Changes as Wanganui strive to retain cup

Wilton Atkins Photo/File

The Wanganui senior representative team will attempt to hold on to the Christie Cup for a second summer when they take on Manawatu at the Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club tomorrow.

The team will be without two of their leading women's players, with Paige Hourigan and Emma Hayman unavailable.

It is a new-look women's lineup, as Gabrielle Hiri has trials for the Central Tennis girls' team, while Taylor Quirk and Anna McIlraith have returned south for the start of the semester at Otago University.

However, the arrival of Leela Beattie, who stays in Wanganui regularly with her partner, will be a massive boost, says development officer Wilton Atkins.

"Leela is in the top five women in New Zealand and plays No1 for the winning Caro Bowl team.

"We hopefully have the quality to get us the win or the draw."

Playing a round of singles, doubles and mixed doubles, Wanganui must win 12 of the 24 games to retain the Christie Cup.

After winning the Central Districts tennis association trophy for the first time in 50 years last summer, Wanganui successfully defended it against former holders Taranaki in December, trouncing them 20 games to four.

The Wanganui junior representative teams will be playing Taranaki tomorrow at the Wanganui Tennis Club.

The Wanganui senior team is:

Men: Victor Romero, Kyle Butters, Simon O'Leary, Wilton Atkins, Tim McKenzie, Sean Edmonds.

Women: Leela Beattie, Paris Butters, Karen Cranston, Charlotte Gollan, Dana Hiri, Harriet McKenzie.