Hopetoun will play for a third successive Dimboola and District Tennis Association premiership after claiming victory over Antwerp in Saturday’s preliminary final at Hopetoun.

Hopetoun has given themselves the opportunity to retain the District Cup with a three-peat if they are able to defeat Warrack Gold next week in the Grand Final.

In sunny conditions, the home side started the day with a convincing win in the Mixed section, claiming all but one set. Antwerp stalwarts, Don Clark and Heather Jorgensen claimed Antwerp’s only set when they defeated Nathan Williams and Courtney Jones 9-6. Hopetoun won 5 sets, 51 games to Antwerp 1 set, 29 games.

Antwerp started the Men’s section winning the first two sets, with both being tie-breakers, but that is all they were able to claim. Hopetoun overpowered their opponents and won 4 sets, 52 games to Antwerp 2 sets, 33 games.

The Ladies section was a tight-fought battle as both teams won three sets each, as Antwerp claimed the section 42 games to Hopetoun’s 39.

Hopetoun showed their class and proved why they have won the premiership for the previous two years.

Next week’s Grand Final will be played at Anzac Park.

RESULTS - Preliminary Final

Hopetoun 4 match points, 12 sets, 142 games defeated Antwerp 1 match point, 6 sets, 104 games.

Mixed: Jacob Holm & Zali Brown d Daniel Greig & Tahlia Avery 9-2. Taylor Donnan & Dana Schache d Tim Jorgensen & Abbey Greig 9-6. Mal McLean & Remy George d Daniel Polack & Samantha Baker 9-4. Tony & Jonti George d Chris Avery & Emily Polack 9-7. Nathan Williams & Courtney Jones lost to Don Clark & Heather Jorgensen 6-9. Anthony Schache & Nicole McLean d Shane Bond & Hannah Somers 9-1.

Men: J. Holm & M. McLean lost to D. Polack & D. Greig 8-9. T. George & A. Schache lost to C. Avery & D. Clark 8-9. J. Holm & T. Donnan d D. Polack & T. Jorgensen 9-3. T. George & N. Williams d C. Avery & S. Bond 9-5. T. Donnan & M. McLean d T. Jorgensen & D. Greig 9-5. A. Schache & N. Williams d D. Clark & S. Bond 9-2.

Ladies: D. Schache & R. George lost to A. Greig & E. Polack 1-9. J. George & C. Jones lost to H. Jorgensen & S. Baker 8-9. D. Schache & Z. Brown d A. Greig & T. Avery 9-6. J. George & N. McLean (retired hurt, replaced by emergency Shiarne Petschel) d H. Jorgensen & H. Somers 9-7. Z. Brown & R. George d T. Avery & E. Polack 9-2. C. Jones & S. Petschel lost to S. Baker & H. Somers 3-9.