Champs prepare for tough tie

ONE MORE TIME: The Wanganui team after their thrilling defence of the Christie Cup against Taranaki in December. They will be up against it again facing Manawatu at home tomorrow.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

TENSIONS will be running high as the Lazer Plumbing Wanganui tennis team look to defend the Christie Cup against the very best Manawatu has to offer tomorrow at the Lawn Club in Palmerston North.

Team manager Dave Butters said the squad, which has held onto the Cup since 2012 after ending a 47 year drought, will be vulnerable for their second defence of the summer as they are missing their three "All Black equivalents".

Cousins Kyle Butters and Paige Hourigan are currently attending university in the United States while Emma Hayman is coaching in Australia.

In addition, professional Victor Romera chose to switch his allegiance to Manawatu this season.

"We are missing some of our biggest stars but what this does is allow other team members to shine bright and explode on to the Manawatu courts," said Mr Butters.

"Leela Beattie, singles semifinalist at the nationals and doubles finalist, will battle at the front of the trenches with Karen Cranston - New Zealand veteran champion."

In fact, the women's side of the equation for the team has lost little in spite of not having Hourigan and Hayman.

Paris Butters, Central Districts rep, and Dana Hiri, a star standout in the challenge by Taranaki tie, are joined by Becky Butters, Tara Butters and Anna McIlraith.

"These girls do not know the meaning of defeat," said Dave Butters.

"They have been emphasising the importance of carrying themselves with strength and confidence and to display pride in representing our Whanganui region as well as our blue and black colours.

Ohakune's Cranston will captain the team again after leading them against Taranaki and will make history if Wanganui wins - being the first woman to not only lead the team but retain the crown for a season.

Against Taranaki at the New Plymouth courts, the Wanganui men lost all their singles and doubles games, but the women were unbeaten and then helped pull out the crucial mixed doubles matchups 4-2 to allow a 13-11 victory.

"Our men are match hardened and ready," said Dave Butters

"They want to put the disappointment of Taranaki behind them.

"Simon O'Leary from the famous O'Leary racing clan will be leading the men, along with Wanganui tennis club's favourite son Nick Caton.

Michael O'Callaghan, Tim McKenzie, Patrice Mayhe and Sean Edmonds complete the men's line up.

"Sean is fresh from playing the NZ VETS Nationals and Patrice has been in devastating form of late."

O'Leary had not been available for the Taranaki fixture, although Hourigan did play after just arriving back in the country for her holiday from Georgia Tech.

Despite missing a number of their heroes from the past three seasons, Dave Butters believes the team has what it takes to get to the 12 match victory threshold to hold onto the Cup.

"Lets hope that the pride in the blue and black gets us through to the end.

"Lets hope that when the going gets tough and our Wanganui players are physically and mentally exhausted, the thought of retaining the Christie Cup for an unprecedented fourth year will get them through."

There will be 12 women's and men's singles matches, then six doubles matches and six mixed doubles.