LIFE MEMBERS CUP 28 JUNE 2015 – by DAVID GRAHAM
The second round of the NSW Hardcourt Tennis Association Life Members Cup Inter-district match was held at Eastwood Thornleigh Tennis Centre with Kiama taking on the 2014 Champions New South Wales Chinese. The Kiama side without star player Bob Morgan was keen to avenge their loss in the final last year and took an early lead with Mark and David Graham winning 6/2. On the next court Ross Smith and Stuart Dawson were struggling at 5/0 down. Both Kiama players started to find their range and bounced back to 5 all and then 6 all. In the Tie Break both pairs had their chances and with Ross and Stuart with 4 set points it was looking promising but unfortunately it slipped away losing 15-13.
The match was evenly poised at three sets all. Mark Graham played beyond himself, supported by David, taking the vital 7th set 6/3 and the lead in the match 4 sets to three. Ross Smith served and volleyed well with Stuart Dawson returning serve well defeated the No1 pair 6/3 and closed out the match 5 set to 3. Best players were Mark Graham and Ross Smith, well supported by Stuart Dawson who regrouped well after cutting his arm on the wire fencing retrieving a wide ball to take the important last and winning set.