We were scheduled to play Wanderers, but they called on the afternoon of the game to say that they could not put a team together.
Have made tentative plans to play them on the 26th of this month.
Final result
10th LEAGUE vs Wits
Maybe it was the alignment of the stars. Maybe it was the good, crisp, clean air of the home courts. Maybe it was the awesome and unstoppable talent of the mighty tenth league. Whatever the reason, this week saw us change a gear and get back on track against an admittedly weaker-than-usual Wits team.
No. 2 Tom vs Andre: Obviously rearing to go, Tom had his opponent 2 zip down by the time I got there. Clean hitting, good angles and never letting a mistake go unpunished saw Tom through to an easy victory, only dropping seven points in the process. Won 3-0.
No. 3 Phil A vs Andrew: Despite limited playing time for the last couple of weeks, Phil was straight down to business shooting two games up 9-2, 9-0. And here slipped in a few moments of madness where he let his opposite number in with a sniff of glory and let one game go. From there though, he must have decided that there were pressing matters to attend to and closed out the match quickly. Won 3-1.
No. 4 Nigel vs Ruben: Not much of a match to speak of. Ruben gives the impression of being something of a beginner who will probably be a lot better on the return leg of the league. This time though, he didn’t offer much resistance. Nigel won 3-0.
No. 1 Steph vs Jaycee: Playing last and with the match already won, the pressure was off Steph and he could have been kind and let Wits get some consolation points. But he didn’t. Of course, it helps to drive away any possible sympathies when you’re playing against someone who feels he has to spell his initials. There were a couple of good rallies but Steph’s boasts and tight drives proved too much. The fist pumping and shouts of anguish from Jaycee couldn’t save him. Steph won 3-1.
So, an unusually obsequious report, but deservedly so. Let’s hope the momentum carries through to next week.
Final result 16-2
No. 2 Tom vs Andre: Obviously rearing to go, Tom had his opponent 2 zip down by the time I got there. Clean hitting, good angles and never letting a mistake go unpunished saw Tom through to an easy victory, only dropping seven points in the process. Won 3-0.
No. 3 Phil A vs Andrew: Despite limited playing time for the last couple of weeks, Phil was straight down to business shooting two games up 9-2, 9-0. And here slipped in a few moments of madness where he let his opposite number in with a sniff of glory and let one game go. From there though, he must have decided that there were pressing matters to attend to and closed out the match quickly. Won 3-1.
No. 4 Nigel vs Ruben: Not much of a match to speak of. Ruben gives the impression of being something of a beginner who will probably be a lot better on the return leg of the league. This time though, he didn’t offer much resistance. Nigel won 3-0.
No. 1 Steph vs Jaycee: Playing last and with the match already won, the pressure was off Steph and he could have been kind and let Wits get some consolation points. But he didn’t. Of course, it helps to drive away any possible sympathies when you’re playing against someone who feels he has to spell his initials. There were a couple of good rallies but Steph’s boasts and tight drives proved too much. The fist pumping and shouts of anguish from Jaycee couldn’t save him. Steph won 3-1.
So, an unusually obsequious report, but deservedly so. Let’s hope the momentum carries through to next week.
Final result 16-2
9th league vs. Bryanston
The “poisonous pen” is back from yet another life-threatening injury.
On first and supposedly leading from the front was our “cappy” Pete Fillmore. 1st game 9-0, second game 9-3 – all too easy – on next was “ek” – better start warming up, however Pete makes a few mistakes and “gives” the third 7-9……and the 4th 5-9 and so on to the 5th…………..leads 7-5, gets to 7 all, bit of a d*ng-d*ng, gets “moeg” and hands it 7-9.
Bad luck Pete…………like “hell”
Anyway on next is the sports reporter……….whipped him 3-0……..enough said.
Up next is our man Graham Vermaak (GV). Last years record – played 15, won……..not many, lost……..plenty.
GV informs all that this is a “new” GV……well…….the warm up indicates that he shouldn’t have a problem and therefore should comfortable whip his oppo.
To cut a long story short GV lost 1-3.
At the aftermatch drinks it was suggested, very subtely I might add, by Mr ‘anonymous’ that “Poffadder” 7ths were looking for a player - and would he like to apply – remembering not to submit his 2007 record.
So our top 2 lost what should have been easy .
On at the same time is “sore shoulder, sore arm, sore ankle, no brain, bent and buckled and very slow about the court” Big G – Gavin Martin.
Loses the first comfortably, wins the 2nd just, loses the 3rd comfortably, wins the 4th just, and on to the 5th, however, and Pete le Roux – you must be forgiven for intimating that Big G gave a “classy performance” in his last outing – as we had to ask Wits to open the big gate to let him in, his head was so big.
This was neither classy nor good for the team as we were now level pegging at 8 all.
5th goes to 7 all and Big G is “buggered” to say the least……………and in fact……………@#$&*%............playing against a chappy by the name of Roy………well with the help of the umpire who shall remain anonymous, gets ‘given’ a dubious stroke advantage at 8-7 (referred afterwards as RobRoy) and wins 9-7.
Match result: 11-8
8th League vs. Wendywood
Old Chinese proverb --- "he who arrives first calls the shots." Their nos' 2, 3 and 4 were waiting. So I again selected pole position at # 4. But again just to easy --- was all over in 10 minutes and 3 -- 0 up.
Followed up by Nic Papa at # 3 who showed great consistency by winning the second 9 - 0 and then losing the third 1 - 9. But he pulled it together in a good game and took it 3 -- 1.
Paul Fallon then slotted in at no 2 and for the second week in a row enjoyed a great 5 setter eventually just managing to lose 2 -- 3.
Bruce B brought up the rear at no 1 and humbled a good opponent --- The last king of Scotland look-alike ---- with relative ease. 3 -- 0 was the score.
So on the march with an overall 14 -- 4 win.
Finished off a good evening with our snot sniveler friends of 9th league fame at Nunos.
Match score: 14-4
Followed up by Nic Papa at # 3 who showed great consistency by winning the second 9 - 0 and then losing the third 1 - 9. But he pulled it together in a good game and took it 3 -- 1.
Paul Fallon then slotted in at no 2 and for the second week in a row enjoyed a great 5 setter eventually just managing to lose 2 -- 3.
Bruce B brought up the rear at no 1 and humbled a good opponent --- The last king of Scotland look-alike ---- with relative ease. 3 -- 0 was the score.
So on the march with an overall 14 -- 4 win.
Finished off a good evening with our snot sniveler friends of 9th league fame at Nunos.
Match score: 14-4
7th League vs. Southern Suburbs
We all packed our bags and passports and headed out to the Sunny Southern Suburbs for a nice game of squash. Being friendly blokes, we had no problem at passport control although there was a small suspected steroid issue picked up at Customs, but we got through that after Andy admitted to needing the paste for his teeth.
Andy went on first and played some guy who looked like he had just got out of bed. Wearing silky shorts with cartoon characters on it clearly reminded Andy of a nasty experience in Boy Scouts, and the poor Chamber player looked like he could not hit a barn door with a shotgun, finally succumbing to the pyjama crusader, 3-0.
Next was Manie, who played a handy older player. In his usual "never say die" style, Manie punched above his weight class, and pulled off a stunning 3-2 Victory. His opponent got quite a few 'come hither' smiles from some of the ladies in the crowd, as he managed to be on top for a whole game, and still did not come first. Manie never led the final game, coming back from 8-3 down, to win 10-9.
George went on next, and continued his run of good form of late, crushing his opponent 3-0.
Then, on came the 'import' and ex team member, Duncan 'what you mean no let ?" le Grange, who met the second tennis player the team have met in two weeks. It was an awesome game, but in the end, the guy with the bigger lungs (not Duncan) emerged the winner, 3-1. His opponent had the most deceptive passing shot down the left side of the court, and he was a lefty as well, confusing both the player and marker on occasion. Lots of clean hitting by both resulted in a great spectacle.
So a narrow defeat to the 'burbs. There is always next time tho.
Match score: 7-10
Andy went on first and played some guy who looked like he had just got out of bed. Wearing silky shorts with cartoon characters on it clearly reminded Andy of a nasty experience in Boy Scouts, and the poor Chamber player looked like he could not hit a barn door with a shotgun, finally succumbing to the pyjama crusader, 3-0.
Next was Manie, who played a handy older player. In his usual "never say die" style, Manie punched above his weight class, and pulled off a stunning 3-2 Victory. His opponent got quite a few 'come hither' smiles from some of the ladies in the crowd, as he managed to be on top for a whole game, and still did not come first. Manie never led the final game, coming back from 8-3 down, to win 10-9.
George went on next, and continued his run of good form of late, crushing his opponent 3-0.
Then, on came the 'import' and ex team member, Duncan 'what you mean no let ?" le Grange, who met the second tennis player the team have met in two weeks. It was an awesome game, but in the end, the guy with the bigger lungs (not Duncan) emerged the winner, 3-1. His opponent had the most deceptive passing shot down the left side of the court, and he was a lefty as well, confusing both the player and marker on occasion. Lots of clean hitting by both resulted in a great spectacle.
So a narrow defeat to the 'burbs. There is always next time tho.
Match score: 7-10
6ththLeague “B”(Best) vs Bryanston
Off to Bryanston to play against the team that the 7th league managed to skip in the second half of last year. Once the league was finished and the 7th league team had won Colin was still trying to arrange this game that we missed earlier in the season.
Arrived at the club and the German stalwart was there, Reiner Moosemuller (played at Chamber many years ago). We had a grudge match to play so decided to take the court in the number 2 slot. I was 5-0 down and decided to wake up and take the next 9 points so 9-5 in the first. Second game was similar 4-0 down and then the drives and cross courts took their toll 9-6 to me. At this stage Reiner had all but given up so it was 9-0. Reiner promised a better game on the return. Chamber 3-0.
Flip took the court next at no 3 and questioned whether he was being used as a sacrifice, the answer was no. Now with such faith in the player he had to deliver. The first one seemed quite simple as his opponent kept hitting the tin 9-4 to Flip. The opponent was now getting his range but the old Flip started to emerge with nicks a plenty and lots of running 10-8 to Flip. Now the opponent was turning up the heat but Flip was up to the running, I think Flip had a game point or two against him but held up very well and won 10-8. A good result Chamber 3-0
Dirk on next against a rather large Steve. I think the optical illusion did it for Dirk, he tried to run Steve around and Steve responded by running and playing some good shots. First game 3-9. More of the same in the second but still Steve never tired and this frustrated Dirk 6-9. Time to change strategy and keep the rallies going, big effort in the last game but just came up short 7-9 Chamber 0-3 (Dirk will have to attend the next training session).
Phil on next and the picture changed somewhat with the last match. Phil was determined to prevent Vic from getting a sniff. In superb form Phil outplayed Vic and the match was done and dusted (not sure if either of them managed to build up much of a sweat) 9-3 9-1 9-1 Chamber 3-0
Had a lovely supper with great bunch of guys in a pub around the corner from Bryanston club
Match result : 8-13
6thLeague “A”(Absolutely Awesome) vs Old Eds
Ron fought hard to share the first two games but faded away badly in the final two games (1-3).
In the match up of the two number ones, Tony from Old Eds saw his grey haired opponent (John) and promptly put on a long sleeved shirt, scared that he might catch a chill. How wrong he proved to be in the first two games as he did well to scrape 4 points together. Unfortunately John went walkabout for the next two games and gifted them to his opponent (including a humiliating game to love). One severe reprimand later and a determined John reversed the downward trend and took the final game quite comfortably (3-2). (In an early contender for the COTY award, John tries not one, but two shots through his legs in the same point and misses them both and then has the temerity to ask for a let!)
On next, Richard, against old codger, Jeremy. There was only one player in it in the first game and it wasn’t Jeremy. As I am wont to do, every second shot seemed to find the tin and the second game was lost. In a war of attrition and countless hands in and out, I eventually managed squeeze the next two games for a 3-1 win.
With the games 7-6 in our favour going into the final match any result was possible. No pressure on Gavin as he turned on the class in the battle of the big hitters taking the first two games in some style. With a match point in the third game, Gav looked to wrap it all up smartly but his opponent had other ideas and the game was eventually lost 9-10. A demoralised Gavin was hammered in the fourth. With the pressure now really on and, for the second week in a row, the result of the match overall hung on the outcome of the final game. A quick sum and the answer was clear – Gavin needed four points to secure a win. Now what does one does his team do in this situation?
- Not tell Gavin anything in case it puts too much pressure on him or;
- Tell Gavin he needs four points or;
- Tell Gavin he needs five points
Final result 11-9. (Ron tried his best to explain that he knew that his one game was all he needed to get but the rest of us were believing none of it).
With the time at almost 23:00, dinner was out of the question and everyone headed their separate ways.
PS. Squash lesson no 153 – never trust your team when they tell you how many points you need to win in the final game. Just make sure you win the game.
Match result : 11-9
5th LEAGUEvs Bryanston
Trevor won 3-0
Vevek won 3-1
Dave won 3-1
Chris won 3-1
Dave went on first and pulled on all his depleted reserves to prevent the match going to 5, and so in all likelihood losing.
Chris was forced to play after his tough Argus. Actually playing well, coasting a win (pun?)
Trevor powered out an off form Quinton.
Vevek's match plan was to run for everything to exhaust their usual, but unfit, no. 1 Jan. Which he achieved after the first game, even though he lost it. I'm sure my saying that Jan was playing the fittest man in the club (sorry Loake) saw Jan go down from there.
Match Result: 16-3
Vevek won 3-1
Dave won 3-1
Chris won 3-1
Dave went on first and pulled on all his depleted reserves to prevent the match going to 5, and so in all likelihood losing.
Chris was forced to play after his tough Argus. Actually playing well, coasting a win (pun?)
Trevor powered out an off form Quinton.
Vevek's match plan was to run for everything to exhaust their usual, but unfit, no. 1 Jan. Which he achieved after the first game, even though he lost it. I'm sure my saying that Jan was playing the fittest man in the club (sorry Loake) saw Jan go down from there.
Match Result: 16-3
3rd LEAGUE vs Old Eds
Francisco played Mark, who became the first player to get a game off our champ. At 1 all, Mark was 8-1 up in the 3rd, but Francisco managed to run Mark down and win 3-1.
Willem played Wayne and played with a purpose; having a longish first he then cleaned up in the next 2 to win 3-0.
Jeff played Paul who started terribly and was making many mistakes. Jeff can’t bring himself to win in 3 and made a game of it by losing the 3rd and 4th to make it 2 all. But he held the final game after running Paul’s battery flat and won 3-2.
Gary played Chris, and after being 2-0 up ended up losing 9-7 in the 5th. Pity, this cost the team 2 points.
Match Result: 14-6
Willem played Wayne and played with a purpose; having a longish first he then cleaned up in the next 2 to win 3-0.
Jeff played Paul who started terribly and was making many mistakes. Jeff can’t bring himself to win in 3 and made a game of it by losing the 3rd and 4th to make it 2 all. But he held the final game after running Paul’s battery flat and won 3-2.
Gary played Chris, and after being 2-0 up ended up losing 9-7 in the 5th. Pity, this cost the team 2 points.
Match Result: 14-6
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