No 1 - Brian. Played a young guy who still needs to mature his squash mind and was not troubled at all. Won easily in three.
No 2 - Paddy. Pretty much ditto to match above. No problem in three.
No 3 - Bob. Ditto again. Not even sweating in three.
No 4 - John. Had the easiest of all as his opponent didn't pitch so had a walkover.
Final result : 16 - 0
No report but….
Paul won 3-0
Johan lost 2-3
Roger lost 2-3 (from 2-1 up)
Keith lost 2-3 (from 2-1 up as well)
Final result : 9 - 12
There was a series of unfortunate events (sickness, business trips, general unavailability) that saw three of our regular members unable to play this week. Luckily, we had Phil Piper back from a long absence and Gabriel to lend a hand. It was to be a long trek out to the Edenvale courts through traffic thick and fast slow. Last time we played this particular team, they were unable to raise a full team and we ended up playing only 3 of them.
As it turns out that was 3 more than this time as they failed to pitch altogether. All their team members had cells phones switched to voice mail too (still waiting for a reply to the messages I left)…
So we had a couple of friendly games against their 11th A league side and among ourselves in an attempt to make the trip worthwhile. Meanwhile our 11th league was cleaning up their 11th B League on the court next door.
Final result :16 - 0
A bit of news…………the ‘upmarket……..upstanding gentlemen from 8B and their partners’ got invited by their cappy Pete Filmore to a “well deserved” I might add……..break away to a “lodge in a private game reserve nogal” adjacent to the Kruger NP.
(I HAD TO DELETE PHOTOS AS IT MADE THE MAIL TOO BIG)
Splendid indeed it was (note the wine bottle……..Peter Fillmores private collection……..,yes, you are quite right……..thats what the label says………..quite lekker being associated with the upmarket folk !!!!) however, too much to drink and far too much to eat had an adverse effect on some of us………which needless to say……….meant agility went missing.
Well up first was our cappy Pete Fillmore and after a extended bout of flu and feeling the effects of the away trip…………..all proved too much and he succumbed 1 – 3.
This needed to be rectified which the ‘sports reporter duly did 3 – 0……..easy stuff.
Matches even…….games 4 – 3……….this might be a problem………let me tell you why……..
On at the same time is Pete le Roux and Graham Vermaak (GV)………
Pete starts off by going 2 – duck up……….then the fitness starts to tell………next thing 2 all, but Pete rises to the occasion and manages to squeeze in 3 – 2. Well done Pete.
Whats left……………..our man GV………….
Lets start…………..”get me to the church on time”…………’ I’m getting married in the’…….
That’s it ………….the man is getting married………….so what happens………..we don’t pitch up for practice……..we don’t care……….why…………….
Pre natal classes……………nappy talk……….shopping together……….
End result he gets klapped by someone he would easily beat 1 - 3. Anyway a pleasant evening was rounded off at ‘Gino’s’ in the dodgy south.
Match result : 10 - 8
Our captain was away celebrating with a meal for his daughter’s 21st birthday; plausible excuse! In steps Mike trying to impress. Bruce fresh from his Victoria Falls marathon and white water rafting survival course hits the boards first. Obviously an adjustment in sporting discipline as Bruce lost the first game trying to dot the “i” in the Sandton Properties advertising on the tin. His helicopter pilot opponent tried to repeat his winning form but came short as Bruce reeled off the next three games. Paul and Mike played on adjacent courts with two different outcomes. Paul won the first; dozed in the next two and woke up for the last two, rubber won. Mike played an oke that did not make mistakes (boring!) which belied his age; much less than half Mike’s. Mike wins the first, loses the next two then winds up in the fourth saving 8, yes 8 match points. Buoyed by his success, leaps to 14-10 in the fifth, match in the bag. Blimey, he emulates George from last week and plays like an Rsoled squared, snatching, no, rather kidnapping, defeat from the jaws of victory, can’t manage to win one more measly point, loses the next 6 points and the match. What a Checkers trolley! Mark then takes on Tinash and restores sensibility to the night and after a first game hiccup thrashes Tinash, who had contemplated playing for Chamber after last year’s summer league and probably regrets the decision. The team gets 14 valuable points, 2 more than the home game. Could have been 16 if Mike had not cotyed!
Squash Tip of the Week
If you are going to talk the ball early you have to hit it!
#1: Mark vs. Tinash, 3-1: 17-19, 15-8, 15-10, 15-6
#2: Bruce vs. Andrew, 3-1: 11-15, 15-9, 15-13, 17-15
#3: Paul vs. Sean 3-2: 15-12, 10-15, 13-15, 15-6, 15-11
#4: Michael vs. Sirbio, 2-3: 15-12, 8-15, 14-16. 17-15, 14-16
Match score: 14-7
With our 4th league side having a full side for the first time in recent memory, we enlisted the help of our two ringers in the form of John and Dave. Regrettably our ringers were not on top form on the night.
Dave got on the court early before any of his team mates could see him throw away a two love lead. It was touch and go in the fourth with Dave losing it 14-16 but the wheels fell off in the fifth and his opponent ran away with it (2-3)
The other Chris went on next and despite winning the first, the next three were down hill from there. At the end of the game there was much grumbling about the tin being at least an inch too high! (1-3)
The Silver Fox then took on young William at no 1. John stormed into the lead and was looking invincible while leading at 11-9 only for Old Eds to use their old trick of turning off the lights to break the opponent’s rhythm. It worked and John didn’t win another point in the game. The next two didn’t get any better as John battled to stay in the game. After a straight sets loss, there were more grumblings, this time about demands of a gender test, just to make sure that he hadn’t been beaten by a woman. (0-3)
With the match lost, on went Captain Rich in a titanic battle to end the evening. A 6-15 hiding for Rich in the first game did not bode well but he hung in in the second to pip it 17-15. The next two games were shared to take it into the decider. It was a ding dong affair but ultimately Rich played the big points a bit better and had the luck on his side to squeak home against a very dejected Arne. (3-2)
A dismal loss was made that much more palatable by a yummy steak egg and chips.
Match result : 6 - 14
Jeff on first - after looking like he had nothing left in the 5th won 3-2.
Vivek next, not his best game - lost 3-0.
Ryan managed his first win of the second half 3-1.
Phil needed to win for the team win, but not to be, losing 3-2 after doing all the hard work (against Sven van Rie – and he was 13-9 up in the last)
Match result : 8 - 11
We played the 2nd Parkview side in the league and managed a similar result to the first half. Mike played first against Lee Pearson, and although hurt himself in the 3rd, managed to hang on and win 3-2. Francis played next against Matthew, ran him to exhaustion, and won comfortably, although some close games.
Willem played next, was 2-0 up and let the next one slip; but came back to win the 4th. Gary played last against Chris Middleton, managed 1 decent game, but was generally not in the match.
Francisco: 3-1
Gary: 1-3
Mike: 3-2
Willem: 3-1
Match Result: 13 - 7
Sonnell lost 1-3
Caroline won 3-1
Another won 3-0
Belinda won 3-0
3 points behind the leaders, Randburg…………….and guess who the final match is against!!!!!!!!!!
Overall result 13 - 4
Julie lost 0-3
Heather won 3-0
Josephone lost 0-3
Jenny won 3-1
Overall result: 6 - 9
A couple of teams are vying for honours this season.
The Ladies 4th league are 3 points behind the leaders with 2 matches to play. Keep going Ladies.
7th league are 4 points behind Winchester having won the last 7 games on the trot. The last match of the season is against Winchester and so could be the decider.
8th lge are 3rd but a fair distance behind the top 2 teams
9th lge are also 3rd by 4 points also but have a game in hand – so all to play for
By the way a COTY nomination for Gary Alter – our computer guru. He went to the “Results Entering” training a couple of weeks ago, told me it was simple so don’t bother going. He entered the 3rd leagues teams results last week and managed to give the team 15 points – an impossible score as you well know. Well done Gary.
Brian - No1 - Never disappoints us does Brian. Played his heart out to win 3/0.
Paddy - No2 - Played a ringer brought in from above who was too good for 11th League. Paddy played well and did get a game but went down 1/3. Not disgraced.
Des - No3 - Played a good player who didn't let Des in at all. Lost 0/3
Bob - No4 - Played the same player he beat in the first round but not this time! Lost 1/3.
Pity the two's, three's and four's don't take a leaf out of Brian's book and put some fight into their games!
Final result :
No report but….
Paul lost 0-3
Johan lost 1-3
Gabriel won 3-0
Johan M lost 2-3
Final result : 6 - 12
Being forced to drive to Alberton twice in a season is cruel and unusual punishment. I forget which Alberton side we played this week, but I don't think it matters.
Captain Ginger arrived from Rustenburg looking very ready for a long holiday; part time number 3 (moi - that's Phil A., not Nigel) arrived even later from Telkom-strike-torn downtown Tshwane; and no-one was sure if the most-solid-number-4-in-the-
So Brennan "I must remember never to attempt another drop shot from the T" Babb rushed on at no. 2, being the only team member to arrive earlier than horrendously late. And a darn good fight he put up. But a mammoth rally at about 12-12 in the 5th effectively killed our Brennan dood, and he slipped to a 3-2 defeat.
The most-solid-number-4-in-the-
Then, via some innovative decision-making, a tired Captain Ginger ended up playing 3 without me protesting at all. Captain cleaned up his female opponent 3 zip. And not a moment too soon, since I was moered 3-zip by their no. 1. I did, however, get quite a few points.
Phil A. 0 - 3 Harry
Brennan 2 - 3 William
Nigel 3 - 0 Lizel
Steph 3 - 0 Andy
So we won 10 - 6 and may still be on track to win this thing.
Final result :10 - 6
A slightly warmer Chamber exiles welcomed the explosive team from Modderfontein. They brought a substitute, not for the match but for the meal afterwards, Pete van Domgen. Mike on court first after a 10 week layoff caused by a UK holiday (superb and he nearly did not come back) and swine flu (that’s what he said it felt like, must have been the curly tail). He took the first game under the impression it was best of one, then lost the next three. Not one shot down the wall, all cross courts which made Mike equally cross.
Paul restored the balance with an excellent retrieving game.
On goes Nic who won the first game through a dazzling display of taking the ball early which continued into the mid point of the second game. Unfortunately the wheels then came off; something to do with his shorts. Hardly shorts as, yes, on anyone else they would be shorts but on Nic they come halfway down his shins. This is apparently the fashion and whilst in Greece he is going to pick up more paddle pushers. We can’t wait.
All eyes on Mark who faced up to Arne needing a win. The oke was too skilled notwithstanding a less than fit-looking, paunch adorned physique. Mark nearly wore him out through constant fetching, but the rubber did not last long enough to gain the benefit. Mark’s first loss of the season despite some excellent advice from George after the second “you must win the last point of the next game!”
Not a bad result against a team second in the table. Two and a half times better than our sister team; and then those 2 points were scored by George!
Squash Tip of the Week
Cross court drives are a waste of time unless your opponent is on your side of the court.
#1: Mark vs. Arne, 0-3: 9-15, 11-15, 9-15
#2: Nic vs. Sean, 1-3: 15-12, 10-15, 8-15, 4-15
#3: Paul vs. Paul: 3-1: 15-13, 8-15, 15-10, 15-11
#4: Michael vs. Vaughn: 1-3: 15-12, 11-15, 4-15, 8-15
.
Match score: 5-13
Good win for the 7th against Edenvale (beat us first round)!!
16-2
Duncan,Le Grange- vs. Mark,DAVIS-
15-4 15-9 17-15
Duncan’s good form continuing and really outclassed Mark on the court. (3-0)
Gerhard,Botha- vs. Greg,WHYTE-
15-13 15-12 15-6
Finally a win for the scribe(what a performance under pressure)! (3-0)
Stuart,Vey- vs. Jeremy,Eaton-
17-15 15-12 15-12
Stuart playing only his second game after the hammy injury had no problem with Jeremy. Stuart had to leave early to attend to his 26 year old wife….(3-0)
Jacques,van Jaarsveld- vs. Mike,Lawrenson-
15-9 15-6 15-17 15-17 15-7
Jacques went 2 up without a problem and then lost his mojo. Found it again in the last with the help of Myprodol and won! (3-2)
Pizzas and beer at Nuno’s the real winner for the evening!
From
THE SCRIBE
Match score: 16 - 2
(2) Chris moved to 2 to get the ball rolling took on Sharon. Chris did well to take the second game but a recent bout of flu took its toll on Chris and he ran out legs losing it in four. (1-3)
(4) Gavin Bowes filled in for us again, coming up against the awkward lefty, Gary. Gavin should have won comfortably in straight sets but carelessly lost the second. Ultimately a clean hitting Gavin had too much fire power. (3-1)
(1) Rich was promoted to 1 against Mark and was competitive up till about 10 all but sadly we play to 15. The third game was horrid as Rich collapsed and rolled over and played dead. (0-3)
(3) And so to the match of the evening when Flip came up against Tony knowing that a straight sets win would see the match go to a points count out. All went according to plan as Flip comfortably took the first but then contrived to lose the next two. By Flip taking the fourth, the match moved in to the deciding fifth set. Now Flip is about half Tony’s size and is considerably fitter, judging by the heavy breathing coming from Tony throughout. Flip seemed to have it all wrapped up at 13-9 with Tony floundering but then Flip tightened up, made a couple of unforced errors and allowed Tony back in and he took it with open arms (15-13). (2-3)
Match result : 6 - 13
Jeff against Toby was a 3-hour 5-stter in the making. However Jeff was still injured, but after his sterling victory last week, thought that this week would more of the same. Toby had a different idea, however and although Jeff got a game, the Old Eds courts didn’t lend themselves to playing winners. Toby picked everything up (as usual) and ran out a 3-1 winner.
Vevek on next against Greg at 2 put in a much improved performance but again was not fit enough and lost 0-3.!!
The Silver Fox, then went on against Dave Lazer knowing a 3-0 was needed to give the P……..cock a chance in the last match. A 3-0 was duly and clinically delivered.
So all the P…cock needed was a 3-0. Easy against Rob Halstead!!!!! Not quite – any loose shot and Rob put it away. Dave was running around in circles getting very tired and couldn’t play enough drops to keep Rob on the back foot. Although the P got a game and was close in the 4th, Rob closed out the match 3-1.
Match result : 5 - 12
We played at Chamber, but at around 4 pm I got a call that they only had 2 players. Last time we did this (against UJ) Francis and Willem lost 3-0 each (am I allowed to say each?) and we went to a points count – with opposition only having 2 players. But we played, and won comfortably.
Francis played first, not much of a contest. Quick and easy.
Mike played next against Mike (both lefties) and was doing OK, but ended up losing 1-3. (At least Bryanston went away with 3 points.)
Willem and Gary played each other – and stopped at 2 all.
By the way a COTY nomination for Gary Alter – our computer guru. He went to the “Results Entering” training a couple of weeks ago, told me it was simple so don’t bother going. He entered the 3rd leagues teams results last week and managed to give the team 15 points – an impossible score as you well know. Well done Gary.
Francisco: 3-0
Mike: 1-3
Willem: 3-0 (walk over)
Gary: 3-0 (walk over)
Match Result: 13 - 3