Stevenage Squash Team

 

Well this was the final game of the season and we went out on a winning note,,,,,,,,,,, 3-2 but the 2 were very narrow 3-2 downs……. So nearly 5-0 !

First on, Geoff (Capt Steady) at 5, against former R3 player Paul Limburn…….neck and neck in first game,,,,,Paul with terrific drive and raquet skills, G with dodgey boasts and some (surprisingly) good line and widths and some running! G got first one 15-13. Next game Paul just didn't get going and as a result G played a lot more tricky dicky stuff completely wrong footing oppo who was not very mobile at the best of times.15-5. Final game, a bit more like the first but one way traffic and G winner on 15-10. Overall 3-0 win

Tony at 4 (4 months pregnant) played one of Nth Herts new players who didn't look easy on the court but played a good lineand length and was pretty mobile. Tony struggled losing 15-11 then even worse 15-5. Team talk keep it tight and into the back,,,,,,,,, a lot of effort later and mainly following the stript, T won 15-8. Keeping the momentum going even an occassional drop (foiled everyone) and 15-8 win. So all set up for a great last game,,,,,,,,so as expected T lost first 5 points,,,,, then came back to within a point. Tactics out the window this was do or die stuff.Sadly oppo kept retrieving and T became a bit looser eventually going down 15-12. A good fight back but 3-2 Loss.

Dave at 3 (Sicknote) was up against their other 'new' player, who looked as though he never had any squash coaching but gave Dave a torrid time despite that. He held the raquet wrongly, was square on to the ball but got everything back,,,, very fast and determined and punished loose and mid court balls. Dave tried to out class him, with lobs and cross courts, but the tactics were working and he lost the first 15-11. 2nd game though Dave was tighter, down the line and (tried to) cut out his loose boast drops and cross court shots. The lobs worked abd the powerful drives. Dave's workrate was great (just as well cos oppo didn't know the meaning of stopping). Dave won this one 16-14. More of the same and errors will come into oppos game……… it was hard work but when D stuck to his task points came. He still wanted to boast drop (cos it was the right shot against any self respecting oppo but not this one) and points were still leaked. D won 16-14. Oppo was now tiring and D was shattered (he always says that) which made him play better and he actually got more unforced errors and less strong recoveries. D won 15-12 in a long fought battle. Overall 3-1 win

Vince at 2 (My Miyagmi) was well suited to his oppo (their Capt Ollie) both of whom played funny lobby non standard squash. The first waxed and waned for V who was well ahead then level while Ollie took time to get used to the play. 14 all and looked like it would never end, eventually V got it 18-16. Ollie stepped up his workrate and powered a number of right wall drive away from V's backhand. V's lobs and drops continued to be unplayable but this game had Ollie's name on it 15-10.But V was not done yet, and he raised his game and fought for every ball,,,,,,,,, no longer did we see him give up hard drives, he ran them and gave equal to Ollie. 16-14 (after the now obligatory tie breaker). The next game was always going to be tought and V looked to be having a breather (or was he gone,,,,?) Ollie won 15-10. But a fine battle was now established. Both players wanted to win this game. Ollie tried his hard drives, V his inch perfect drops and disguised crosses. Eventually after 14 all the game was decided but a messy return from V that resulted in a stroke against as he couldn't get out of the way. It was a shame to lose to an easy point but it was fair. 116-14 down 3-2 Overall loss. Great effort

Alan at 1 (the Terminator) playing another ex R3 player Tim Oram, who's running was indefatible but he had a secret weapon………. Alan was not playing their ex Div 1 player Graeme Beveridge and possibly was guilty of thinking this an easy game. There are no easy games at 1, Tim showed A how to win points with his dead drop ball off his chest ! Running was the order of this game and tactics were absent Tim 'running' out victor 15-13 (or was it 17-15?). SO the first thing A had to do was deal with the tricky round the corner back of the court shots that Tim was using to great effect- A just got there earlier and volleyed them down the wall! A put in more effort to volley everything where he could and played some good tight backhand drives keeping Tim completely at bay. Tim's shot play continually took A by surprise but A won this one 15-11. More of the same and keep control, play the channels, volley and build enogh points to counter the drops Yes he did 15-13. Now Vince's advice. Hit the serves really hard and he hasn't time to control the return drop shot. Alan took this to heart,,,,, powered evertything volleying really strongly running great and low and behold he won this one 15-5 and looked like he should have done the same earlier. Overall 3-1 win Well done.

So we won 3-2, with the 2 losing games both going to 5 games !

Final places in the Herts Div 4 league - we are 5th!

 

 

Not the best result,,,,,,,,,,,, we lost 4-1 with the highlight of the evening being Alan's game v Tim Webster (1's) with a 20-18 point score in the 3rd game !

Tony H at 4 (Pregnant again) was in the game from the off but kept slipping behind with the USA scoring. Clawing his way thru but got pipped 15-13 (lost). Needing to keep it tighter, Tony played good line and length but them oppo would take the ball from the back and kill it! An almost impossible ploy to counter. Tony stuck at it and mistakes came but still the score was 15-13 against. Tony didn't give up but there was no spark and the 3rd game was lsot 15-11. Overall 3-0 down

Vince at 2 (Mr My-Pigmy) looked bright and sprightly in the first game, He looked to have the measure of his oppo and served for the first game and inexplicably put a cross court drop down when his oppo was stranded watching the ball! Sh*t happens and V lost 16-14. Second game and oppo was alert to the reverse cross court drop and was charging these down, not always sucessfully. But it was enough to make V's use of them more sparingly than on other days. V decided high cross lobs would work but oppo started to volleys these and the game slipped away 15-11. A lot of effort had gone into these game and the third was one way traffic V losing 15-6. Overall 3-0 down

Geoff at 5 (Capt Die-a lot) against one of his old team-mate from his HCC days, Geoff was working well and stood 12-9 up and proceeded to lose 15-13 ! Sounds familiar Tony ? Trying to take the game to oop Geoff didn't suceed and lost 15-7. Now G took the game by the scruff of the neck and played tighter deeper and some sneaky drops. Keeping his nose ahead, oppo started to make mistakes and G was serving for the game 14-11 when oppo turned round and asked for a let. No let said their marker ! 15-11. 4th game was a yo-yo one. 1st G then oppo were ahead. At times scrappy but well fought till G's turn to have a turning let request refused. Try as he did he couldn't regain lost ground and the game slipped away 15-12. Overall 3-1 loss

Dave at 3 (Sicknote) played well, good drives and lengths but oppo was better. When it counted he produced that extra 'something'. Dave lacked (probably) belief and he was always behind. First game came and went 15-11. Second game identical score (15-11) and then Dave ran out of ideas and lost 3rd 15-7. Overall 3-0 loss. And an official waistcoat winner

Alan at 1 (Terminator) was our big white hope (having all lost ! ). And Alan needed to reverse some recent results………fired up was not the right word but A was absolutely gunning it. He completely dominated the first game, despite resolute and inpired play by Tim, his oppo. First game 15-11 to Alan. 2nd game started the same way but a few mistakes crept into A's game and oppo got into his stride better. At times, A was on the back foot but ran incessantly and the ball was never dead till it had bounced twice. A won this 15-13. 3rd game and now all hell let loose,,,, oppo was pushing A all around the court, back front side to side but A would not give in. Indeed it was oppo who was making more unforced errors. Alan's errors were forced by oppo good play. Now we get to 14-13 A serving and the ball is tight on the right wall. Alan plays it but asks for a let. Fantastic winning shot but a let and then he loses the replay. Twice oppo either served out or misses the ball. The scores crreps on till we get to 18-18 then oppo misses the ball then on Alan's serve puts the return onto the wood at the top of the tin. Down by the narrowest of mergins. Silence. Alan has won 20-18 but it takes a while for it to sink in. Both palyers are dead on their feet. Overall 3-0 win and against the man who beat Blower !

 

 

A hard fought but well deserved voctory! 3-2 Good going team !

First up, Mike at 2 (Doctor Play and Go) who then stayed for most of the evening, was playing a seasoned old campaigner, who despite a cold and lack of recent games knew how to play. In the first game, Mike looked like the most likely winner, playing good length shots and so 'whip' to his game, but it slipped away from him with a few loose rallies 15-10 against. However, Mike knew he had to play good line and length as well as his drops and boasts. This worked and he won the 2nd 15-11 and followed up in the 3rd to cruise to 15-4 win. Complaciency is all we can put the 4th game down to as Mike cruised - calmly, serenely and the score of 15-5 down proved it ! So we need the pilot back engaged and the control bit to be there. Yes he did and with a fine display of running and shots, Mike took the final game 15-10 3-2 Overall. Well played Doc, first win at no. 2

Tim at 5 (The Manic Mechanic) was keen to show his metal and was quick out of the blocks. He soon had his young very quick and agile oppo in irons, while he revved op and the points rolled up. Whiel he accelerated away, oppo was crashing the ball into the tin. Tim won the first test 15-12. Go for it ! Noramal service was resume in the 2nd, great covering of the court but oppo was inspired, volleying the ball from everywhere. Tim let him have this one 15-9. Once his nose was ahead, oppo put his foot fully on the throttle and powered to a 15-6 win the the 3rd. This is not in the manual, so Tim dug in but to no avail oppo winning the final game 15-8. overall 3-1 down but some good running and powerful squash - shame about the quality of the whipper snapper at 5!

Tony at 4 (Pregnant or not ?) hard on the victory of last week went on court determined to keep his name on the stats leader board. Unfortunately he lost the warm up and seemed to struggle in the game from thereonin! His oppo was hitting the balls so hard that Tony admitted after that he didn't see it half the time. New glasses please! Tony tried drops shot (desperation really showing thru when he does this) and enjoyed a lot of success when oppo gave him the chance. But he didn't often and oppo battered his way to a 15-11, 16-14 15-11 wins, which is an overall loss 3-0 to Tony.

Vince at 3 (Master Viagra) showed that there was life in the old timer yet ! Playing their second youngest but the one who knew by far his way around the court. Indeed, oppo probably ran 5 miles during the match, such was his prowess at retrieving! The first game was oppo's with his steady but 100% committed game, until at 12-4 down, Vince suddenly throw a switch! From that point on his lob, drop and drive had oppo in all sorts of trouble. Oppo got a couple of lucky breaks which put the scores at 14-14. The game was Vince's but he failed to win the tie break and oppo knabbed it with his determination 16-14. No such chance the second - inch perfect equals 15-8 win. The 3rd game was more neck and neck but you could see the toll it was taking on oppo, but he didn't give up. The scores crept up and Vince's running did him great credit. Seving for the game at 14-12 V put the ball into the tin. The crowd wince'd (pun intended) and wince lost this one 16-14 (again). Relentless now V put the ball wherever oppo wasn't and sometimes placed oppo would have been if he hadn't been running so quick. V won this one 15-5. Spirit broken, but still trying, oppo's running won him praise but not the game which was V's 15-7 Overall 3-2 win. A fine example of precision squash but it still required a lot of effort and commitment. Great win !

Alan "the Terminator" at 1 was up against an opponent who thought himself superior in every way. He must have a superior education at a superior school which taught superior manners as after the spin he introduced Alan to the marker "this is Alan and I am David". Alan thought this was a bit poncey and punished him in a tight first game 17-15, where his oppo used his superior breathing technique to look like it was a breeze. This was a game of beauty (and the beast)... Now I'm not saying Alan is ugly, or fat, far from it, oh and he's bigger than me, but his oppo had some good shots but Alan's power and running edged him 2-0 up (15-13). Next game Alan let his grip slip a little and his oppo was still feeling superior... And that confidence obviously had something in it as Alan lost the 3rd 15-10. Into the 4th and Alan used powerful shots and a superior visualisation technique. The visualistion works like this.... Imagine a superior smug look on your oppo's face when he wins... Then destroy it!!! And that's what he did folks 15-9.... Alan's a winner 3-1 Overall, and a superior player. Performed well in the curry house with his chicken phal and less well locking up the club... But delivered where it counts!

 

 

Against the season's top team, we were unfortunate that our mid-field duo of Dave and Scott had decided to go AWOL for this game. Which mean we were struggling.

Overall, we managed a 3-2 lose…….. Very creditable on the night and we should have won at 4 and 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

First up, Capt Sunlounger at 5 and recently returned from an alcohol free holiday in Tenerife was slow to start.... Slow start, some say the Germans beat him to getting their towels down on the sunbeds all week, would being back on the squash court spur Geoff into action? First game, and Geoff seemed a little slow off the mark and Geoff's usual game was lacking its usual potency and accuracy.... 15-9 down. Geoff was forced to change tactic in the 2nd and played a somewhat conventional game... which is not normally effective as most players are used to that... Before we knew it we were into the 3rd... with 15-10 down. Geoff still feeling the cold after his holiday did not bother to remove his jogging bottoms... Would his cocktail of shots leave his oppo floored like a B52. No instead Geoff put the flag of surrender in the top of his sandcastle... 15-9 down. Overall 3-0 loss. Enough said, not enough court practise but he now knows whats expected...

Playing at 2, Mike (Doctor Play and Stay – new replacement doing the evening shift) set off well but his oppo was a very strong no. 2 and although it was neck and neck for a long time, oppo pulled away then a few quick points and he won 15-11. Mike showed a lot of composure in the 2nd and for a long time looked like he would take the game, but alas oppo put on a late spurt and won, again, 15-11. Mike was not going to go out without a fight and nearly went for it 13 all, but then just missed out15-13 and lost 3-0 overall. The score didn’t reflect the closeness of the games. Next week’s oppo had better watch out !

Tony at 4 (Fit to Drop – like a baby!) was fresh from his winning ways last week and tore into his oppo, absolutely smashing him 16-14 in the first. Ooops, close call! And this was reflected in the next when Tony’s accuracy was off the boil and oppo got it 15-12. Straight back,,, err no actually 15-6, not quite ! But oh yes it is,,,,,, Tony put the 3rd game behind him and was a 15-7 winner. Game on, nicely set up for a thrilling finale. Oh no it isn’t – Tony went out in a wimper 15-5. No fairy-tale finish, but a bit of a pantomine! Overall 3-2 down

Next on, Vince at 3 (Mr Myagmy) recovering from his layoff, had that determination to show his oppo the error of his way in turning up. First game was to see what oppo had,,,,,,, and he was not bad, fast hit the ball well and he won 15-12. But Vince had his measure. Good running but more his trademark lob and inch perfect drop ate into oppo’s fitness and confidence, with V winning 15-11. Next game and the score started to look a bit embarrassing at 15-6 to V. So a bit of generosity allowed oppo to get some points but 15-10 did not flatter V at all. Overall 3-1 but a very comprehensive win. Well done!

Last on, the Terminator (Alan at 1 fresh from his showing in the finals of the Herts C) had a point to prove as this was against the same oppo that started his International career in the 4th team, when he lost. Alan’s power and retrieving seemed to bemuse oppo who could do no more than reach 8 points in the first. 2nd game, oppo now knew that he had to play and without looking dynamic, he solidly made Alan play every rally and increased his game at the right point to take the 2nd 15-11. Now A wasn’t having this, so we saw every point run down and seemingly for the first time, the introduction of a fantastically accurate drop shot. Time and time again A showed that they were not a shot in the dark: oppo could read them but not get them. 15-4. Last game the oppo tried his best to up his pace, but that was never going to phase Alan, who just outpaced him, outdropped him and just brushed aside a man who was unbeaten this season to date to win 15-9. Overall 3-1 Win.

 

 

Errrrrrr well we expected to win this game but in the end only managed to get 2 matches, losing 3-2

First up was Mike at 2 (Doctor Play and Stay) – he set off at a super pace that his opponent didn’t really know what had hit him til he was 15-5 down. But back he came in the 2nd but Mike starting strongly suffered anxiety pains and wobbled but held on to win 15-12. In the yo-yoing game that is squash, Mike now looked bereft of ideas as his oppo found his length and seem to outpace Mike, winning 15-7 and 15-8. All set for the finale, now cheered by all his team-mates Mike showed what a poser he is, and responded by whipping arse, getting some of that zip back and winning 15-11. Overall 3-2 win. Good and first win at 2. Well done !

Captain Beachtowel at 5 was played a classic lob and drop mechant,,, who would have thought he wouldn’t sand him down and surf away. But no barely a dune of resistance going down 15-6. 2nd game a ripple of restistance,,,, would it be a sundae of delight – but no a flakey game and 15-8 down. But suddenly, we see a cone of creamy squash, drops, power drives but then he had the towel taken from under him with slippery sand (aka hamstring) and a loss 15-12. Overall 3-0 loss You’re dropped !

Tony at 4 (Phantom Preggers) needing to make amends after a poor last week performance was playing stop and go. One rally he would be dominant and commanding, the next he give the ball away or miss it ! But he go there 15-12. Next game and this one has better squash but oppo is determined,,,,,,,,, 14-14 oppo to serve,,, Tony having already served for the game and asked but not got a let. Mr Angry blasted everything in sight and won 16-14 ! Devastated by the marker, Tony whippered to a 15-8 loss claiming he was saving his energy and running down his oppo’s. Clearly true as he powered to a much more consistent 15-10 win. 3-1 overall win. Well held it together.

Vince at 3 (Mr Viagra) was looking fit and spritely after his lay off,,,,,,,, he claimed to be sizing up his oppo in the 1st game losing 15-8. Second game showed his meaning when his lob, drop and power drives outmanuevred oppo in a 15-9 win. Oppo had other ideas in particular he ran down V’s drops and did his own funny front wall boast that was just our of V reach. This set the scene and oppo won 15-11. 4th game followed the same pattern, despite Vince’s good running and he went down 15-12. Overall 3-1 Loss

Alan at 1 (Mr Terminator), no pressure but its 2-2 was out to show why he was the Herts C runner up,,,,,,,, by playing squash not just being a runner. But he forgot to run and oppo ran away with the game 15-5. So running became the name of the day, and the now legendary ‘he keeps coming back’ attitude, that and playing down the line and no mistakes earned Alan a 15-12 win. Oppo now knew he had a game to play and started to mix things up, Alan kept battling away but had started to become a but predictable (not just keep coming back) and oppo strung shots together and won enough rallies to win 15-11. Now a big effort was required as much to break oppo’s fitness as to win this game. First Alan had a good lead, then oppo overtook and was well ahead but Alan broke back and oppo got no more points 15-10 win. Soit finally looked like his fitness was winning thru but no oppo’s squash did the talking and Alan looked tired, certainly frustrated as point after point went to oppo despite Alan getting geverything back. He was out-thought and in the end oppo won 15-5 to win Overall 3-2 loss. But we must applaud another 120% effort from Alan.

 

 

The long awaited report:

Alan won a long and hard fought battle with Tim Webster by following instructions to keep the ball going, get into long rallies and use his fitness. It worked winning 3-2 with game scores of 15-9, 14-16, 8-15, 15-10 & 15-13

Dave was unlucky against his oppo Chris Ginn, when Dave was on top he won 15-12 and 16-14 in the first and fourth game, but when he went behind he struggled loosing 15-8, 15-4 & 15-8 to lose 3-2

Scott at 3 played the game of his life beating Phil Batchelor who had been unbeaten all season til then. Scot’s strategy was keep the rally going by his strong retrieval game but (and this he needs more of) do a power overhead punch into the front on any lobs. This plus more punching drives won him this game 15-13, 13-15, 15-5 (great result), 14-16 & 15-11, Overall 3-2 win

Geoff tried his hardest against their no. 1 of 2 seasons ago. His squash is no worse just newer younger models have come in, Predictably Mike Lindores got the first 15-11 then the second 15-10 but Geoff staged a rally and got ahead, knicked a few points and le voila a game 15-3. Mike came straight back and got the 4th 15-4 to win 3-1 Overall

Tim, substituting for a very sick Vince (sent home from work) was playing their awkward no 5 Sid Newbon who doesn’t look as though he should win but has been chalking up the wins this season. Tim was in with a shout winning the second 15-13 after conceding the first 15-12. The games slipped away from him 15-10 and 15-10 to lose 3-1 Overall. But a point could make all the difference at the end of the season !

 

 

We won again! 4-1 ! It feels good when that happens !

Scott (the sickly athlete) at 3 was on first. Suffering from advance lurgy, Scott hoped to be able to finish the game quickly and go home to bed.Playing against a Roman general (his name was Caesar - aka as a dog meat), Scott soon establish that the other guy hit the ball hard and ran well, but he hadn't come across Scott's doggedness before…………. Like clinging to a bone he never gave up and won rallies that no self respecting player would expect to win! Scott's running was excellent (esp for someone on their death bed) and he eventually won 15-12 in the first. Team talk and a subtle change of plan, Scott went for the Roman's jugular - driving volleys to the front and quickly a 5 point lead was established which he held and more to win 15-5. Third game followed the same pattern except Ceasar generally new what to expect and marshall his defenses well. Scott did well to keep his cool and won out 15-10. Was Caesar a General or Dog's Meat ? Overall win 3-0. Well done - get better for next week !

Mike (doctor who? Play and go) at 4 showed that his fitness is not in question (only he thinks it is) and managed to make their star no. 4 look like a beginner. Adding consistency to his style and agility Mike won the first two games with precisely the same score at 15-4. Whether he would win the final game was not in doubt only if he could give away precisely 4 points. He failed! He only gave 3 away 15-3. Overall 3-0 win. Very impressive but so much so we've moved you up in the order above Dave. Now we'll see whatyou can do !

Geoff (Captain Hamstring - no not G string Scott!) at 5, playing only his 2nd game was palying a whipper snapper (WS) in his 20's. WS had the audacity to run down some of Geoff's best drop shots and funny dinky winners AND got about 4 dead nicks. As you can tell G lost this game 15-9. Serious team talk, play normal squash,,,,,,,,,, so up and down the wall with occassional drops to front but mainly WS couldn't handle multiple changes in direction of ball and whenever he ran down a high lob or drive to back he invariably put it into the tin! A close thing but G scapped a win 15-11. Talking of close things, 3rd game, WS obviously had his team talk and was playing some good squash. He held the lead at 11-8 and indeed the game went to 14-14, G having survived game point against. But steady Eddy (would you ever call Capt Braveheart that ?) battled on, except he forgot the talk and played a winning 'funny' boast to take the lead and then won the game 16-14. Final game and WS realised he was knackered (about time) and tinned everything and lost 15-7. Overall score 3-1 win to Geoff

Dave (Sicknote - with early warning signs of the lurgy) at 2 (in Vince's absense through full blown lurgy - didn't even come down to support / go for a curry! ) was playing their last year's no. 1 who had been out with a calf injury and this was his 3rd game back. Dave complained he couldn't see the ball - I suspect it was going very quickly to the place furthest away from him. Dav ebattled manfully in the first reaching 9 points. In the 2nd and 3rd game oppo quickly established superiority from his former position as their best player and took them both 15-4. Overall 3-0 down, but there again, Dave if you weren't there someone else would have lost to him. He will be moving up the order for later on in the season!

Alan (the Terminator) at 1 had something to prove and was in gringing form,,,,, that is he ground down his oppo. The first game was a close thing with Alan letting oppo back into the game with shots tinned at the front or well signposted shots easily cut out. A won the first 15-12. Team talk,,,,,,,,,,,, cut out boasts and drops go for boring back of the court til you're sure then kill it. 15-4 ! He listens ! 3rd game,,,,,,,, oppo was doing his best but Alan stuck to his task well, threw in a few boasts (but got away with it! ) and generally kept his nose ahead in the game. He won 15-10. Overall 3-0. A comprehensive demolition job. Well played.

Overall we get 17 points which should do well in the Division

 

 

Errrrrrrrrrr well against their strongest team of the season, we lost 4-1

Sterling debut from Mike Guest to beat an extremely strong young no. 5

Mike at 5 (we thought this ought to be easy) started well but oppo fancied himself and was good, but made mistakes. Mike out manauvred him and won 15/10 15/11 then Mike was ahead oppo's head was down but inexplicably he came back and battled to a 15/13 win. Final game Mike knew he was going to take it and he did 15/12. Score 3-1 Win. Great game, Good start One nil up

 

Scott at 4 on next was a bit worried by strength of their no 5 but he went out all guns a-blazing and shot to 15/12. Next game tables were reversed and Scott was backed into 15/12 down. Neither of these two knew how to give in - it was like watching Scott playing his brother! He lost the third 13/15. I'm not having this and he upped his game and climbed to a 15/8 win. Come on the Reds,,,,,,, but the rallying call didn't quite worked and sadly this one slipped away 15/11 but a great battle. Score 3-2 lose. No disgrace to lose this one

 

Dave at 3 was full of confidence but his oppo ( the father of their no 5) had a lot of tricks up his sleeve. While Dave was teady and accurate Oppo was strong and tricky. Ultimately Dave was not consistent enough and oppo crept to 15/12 win. Next game Dave went 11-1 down so 15/9 was quite respectible. Fired up for third, Dave battled all the way to 10-11 but then capitulated to lose 15/10. Score 3-0 lose.

 

Vince at 2 was playing their Ace in a Hole. Not always playing oppo looked strong but in the first game couldn't rad Vince cross court drops which were inch perfect. Vince won 15/10. 2nd game V was not as accurate and this let oppo see where the ball was going and gradually he started to dominateso won 15/9. Vince worked his socks off in the next game but whenever he got ahead oppo played some great squash ultimately winning 15/13. final game Vince was pooped and fought gamly but went down 15/7 Score 3-1 but a point scored

 

Alan at 1 was playing the the player from hell. Big strong accurate confident and a pig. Alan gave his all, got into the game didn't try to overhit it but ultimately oppo out hit him and was able to control this game 15/9. Striaght back Alan did evrything right and served for the game but could not clinch it,,,,,, experience will win it another time but 16/14 down shows how close he was. The thrid game Alan couldn't get into it as much and he slipped to 15/9 Score 3-0 lose

 

So boys not what we wanted but we should consol ourselves with individual performances and that Stortford won the league last year but choose not to go up! We can see why. AND our curry is the best in the league!

 

 

Great Result Lads!!! An Away Victory! 4-1, which gives us another impressive 19 pts (out of max 20)!

It was a close call for performance of the night between Vince’s cold & clinical play or Dave’s battling play. But it has to go to Dave’s never say die stunning 5 setter against a much younger oppo.

Alan (The Terminator) at 1, played an older bloke, well I say older, just about all of his oppos, present & future are going to be older than him, which is a result in itself because it brings the average age of our team down. Now watching this match you could see that Alan’s oppo was no slouch around the court, in fact at one point he was doing so much running that I thought his trainers were going to melt into the court. Unfortunately for him they didn’t, but because he played a very similar hard hitting, up & down the wall, minimal drops, kind of game to Alan he was always going to come off 2nd best. With a combination of grueling rallies up and down the backhand and forehand walls, coupled with a few choice collectors items in the form of drop shots ‘The Terminator’ was able to kill off the first game 15-9. With ‘The Terminator’ now in ‘nice and friendly seek and destroy mode’, his oppo could offer up little resistance in the 2nd game apart from when, having done all the hard work, he experienced a temporary malfunction with his cybernetic neural network and gifted his oppo with a few attempted drop shots which consequently hit the tin (Don’t worry Alan we’ve all been there and done that more than once in our squash careers). As a result, even with these momentary lapses in concentration Alan still won it 15-10. Going into the 3rd game there was only going to be one winner and having now seen the wheels completely fall off of his oppo, and just like his beloved Spurs’s 4-0 win in the UEFA Cup last night, (you can pay me later for that Spurs mention mate) Alan went on to beat his oppo 15-8. Well done Alan 3-0 win and I’m sure the 1st of many!!!

Vince (Mr Miyagi - please note Geoff that this is the correct spelling of his nickname) at 2, played a bloke who looked almost like the perfect example of what a squash player should look like, in regards to him having a good height equaling long reach and fairly fit looking meaning he could cover the court quickly, a bit like me really, oh apart from the fact that he was probably about 15 years older than me, so probably about Vince’s age. Anyway just like Dave, Mr Miyagi had a theory too on how he was going to get to grips with this new scoring system and have it work to his advantage. Confusous say “More often than not make sure you create the angle to hit that side wall forcing your oppo to either struggle to play a shot back down the wall having taken the ball off the back wall or the oppo is forced to play a boast which is readable and then you can play a deft straight drop or deft lob” (Vince’s specialities) here endith the lesson. So the long and the short of it was by using this most cunning of cunning theories, probably studied in the dark and mystic relms of the University Of Cunning (by foxes) Vince was able to take out his oppo 15-4, 15-13,15-12 Con-VINCE-ING 3-0 win. (Some vigilant people on the night might say that he found it harder to get into his sunny-delight juice carton after the match, with the aid of scissors in the end, than it was to beat his oppo).

Dave the Destroyer: at 3- On the drive to Harpanden Dave gave us his theories about the new scoring schema, ie when you get 6 points clear of your oppo, you will win the game. Would Dave's theory be proven? This week up against an hard hitting left hander with windmill tendancies - Dave did well to keep out of range. First game his oppo pulled 6 points ahead of Dave - it's all over according to Dave's theory, but at 6-11 down Dave tore up this theory and proceeded to win 16-14. Crap theory then, thankfully. Dave thought he was doing something wrong in the first by winning and so went on to lose the next 2 quite easily. Back on for the 4th and digging deep he nicked the game 15-13. Last game Dave's oppo began to feel the pressure, and as Dave dug deep his oppo remmembered Christmas is just round the corner and gave away about 5 strokes...Dave won 15-10... Thankfully even though Dave's theory proved correct in Tony's game, Dave's opponent was spared the details of the theory and Dave therefore won. 3-2 WIN 16-14, 2-15, 4-15, 15-13, 15-10.

 

Scott the Athlete:- Scott up against Neil Melville ex number 1 in his day & Vince played him a couple of season ago was a good touch player didn't or couldn't rally. So why did Scott go 2-0 down? Perhaps he was testing Dave's theory? Scott battled and clawed back the next two demonstrating how to his the ball from 4 feet behind you while running flat out... His oppo was heard to comment on Scotts retreiving "This bloke just keeps getting that bloody ball back & I just never know where he is going to put the ball next". Pity that Scott's oppo he figured something out cos he started hitting some nicks. I think we may need to dispute the scorecard... see the PDF...3-2 LOSS 12-15, 12-15, 15-4, 15-13 & 12-15. Scott knows he was the only player for our team to lose last night, but he says don’t worry lads that bloke knew he had been in one hell of a battle & I am confident of beating him in the 2nd half.

 

Tony (The Not Not So So Pregnant One) at 5, playing a bloke that doesn’t play regularly for their team and who looked like he had been drinking the elixir of life from the fountain of youth because even though he had grey hair he was actually a lot younger than he looked, but still older than Tony. Now obviously the cold that Tony has been suffering with for what seems like forever and a day had effected his memory because he completely forgot how the new scoring system works to the point where his oppo must have thought that Tony was either very arrogant or very stupid because when it got to 11-11 in the 1st game Tony then got the next 2 points and decided that he had won the game, put down his racket and proceeded to walk off court, much to the bewilderment of his oppo and the marker. Having been informed of his mistake he came back on court and won the next 2 points and the game 15-11. Now Tony was the first to say after the match that his legs almost let him down but luckily he did still have 1 of his 2 strengths firing on all cylinders which was his power hitting, even if it was helped by the lunchtime curry Tony enjoyed so who cares a wins a win Tony thought as he battered the hell out of the ball in the 2nd game and went on to win it 15-12. Now to be brutally honest with you I didn’t see any of Tony’s game and I am only going on what he told me, so all I can say to finish off is that Tony must have quite simply battered his oppo into submission with just a few minor wobbles along the way. The final 3 games were 7-15, 9-15, 15-7 so Tony didn’t have it all his own way but still a great 3-2 win.

 

Words By Scott Gregory

 

 

Well we did it ! Home victory! 4-1 so not just a scrap by but a stunning result 19 points (out of max 20) ! Well done all!

 

Tony (two years ago pregnant but still taking the slimming pills - not working) first up, at 5 didn't realise that Geoff just didn't want to play this game cos the oppo has has 2 hips replaced and two new knees in the last year or so, so anything other than 15-0 times 3 is a loss! Speaking of loss Tony decided that his oppo needed some more TLC in his recovery and let him win 15-11. But then the next one mega-TLC 15-9 down. Now this is where the lessons start, Tony decided that hips need to be run around so he went into whirlwind mode , with any occassional drop (cos no-one expect the spanish inquisition) easy points and won 15-12. Game on. Next one, 15-12. Now who's got the bottle,,,,,,,,,,,, (whiskey his oppo called for. Oxygen for Tony! ) well it was one way traffic, Tony had judged the tactics well, he knew oppo would tire and he did cos 5th game was 15-7. Great running and (some) good squash. Overall 3-2 Win

 

Scott (the sick athlete) limped on at 4, was fortunate he was playing another OAP in his oppo. But this one could run and put a mean ball down the line. He hadn't contended with Scott fierce determination. So altho the first game went to oppo 15-12 this was when Scott thought he was too ill to run around. Then he said, Im gonna do it anyway (cos Capt said he shouldn't lose even one game playing at 4) so he just ground oppo down by returning eveything and won 15-13, 15-9 and 15-9. Oppo was thoroughly disgusted and we were estatic! Overall win 3-1 (the story ends that Scott must have been ill cos he didn't even go down for his usual 5 helpings of curry! )

 

Dave (formerly known as Sicknote) now maskerading as Scott's Aston Martin (er) - Dave out to avenge last weeks defeat got off to a steady if not spectacular start winning the first 15/7 before he seemed to remember back to last week when he lost... The second game slipped away narrowly 15/13 which was a relief to Tony (marking under the new American rules system for the first time) because he wasn't sure what to do if it went to 14-14. Finally Dave remembered the power of the Vanquish (you get me now?) and threw the throttle down to win the next two 15/2 comfortably. Overall 3-1 Win. Well played Dave - same again in 2 weeks please (oh and don't drop a game)

 

Vince (mr Mercano never can spell it - but is he Chelsea's Scolarri in his yellow ket before we persuaded him to change into team colours) at 2, was up for it! The first game went all the way to the wire and beyond. Scoring is supposed to be to 15 but went to 19 before a clear winner was decided 19-17 down. Im not having that said Vince and promptly ran through to win 15-13. We were seeing a very determined and fit looking Vince. He didn't let oppo get away with any shot without chasing it down. He needed a rest in the 3rd game and let oppo win this one 15-8. But then back with avengence winning 17-15 ! Final game and in truth Vince needed his rest (curry) and was dreaming of tikka and poppadoms. This game drifted away from him and with the new scoring it is hard to get back in. We lost this one 15-6 and 3-2 Loss Overall. But by then we knew we had the overall victory so another 2 valuable points. Good battling !

 

Alan (the newly christened Terminator) at 1, had a point to prove tonight. With all the team (including eventually Vince) wearing official sponsored team colours (RED) Alan went for power and pace (F**k the finesse) just blow oppo away. Oppo had the cheek to be equally young as Alan (damn youngsters get everywhere) so he liked to run. This was never going to be an even contest if it was about fitness. First game Alan just dug in and won 15-9. Now fo rthe 2nd their guy listened to the team talk and tried using skill and Alan slipped by tring to match him. Oppo won 15-8. OK Alan go back to bash technique yes win 15-8. Now we are getting desperate stuff and some very close rallies went on forever with oppo just holding his nerve better to get 15-13. Final game of the evening and a great finale,,,,,,,, well as you know we got this one and it was down to sheer hard work and relentless hunting down the ball. Some fine returning down the wall and just not allowing oppo to get away with anything less than a perfect shot. Alan won 15-12 and with it his first victory for the team 3-2 WIN. Great squash well done

 

A good start was made with 2 wins from 2 games played but sadly the remaining games were not decided in our favour so the overall result was a 3-2 loss.

Scott (The Athlete) playing in his newly appointed position at 4, went off like a rocket, wanted to prove that he is going to win all his games in this position. With the new american scoring to 15, once you are ahead it is very difficult for the oppon to catch up. This proved to be the case here with Scott amassing the 15 points to his oppo's 5. Next game his opo got 6 and to add to the beautiful symetry of Scott's game he allowed his oppo 7 in the final game, to win 3-0. A great start!

Geoff (the Capt or Skippy) at 5, was playing the former Batchwood 2nd string's no. 1. First game with the new scoring was neck and neck but then a couple of quick points and geoff's neck was ahead winning 15-10. With a strong start the next game was quickly won 15-6. The third was not a formaility with some loose shots by the capt letting his oppo get away, which is hard to retrieve - 15-9 down. Final game and Capt drives into a good lead only to ease off too much and oppo hard on his tail. Ultimately a mistake by oppo on set point gave the 4th game to Geoff at 15-13. 3-1 win overall. Now that’s us 2-0 up !

Vince (Mr Migypio) at 2 started his new season's compaign on a lively note against a very fit oppo, but powerful drives and drops from oppo gave him the first game 15-6. Vince responded and got the 2nd game in 15-13 - a bit of a struggle but the correct outcome. In the 3rd Vince could not maintain his lead and slipped to 15-8 loss. The last game saw a concerted effort from V, loads of running but it was not to be with oppo winning 15-11. Overall 3-1 down.

Dave (formerly known as Sicknote) now maskerading as Scott's vanquisher for the no.3 slot, started well and matched his fit oppo all the way thru the ralleys and narrowly missed winning the first game15-12 down. In the second fired up Dave was missing that umphff needed to tak ethe game to the oppo and was mostly on the back foot, losing 15-10. Big effert required but it was not to be and 15-10 again was the score. Overall 3-0 down. Shame as we had high hopes in this string

Alan (newly named as the Terminator, as he kept coming back) at 1, came into the game with it finely poised at 2-2. This could be your time to shine! Chasing everything down he started to frustrate his oppo who responded by playing some fine drives into the back corner and won the first game 15-8. Foot fault was called by the umpire which briefly upset the onslaught Alan was making on the oppo. Ultimately drives into the back corners were taking their toll and the 2nd game slipped to 15-9. Do or die was the motto for the third game. No fears Alan was soon eating up the dust around the court and points were clocking up. An unfortunate missed drop just took the sting out of Alan's surge and some fine drives to the back corners meant that oppo just managed to win this game before he became physically unable to continue - he was knackered. Score 15-13 Overall 3-0 loss but Alan should take great heart from his performance here in the top slot. Next oppo better beware !

Overall we won 2 but lost 3. Not too bad. The new scoring didn't seem to have too much impact