Nelson tennis players unable to lift trophy

Talley’s junior representative tennis team took on Marlborough juniors over the weekend in a bid to regain the Gardiner Trophy. Despite the home ground advantage, Nelson were not able to prise the trophy out of Marlborough’s hands, the final score 35–21 in Marlborough’s favour.
Nelson showed strength in the 16’s age group with both Christie Gilbert and Charlotte Osborn lifting their singles games in the third and final sets to overcome Ella Williams and Bella Rose; Christie beating Ella 6/1, 2/6, 6/3, Charlotte, with a convincing final set, winning 2/6, 6/4, 6/0 against Bella. Both mixed doubles matches clinched the 16’s age group win for Nelson; 5 matches to 3.
Marlborough fielded a strong 14u side, showing talent and flair on court, however, undeterred, Nelson took up the challenge by playing some beautiful tennis against stronger players. Rosie Armstrong had a great fixture, enjoying a doubles win with Eden Carter 3/6, 6/4 10/8 against Olivia Marfell and Millie Bushell along with a singles win against Millie 6/2, 6/2. Final score 11/5 to Marlborough 14’s
The 12’s proved to be one of the most evenly competed grades, both teams coming out of the doubles and singles legs with 6 match wins. Lachie Mackay-Smith and Harry Pugh having a comfortable win against Marlborough’s Lucca Wiseman & Ryo Kimura 6/4, 6/2. Harry standing out with successful wins in all three of his matches. Despite this, Marlborough pulled out the stops with a 3 win run in the mixed doubles, taking the grade win 9 matches to 7.
The Nelson 10’s gained valuable match-play experience, plus showed a lot more strength compared to last year’s fixture. Lucy Mitchell and Maisson Begg winning their singles matches in gritty 3- setters both going into super tie break finishes, Marlborough finally prevailing 12/4.