4th A vs Randburg (who are 2nd in the league)



Ryan went on first to play Phil, played some excellent squash, took the first two very competitive games, lost the 3rd , then built up a nice lead in the 4th to hang on for one of his best wins of the season.

Vevek went on next against Sven, starting to play some good squash again and won 3-0, all close games against a very disgruntled opponent.

Chris then played Ricky who stormed into a 2-0 lead before Chris got into the game to win the 3rd, seemed to injure himself in the 4th and lost 3-1.

Flip went on last needing a game to win the tie, stormed into a 2-0 lead, could not maintain his high standard and seemed to tire in the 5th before losing 3-2.

Ryan      3-1
Vevek   3-0         
Flip        2-3
Chris      1-3

Excellent win

Overall result: Won 11 - 7

6th A vs Modderfontein



First objective was to find Modderfontein before midnight – we all failed and seemed to get lost somewhere on route – Modder thumped us in 1st round and were 2nd on the ladder

  1. Third time the “chairman” has played for us, one win and one loss, odds are he should be able to win another. On against Arnie who has a slight reach advantage (problem for John’s lobs)Wins the 1st , loses the second and the third works hard to get the 4th – has his opponent on the ropes and manages to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory 14-16 down in the 5th . 2-3 to the bad guys (an important 2 we learn later)

  1. On at 3 against Sean its GG – lost the 1st, won the second, lost the 3rd, won the 4th and also tried to snatch defeat but was lucky it went the other way 15-10 in the 5th. 3-2 to the good guys.


  1. MissingG was busy on the other court at no 4 against Byron – romped home in the 1st 15-4 and then started missing his legs, lungs and head (you need to practice missingG) and lost the next 3. 1-3 to the bad guys.

  1. Was this going to be a repeat of the 1st round? GBow on at 2 against Vaughn. Had to win this 3-0 but never told that to Gbow (does not like too much pressure). First game to Gbow with mistakes from Vaughn, Gbow kept up the pressure and forced more mistakes and took the next 2 games (Vaughn a bit miffed that match point was a stroke but that’s how it goes) Fantastic win Gbow 3-0 to the good guys.

Match 11-8 and a good supper at the Modder club…………….then got lost trying to find the road out of Modder (never follow the Chairman after he’s had a few beers)

Overall result: Won 11 - 8

6th B vs Northcliff



Despite playing some pretty handy squash, we were soundly undone by a Northcliff side who were a smidgeon handier on the night. 

We were a little short staffed due to injuries in the squad and drafted in Mark Shaw to assist. For his sins he was on first against Kevin. First two games had Kevin dropping tightly to wrest a cushion. But the ball warmed up some thereafter and Mark found some length and read Kevin’s play to take it to 2 games apiece. Kevin had enough in him to take the final game after a hard fight (figuratively). Lost 2-3.

Then Nigel against Deon: marker’s nightmare as there was plenty of argy-bargy on court during the first two games from both players, each ending up with a game. Things settled down thereafter (with apologies to the marker being made) as the business of tough, running squash was established. No point given easily. No effort left unmade. Next two games were shared to take it to 2-2 once again, but outward appearances intimated that Deon had run his course. However, he came up with some quality shots in the final game to eek out a 6 point lead. The comeback was on though, until it wasn’t… Final game ending 15-13 to Deon. Lost 2-3.

Mark van Niekerk then played against Pieter who had had a slow season due to injury. Pieter picked this week to put in a tour de force showing though and was apparently moving around the court much better than any previous games in the season. And with crisp, clean shots to boot. Not good news for Mark who tried to find a chink in the armour, but was denied at all turns. Lost 0-3.

Then finally Danie, who has been our go-to guy to avoid the 16 pointers, against Will. It looked as if he would once again save face for the team as he cruised to a very easy 2-0 lead, while Will milled around on court looking miles out of the game. Something massive changed in the third though as Will picked himself up about 70 notches and came flying back into the match. The complete reversal saw Danie stunned, unable to get back his rhythm and was out of it for the remainder of the match. Lost 2-3.

Much effort put in and few points to show for it. So we rounded it off with some pizza at Lucios. And maybe a beer or two.

Overall result: Lost 6 - 16

10th OMT (Old Mans Team) vs Chamber YMT

10th OMT (Old Mans Team) vs  Chamber YMT

Ø  Keith played young Jean-Philip at #1. He got 9, 7 & 7 points.0/3

Ø  Des played Warwick at 2. Only managed 4 points in the 1st. Then Des really got going taking both the 2nd and the 3rd 15 – 13! Fell apart in the 4th to go down 6 – 15. Lost the 5th as well getting 10 points. Thanks and well done Des for saving us from a whitewash! 2/3

Ø  JohAn played Richard at 3. He also only managed 4 points in the 1st, getting into it in the 2nd with 12. Alas, only got 8 points in the 3rd0/3.

Ø  Johnno went on against Matium at #4. He got 11, 8 & 10 points0/3

Off to Doppio (as usual) all four of us and three of them.

Overall result: Lost 2 – 16

10th YMT (Young Mans Team) vs Chamber OMT



Need I say more, I am sure the 10th A team will wirite a proper report. Overall win 10th B  - 12-2

Juan-Philip vs Keith 3-0
Warwick vs. Des 3-2 good game Des!
Richard vs. Johan3-0
Matium vs. John 3-0

Overall result: Won 16 - 2

Ladies 3rd LEAGUE vs Parkview



Josephine lost 1-3
Channelle lost 2-3
Mandy lost 2-3
Kelly lost 0-3 (and dislocated her shoulder……….again)

Overall result: Lost 5 - 16

Ladies 4th A vs Old Eds



Chrisna lost 1-3 (the Nelspruit dancing definitely playing a part here)
Josephine won 3-0
Mandy won 3-0
Sarah lost 1-3

Overall result:  won 10 - 7

THE NELSPRUIT WEEKEND



This year we took 3 teams to Nelspruit for the Lowveld Masters tournament– 2 men’s and a ladies team.

Mens A was Dave, John, Chris, Helena and Ron (in the A section) – lost 0-5,0-5,0-5 (our record was nearly ruined as Ron had a match point in his last match, luckily he lost it)
Mens B was Mark, Jeanine, ANO, George and Mike (in the C section) - lost 2-3, won 3-2, lost 1-4
Ladies was Julie, Belinda, Chrisna, Alma and Mandy (in the B section) - lost 0-5, 0-5, 1-4

We won’t dwell on the results as out of the 9 matches played over the weekend, only 1 was won (by the  B team). Nevertheless fun was had by all as you can see from the photos attached.

Also Ron’s 60th birthday was celebrated with gusto on the Saturday night







1st LEAGUE vs Old Eds 02


Frank lost 3 . 1
Kelvin lost 3 . 1
Gareth won 3 . ,1
Mwansa won 3 . 0
Overall result: Won 10 - 7

2nd LEAGUE vs Old Eds



Jared played first against a girl (Sunade) – won the first but then was outplayed by someone that could hit the ball about as hard as he could.
Peter played next against an import from Potch - Zander; had his chances but ran out of legs. The old man shots definitely worked on the youngster though.
Willem played Mark Sappire, tried hard but Mark toyed with him.
Gary last against Dean (arrive at 8:20) Pike. Came close in two of the games (14 in the first and 13 in the 3rd); but couldn’t finish.

Peter: 2-3
Willem: 0-3
Gary: 0-3
Jared: 1-3


Overall result: Lost 3 - 16

4th A vs Parkview



Ryan was up first tonight. After asking Ryan NICELY not to lose to a female he went ahead and lost. He did however lose in 5 and as we are near the business end of the season all games count!! After being 2 down a decent comeback was in place however he just fell short in the 5th!!

I,Substitute- vs. Ryan,Chegwidden-
15-10 15-13 9-15 12-15 15-11

Captain Vevek was on next. A little rusty after “resting” himself last week in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Glimpses of the excellent form we have seen this season were noted however he could not CLOSE!! Down 3-1 leaving Chris and Andrew to clean up the mess!!!

I,Substitute- vs. Vevek,Iyer-
15-9 7-15 15-9 15-9

Chris was on next – a battle of chirping and mild temper against this frustrating Graham Page character!! Clearly the Nelspruit festivities did not take their toll on Chris as he played well for a CRUCIAL 3-1 victory and keep the team in the tie!! Well done Chris. (especially after a tough Nelspruit weekend)

Chris,van Heeswijk- vs. Graeme,Page-
15-12, 15-11, 19-21, 15-10.

It was left up to Andrew to secure the team victory and only being allowed to drop one game. And after all his chirping of Ryan, his opponent arrived late and SUPRISE SURPRISE it was another FEMALE!!! Parkview clearly recruiting well in that department. After some initial bumping and grinding, it came together in patches. At the end of the day Andrew snatched a 3 – 1 victory and the tie was won.

Andrew,McKeaveney- vs. Bongi,Seroto-
16-14 15-12 8-15 15-6

A very good 11 – 8 victory for the team after being 2 – 0 down!!  


Overall result: Won 11 - 8

4th B (in name only) vs St Stithians



Another comfortable win for the “B”team, this time WITH the tallismatic captain – however the Silver Fox was all Nelspruited out and couldn’t perform against a youngster less than a 1/3 his age
Kyle won 3-1
Richard won 3-0
Silver Fox lost 3-2
Fergus won 3-1
Overall result: Won  14- 5

6th A vs Wits

6th A vs Wits

At last we receive a substitute that earned us some valuable points (thanks Vevek)

  • On at no 2 Gbow against Shashank  - first game was tight with Gbow going down 11-15 then Shashank stuttered and Gbow took full advantage taking the next 3 15-9, 15-13 and 15-7. A good win for Gbow and the team. 3-1 for the good guys.

  • On at no 1 our substitute Flip against Lorenzo a youngster who did not mind running a little. Flip’s orthodox style bamboozled the youngster in the first 2 games 15-12 and 15-6. Once he got used to this he started running everything down that Flip played. Next game Flip lost 5-15 and the following 12-15. Was another substitute going to lose at 1 ? Big battle in the 5thwith plenty of running from both players, Flip emerging as winner 15-13. Great squash match. 3-2 for the good guys.

  • On at no 3 GG against an ever growing Roland – one or two long rallies in the first ended Roland’s challenge for the match. GG won 15-12, 15-3 and 15-10. 3-0 to the good guys

  • On at 4 Gboer vs Shawn – was Manie going to give us our first 16 pointer of the season? Match was pretty close with Shawn making a number of errors and Manie nailing that backhand down the wall. 15-10, 15-13 and 15-13 to Manie. 3-0 to the good guys


Result 16-3 putting us 1 point ahead of our b team (challenge on)

Overall result: Won 16 - 3

6th B vs Pirates



Disappointing week at the courts which we need to turn around to stay in touch with the top half of the league table.

Bruce vs Ian: After a bit of a clobbering in the first game, Bruce came back strongly to take the second. This inspired his opponent to sharpen up though and Bruce never had another look-in. Lost 1-3.

Nigel vs Ginge: Ouch – painful to watch. Despite Ginge playing some good length, he should never have been given the latitude to dictate the game as he did. Nigel all over the show on the night and was comprehensively drilled. Lost 0-3.

Mark vs Ron: A tricky opponent saw Mark quickly down two games, but bursting back to take the third. With the oppo’s legs beginning to tire, we thought there may be another famous Mark comeback in the offing. He came close at 13-15 in the fourth, but was frustratingly short – not his best squash. Lost 1-3. (The Nelspruit weekend effect)

Danie vs Anthony: Finally Danie playing out of his customary position, hoping to salvage a modicum of pride for the team. Clinical he was and, despite some hurtful words from Anthony, mopped the floor with an easy victory. Won 3 – 0.

Overall result: Lost 5 - 12

7th League vs. Wits




I have a love/hate attitude towards playing on two courts! I love the fact that you get done early and can enjoy an extended chow-down together – I (really) hate the fact that I don’t get to see the matches. For me, that is the team part of league nights – and let’s face it, it’s not exactly a team sport! It’s about the getting together, the banter from the cheap seats, the rallying around a player with advice & insight, the highs and lows of watching your mate win or lose and then the celebration of a night sent together.

#2 – Lyal started playing on the adjacent court to where I was marking so I never got to see his game other than the boisterous support for the opposition as he succumbed to James in the fifth hard fought battle. Lyal losing 17-15 (I think!) in the end. In Lyal’s own words” you have got to lose sometimes to remind you how good it feels to win” which I am sure will resonate deeply with all and sundry. All I can reiterate at this point is to say that a two point contribution to the night’s tally is a job well done, without the cherry on top. Sorry I missed it Lyal. (2-3)

#1 – Herkie was up against Stephen and although the first game was an up and down affair, Herkie was not looking his dominant self. His shots were very loose and he kept playing his opponent back into the game. Some sage words of advice was all that Herkie needed to just slow down a little and when under pressure just to stick to the basics and play it safe and allow the opponent to make the mistakes. Fortunately Stephen was accommodating and Herkie had no real trouble in keeping the pressure on. Herkie cleaned up and the night was his to enjoy the spoils of victory. (3-1)

#4 – Roy was true to form and declared emphatically at the start by saying (again) “I don’t care what number you are playing – I am playing YOU!” At least I know there are some things in this world that you can depend on! Roy felt that I should have a shot and revenge and redeem my pride from my first round drubbing at his hand. Fortunately for me, I had some reciprocal advice from Herkie during the breaks, who could see my pitfalls and strongly and repetitively advised against some of my stupider shots and helped steer me in the right direction towards a victory which was, indeed, very sweet! Revenge was had. (3-1)

#3 – Once again – a match that I did not witness as I was playing next door and all I saw at the very end was Brennan playing some great squash against an opponent who has some great and deceptive shots. Jaycee and Brennan were playing a cat and mouse affair but when Bren played those fine length shots there was not a lot  that a wily Jaycee cold do to respond. Brennan did have a nerve-racking slip of concentration towards the end but he quickly amended his evil ways and ended the match with one of those wonderful shots were the ball sits up and gets creamed low and hard down the back-hand wall with the opponent reaching for fresh (okay - maybe not so fresh at this point) air! Good one Bren! (3-1)

Lyal tried his underhanded tactic of getting the celebratory meal shifted from the South to somewhere closer to civilization but his cause was in vain as the Wits team have shares and girlfriends at Gino’s that need servicing and a guy’s haunt, is a guy’s haunt and sometimes you just have to know which battles are worth fighting.

For some bizarre reason the guys convinced the Gino’s staff that it was my birthday and I was presented with a bottle of Blush champagne with a sparkler and the whole gang sang happy birthday to me while I had to pretend to be excited and smile stupidly. A good night out with a reason to celebrate once more! Besides – how often do you get to celebrate your birthday twice in one year!?

Overall result: Won 14 – 6

8th League vs. Old Eds




Nic was not on form at #1 and got drilled 3 egg. Not a good start.

Stratford demoted to #4 due to being ill, must have got George’s Nelspruit flu bug. Wins the first, dozes and looses the second but recovers (not from the flu) to win the next two. A 3-1 win.

Next Mike at #3 (promotion!) who arrived late via Modderfontein Courts (no further details are available). He played a blinder; lobs landing in the back wall corners or nicks, complimented by the ledge, sneaky, backhand cross court drops which have been renamed by the opponent as an “eyes closed cross court flick”. E triple C F.  A 3-0 win. (Obviously Mike had an easy Nelspruit weekend)

Captain Pete F takes to the boards. Wins the first, looses the second, wins the third and looses the fourth. Last game.  A see-saw affair and “Neat Pete” saved two match points and was victorious with the final salvo being a stroke ball (shame on you!). A 3-2 win. It gives the team a good win to the third placed team on the log.

Shower time and NO hot water.  A dreadful state of affairs, however all was not lost as we negotiated the free use of the next door Virgin Active gym facilities and even sneaked a steam bath!

Off to The Sharwma Company. A fantastic get-together that was heightened by several flaming Sambucas.

Squash Tip of the Week
Start applying the pressure early and that includes making a decent serve. One that does not allow the opponent to make an immediate winning return OR serving out on game.

Overall result: Won 12 - 6

9th League vs. Bryanston

9th League vs. Bryanston

I was sick last week and thus unfortunately do not have a spicy report to post. Leslie would have helped with that but he’s become a dad and suddenly he can’t write anymore J

Results:

No 1 Gabriel:      lost 3-2
No 2 Leslie:         won 3-1
No 3 Andy:          won 3-0
No 4 Willie:         won 3-0 (actually had a bye – they only had 3 players)



Overall result: Won 14 - 4

10th OMT (Old Mans Team) vs Hope SC



Brian was sick, lame and/or lazy but managed to persuade Keith to play for him. Thanks Keith. BAb was France getting ready to sail down some river in his yacht. Lucky fish. Paddy was in the fairest Cape. Lucky fish. Johnny called in to say that he was running late but nevertheless “on his way”. We are still waiting for him…………..

So this is where the CONSPIRANCY reared its ugly head again. The deputy vice-captain Des took charge and decided to play @ # 4, below Johnny and JohAn!! For goodness sake. Reason was quickly evident though. Jeppe’ s #4 was called Janine. Attractive lady. Dimples. Freckles. Good teeth. Luscious lips. Full mouth. Great smile (which she does often/all the time). Sparkling eyes to die for. Personality. Des must have made the connection in about two minutes flat. They were sipping sherries when we got there can you believe it!  

Ø  Des played with Janine (pun intended) at # 4. He only managed 8 points in the 1st, getting a big fright. Realised he had to play this lady like a man. Went up 15 – 11 in the 2nd. Then lost all concentration (drop shots to Janine) to only get 3 points in the 3rd. Chips were down and the fight was on. Des had to take the 4th to go to 5. Alas, in a very tight 4th, Des went down 13 – 15. 1/3. Bad start.

Ø  JohAn up next @ # 3 against George, the CFO of Otis. George has very long arms. JohAn hadn’t even warmed up by the time the first two games were over, only mustering 6 and 4 points. Realised that he had to do something. Put up a great game in the 3rd only to go down 12 – 13. 0/3 down

Ø  Keith then went on against Jayson at #1. Well, if you think JohAn did badly, (see above), wait for this one………. The first two games were done even before Keith woke up! He only got 4 & 3 points. At least Keith then sort of woke up and managed a whole 11 points in the 3rd0/3 down

Ø  Johnno was now supposed to be on at #2 (see conspiracy above) but was missing in action. So Des very gamely and sportingly (for Janine’s benefit no doubt) put on an exhibition match of note with Glen which was most entertaining. They went to five, with Des starting on 8 in the 5th! W/O: 0/3 down.

Off to Doppio (as usual) all three of us and all four of them for another pleasant, talkative dinner getting to know each other.. (especially Janine……….)

Overall result: Lost 1 – 16

10th YMT (Young Mans Team) vs UJ




Not much of a match!

Juan- Philip 3-0
Warwick 3-0
Richard 3-0
Matium 3-0

Overall result: Won 16 - 0

Ladies 2nd LEAGUE vs CCJ



Helena won 3-1 (first dropped game of the season – Nelspruit coming into play here)
Joanne lost 3-0
Heather lost 3-0
Fefi lost 3-0


Overall result: Lost  3 - 13

Ladies 4th A vs Modderfontein



Chrisna lost 1-3 (the Nelspruit dancing definitely playing a part here)
Josephine won 3-0
Mandy won 3-0
Sarah lost 1-3

Overall result:  won 10 - 7

Ladies 4th B vs Randburg



Ladies 4th League - CE04 so called B team.

We played Randburg.

Megan went on first at number 3 and won 3- 0 (Nelspruit dancing only loosened her up)

Next up was Harriet at number 4 and she won 3 - 1

Alma at number 2 won 3- 1 and Caroline at number one won 3 - 0

So a good win for the team

Overall result: Won 16 - 2

1st LEAGUE vs UJ




Gareth won 3-1
Francesco lost 2-3
Kelvin won 3-0
Mwansa won 3-0

Overall result: Won 14 - 4

2nd LEAGUE vs Parkview



We played Parkview on their newly revamped courts.
Jared first up against Dean, little rusty and didn’t win a game.
Next up Gary against Paul. Gary started strong winning the first, but Paul slowly wore Gary down to win the next 3.
Jeff played (the other) Dean. Managed to win the 3rd but wasn’t really in the match.
Last to play, Peter against Tom. Peter came close in some, narrowly lost the 2nd 20-22, but also couldn’t win a game.

Peter: 0-3
Jeff: 1-3
Jared: 0-3
Gary: 1-3


Overall result: Lost 2 - 16

4th A vs Old Eds



Ok scores as follows (all matches were 5 setters). Narration below:

Ok, Andrew was up first. Comeback match in league after 3 months off. Showed glimpses but lacked consistency and tightness and after making a charge from 2-1 down ended up losing the 5th in a tight match! Can only get better with more match practice.

Chris was up next against a boasting addict. Except his boasts are not as hardcore and strong as Dave Peacocks!! Having failed to convert some match points in the 4th, Chris sealed the deal in the 5th. Up and down but a good and deserved win.

A NOTE TO ANDREW AND CHRIS – NO mini league matches in the future the night before league!!!

So after two 5 setters already, everything equal both Dave and Ryan went on at the same time. Dave raced to a 2 nil lead, got red in the face, lost the next 2 and then dug very deep to win the 5th. A great win. Excellent squash and tactics on display

Ryan started pretty well however was hitting almost everything to the back. After some WISE words (to start dropping) from Andrew and Chris after the 3rd game and Ryan being 2-1 down, he smoked his opponent. 15 – 5 in both the last 2 games. A good win under pressure!!

Overall result: Won 14 - 9

4th B (in name only) vs CCJ



A comfortable win for the team even without the tallismatic captain – however Nick was a bit of a worry. Apparently looking for strokes aka Dave Peacock.
Kyle won 3-1
Richard won 3-1
Nick won 3-2
Fergus won 3-0
Overall result: Won  16- 4

6th A vs Wendywood



After this match definitely 6a in name only

Once again we had to go to the club chairman asking him to help out as our resident hypochondriac (BigG) is nursing some or other ailment. Busy thinking if it would be better to look for a substitute from the team below us as our substitutes keep on getting thrashed.
·         On at 4 Manie against one of the brothers Schorn, Billy – 10-15 , 4-15 and 2-15. Manie did want to get away early but this was crazy – one for the bad guys
·         On at 2 Gbow against the other brother Joe (has not lost this season yet) – Gbow tried to change the record books but just could not get the points when needed 13-15, 15-17 and 13-15 – another for the bad guys
·         On at 3 GG against Sergio – not sure if it was his recent trip to New York or the break but he never managed to get going 15-10, 15-8 and 17-15 for the good guys.
·         Now our esteemed chairman just had to win 3 zip against Maricus (with a reach longer than Rich’s)– the first one 15-7 (were we going to have a count out on points) next down 15-17 so no count out and Maricus just got stronger 13-15 and 12-15 – a final for the bad guys

That’s 1-3 in games and points 4-12 – not pretty

Overall result: Lost 4 - 12