4 out of 5 teams won (Pollak team had bye). We are now at the halfway stage of the season. Most sides are capable of making finals.

BRTA Summer Pennant

Section 3 Maccabi 4-5-48 defeated Mt Martha 2-3-36

Assaf Drori 8-6
Asaf Nagar 8-2
Jordan Jaffe 8-2
Rob Minc 6-8
Assaf Drori/ Asaf Nagar 6-3 6-3
Jordan Jaffe/ Rob Minc 3-6 3-6

With the furthest away game of the year, during the week we were certain a forfeit was brewing, but lucky for us, the Asaf’s were both keen to play, giving us a strong team against the undefeated top side.

In doubles, Assaf and Asaf continued to do what they do best and win a tough doubles match against young opposition 6-3 6-3. Whilst Jordan and Rob struggled to get going but fought hard, going down 3-6 3-6.

With everything equal, Assaf played against a strong no.1. After being 4-2 up, Assaf had seemed to hurt himself and was struggling to move anywhere close to 100%. However, Assaf fought hard to win 8-6. Whilst, Asaf played extremely well from the get go, winning the consistency battle and not giving his opponent an inch, winning 8-2. In Jordan’s singles, although he couldn’t reach his best, he managed to stay in touch with his opponent throughout the entire match and grind out a very important 8-6 win. Whilst Rob came against a crafty older player, and just fell short 8-6. 

A big win against the top side which could be a preview for finals next year. Securing us comfortably in the top 4 halfway through the season.

- Jordan Jaffe

Section 5 Maccabi 6-8-60 defeated Coatesville 0-1-28

Ilay Givoni 8-4
Saul Muscatel 8-1
Marcus Frajman 8-1
Luka Federman 8-3
Ilay Givoni/ Saul Muscatel 6-2 6-4
Marcus Frajman/ Luka Federman 6-1 3-6 7-6

A strong all-round performance from all four players in singles and doubles to secure a clean sweep.

- Marcus Frajman

Section 6 Maccabi  3-5-53 defeated Carmelite 3-4-38

Dean Steinberg 8-1
Ryan Behr 8-2
Darion Pohl 3-8
Charlie Landau 7-8
Dean Steinberg/ Charlie Landau 6-1 3-6 6-7
Ryan Behr/ Darion Pohl 6-1 6-4

A first for our team – introductions were required for all players.

Out the gates like the clappers, both pairs closed out the first set 6-1 in quick succession. However, the run was short-lived as our opponents dug in, with Dean & Charlie losing the second set and then a tight super… the first set win, however, ultimately the day’s decider. Darion & Ryan clawed back from 2-4 in the second to limp over the line.

Singles was ‘entertaining’ requiring close inspection of Bayside tennis’ bylaws on when and how to call interference from neighbouring court balls. Despite the hullabaloo, Dean wrapped up singles in his usual no-fuss high quality style, while Darion's opponent’s unorthodox play proved challenging. Ryan was delighted to secure a win after an extended hiatus off the court, while Charlie’s long match was as close as you get, just falling short 5-7 in the breaker.

Back-to-back wins could see us sneak into the top 4.

- Ryan Behr

Section 7 Maccabi 3-5-52 defeated Tennis World 3-4-42

Steve Bendel 8-5
Adam Needleman 7-8
Errol Dorfan 2-8
Ben Pollak 8-4
Steve Bendel/ Adam Needleman 6-1 6-0
Errol Dorfan/ Ben Pollak 3-6 6-3 6-7

Finally broke through for our first win all season after being competitive each match this season. This time we were led by Steve Bendel who did not put a foot wrong today. After singles we were equal on rubbers and games and were a little edgy having not won all year and not exactly setting the world on fire with our doubles. However, we got our pairings correct and almost won both rubbers. Unfortunately we lost two tie breaks in what was a pleasing day all round. Thanks to Ben for filling in and winning a vital singles rubber! By the way the European clay at Melbourne Park is a real tennis pleasure to play on.

 - Adam Needleman

Section 8 Maccabi 3-4-51 defeated by Sandringham 3-5-55

Henry Orner 8-6
Aden Minaker 8-6
Stephen Gorenstein 8-5
Daniel Brami 2-8
Henry Orner/ Stephen Gorenstein 6-3 4-6 6-7
Aden Minaker/ Daniel Brami 6-7 3-6

With 4 courts against Sandringham at home, singles was played.

Henry got out to a 6-3 lead with a double break, before battling some physical issues to get back to 6all. Thankfully he lifted and did enough for a 8-6 win.

Aden always had the upper hand with his big serves and despite also being shaky, served it out 8-6.

Stephen played well in a match where his opponent made him play one more shot. Stephen taking the win 8-5.

Daniel playing someone who chipped the ball, making it tough for Daniel, going down 2-8.

Henry and Stephen got out to a great start (3-0, 40-15). However some double faults from Stephen allowed the opposition to get into the match. Henry and Stephen taking the first set 6-3, before the opposition stepped up to take the 2nd set 6-4 and match tiebreak 10-6.

Aden and Daniel got out to a good start (and served for the set at 5-4). Unfortunately went downhill from there, for 6-7, 3-6.

Overall: A tough loss. But unfortunately when 2 players cramp throughout the day, it changes the complexion of day and matches. We are at the halfway stage of the season: and we are there or thereabouts. Been competitive in every round. However our best is yet to come, given we have been missing some players. 

- Joel Rabinov

Section 9 BYE