Having past the halfway point in this year’s Autumn Badge competition we’ve checked in with our Team Captains to get an update on how all six teams are faring this season.
Strathfield Sports Club generally got off to a slow start across the board with many of our teams taking time to adjust to playing in higher divisions due to recent strong performances.
However there has been a real surge in results over the past few rounds which has seen multiple teams surge up their respective ladders, putting themselves in the reckoning for finals.
For those unaware Autumn Badge tennis is played on Saturday afternoons, with SSC hosting up to four match-up’s during any given round of the home and away season (although there is currently a two week hiatus for school holidays).
As always, they’d appreciate any support from our members and if you’d like to get involved or find out more information about the competition you can contact the Club.
Click here to see all the Autumn Badge tennis league ladders and results
Click here to access the Tennis NSW website which has the Club’s teams and statistics
Strathfield 1 (Premier League)
Our top ranked side find themselves in second spot with two rounds to play in the shorter 10 round Premier League season.
The 1’s have a home clash against Sydney LTC (15/7) and an away match-up against Sydney University LTC Lions (22/7) to come.
With those teams occupying the bottom two places on the table they’re confident of securing a top two finish and progressing to the final on 29th July.
Team captain John Field reports league leaders Hills DTA are the team to beat, however the two teams are yet to meet due to a washout week so they’re confident of springing an upset in a potential decider!
Strathfield 2 (Men’s 1.2)
It’s been an inconsistent season for our Men’s 1.2 side, who have risen to the challenge of the step up in class as the season has progressed.
Despite only winning a couple of rounds, they’re in sixth spot with a round in hand against some of the teams above them and are still within reach of a top four finish.
Two 4-4 results, which saw them go down on games against the teams currently ranked first and second are an indication of what might have been for the 2’s.
Despite the close loses Captain Mark Padd says the team will take confidence from those results as they look to go on a run of wins to climb the ladder.
Strathfield 3 (Men’s 2.2)
Our Strathfield 3 outfit are nicely poised in third spot, with four wins and a draw to their name so far this season.
After going down in three of the first four rounds, the team has regrouped led by Captain Daryl Hart and now find themselves just six points off second spot.
A strong second half to the season will see them push to make the final, with big match-ups against Killara and Manly still to come.
Strathfield 4 (Men’s 2.3)
Strathfield 4 have really turned their form around this season, winning their last three rounds after going down over the first five weeks of the season.
They find themselves in sixth spot in what’s proving to be a tightly fought division, with the third placed team having notched the same amount of wins.
Captain Steve Chen is confident the team can continue their hot streak, with plenty of tennis still to be played and important match-up’s looming over the next fortnight.
Strathfield 5 (Men’s 2.5)
After getting only 2.5 points out of a maximum 20 points for the first two weeks, Strathfield 5 have rallied under the guidance of “Shaun the Sheep” to find themselves on top of the table!
The team notched a particularly sweet victory last weekend when they trounced Manly 7, who were the previous league leaders, 8-0!
This is a wonderful achievement, with the competitive division featuring last year’s 2.7 winners, along with the top half of 2.6 and bottom half of 2.5 (with our team moving up three divisions after winning 3.1).
The team are conscious of complacency, however Captain Robert Moh believes superior teamwork as opposed to a reliance on individual improvement stands them in good stead.
Strathfield 6 (Men’s 3.1)
An undermanned Strathfield 6 also started the season slowly, but currently find themselves in third spot with three wins from their seven matches, including their last two.
Having started the season with just three regular players, the team was dealt a huge blow when Captain Phil Low picked up a serious injury, tearing his Achilles tendon in Round 2.
It is hoped “father and son” combo Graham and Corey King will step up to be regular players for the rest of the competition.
Phil will continue to lead the team despite his serious injury, which is indicative of the spirit we value amongst all our sides.
We wish you all the best with the recovery Phil and hope to see you back on court soon!