Tennis Whanganui recorded a dramatic win over Taranaki in their latest senior representative fixture held at the Whanganui Tennis Club last weekend. The tie finished 12–12 in matches and was also even on sets, forcing a rare countback of individual games. Whanganui ultimately prevailed by the narrowest of margins, 213 games to 208.
This is a particularly meaningful result for Whanganui, who have twice fallen short in 12-all countbacks over the past three seasons.
Two matches went to three sets — the difference in the final totals. The men’s pairing of Kyle and Sean Gudsell came from behind to defeat top Taranaki combination Graeme Mitchell and Luke De Villiers. The other three-setter featured Whanganui’s Tilly Giesen against Taranaki’s Viv Benton. Their match was interrupted at 6–6 in the first set due to rain, shifting from hard court to astro turf once play resumed. Giesen won the opener but Benton fought back to win in three; however, the set Whanganui secured proved crucial in the overall games countback.
Standout Performances
Rachel Cronin made a strong impact as a doubles specialist, winning both of her matches alongside Paris Butters and Kelvin Shingles.
Michael Healey, a late call-up for the squad, debuted for Whanganui and produced a vital mixed doubles victory with Ayla Giesen, adding important momentum at a key point in the fixture.
The Most Valuable Player of the tie was 14-year-old Emmanuelle (Emma) Johnson, who won all three of her matches and claimed 33 of the 40 total games she played. Johnson is a rising junior talent, and has quickly become an integral part of the squad. Sadly, she returns to Canada in January, meaning Whanganui will have her services for just one more representative fixture.
Looking Ahead
Whanganui now turns its attention to a major upcoming challenge — a Christie Cup clash against Tennis Eastern (Hawke’s Bay) on 22–23 November. Eastern have held the trophy for several years, and Whanganui hopes to take full advantage of home support in their bid to bring it south.
The public is warmly invited to attend and support the team.