Another great win and that’s 5 out of 5 for the “All Blacks”
Kelvin won 3-0
Francesco won 3-1
Mwansa won 3-0
Stan won 3-2
 |
| The Chamber "All Blacks" |
By the way, this team is currently lying 2nd on the overall log.
Match Result: 16 - 3
2nd LEAGUE vs Winchester
Our first home game of the season. Mike postponed his game with Grant Bourne. We await the result.
Willem played Alan Eve, ‘just a walk in the park’. I think the training Willem did last Thursday at Eds paid off.
Jeff played Neil Buckle, dropped the 2nd, but seemed too fit for Neil.
Ryan played Hans Mordt, hard 5-setter, but just couldn’t win in the end.
Mike: (postponed)
Willem: 3-0
Jeff: 3-1
Ryan: 2-3
Result: TBA (but we win)
Match result : 8 – 4 (+ Mike result)
4th League vs Old Eds
Chris promoted to number 2 as there was no other matching pair, looked like he needed the run after his travels and went down easily 3 – 0. Vevek went on next and played Owen, competitive 2ndgame but did not have the fitness to keep up with the youngster, went down 3 – 0. Dave still recovering from flu played Darryl at number 4, too good for Darryl even with flu, won 3 – 1. Flip arriving quite late played Michelle, played very well in an entertaining match but lost in 5 games.
1) Vevek 0-3
2) Chris 0-3
3) Flip 2-3
4) Dave 3 -1
Match result : 5 - 13
5th League “the G Team” vs Southern Suburbs
TinyG still off with the dreaded lurgy so again our reliable reserve FurG filled in. This week he was in deadly form, and having to go out for dinner, with his long-lost sister, he smashed his oppo 3-0.
LG then took on an old Paul who hits the ball twice as hard as Ryan but not in the tin as much. LG tried hard to control the ball but with it zooming around to all corners of the court life was difficult. A special award(??) to LG at the end of the season for refusing to accept a clear stroke from the marker when game ball up in the 2nd. There is a limit to the Chamber sportsmanship LG. Life was not good again this week with a 3-0 loss.
G-string starting to show his class this season took his match 3-0 fairly easily, leaving G-spot only needing a game to win the match – should be easy huh. Well…………2 games later that was not the case with G-spot looking rattled. But it’s never over till the Fat Man sings (that was you BigG) and G-string offered to buy supper if he won. So the next 2 were won and with his oppo looking tired and demoralized the 5th should be easy. Not so – eventually a 3-2 loss for G-Spot for the 1st loss this season.
Excellent meal at Doppios as usual celebrated the win with half of Chamber.
Match result : 10 - 6
6th League A vs Old Eds
Stuart went on first at 2, lost to Halil 3 -1 but with silly mistakes in the fourth, squandered a chance to win.
Next up at 1 Gavin was looking good against Shawn, hoping to neutralise Stuarts loss, but his younger, lanky opponent put paid to those aspirations, Gavin going down 3 - 2.
Steph, up from 7th, came on at 3 and played an unlikely looking Dhiren, who's dress code cleverly concealed the fact that he had a zillion sneaky shots up his grey pullover sleave. 3 - 1 down.
Cage Fight II didn't materialise as Jacques went down 3 - 2 to Roland Skinner who simply smashed his way to victory on the night.
Better pairings may have produced a different outcome, but if my aunty had balls.....
Court:1 Winner:Wits University WU04
SHAWN,VAN NIEKERK- vs. Gavin,Geldenhuys-
10-15 15-7 7-15 15-8 15-13
Court:2 Winner:Wits University WU04
Halil,Yilmaz- vs. Stuart,Vey-
15-12 15-7 10-15 15-13
Court:3 Winner:Wits University WU04
Dhiren,Parbhoo- vs. I,Substitute-
15-8 5-15 15-10 15-6
Court:4 Winner:Wits University WU04
ROLAND,SKINNER- vs. Jacques,van Jaarsveld-
15-12 15-12 13-15 15-2
Match result : 5 - 16
6th B League vs Wanderers
Been a tough couple of weeks and we were looking to get back to winning ways, but we were up against the 2nd on the log Wanderers so it would always be a battle. Seems that the players parents must have consulted the same books when naming their progeny as there were 3 Bruces and 2 Phils on the night. Made supporting a bit of a challenge.
No 4. Nigel vs Bruce #1 (from Wanderers). Two weeks lay-off did no favours to my game and I made heavy weather out of beating a determined opponent. All points were hard fought with Bruce winning the first and third games and me having to come back to win the last two. There was pressure from the gallery as well with the chairman threatening to sully my good reputation if I lost. My couch potato fitness levels didn’t make it any easier, but I managed to take the last game comfortably 15-13. Nigel won (3-2).
No 2. Mark vs Louis. Mark was up against the managing editor of FHM who was in a tearing hurry to get back to the office to sort something (or somebody) out. Mark was close on the first game, but totally out of it for the rest as Louis pulled off some drop shots that kept as low to the ground as a hookers knickers. With these unplayable shots aiding him, Louis kept Mark form getting a grip on the game and it was over in short order. Mark lost (0-3).
No 3. Bruce Bydawell vs Bruce #2 (from Wanderers). These two players had more in common than their names, with their style of play being almost identical. Whirlwind fast, fitter than Achilles and with tight, hard shots. So basically it all went down like this: Bruce takes the first game, but Bruce isn’t thrown and comes back in the second strongly to put Bruce in back his place. The third and fourth games are similar with Bruce playing some great length interspersed with the odd timely lob, while Bruce chased hard and had the occasional breath-taking burst of speed to keep him in contention. In the end it was all a bit too much for Bruce and he lost with Bruce winning. Bruce won (3-1).
No 1. Phil vs Phil (from Wanderers). It was left to the last game of the evening to see who took the honours. Alves started stronglyand looked in good nick giving us a hopeful start. But these Wanderers chumps are determined and his opponent came back just as strongly. Some long rallies saw both players tiring, but keeping going regardless. Eventually it was some marginal errors which saw Wanderers winning. Phil lost (1-3)
Then it was off to Doppios to join the other Chamber masses. We may have to find a new venue for the customary post-match mastication as there have already been questions asked over the reason for the gathering of men at Doppios on a Tuesday night. The suspicions of outsiders are that it is the after-party of a pink parade… Although, anyone who has seen the squash shorts of Mr Crossman must know that there is no way he could be gay with that dress sense.
Match score: 7 - 11
7th A League vs. UJ
Having heard all the various stories about playing away against UJ, we entered their parched and barren land wondering if we could survive without a drink or a social chow-down (ultimately the reason why we all play squash) which is like satisfying the munchies after having fueled your addiction.
As fate would have it, we had the same team as last week when we relegated the No: 2 on the log to No: 6 and now UJ are the incumbent No: 2’s.
Would history repeat itself - could we write our names in the history books as “The No: 2 Slayers”? Or not?! Read on at your peril should you wish to hear our woeful tale…?
Wasn’t all that crazy about the claustrophobic orange hued courts where I had to clear the floor before play started – 5 x wine gums, 1 x smartie, 1 x pen nib, 1 x pen barrel, 1 x used tissue and 1 x chewing gum stuck to the floor. Tut-tut!
No: 2 - Gary on against Dehan, a strong strapping youngster who hit the ball sooooo hard and deep and I was intimidated, shaken and unable to hit the ball and I lost the warm-up, needless to say, I went down in the match itself with a bit of a fight in the third but ultimately I was completely outclassed. Bad news is that my winning streak has ended. Good news was that he bought me a drink and called me “Sir” – don’t you just love the well mannered youth? (0-3)
No: 4 - George on the adjacent court against Tyler and my understanding was that it wasn’t even a contended match – over and done with in a flash and George didn’t even manage to develop a proper thirst. Plucking a feather out of Peacock’s cap, George is sitting on a 4 match winning streak, a 92% game win ratio and a 4.75 Chamber points average. All yea pretenders to the throne beware! The gauntlet has been thrown down with some posturing to back it. (3-0)
No: 3 - Karel up against someone I thought at first to be a bumbling idiot, but it was possibly his game plan. James retrieved everything and Karel had to keep the game very tight to remain in contention. It went to the wire and a final crosscourt into the nick sealed Karel’s fate. James was a complex character - showing great sportsmanship by granting a let not given by the ref – but also hitting his leg with his racquet when he made a mistake, not a gentle tap but a great big whack leaving many red glowing welts – very strange! (2-3)
No: 1 - Paul on against Grant and yet another strong contender who would retrieve all that Paul could throw at him and still come back with some masterful squash of his own. Paul threatened at one stage and even managed to tire him but Grant was too good, too strong, too tight and playing two leagues below his potential. UJ does not have any leagues between 7th and 3rd which would explain their strength up front. (0-3)
Whipped and feeling down we made our way to Picobella in Melville where we commiserated, complimented each other for our meagre achievements and conspired to unleash (read “sacrifice”) our benched players on(read “to”) them on the return leg – more to preserve our egos and personal points than an effective game plan I hate to admit. But first, we have to meet the undisputed, undefeated log leaders from the east who will hopefully have gorged themselves on bunny eggs and grog and cannot rise to the occasion. Happy Easter/Pesach one and all!
Motivational Quote: - “Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?”
“Ear-Ear”
Gary
Match score: 5 - 12
7th B League vs. Winchester Hills
Winchester took the chicken run and bailed out……….
Result 16 – 0
Cheers
Digby
Match result : 16 - 0
9th LEAGUE vs Wits
First up was Gabriel vs. Tim1.
Tim, a little greased lighting, (possibly part time 5th league player, as suggested by Vince!) was too strong on the night, winning 3-1. 15-5; 18-16; 5-15; 17-15. Gabriel had an opportunity to equal matters in the 4th, but to no avail. [Note to self: Stop putting the ball on the T for your opponent.]
Second up Vince vs. Tim2
The old man was too good for the youngster, showing him how to lob and drop.
Vince won easily 15-4;15-4;15-3
We all think that Tim will one day be a top class engineer, but has some way to go on the squash court!
Vince was gracious in his victory.
Next up Sean, cool hand Sean
A carefully crafted victory by the ever improving Sean. Moving with a stealth that belies his age and weight, Sean won easily as well,15-10;15-10;15-17;15-10, Equally gracious in victory.
Finally but not least, Stratford, who was more upon Avon than upon the court, Stratford fought hard. However following the captains policy of placing the ball on the T for his opponent, he lost.
Final score 10-15;10-15;15-10;8-15
Match result 8-7 win for Chamber, a stunning upset.
Match result : 10 - 7
10th LEAGUE vs Wanderers
First up Keith, playing #3 and up against a youngster, who was unconcerned when he broke a string on his racquet, and carried on for the rest of the match. Keith far too strong and with neat drop shots and boasts, a comfortable 3-0 winner.
Brian meanwhile on an adjacent court, playing #1 and looking for his first win of the season, duly obliged with another 3-0 win. Unfortunately I did not see the game, but Brian back to his winning ways.
John then went on at #4 and, again not able to see the game, but his comment was that he just could not get to the ball, his opponent just too good for him. A 0-3 loss.
Paddy, playing #2, needing at least a game to secure a win, managed this in the second, then also took the third, and had a match point in the fourth, but not able to beat the 112kg youngster. Lost a close game in the fifth, losing 2-3.
Final result a 10-6 win for Chamber 10th.
Paddy.
Final result : 10 - 6
Ladies 4th LEAGUE 03 vs Northcliff
Sonnelle lost 2-3
Alma lost 2-3
Belinda won 3-0
Charlene won 3-0
Overall result: 12 - 6
Ladies 4th LEAGUE 02 vs Southern Suburbs
Jenny won 3-0
Josephine( where were you)/Kelly lost 0-3
Lynda won 3-0
Caroline won 3-0
Nearly a whitewash
Overall result: 12 - 3
Ladies 3rd LEAGUE vs Edenvale
Heather lost 2-3 (again….. and she was 2-0 up when one of the opponents accused her of unsporting behavior by not raising her racket when a clear stroke was apparent)
Audrey lost 1-3
Fefi won 3-0
Julie won 3-1
Overall result : 11 - 7
Match Reports April 11th-13th
Ladies 3rd LEAGUE vs Pirates
The ladies were in fine form away to Pirates and soar into 2nd in the league.
Julie on first and was pretty clinical in dishing it out 3-0 to an energetic but underpowered opponent.
Next was Audrey who had a good game but was made to work for it – 3 zip.
Followed up by Heather against an 8 hour comrades champion. Really provided great entertainment and they slogged it out to 2 all. The last game see sawed until a cut service gave Pirates the match 16 -14.
Last on was ex club champ Joanne making her comeback after having added more to the population. Played well and cleaned it up 3-0.
So a good overall 14- 3 result.
Good chicken supper went down well in the clubhouse as we discussed a bit of knitting.
3rd Lge Scribe - George
Overall result : 14 - 3
Ladies 4th LEAGUE 02 vs UJ
Could have gone either way.
Jenny won 3-0
Josephine lost 0-3
Pat lost 2-3
Lynda lost 2-3 (17-15th in the 5th)
Overall result: 7 - 12
------------------------------
Ladies 4th LEAGUE 03 vs Edenvale
No result
Overall result:
------------------------------
1st LEAGUE vs Randburg
Another great win and that’s 4 out of 4 for the “All Blacks”
Kelvin won 3-1
Francesco lost 1-3
Mwansa won 3-0
Stan won 3-1
Match Result: 13 - 5
------------------------------
2nd LEAGUE vs UJ
We played a very strong UJ side last night, they’re winning the league so far.
Jeff played first and although he got to double figures in all the games, never looked like he was in the match.
Doug played next, and became the hero, managing to win a game.
Gary played Mark, got close in the first 2 games, but also not really in the game.
Willem “Stuff you I am strong” played last, also came close in the first 2 games, but was outplayed by someone a lot younger than him.
1) Willem 0-3
2) Jeff 0-3
3) Gary 0-3
4) Doug 1-3
Result: 1-16 (Owch!)
Match result : 1 - 16
------------------------------
4th League vs Old Eds
Ryan went on first and played Dikana Mtombeli . Made too many mistakes against a very fit opponent who hit the ball extremely well, went down 3 – 1.
Flip went on next against a youngster who was too good, tried to make a game of it but had no answer, went down 3 – 0
Vevek and Dave went on the same time and each needed to win 3-0, Dave played Marios Corridaris and won fairly easily 3-0, should move up the order based on current form.
Vevek struggled against a determined Glen Lazarus winning eventually in 5 games.
Two matches each, lost by 1 game.
1) Ryan 1-3
2) Vevek 3-2
3) Flip 0-3
4) Dave 3 -0
Match result : 7 - 10
5thth League “the G Team” vs Wanderers
TinyG cried off with the dreaded lurgy so our reliable reserve FurG filled in. Unfortunately he looked a bit rusty on the day and lost 3-0, a close 3rd but no cigar.
LG then took on an old wily, very consistent campaigner, Mike Sissisons. After dominating the 1st game, LG managed to lose the last 6 points in a row. The 2nd game was similar and towards the end a similar run of winning points left LG 2-0 down. The third was taken narrowly by LG but expending a lot of energy as the ball kept coming back and back and back. No energy in the 5th saw a 3-1 loss. LG……. life’s not good.
With Wanderers deserted apart from our teams, G-string and G-spot then went on simultaneously both having to win 3-0. G-spot found the spot immediately and demolished his opponent with a clinical display of tight shots and timeous lobs and drops – ringer was the call after the match from the oppo who hadn’t lost this season.
Unfortunately G-string couldn’t repeat this and went down 1-3 against Dino (this, a man who used to have the best job in the world – beer taster for a brewery)
A very pleasant meal followed at the Warriors pub in the main club-house.
Match result : 5 - 12
6th League A vs Old Eds
We imported a "big gun" Gerhard Botha to bolster the attack against Old Eds, however without the benefit of his regular Saturday run, Gerhard went down 3 - 2 in a hard fought match against Jason.
Louis had his first league match (ever) against wiley and streetsmart Rael (not the ideal first league match opponent), and a mixture of overly good manners from Louis and expert gamesmanship from Rael contributed to Louis going down 0 - 3.
Jacques had a cage-fight with John, a combined 200+ kg's of sweating/lunging/diving stubborness that saw Jacques triumph 3 - 2.
Needing a 3 - 0 win to get to a points count, Gavin had a tough battle against Tony who ran everything down and played good squash on top of it.
Highlight of the night was the presence of Louis' dad Hendrik (who you all know), sidelined in a tough battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Hendrik, and we wish you a speedy recovery!
Overall result 3-1 down
Match result : 6 - 14
------------------------------
6th B League vs Southern Suburbs
Except for Bruce we were all kak again. Bruce is no longer playing at 3, Comrades prep or no Comrades prep.
1. Mark lost 3-0
2. Phil lost 3-2 (really REALLY threw it away)
3. Bruce won 3-0
4. Lyal lost 3-0 (to his granddad)
So Southerns took it by some margin. Only 5 points for us.
1. Mark lost 3-0
2. Phil lost 3-2 (really REALLY threw it away)
3. Bruce won 3-0
4. Lyal lost 3-0 (to his granddad)
So Southerns took it by some margin. Only 5 points for us.
Match score: 5 - 12
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7th A League vs. Edenvale
Playing against the current number 2 on the log and wanting to break free of the curse of any further drawn matches, the intrepid 4 entered our home court with a sense of determination. The super sevens (Teams 7A & 7B) promptly laid claim to courts 1 & 2 and relegated the upper leagues to the back courts - which George claims are better because they are closer to the bar.
No: 4 - George feeling the pressure of defending a 100% personal winning record - on first against the sweet-stroking Gert. Once the nerves had settled a battle ensued and George put his nose in front and took the tie-break to win the first. I think the pressure got worse as the next nerve-wracking game went to 17-15 and then George sniffed victory and took it home winning the third. Nothing quite beats George celebrating a victory – hands raised high. Well done captain – now the pressure gets more intense. (3-0) 16-14, 17-15, 15-12
No: 1 - Paul reclaiming his honour and position as the team’s number one - on against wily Mike and Paul struggled to find a decent length which left him stuck behind his opponent unable to get to the ball. Started to find form in the second but the thin and tall Mike made himself very large on the centre T and Paul went down, but as a long distance runner – he was not out of this race. Putting all the pieces together he suddenly had Mike at full stretch trying to dig the ball out the corners and our resilient Paul was back in the game winning the next two. The decider was tight and the odd dubious call didn’t help matters and he had to settle for silver. He lost the game but Mike was stuffed! (2-3) 13-15, 12-15, 15-5, 15-11, 12-15
No: 2 - Gary sporting two good legs on against Peter and it felt like a one-sided affair – brief, not much emotion, did the business and left the court feeling relatively unfulfilled but victorious. Helena tried to spur me on to win the last game 15-0 but I failed. At least I walked of the court and didn’t have to limp. (3-0) 15-7, 15-5, 15-5
No: 3 - Karel finally gets to play against a man this being men’s league-and-all. Started the game by watching the beauty of his shots and forgot that Jeremy was actually there to retrieve the ball and when he did - Karel was out of position - so he lost the first! A gentle reminder that he needs to move was all that Karel needed and won the next three with relative ease with a minor heart-attack towards the end. He swears the ball was still not warm enough from the previous games and was dying in the drops or maybe it’s just the Chamber winter approaching. (3-1) 10-15, 15-11, 15-7, 15-13
A sociable evening at our very own Doppio Zero was enjoyed by a whole clan of Exiles and opposition – has anybody thought to ask for a squash club discount given our unwavering support?
Useless Info:
In Italy, flour is classified either as 1, 0, or 00, and refers to how finely ground the flour is and how much of the bran and germ have been removed. Doppio Zero (meaning double zero) is the most highly refined and is talcum-powder soft which results in the good grub. I bet you guys all thought that it referred to the double dots on the squash ball!
"Victory isn't defined by wins or losses. It is defined by effort. If you can truthfully say, 'I did the best I could, I gave everything I had,' then you're a winner."
“Ear-Ear”
Gary
Match score: 14 - 4
------------------------------
7th B League vs. Southern Suburbs
First up CHAMBER NEWS
I thought times were tough………….obviously not……….because our so-called friendly lawyer……….who picks up the phone with the following message
“R10 000 a minute George Bowen speaking” has just purchased a Benz………….and PAID CASH from the “petty cash tin” I might add………… However, at least the club coffers will be healthy in future as the advertising committee has increased the advertising fees…………and George thought that the number on his board is a telephone number !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway nice to see someone MAKING MONEY !!!!
On to squash……..pipped at the post…………………….AGAIN (3rd time)
Pete le Roux started and lost the 1st 1 – 15………..well played Pete……a bit of advice from the ‘ol hands and took the next 3 games comfortably.
On next the ‘sports reporter’ ………whipped his oppo 3 duck comfortably.
This is easy……..
Not quite…………cappy Fillmore played OK but went down 1 – 3.
Our man GV…….leave it to me……….got whipped 3 duck.
So we lost on points.
On to Doppio for the usual good stuff…..and a drink with George and half of Chamber Exiles – very lekker !!!
Match result 7 - 9
Cheers
Digby
Match result : 7 - 9
-----------------------------
9th LEAGUE vs Edenvale
No report. They lost 4-0 but it must have been closer than the result
Vince lost 2-3
Stratford lost 1-3
Sean lost 2-3 (15-13 in 5th)
Roger lost 2-3 (16-14 in 5th)
Match result : 7 - 16
-----------------------------
10th LEAGUE vs UJ
Played at Chamber vs UJ
The mighty 10th took on the league leaders at this stage , University of Johannesburg at home.
First on was Bob to lead the way, playing at No 4. The young B.Comm student won the toss and served – BANG, a winner for Bob. Hand out, 1/0; Bob then served about 10 aces that had the student stumbling in the back corners. The three or four serves he did manage to return were very quickly killed off and Bob, without even raising a sweat, was a game up – 15/zip. Be a while before we see that result in a league game again! The second went pretty much the same way although Bob did make a few mistakes but won comfortably, 15/4 and an easy third game win - 15/2. Nice start for the team.
Next up was Des at No 3. Also playing a very fit looking student, started in his usual casual fashion and went down 10/15. Again, as is usual for Des, he then remembered he was playing a serious league match and got his mind right and swung into action easily taking the next three games 15/4; 15/6 and 15/10. Team two up with two to go.
Johan on at No 2. Playing another strong, fit student had his time cut out and put up a good fight in the first but was a touch unlucky to lose 13/15. Johan looked very tired at this stage but went back and bravely gave his all but succumbed 9/15 in the second and was 11/8 up at a point in the third but ran dry and lost it 11/15.
Never mind, out intrepid No 1, Brian, was back from leave (two weeks on the KZN south coast, where his only exercise was turning the ‘wors on the braai and lifting a bottle to his lips) but we have faith in him. His opponent was yet another strong, good-looking, rugby playing youngster who was being spurred on by his, ahem, gorgeous American girlfriend who was distracting the scorer! Brian did struggle to move his considerably engorged belly around the court and lost the first game 10/15. True grit flowed in the second and “the belly” took it 15/9. Now we thought our man was back into it but alas! The American girlfriend’s spurring got the boy with the film star looks back on track and he took the third 15/10. But, never fear, “the belly” rallied and took the fourth game 15/6. Bingo. We thought it was going to be straight through but unfortunately the holiday finally took its toll and Brian meekly gave the fifth away – 4/15.
Narrow win – 8 games to 7 but UJ are still the league leaders (although they have played 5 to our 4 matches) but we got the win.
RESULT – WON – 10/7
Cheers
Bob
Final result : 10 - 7
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