak a minor upset and get their campaign well and truly under way.

The key to this fixture may well lie with the lower order men's matches. Matt Spooner is a good chance to win the top men's encounter for Carterton while Rhona Lovell would be expected to do just the same for the home side in the women's match.

Therefore the acid will go on the likes of Cory Spooner and debutant Hideki Tadamasa to produce the goods for the visitors against the likes of powerhouses Andy Darling and Rick Wilkie for the southerners.

If anything, Martinborough may have the edge should Darling and Wilkie both take to the court; if not the pendulum may swing in Carterton's favour. The doubles could well be shared, so don't be surprised if this goes right to the wire with a countback to decide the winner.

At Masterton, the home side will be looking to register their first victory against Gladstone, but will need to pull out all stops to do so.

Gladstone have shown plenty of intent in their opening two fixtures with a win and a loss while Masterton have had only the one outing, resulting in a countback loss to Opaki. For Masterton to claim victory, the onus will be on the top two men Chad Parson and Matt Bunny to lead the way but they will have their work cut out as they are scheduled to play Kelby Courtney and Alistair McWilliam respectively.

Gladstone would appear to have the upper hand in the women's match if the hard-hitting Sophie Fitzgerald is available, while Scott Day is unbeaten thus far.

The chances are Gladstone may be able to pinch a lead after the singles and it's difficult to see them being headed if that's the case - the prediction here is a 4-2 win to the visitors.

Regional two interclub will continue with the pace-setting Opaki 2 team well placed to chalk up another victory over Carterton/Gladstone being played at Carterton.

Masterton 2 will host Martinborough in a match that could go either way while Opaki 1 will start as underdogs against the well rated Masterton 1 side. Rathkeale have the bye.