ST?THOMAS’?veterans advanced to the semi-finals of the National Sports Council’s Inter-Parish tournament by dumping St John when the action continued at the Deighton “Pa” Roach Tennis Centre, Bush Hall, Tuesday night.
Charles Taylor dismissed Basil Hoyte 21-11, 21-14, which meant that skilful Winston “Ballies” Padmore needed to beat Rickey “Doc” Hoyte in straight sets and lower scores for St John to take the semi-finals spot.
With a number of crisp shots, Padmore took the first set 21-19, and he needed to defeat Hoyte at six or less in the second set. Ironically, Hoyte then took charge to “sow” Padmore and capture the match 19-21, 21-9, 21-19.
The game of the night was the “B” Class clash between Lloyd Deane of St James and dreadlocked Alex Clarke of St Philip. Deane triumphed 21-18, 21-14.
The small crowd was entertained by Deane’s smashes, the player dropping his racquet and simulating a shot so hot that he would shake his hand and run off the court to dip it into an ice cooler.
Deane and St James will advance if his partner Donovan Riley can win a set or beat Ryan Hall in their rescheduled game.
The Bush Hall court could be smoking tomorrow when the St Michael “Dream Squad” turn out for their semi-finals among other teams from St Lucy.
Barbados’ number one Julian “Michael Jackson” White will be eager to redeem himself and his reputation following his shocking loss to Victor “Earth” Ward in last month’s Silver Hill Championship. (KB)
