Doubles disaster dumps team down the ladder

A DISASTROUS doubles tie at Essendon has condemned Springvale North to seventh place on the Tennis Victoria Pennant Grade One Section One ladder.
The visitors went into Sunday’s clash in fourth place on the table, but failed to take a set off Essendon in four doubles rubbers.
Springvale North’s Fotakis brothers, Stephen and Fotis, both went into the clash underdone and battled to find top form in two convincing losses.
Meanwhile, Trent Cobb and Rob Cvitkovic made less of an impression on their opponents, winning just 10 games in four unsuccessful sets.
While Springvale North coach Stephen Sruk acknowledged the question marks over the fitness of his top pairing, and was disappointed with his team’s endeavour.
“We had excuses, but that effort wasn’t good enough from our team,” Sruk said.
“Luckily we have a week off this week, and we can regroup for the following week’s singles match against the top team, Upper Beaconsfield, at home.”