Connor Brosnahan in action for the college during his 6-4, 7-6 victory over Timaru Boys’ Josh Cameron. Photo SuppliedAshburton College tennis players have been swinging their racquets all the way to South Island tournament qualification.

Tuesday saw the first major sports action of the college calendar take place, with the school’s boys and mixed tennis teams taking to the court in Timaru at the Aoraki Secondary Schools’ Tennis Championships.

The first match of the day saw the boys’ team taking on Timaru Boys’ High School. The singles part of the match saw the college take two wins and two losses.

Connor Brosnahan led the way, defeating Timaru Boys’ Josh Cameron 6-4, 7-6. College’s Tyler Leonard took George McAleer to a super tiebreaker, which was lost 2-6. Bryn Looji suffered a straight sets defeat to Timaru’s Matt Ellis while one of the College’s younger players, Henrik Tawatao won in a tiebreaker 10-8.

In the doubles portion of the match, the spoils were shared again. Brosnahan and Looji won in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 while Leonard and Tawatao lost in straight sets 0-6, 0-6. With the total matches tied, Timaru Boys’ won the clash due to winning more games.

In the mixed competition, the college faced up against St Kevin’s College, and secured a comfortable victory. Dallas Scott, Cannan Elvines, Erin Connelly-Whyte and Jade Brosnahan all won their singles matches.

The only slip-up came in the doubles match of Elvines and Scott, losing 4-10 in a tiebreaker.

The victory secured qualification for the team to attend the South Island Schools’ Tournament later in the year.

After defeat in the first round, the boys’ team had the chance to redeem themselves against Waitaki Boys’ High School.

The singles section went to perfection with all four matches being won in single sets. This dominance continued into the doubles with both matches being won in straight sets.

This result saw the team to a second place finish, with South Island qualification dependent on other regional results.

Coach Michael Clark, said he was pleased with the results, especially the hard work in tough games, notably in the boys’ matches.

By Jaime Pitt-MacKay © The Ashburton Guardian - 16 February 2017