Central Gauteng Lower Leagues Tournament 2013


For the Draw, please click here. Good Luck Everyone


Those players who haven’t paid the entry fee please do so at the first match.

Due to the number of players entered (now a fantastic 96), we have had to schedule some matches over weekends. If this is a problem we can make a plan nearer the time.

Some general rules of the tournament:

1.       Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time as some matches will finish early.
2.       This is a social tournament so sportsmanship is compulsory.
3.       Losers of a match must mark the next match on their court (BIG incentive to win)
4.       No abuse of markers is allowed (without prior approval of the said marker)
5.       Fist-pumping is frowned upon (until late in the 5th game)


UPDATE : 
The tournament has got off to a flying start, with some great matches played – especially in the A section where 6 of the 7 matches played have been 5-setters.

Also in the B-section last night, Bruce and Herkie had a mammoth 5-setter with one game finishing 27-25.

Specially for Ian Caldwell – the cheap real ale is in place again at the bar courtesy of NAC Engineering (Ian really, really enjoyed this last year)

While I’m at it let me thank the sponsors of the tournament – Palmer Management Consulting, Ashbow Property Investments, Ants Project Management Training and Development and also Central Gauteng Squash.

1st LEAGUE vs Parkview03


Gareth lost 0-3
Francesco won 3-0
Mwansa won 3-0
Stan won 3-1

Overall result: Won 12 - 4

2nd LEAGUE vs Old Eds


Dean won 3-2
Peter lost 0-3
Jeff lost  0-3
Willem won 3-0


Overall result: Lost 6 - 10

4th A vs Alberton



Tough fixture against one of the top teams in 4th league.

Ryan back at number one went on first, much improved performance from last week but faded in the 4th to lose 3-1.

Flip then went on against a very tall and hard hitting opponent, tough going in the first game but came back well to win the second, lost the 3rdand then took advantage of a tiring opponent for a good 3-2 win.  

Dave then went on and needed the first game to warm up losing quite easily, then showed his usual skill and fighting spirit for a hard fought 3-1 win.

Vevek played Mike at the same time on the next court, lost the 1st 22-20, won the next two game very closely, then had the game almost won with 3 match points in the 4th but could not convert, went on to lose the 5th resulting in a points countdown. (Vevek’s first loss of the season)

After several re-counts, we confirmed our status as unlucky losers once again by 8 points. The team then stayed at the club to enjoy the hospitality and some great food provided by our hosts.


Overall result: Won 9 - 11

4th B (in name only) vs Parkview



We could only rustle up 3 players for this match due to the absent and lazy. But hey………….who needs 4 players to win a fixture!!!!!
Richard won at a canter 3-0
Silver Fox tried to canter but couldn’t get there…..and won 3-0
Nick drew the short straw and played a decent player who never gave up……….eventually lost 2-3
Overall result: Won  10- 6

6th A vs Old Eds


First game of the second round – Old Eds beat us on points last time round. Decided to mix things up a bit and get BigG to show us his potential by sending him in at 1.
On first at number 3 GG against Ian (the runner). First game was a bit of a ding dong affair but managed to win 15-11. Second game Ian turned on the screws and was 14-7 up when he realized this was too good to be true so he lost the next 9 in a trot (16-14) and I was up 2 games. Ian managed to win the next but I think that second game killed his spirits as I won the last 15-12. 3-1 to the good guys.

BigG against a substitute  - this was David and Goliath and BigG almost ran over his opponent 3 times in the first 6 points and this set the tone for the match. BigG never gave his opponent a chance, who did tell us that he played 2nd league vets and was therefore a handy opponent. Scores 15-13 15-7 15-11 to the good guys (3-0)

New number 2 on next GBow against Darryl – stormed in front then Darryl started chasing everything down and asking for a let if he could not get there. Lost first 12-15. It never got any better even though we reminded GBow that we only wanted a game to ensure a points count out. Lost the next two – 15-10 and 18-16 (did have a game point in this one) – so 0-3 to the bad guys Georges match cancelled out.

On at number 4 BoerG (with the tennis elbow) against wiley Dennis. First game Manie fights but goes down 9-15 and the team starts thinking about another close loss. Second game and the backhand kicks in Manie wins it 15-9. A good fight in the 3rd with Dennis winning 15-11. BigG does his sums and says Manie needs 9 points in the 4th to give us a points win. Manie battles it out giving Dennis a run for his money, gets the 9 points but now he is going for the game as well. Dennis hangs on for a few game points and eventually wins 20-18. Lost the game but won the war, 3-1 to the bad guys but we win by 5 points.

9-7 to the good guys.

Overall result: Won 9 - 7

6th B vs Suburbs



Injury and illness troubles persist, but with a little assistance from the 7th league in the form of dynamo Herkie, we were able to put up a team. We need to make it through to the mid-league break for some R&R.

First on was Bruce against Scott with Bruce playing despite the onset of flu. Scott was somewhat of a novice to league squash and could match Bruce’s intensity and characteristic tight boasts. There was some resistance in the second game, but ultimately Bruce cantered to a win and then on home to bed for some Med-lemon and chicken soup. Won 3-0.

Next up Mark made the brave (or foolish) call to take the number 1 spot against Kurt. First game was down, but Mark staged a revival in the second and we thought that he’d put enough pressure on Kurt’s fitness to force some errors. Play was of the argy-bargy type and there were intermittent calls imploring the marker to act on indiscretions – with mixed results. Aside from the calls though, Mark was finding it difficult to break through Kurt’s defences. Each length ball was somehow pulled back – often with a devastating boast effected from the tip of the opponent’s racquet. Despite firm resistance in the 4th game, Kurt came out as the winner. Lost 1-3.

Then Louis against Brynn. I missed the game, but it appears that it was fought down to the wire: 1 up, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2. Louis has been working hard on his game and the BMT is definitely starting to show. In the end the fitness and patience were probably decisive. The final game was very close, but victory was Louis’ and he ran away with it 15-13 in the fifth. Won 3-2.

Then Ritalin-requiring Herkie was up against Danny. Seems as if the entire surface area of the court was Herkie’s playground and he gobbled up the points leaving precious few for his opponent. Picked up everything and frustrated the pants off Danny (not literally). What a doddle – thanks for the help Herkie. Won 3-0.


Overall result: Won 13 - 5

8th League vs. Winchester Hills



Back to winning ways

Nick lost 0-3
Stratford lost 1-3
Peter le R won 3-0
Peter F won 3-0

Overall result: Won 9 - 6

9th League vs. UJ



The much dreaded Chambers Spartans are on a roll. Bring em on. UJ is well below on the log, about half our score, so a easy peazy (or so it seems) game for the 9th.
First to play was Leslie. He was ready to rock and roll and it wasn’t long for him to suss out his opponent. Leslie played well and was all over the court.  Go Porra go.
Chambers - 3
UJ - 1

Second was Chris at number 4 spot. He played a much younger (hard hitting) student and went down (fighting). Aaag shame.
Chambers – 0
UJ - 3

Third was Andy. (had some peri peri chicken the night before) , but ready able and willing.  Now the legs was under pressure and you know when a woman is under pressure they hit out with red blotches in their necks, well Andy was hitting out pure white with red blotches around the eyes. The caring captain thought he was about to die, but needed the score so he let Andy play until the end. (good decision hey). Andy calculated the game well, the slower he played the more frustrated (and hitting hard and wild)  the opponent played. The plan came together and Chambers ended up.
Chambers – 3
UJ – 2

Lastly (but not least) was Kobus. Kobus took control early in the game and took an early lead. But then the game turned out into a power hitting match.  Bradley had a serve that nearly went through the wall, just to return the rocket was a miracle. Unfortunately Kobus could not stop this and with a gallant spirit he fought back. But unfortunately all his running behind that small ball did not cut and he went down.
Chambers – 1
UJ -3

So a sad evening for Chambers.
Chambers – 7 games
UJ – 9 games.


Overall result: Lost  7 - 11

10th OMT (Old Mans Team) vs UJ



Ø  First on was Brian at #1 against (the young) KhabeerBrian played with his usual determination, conceding only 9, 10 & 8 points. Good start -  3/0 up  

Ø  Next on was Keith at #2 against (the young) Mohamed. The 1st two games were fairly close, with Keith conceding 13 and 12 points respectively. Then the crafty Richard Branson lookalike really got into his stride, the youngster only getting 9 points. 3/0 up, so far so good!

Ø  JohAn was up next at #3 against (the young) ( dour) Franco in his first league match since March when he suffered a herniated cervical vertebra (again). The 1st game was no problem, JohAn conceding only 9 points. In the 2nd JohAn lost the plot. Before he knew what was happening, he was 3 – 8 behind! Fighting back with all he had, he lost the 2nd 13 – 15.  Realising what needs to be done, JohAn buttoned Franco down well conceding only 9 & 8 points respectively in the 3rd & 4th. 3/1 up & a match win!! No counting points tonight……………………

Ø  Finally, BAb was on at #4 against (the young) KevinBAb totally outplayed his opponent conceding only 4 and 5 points in the first two games respectively. Then BAb got tired/sore/lost concentration/was distracted (by someone’s (young) GF) and conceded a whopping 10 points in the 3rd3/0 up

Des marked, practising his skills having secured a 96% pass the last (????) Marking & Reffing course. We are proud of you Des. Now the rest of us need to do the same sometime next year………hahaha

Paddy had his favourite people (the Italians) out to contend withso was excused

John was sick, lame and/or lazy

Off to Mike’s Kitchen in Parktown for a burger (the five of us)

Overall result: Won 16 – 1 (our 1st win of the season!!!!!!!!!)

10th OMT (Old Mans Team) vs UJ



Ø  First on was Brian at #1 against (the young) KhabeerBrian played with his usual determination, conceding only 9, 10 & 8 points. Good start -  3/0 up  

Ø  Next on was Keith at #2 against (the young) Mohamed. The 1st two games were fairly close, with Keith conceding 13 and 12 points respectively. Then the crafty Richard Branson lookalike really got into his stride, the youngster only getting 9 points. 3/0 up, so far so good!

Ø  JohAn was up next at #3 against (the young) ( dour) Franco in his first league match since March when he suffered a herniated cervical vertebra (again). The 1st game was no problem, JohAn conceding only 9 points. In the 2nd JohAn lost the plot. Before he knew what was happening, he was 3 – 8 behind! Fighting back with all he had, he lost the 2nd 13 – 15.  Realising what needs to be done, JohAn buttoned Franco down well conceding only 9 & 8 points respectively in the 3rd & 4th. 3/1 up & a match win!! No counting points tonight……………………

Ø  Finally, BAb was on at #4 against (the young) KevinBAb totally outplayed his opponent conceding only 4 and 5 points in the first two games respectively. Then BAb got tired/sore/lost concentration/was distracted (by someone’s (young) GF) and conceded a whopping 10 points in the 3rd3/0 up

Des marked, practising his skills having secured a 96% pass the last (????) Marking & Reffing course. We are proud of you Des. Now the rest of us need to do the same sometime next year………hahaha

Paddy had his favourite people (the Italians) out to contend withso was excused

John was sick, lame and/or lazy

Off to Mike’s Kitchen in Parktown for a burger (the five of us)

Overall result: Won 16 – 1 (our 1st win of the season!!!!!!!!!)

10th YMT (Young Mans Team) vs Old Eds



Chambers against St Stithians - The young men against young children!

Matium did not play and was replaced by a substitute, Richard taking advantage of this put the substitute in number three and moved down to number four. Mistake, as their number 4 went on to beat Richard 15-2; 15-13; 12-15; 15-6.

Our substitute under lots of pressure went in at number 3 and won the game 3-0! Richard should have stayed in his number 3 positionJ
Warwick played number two and with lots of support from Richard won 3-0
Then our dedicated number 1 Juan-Philip won 3-0

Overall 3-1 Won.

Overall result: Won 14 - 3

Ladies 2nd LEAGUE vs Parkview



Helena won 3-0 (again)
Joanne won 3-2
Heather lost 2-3
Julie lost 0-3

Our ladies won by 4 points

Overall result: Won 10 - 8

Ladies 3rd LEAGUE vs Pirates



Jenny lost 0-3
Sonelle won 3-1
Belinda won 3-1
Chrisna lost 0-3

Overall result: Lost 6 - 10

Ladies 4th A vs Randburg



Josephine won  3-0
Mandy won 3-0
Sarah won 3-0
Kelly won 3-0

Overall result: Won 16 - 0

Ladies 4th B vs Pirates



Another team with only 3 players

Megan playing number 3 and won 3-0
Then the number 1s Pat won 3  1
Finally Alma won 3-0

Who needs 4 players

Overall result: Won 12 - 4

1st LEAGUE vs Parkview



Gareth is back and the team wins

Kelvin lost 2-3 and pulled a groin muscle at match point in the 3rd.
Gareth lost 2-3
Francesco won 3-2
Mwansa won 3-0


Overall result: Won 12 - 8

2nd LEAGUE vs Jeppe



We played Jeppe away. 2 close matches, 2 not. Went to points count out and we won by 7.
Stan up first against Walter. Walter was close in 2 of the games but Stan managed a 3-0.
Gary next against Neil. (Says Heather on the submitted results, but was really Neil.) Quite a monster match with 151 points being played. Gary’s points were: 15/19/15/19/15 and he managed to win 3-2.
Next up (3-2)Jeff against Toby. If he doesn’t have a 3-2 he feels cheated. Another monster with Toby winning the first 2 comfortably, but then Jeff worked hard and came back; only just losing the 5th.
Last was Peter against Nigel. Peter wasn’t sharp on the night and went down 0-3.
We then counted points.


Stan: 3-0
Peter: 0-3
Jeff: 2-3
Gary: 3-2


Overall result: Won 10 - 8

4th A vs Southern Suburbs



Tough fixture against one of the top teams in 4th league.

Ryan went on first after a two weeks break on vacation in China, played at number 4 and looked out of sorts to lose 3-2 against an opponent he should beat quite easily.

Dave went on next and played some great squash against Richard, a very skilful and tricky opponent, showed great determination for a fighting 3-2 win.

Vevek went next against Lee, a tennis player who as very difficult to read, fought back well from two down to win 3-2, first loss of the season for Lee.

Flip went on last needing at least two games for a points count-down, could not get going against a very hard hitting opponent Paul the Plumber, lost 3-0.


Overall result: Won 8 - 12

4th B (in name only) vs Old Eds



The old men save the day.
Kyle lost 2-3 to an old toppy who he should have crushed (bit of tonsillitis didn’t help.
Nick came back from injury and played like a drain – lost 1-3
Silver Fox cantered in with a 3-0 win
Richard sealed the team win with a hard fought 3-1 victory

Overall result: Won  11- 7

6th A vs Bryanston




Duncan lost 0-3
GavinB won 3-2
BigG lost 1-3
Manie lost 2-3

Overall result:

6th B vs Modderfontein



Not much to report on this one, we basically got hammered through a combination of bad squash on our part and two imported ringers from their side.  Louis posted the most resistance with his game improving continuously.

Dannie 1 -3 down
Louis 2-3 down
Bruce 0-3 down
Mark 1-3 down

Overall result: Lost 4 - 16

7th League vs. Parkview



I had nightmares the night before the game of how we lost the match and tumbled in despair to the closest contenders to OUR throne and not only that, but then fell behind in points to the third place arch rivals – The Randburg Ringers!!! “The Nightmare on the corner of Orange & Troon Street” was a movie of the mind and fortunately never made it to production but was substituted with an absolute blockbuster of a flick called “The Chamber of Thrones” starring Herkie as the judicial romantic Afrikaner lead, Dr. Paul as the cool and calm calculating academic, Lyal as the mad professor aka Dr. Brains meets Dr. Brawn and finally Brennan, the tech savvy, heart stealing bit of eye candy for the feint-hearted. I refer to them as the “ABC” team – Absolute Bloody Champions.

When I got to the courts, there was Brennan warming up against a kid. Nick is a really young kid, a pint-sized chap who had his father in tow giving support and advice. I witnessed what must have been a very difficult game for Brennan to play. How do you measure out sufficient aggression against an opponent who was old enough to be Brennan’s own child? I saw the dilemma in Brennan’s game play as he tried desperately to not be the big bully and even popped some shots up for Nick to get to and I watched with great admiration as Brennan tried not to accidentally run over his opponent in getting around the court. Hats off to Parkview in fielding this young player (of great potential) because they were low on team members but more especially to Brennan who showed a fathers maturity in playing this young lad and treating him with respect. In the end it was a walk in the park for Bren who won and set us on the right track. (3-0)

In between games I had to take my own son back home. When I returned I had already missed the first game of Lyal against Herman where, I believe, there was an epic battle for dominance. Lyal had taken the first 17-15 and now he was 6-13 down in the second and then the tremendous fight back ensued. Clawing his way back with a calm but determined resolve was a sight to behold. He showed great maturity and composure as match points came and went and in the back of your mind you knew that winning this game could swing the match. Herman seemed hell bent on hitting the ball harder than Lyal and this led to a number of errors and to a large extent kept the ball alive. Finally Lyal stuck to his task and took the second 21-19 and this seemingly also broke Herman’s spirit and made the third and final game look like yet another walk in the park. A good solid performance and win by Lyal. (3-0)

The feeling I got from Paul as the match against Sherwyn unfolded was a sense of what-do-I-do-now? Sherwyn had a wrist that was as agile as an overworked red-light-district special in Amsterdam. He could retrieve shots that looked like winners, his wrist action was so fluid you could not tell where he was going to place the ball, his movement around the court was good and he was reading Paul’s every move. Paul loses the first and truth be told, I was worried. Words with Paul at the break amounted to being a bit more decisive with shot play, to keep his opponent moving and eliminating the unforced errors. Paul manages to deliver in the second and this, once again, proves to be a critical game as a more determined and analytical look returns to Paul’s eye and he manages to drive home his determination and takes it at 20-18. The third game sees Paul finding the chinks in the chainmail armour and fatigue starts having an effect on Sherwyn’s shots. Mistakes start creeping in and slowly the tables are turned and Paul is more decisive and clinical. The fourth sees Sherwyn lose the fight completely and almost all of Paul’s short balls are left unchallenged by Sherwyn and it is like Paul is playing a completely different opponent. Paul cleans up – the match of the night. (3-1)

Herkie was so looking forward to playing the undisputed and unchallenged 7th League champion from Parkview who has lost nothing. When I say nothing, I mean not a match nor a game. Unfortunately Rob was not available but Jason came in his stead at No.1 and unfortunately for him, Herkie was on song! His focus was right, his serve was clean, his shot selection was good, true and tight, his fetching was unsettling and his drops from just about any position on the court were out of this world – a power bestowed upon him from his reign on a far distant other planet. He was just awesome – like superman returns to the squash courts. Jason also suffered a slight pull of the hammie which did not help his cause and Herculean Herkie wraps it up in 3 quick and concise games and again I am in heaven! (3-0)

I might have to apologize for my vocal exuberance and shouting a little too loudly on the night but a 4-0 win against our heel nippers is something any passionate cappie would shout about – even a crappie cappie with vocal training! My dream remained something stuck in the ether somewhere and the only thing that is going to keep me awake at night now - is how we keep this momentum for the second round???

“We remain the log leaders!”

“When in front of the race, don’t look behind to see who might be catching you – keep your focus on placing of one foot in front of the other and get to the finish line in your fastest time possible.
When you cross the line – then you can look around and see how you placed.” Gary (ear-ear)

The call from Dave to support “The Bones” pub at Pirates was a nice diversion from the all too accustomed Doppio’s where we still haven’t been able to secure a member discount for unwavering and loyal custom.

No: 1 – Herkie vs. Jason (3-0) 15-11 / 15-12 / 15-12

No: 2 – Paul vs. Sherwyn (3-1) 9-15 / 20-18 / 15-10 / 15-3

No: 3 – Lyal vs. Herman (3-0) 17-15 / 21-19 / 15-5

No: 4 - Brennan vs. Nick (3-0) 15-5 / 15-5 / 15-4

Ear-Ear
   Gary

Overall result: Won 13 - 4

8th League vs. Winchester Hills



The league leaders lost 1-16, so I’m not sure that anyone is up to writing a report………no longer league leaders.

Nick lost 0-3
Brennan lost 1-3
Stratford lost 0-3
Peter lost 0-3

Overall result: Lost 1 - 16

9th League vs. CCJ




Before our match, we were 6 points behind Country Club and Moderfontein so this was a must win situation for us. So the 2 brothers and the Pora were ready for action.

First Up: Andy vs Matt

Before Andy played he admitted that his fitness is not his strongest point and had to work his magic to beat Matt in 3 sets. First game up and I have never seen someone with so much wrist action, shot flicking, boast bouncing like this man can play (well maybe at gay pride - Kobus's words) but the first game was a hard fought game with both players never giving in. Andy had just managed to squeeze in the win 15-13. The second game was no different, both players never giving up and once again our fillet wristed man took it 15-10. Now Andy was happy but also running out of steam. Down to the final set. 13-13, 14-13 to Matt, 14-14, 15-14 to Andy and then winning it 16-14.
Andy 3-0 Matt

Second Match: Peter vs Superman (So I couldn't remember the guys name)  From the word go, these 2 men were playing their hearts out for every point. You would think the prize for the winner would be a night with Pamela Anderson the way they were playing. Peter took the first 2 games.
But then it was Superman's turn to play catch up and catch up he did.
Before we knew what had happened the score was 2-2. Both men looked like they had just entered a wet T-shirt competition (most likely to impress
Pamela) The final set had come and gone with Peter just winning it.
Peter 3-2 Superman

Third Match: Leslie vs Paul
Now the pressure was on me...I mean Leslie, to keep up the teams winning run. Paul looked like a fit man and this intimidated Leslie a little. He won the toss and served first...and his serve took Leslie off guard as he was not sure if he was serving or picking banana's off a tree. Then after being 5 points down he realized that this guy plays tennis. Game on and managed to claw his way back to win the first game 16-14. The second game went the same way but a better result 15-10. Now time to finish the opponent off, but nooooooooo, with his funky Tennis style, he managed to pull one game back. Now Leslie focused, put his mind to it and finished Paul off 15-9.
Leslie 3-1 Paul

Current Score: 12 - 3

So back to the log: as it stands Chamber will over take moderfontein and country club.
Chambers - 82
Country Club - 79
Moderfontein - 76

It is now down to the lion heart of the team, Kobus the soon to be Kenyan, to beat Jamie on Friday and extend our lead at the top. All he needs to do is take one game off him for chambers to stay above the country clubians. But if he does not beat Jamie, he said he will run around naked at Chambers singing: "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts."

This is not your captain, signing off

Ps: I am selling chicken livers and peri peri chicken at this never to be seen price again. Please contact me if you are interested. (Warning: do not contact if you are allergic to donkey and water buffalo meat)

Match postscript – Kobus lost 3-1 so the match was won (just).

Overall result: Won  10 - 6