The Chamber Exiles Squash Club: 2017

CHAMBER EXILES MATCH REPORTS - 1st HALF WEEK 11 (I think)

Last week’s match reports/results are below. (Better late than never)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESERVE LEAGUE vs Suburbs

Frankie beat Eric 3-0

David beat Deon 3-0

Ian lost to Kyle 1-3

Tagara beat Graham 3-1

Overall result: Won 13 - 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd LEAGUE A vs Bryanston

Bryanston are fairly low on the log so we expected an easy win. We did win, but it didn’t seem easy. Andrew was out with flu, Jae was playing with a sore ankle and Gary played with flu.

Jae played first against Henri, who is a very strong player. Jae worked Henri out fairly early and went 2-0 up but Henri changed his game and took it to 5. The 5^th was close but Jae came through.

Vevek played Pierre and just wasn’t in the match. Pierre was quick and fetched well which resulted in Vevek second guessing his shots and although he got to double figures in all the games, he was never comfortable.

Next Gary played Michael, a hard hitting left hander. Gary won the 1^st but then Michael started hitting hard and low and won the next 3, well almost. Gary managed to fight back at the end of the 4^th and win it. Michael had no more legs for the 5^th.

Last our other banker Richard played Johan. Richard started well and we thought it was all over but then Johan came back and then we didn’t know which way it would go. But Richard won the next 2.

Jae: 3-2

Gary: 3-2

Vevek: 0-3

Richard: 3-1

Overall : Won 12 - 8

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd LEAGUE B vs Hope

Overall result: Won 16 - 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th LEAGUE A vs Chamber B

See below

Overall result: Won 16 - 6

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th LEAGUE B vs Chamber A

The turn of the league and our derby game first up. The season has been a bit of a challenge for us so we were hoping to get back on track.

Early game was Fergus against Mark – probably the match of the night (judging by the scoreline), but there was no-one around to watch so this is all hearsay. Fergus was apparently 2-1 with a couple of match points, but Mark fought hard to take the 4^th and then the 5^th to leave Fergus frustrated at the post. Lost 2-3.

Next was Phil vs Danie: Phil had swapped racquets with Danie a couple of days prior and it seemed to be doing the trick – until Danie activated the hidden feature in the swapped out racquet which sent the balls into tin or meekly back the centre court… Phil was 14-11 up in two games and managed to lose both 16-14. In between, he managed to eek out two games of his own to leave things at 2 apiece. It was all Danie in the fifth though and he showed no mercy. Lost 2-3

Obviously the other team hadn’t read the Chamber rule book where it clearly states; “If thine be granted the title “A” in a league, thou shalt, without fail, surrender thine derby bragging rights to the B team”.

Then Chris vs Duncan. Started out well enough with Chris’ wiley ways bringing him victory in the first. Then Duncan turned up the heat and was cutting it off beautifully. Chris struggled to get the length he needed to add pressure and it was over all too soon. Lost 1-3.

So Nigel vs Allen to try and avoid a whitewash. In vain though as Allen was too accurate, too tenacious and just too damn tricky to yield. Lost 1-3.

So what was this? The natural order of things had been upset. Bragging rights to the “A” team. We’d played too hard to end up with a measly handful of points. We’ll have to settle things up in the Wannabes Tournament. We joined our counterparts for a depressing, glum, downtrodden and morose dinner at Doppio before retreating to lick our wounds – or perhaps rub Deep Heat into them.

Overall result: Lost 6 - 16

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5th LEAGUE 04 vs Wanderers

We played our arch rivals Wanderers again. Last season we were the only team to beat them (twice) but they pipped us to the league title. We also beat them narrowly in the 1^st half of this season. They were after revenge………………but we were having none of it. Read on dear reader (sorry Bob)

Silver on first against Pieter, a runner of note, and run he did. The match was even at 1 game all and the 3^rd turned into a marathon with Silver trying to extend the game as long as possible (believe that if you will)…..eventually winning it 21-19 (Pieter had a game ball late in the game and should have stopped for a stroke but played on – silly boy!!!!!). That knocked the stuffing out of him with Silver winning the 4^th fairly comfortable.

Dilly on then against an American import, Brendan. If Pieter was a runner then Brendan was a Comrades runner. Dilly lost the 1^st but then outdid Silvers 3^rd game score with a 22-20 win in the 2^nd. After winning the 3^rd but losing the 4^th to 5, Brendans legs finally ran out and Dilly took the 5^th.

Doc Paul and Kobus went on simultaneously against Francois and Big Ron. Kobus played immaculate squash in the 1^st to win 15-6, but Ron found his mojo and thwacked Kobus into submission in the next 3. That left Doc to win the match for us and another 5-setter ensued. In the 5^th it looked like Paul was trying to beat Dillys 22-20 but forced Francois into submission at 18-16.

A very frustrated Wanderers shared pizzas with us as we gloated over yet another victory over them

Overall result: Won 13-8

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6th LEAGUE vs. Pirates

Overall result: Won 12 - 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7th LEAGUE vs Jeppe

Traffic to Jeppe was a nightmare! Captain Fillmore, usually first to arrive, only pitched after 7pm after an hour and a half in the traffic. Jeppe courts must be the second coldest courts in JHB, second only to Chambers. Jeppe beat the log leaders Western Rackets last week, so we were in for a tough match.

First on court was Anthony against Greg. Dropping down to #2 after complaining about flu, lack of practice, breath etc. But it turned out to be a good move as he played a great game against a strong opponent, to win 3-1. Conserving his energy meant he had to focus on percentage squash and cut our errors which he achieved, resulting in a good win.

Pete F was next on court at #4 and proved to be too strong for his opponent Clifford. After a slow start losing the first, he wrapped up the match 3-1. A relatively easy game.

Looking good with 2 wins under the belt. Peter LR on next at #3 against an old foe Vaughn, the ambidextrous tennis player. A night to forget for Peter, coming unstuck against the tennis serve which kept dying at the back of the court. His inability to adjust in time resulted in a 0-3 loss, notwithstanding a fight back in the 3^rd. A case of too little too late.

Jeppe just needed a 3-1 win at #1 to clinch it. Dave stepped up and took a 2-1 lead against Sean which meant at worst we would have a points count out. Dave lost the 4^th and was down 10-13 in 5^th when the lights went out (literally). In fact his opponent had played a winning forehand down the line which would have taken the score to 10-14. But the point didn’t count. When the lights were switched on after a 3 minute delay, Dave proceeded to win the next 5 points, and the match, against a very frustrated opponent. Best game of the season, and, in the context of the evening, a very satisfying victory!!

So an overall score of 12-7 and a great win after losing to Jeppe on a points count out in the first round.

We rounded off the evening in the Jeppe bar, with a few beers and steak/egg/chips.

Overall result: Won 12 – 7

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8th LEAGUE vs Wendywood

A bad day at the office but still top……………just

Match score: Lost 5 - 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9th LEAGUE YMT vs Bryanston

Overall result : Lost 7 - 12

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9th LEAGUE OMT vs Bye

Match Score :

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES LEAGUES

LADIES 2nd LEAGUE 01 vs Bye

Overall result:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES 2nd LEAGUE 02 vs CCJ

Overall result Won 13 - 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 03 vs Modder

Lost by 2 points

Overall result: Lost 7 - 9

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 04 vs Modder

Chrisna vs Anne

What a game! Chrisna went down in the first two 6-15 and 4-15! And then, boy did the tables turn! She powered her way back to victory by taking the next three games 15-11, 15-5 and 15-12.

Sonelle vs Almarie

Sonelle took her lead from Chrisna! Last game of the night! Soup was on the boil! I kept having to run back and forth to the kitchen to stop the pot burning, as what seemed like a possible disappointing loss turned into an awesome victory! Sonelle lost her first two 13-15 and 12-15. So close! And then came the fightback! 15-8, 15-9 and 15-13!

Jenny vs Mary

Jenny wasn’t really much troubled in her encounter with Mary. Cool, calm and collected. Jenny feels her game is getting back in the groove. And so it was ………….a win 15-9, 15-11 and 15-6.

Tayla vs Tarryn

Aside from Mandy confusing the two T’s when doing her supporting bit from the sidelines………………..this match went our way. 15-4, 15-10 and 15-9. You’d never know that Tayla had been out with her damaged shoulder for the past three weeks!

So CE04 triumphed 4 rubbers, 12 games, 215 points to MO04’s 0 rubbers, 4 games and 167 points!

Well done team!

Mandy

Overall result: Won 16 - 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 05 vs Old Eds

Overall result: Won 13 - 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADIES 4th LEAGUE 06 vs Old Eds

Power failure stopped play!!!!!!!!

Overall result:

CHAMBER EXILES MATCH REPORTS - 1st HALF WEEK 10

Last week’s match reports/results are below. Last years Scribe of the Year (SCROTY) winner has re-emerged invigorated– See ladies report below

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESERVE LEAGUE vs Wits

Overall result:

3rd LEAGUE A vs Chamber B

3rds Derby Match Chamber A (in log position and name) vs Chamber B

Jae was up first against Peter. Jae had a battle on his hands in the first against Peter with Jae taking it 16-14. In the second, Jae ran away with it with Peter seemingly feeling the after effects of his monster final against Jeff in the National Masters on Sunday. Peter put in a huge effort in the third sneaking in 16-14 and the fourth was equally tight ultimately going to Jae 18-16. (3-1)

Rich up next against Heinrich. From the start Heinrich was hitting the ball sweetly and eased past Rich in the first. The second and third were both tight affairs with Heinrich having his chances but Rich ultimately shaving them. Roles were reversed in the fourth as Heinrich ran away with it and he was too strong in the fifth. (2-3)

Our undefeated banker, Vevek, than came up against the newly crowned national champion in the Masters age 55-59, Jeff Davidson. Jeff was quickest out of the blocks taking the first but roles were reversed in the second as Vevek warmed to the task at hand. Jeff’s lobs got higher and tighter in the third, while Vevek managed to turn around the fourth but ultimately Jeff was too strong in the fifth. There went Vevek’s undefeated record. (2-3)

Andrew was up late against Ryan (well very late being Sat afternoon). It was always going to be a ding dong hard hitting battle. Andrew raced into a 2-0 lead however Ryan made no errors in bringing the match back to 2-2. The last game took 15 minutes with Andrew taking it 16-14 in the 5th. The 55 minute match ended with a sweaty hug in true Chamber spirit! YES – a hug ;-)!!!

Another EPIC Chamber battle showing the depth and amazing rivalry within the club. A team going up by 1 game

Jae 3 Peter 1

Andrew 3 Ryan 2

Vevek 2 Jeff 3

Richard 2 Heinrich 3

Overall : Won 12 - 9

3rd LEAGUE B vs Chamber A

See above

Overall result: Lost 9 - 12

4th LEAGUE A vs Jeppe

Overall result: Lost 4 - 13

4th LEAGUE B vs Bye

Overall result:

5th LEAGUE 04 vs Crusaders

Another first - my first visit to St. Stithians and since we were being thrashed by the youthful opposition and the squash was really crap, I don’t have much material to work with. So, instead, I got to thinking about the role of the “father figures” at our club and what a valuable role they play. The elder statesman & women at our club who, in their own way, help steer the ship that is Chamber Exiles.

Whilst I was playing my impressive young Crusader I realized that my behavior and attitude on court might rub off on him to some degree and help form the squash player that he grows up to be one day and which club he might join and make his own in the future – so best I show him my “better” side! Yes - I know it’s debatable whether I actually have one!!

The point is – I have had my fair share of fatherly figures help shape whom I have become at the club and I would like them to know that they are valued and respected. They might not be perfect, few people are, but they have their strengths and it is in our own best interest to try and learn from them the lessons they have to teach – to glean from them the wisdom that they have acquired along the way and in so doing, become better role models ourselves.

So, take a bow yea elderly folk of Chamber Exiles – some of you teach us squash skills, some of you teach us life skills, some teach us diplomacy, mutual respect, appreciation for that which is good, human socialization & interaction, passion, fair play, sportsmanship, generosity of spirit, compassion for others, supportive help, happiness with others and love.

If you are one of these old guys or old girls - Thank you!

You are the backbone of Chamber Exiles.

Our expedition was all at sea without our true number one, our captain, our chairman, our team’s backbone and our seasoned campaigner who decided to trek to Jeppe to play an easy game with the fourth leaguers instead and lost.

John – you were missed and would have made a difference to the outcome and the encounter.

I was exhausted by my opponent Sebastian who just got to everything and I still don’t know how to play a runner properly. (Lost 1-3)

Kobus won a war of attrition against an equally competitive and argumentative Matthew. (Won 2-3)

Darren had a nightmare come true and scare the shit out of any spectator and he would have beaten Kristen any other day of the week but just not today!!! (Lost 0-3)

Nick had a tough old-timers battle against the team coach and put up a good fight but Mike had a skilled hand and drove the sword into his side at the death. (Lost 2-3)

We got a purple Poweraid for our troubles.

“Ear-Ear”

Gary

Overall result: Lost 6-14

6th LEAGUE vs. Northcliff

Overall result: Lost 11 - 8

7th LEAGUE vs Western Rackets

Overall result: Lost 13 - 5

8th LEAGUE vs Wits

Match score: Won 16 - 3

9th LEAGUE YMT vs UJ

Postponed due to Ramadan

Overall result :

9th LEAGUE OMT vs Wanderers

Match Score 0 - 16

LADIES LEAGUES

LADIES 2nd LEAGUE 01 vs Randburg

Helena won 3-1

Hannah - won 3-0

Megan lost 3-1

Ashley won 3-0

TOP OF THE LEAGUE (Just)

Overall result: Won 13 - 4

LADIES 2nd LEAGUE 02 vs Randburg

Overall result:

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 03 vs Old Eds

Overall result: Won 12 - 5

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 04 vs Chamber 05

See below

Overall result: Won 10 - 8

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 05 vs Chamber04

This match was probably the most insanely nerve wrecking one that has been played to date.

Games kicked off with some banter that friends were playing friends and former team mates had inside knowledge and could use that information to their advantage.

Marisa and Mandy took to court with their fast becoming trendy habits; Mandy chewing an endless supply of Mentos gums and Marisa suckling on her bottle of Energade, like it was mother's milk.

The M&M duo rapped through the first set with a sketchy beat that saw Mandy take an early lead. Lights, camera and action in set 2 and the audience joined in the chorus calls of "Come on M, you got this!" So Marisa, the other M won the second set. In the third set, both M's showed their muscle and powered through a 13-13 nail biter; until M, Mandy that is, mustered the might to win the set. The fourth was more of the Irish lass's magic and Mandy mouthed her way to 3-1 win.

Jenny and Roshael had a hard act to follow. They launched the 1st set, each lady digging deep inside her own head for fortitude. Jenny's head won and Roshael, in true Roshael fashion, stormed off court begging for a conduct warning. Jenny went a begging in the second set, with Roshael seeming to have reigned in her demons. The third set provided the audience with more reason to shout and jeer. Thankfully, we don't allow accosting players with bruised fruit. We might have had to resand court 2! Jenny's superior headgame and technical prowess sealed Roshael's fate, with Jenny winning the third and fourth.

Jana and Sonelle were next on stage when the curtain opened. And this act was a genuine reflection of how squash should be played, with grace and elegance, and a natural flair for shot selection. Both ladies played beautifully, pity that there are no points for poetic squash. Jana's perfectly timed winners clinched the match and CE05 were back in business, trailing with 1-2, in game scores with points at 144 vs 152, in favour of CE04.

The fourth and final game started with a warm appreciation for Belinda and Chrisna's long standing friendship. The pair fired off some classy serve, return rallies but Belinda got the better of Chrisna, taking the 1st set; 15-11. Set 2, and Chrisna nailed Belinda to the wall, their friendship proving to have boundaries on the court with Chrisna in the lead at 15-10. Several pep talks with different team mates and deep mining of internal reserves helped the friends claw back some vestitude of great squash and Belinda sailed to a winning 3rd set.

In the 4th set, the crowd was on its feet with loud shouts of where and how to hit the ball. Chrisna fell victim to Belinda's devious lobs and was constantly caught at the front of the court. Belinda was unable to read Chrisna's looping serves and found the tin, on those occasions that her racquet actually managed to find the ball. At 14-14 both girls were duelling on adrenaline fumes. Chrisna served, and "Out of Court" cried the ref. Belinda took to the servers block at 15-14, on match point. "Out of court!" cried the ref. And the audience groaned in agony. Replay, both players were now at 15-15. Chrisna was back at the service block. Composed and focused, she served. Belinda pounced and took the point, and the game to her match point advantage again. Belinda served, the crowd was hushed. The commentator blinked, and Belinda took the match, 17-15.

The curtains fell at 8 games each.

Point scores were in favour of CE04, 202 to 201. Hard luck CE05.

Overall result: Lost 8 -10

LADIES 4th LEAGUE 06 vs Randburg

Overall result: Won 9 - 6