06 April 2023
In what has been one of the most successful seasons of SPSC Tennis, our Drive 1 and 2 Tennis teams both made the SAAS Drive Finals in their respective divisions and for the first time in SPSC history, both teams won.
Our Drive 1 & 2 Tennis teams entered their respective SAAS Finals of the home and away season after successful seasons in which they both sat top of their respective tables.
The Drive 1 Final was contested between Saints and PAC, the best two teams of the season, clash of the titans, if you will. We began well winning two of the three doubles, always a good sign.
The singles rubbers were tough, and PAC levelled the overall count after the first five singles. It all came down to the final rubber, and Krish Raju (Year 10). The entire two teams gathered around the court of the match to watch this epic final, the atmosphere was electric. A tough match against two champions of their schools, respectively. The match went to a tie break to decide. Krish went up 4 – 2 in the final tie break before switching ends. He was single minded, demonstrated excellent composure and held his nerve to win the tie break 7 – 2 and bring the Drive Division 1 trophy to Saints for the first time since 2002, with a final rubber count of 5 -4.
Congratulations to all players, this victory was reward on an amazing season.
Our Drive 2 Tennis team were also amazing defeating Scotch College in their respective division with a rubber count of 8 – 1. A hard-fought contest in the top singles rubber being our only loss of the morning. All boys played well and with grace and respect for their opponents. We would also like to thank the Scotch team for staying to watch the end of the Drive 1 matches so that all of our players could attend the presentation together.
This season showed excellent attitude and commitment from all players involved in Drive tennis, in both of our teams. Without their passion for the sport and cohesion as a group we would not have been able to achieve what we have this year. Thank you to all boys involved, and in particular our captain Jude Gale, our vice captains Angus Koeroessey and Oliver Grieve, and all of our Year 12 players who have been a part of the program for a number of years.
John Papazoglou
Drive Tennis Manager