Sport
9 March, 2026
Leaders left shaken and stirred at tennis
Richardson burst out of the blocks in the Men’s Doubles, sweeping the opening two sets in the top section before Kara Kara steadied to square the early ledger.
A MAJOR upset has shaken the North Central Lawn Tennis Association, with sixth-placed Richardson toppling competition leaders Kara Kara on Saturday.
Richardson burst out of the blocks in the Men’s Doubles, sweeping the opening two sets in the top section before Kara Kara steadied to square the early ledger.
On the neighbouring courts the lower-section men split their sets, but Richardson’s depth carried the day, finishing 51–41 in games.
Jack McRae was a standout, winning both his men’s sets on the way to a three-set afternoon.
Kara Kara’s women produced one of their strongest performances of the season, with Kim Nevill and Millie Hando each claiming two of their three sets.
But again Richardson held sway, mirroring its men’s success with a 52–41 games win in the Ladies Doubles.
The visitors hit back hard in the Mixed Doubles, taking the section 59–45, but the margin was not enough to overcome Richardson’s earlier dominance. Richardson finished with an 8–2 points victory, 148–141 in games.
Rain saw the Nullawil v St Arnaud match abandoned, with points shared.
The washout allowed fourth-placed Nullawil to edge ahead of Charlton on the ladder, setting up a dramatic final round.
Top-placed Kara Kara meets Nullawil, second-placed St Arnaud faces Charlton, while Birchip — sitting third — remains a chance to break into the top two should other results fall its way.
All matches in the last round will be played in a “gather round” at St Arnaud, with finals positions on the line.
LADDER
Kara Kara 102
St Arnaud 100
Birchip 98
Nullawil 92
Charlton 90
Richardson 67
Wirrim 62
Avon 54
Wycheproof 15
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