Marlborough Kahikatea flowers in premier tennis final
The victorious Kahikatea combination: from left, Anna Simpson, Mia Harris, Paul Carrodus, Callum Wells, Flynn Weaver and Josh Gwynne. Photo William Woodworth
Marlborough Kahikatea are the 2025 Wine Brokers New Zealand Marlborough interclub champions after seeing off Rapaura Rose in the premiership final on Sunday.
Playing under a blazing sun at the Forrest Wines Marlborough Tennis Centre, Kahikatea – competition pacesetters from the outset – turned up the heat, prevailing 7-2.
The doubles clashes set the tone. Fynn Weaver and Josh Gwynne dug deep to claim victory in a super tiebreaker over Tomas Lupani and Logan Croad, the number one men’s match ending 3-6, 6-2, 10-6.
The number two men’s match also went Kahikatea’s way, Paul Carrodus and Callum Wells beating Isaac Langley and Heidi Stenhouse-Allen, who was filling in for an injured player, 6-1, 6-4.
Rapaura put their first point on the board in the women’s doubles, Jo Richmond and Joey Beckett getting the better of Anna Simpson and Mia Harris 6-1, 6-4.
With all to play for in the six singles matches, hopes were high in the Rapaura camp of a comeback, but they were soon dashed when Josh, who recently bagged the residential singles title, eased past Tomas 6-0, 6-3.
Mia and Anna quickly bounced back from their doubles disappointment, winning 6-1, 6-2 over Joey and 6-3, 6-4 over Jo respectively, to wrap up the tie for Kahikatea, who led 5-1.
Heidi scored a 6-3, 6-0 win over Paul to earn a second point for Rose, but Callum’s 6-1, 6-3 victory over Isaac and Fynn’s 7-6, 7-5 win over Logan ensured the final margin was conclusive – just reward for Kahikatea, who were prominent throughout the round robin competition, winning seven of their 10 ties.
