The Chamber Exiles Squash Club

CHAMBER EXILES MATCH REPORTS - 1st HALF WEEK 9

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

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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

CHAMBER EXILES MATCH REPORTS - 1st HALF WEEK 8

Last week’s match reports/results are below.

RESERVE LEAGUE vs UJ

Francesco,-lost 3-0

David won 3-2

Tagara,-won 3-1

Peter won 3-1

Overall result: Won 16 - 7

3rd LEAGUE A vs Parkview

Chamber 3rd League aka the A team in name and log position (02) vs Parkview

Jae played Chris Naidoo and snuck in the first game 16-14 after being 9-1 down. It was a tight affair in the second until Chris hurt his Achilles and retired hurt! A 3-0 walkover and win for Jae, we will take it!

Andrew played Bongi and had a hard 5 setter, but managed a win on his birthday. Andrew was 14-10 up in the 4th and threw it away. He regrouped, consolidated and played with experience to CLOSE the 5th!

Vevek coming back from injury played Deepak. Vevek won the first, narrowly lost the 2nd 19-17 but then won the next 2 comfortably. Vevek remains unbeaten this season and is our banker down the order.

Richard played Jason, same scenario as Vevek: Won the first, narrowly losing a monster 2nd 19-17 (after throwing many game points away), but then closed out next 2 comfortably.

A great win for the team. The night ended with Parkview buying a stroh rum for Andrew which is “apparently” a Parkview birthday tradition. Team tequilas followed capping off a successful night. Chamber derby next week!!

Jae: 3-0

Andrew: 3-2

Vevek: 3-1

Richard: 3-1

Overall : Won 16 - 4

3rd LEAGUE B vs Bryanston

Ryan lost 0-3

Heinrich lost 0-3

Bruce won 3-0

Herkie won 3-1

Overall result: Lost 6 - 9

4th LEAGUE A vs Bye

Overall result:

4th LEAGUE B vs CCJ

With sickness and vacation affecting team availability, we had to call on Phil to bolster the ranks, despite him only having landed back in country that morning from Paris. With two courts in play simultaneously, there was action all around.

On court 1 it was Chris vs James, while court 2 saw Phil taking on Dylan. I arrived when we were down a game on both courts. Apparently, Phil was still dreaming of the patisserie and café scene and was completely out of sorts in the first. My arrival must have triggered something (I’ll take credit for it anyway) as both players dug in to level things at 1-1. Phil continued in this vein to take a 2-1 lead, while Chris struggled in the third to lag 1-2. Two tight games saw Chris sneak home, overcoming a couple of match points in the last to take it 16-14 with a great effort. On the other side, Phil’s brain went into hibernation and he surrendered fairly meekly to lose 2-3 in a match he probably should have won.

So honours even, It was Gavin vs Gavin on one court and Nigel vs Mike on the other. In the Gavin vs Gavin game, Gavin was down, then he was up, then he was down and then down again. Gavin lost and Gavin won. I didn’t get to see any of the Clash of the Gavin’s as I was playing the young, mop-haired Mike at the same time. First game I was comfortably ahead, only to see a late charge from Mike level things, but managed to hold him off to take the game. In the second game, Mike made many a mistake – a fair few of which were occasioned by impeded vision due to hair obstruction (and a completely ineffectual headband) – to hand me an easy game. I took my foot off the pedal in the third game and lost – eventually proving to be costly in the overall result. Had to fight hard for the fourth, but inched in – assisted by two or three potential strokes that Mike didn’t call for. Won 3-1 for a points count out. Unfortunately, we were well behind on points, and attacked the CCJ bar for compensation. They also treated us to dinner and some engaging chatter.

Overall result: Lost 11-9

5th LEAGUE 04 vs Old Eds

With Silver at the courts early, the Old Eds “No 1” was keen to play early. Turned out has actually their No 4 so an easy 3-0 win (apart from a blip when 12-4 down in the 2^nd)

Doc Fallon on next had a tough match but came through 3-2

Then Dilly on against a running youngster of note. We watched incredulously as Dilly played the match of his life, playing unbelievable winners and running like a gazelle. Eventually his frustrated opponent having been warned not to use expletives succumbed to our “True no 1”. Another 3-2 win.

Up to Kobus to get a 16 pointer which he duly did coming back from 2-1 down to win 3-2.

If Old Eds had played in their proper order, the result could have been totally different. Just shows you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall result: Won 16- 6

6th LEAGUE vs. Northcliff

Lyal lost 0-3

Ian won 3-0

Lesley lost 2-3

Jacques lost 2-3

Overall result: Lost 7 - 12

7th LEAGUE vs Bye

Overall result:

8th LEAGUE vs Modderfontein

Des won 3-2

Trevor won 3-0

Andries won 3-0

Steph won 3-0

TOP OF THE TABLE

Match score: Won 16 - 2

9th LEAGUE YMT vs Modderfontein

The YMT played Moddies. Having lost 7-8 to MD10 the previous time we played, the YMT were out for a win. Adding in the fact that MD10 were just above us in the league standings, there was plenty to play for!
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
First up, our captain for the evening, the sprightly Irishman Ryan took on a much more sprightly Mark van Dongen. Starting out strongly for the first 2 games, the Irishman's lowland lungs couldn't keep up with the 25 year-old's high-veld stamina through the full 5 games. Moddies win 3-2.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Next up was superstar Busi, who, in training for the Comrades, made short work of Malcolm Schneeberger. Chambers win 3-0.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
Game 3 - Lood would probably prefer not to talk about this one. I feel similarly. Moddies win 3-0.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
The match of the evening saw Richard face Darryl Schneeberger. Down 6 games to 5, Richard needed a clear win, or a draw (but with a 14 point lead!) to secure a Chambers team victory. A nail-biter of a game, Richard lost the first match. Under intense pressure, he fought back valiantly until game four. Tied at various points, Richard refused to concede, before finally closing the game victorious at 18-16. Chambers win 3-1.

Overall result : Won 10 - 7

9th LEAGUE OMT vs Bryanston

The OMT played Bryanston at home

Our #1 on the night, Roger, had a late meeting so he could not play their #1. So first up at # 1 was cannon fodder Arnie who graciously, as always, agreed to play out of position vs. Cullum. Thank you Arnie! Cullum is a lovely smiling youngster who plays well and he didn’t give Arnie a run. Arnie managed 17 points in the three games against a much stronger player. 0/3

Roger played Cullum’s wife, the slim and trim Jessica at #2. Roger lost the first two getting 12 and 10 points. Roger then changed gears, put his foot down and klapped Jessica 15-4 in the 3^rd! Well done Roger! In a hard fought 4^th, Roger went down 13-15 by the skin of his teeth. We almost had another 5 setter here, but ‘twas not to be. 1/3.

JohAn took on the young freckle faced Ashleigh at # 3 and promptly went down 10-15 in the first. Strong young lady this. JohAn cajoled, intimidated and coerced Ashleigh who then conceded the 2nd with 13 points. The 3rd was tough and hard fought with JohAn eventually running out 16-14! Phew. JohAn managed to keep his head together in the 4^th with Ashleigh getting 9 points. 3/1

Bryanston didn’t have a #4, so Chamber took a walkover. This was a little bit controversial as our #4 on the night John F went to Bryanston to play but lo and behold he didn’t find us there. But Johnny was ready, willing and able…… at Bryanston! 3/0

The three of us went to Doppio for the usual after party. We celebrated the OMT’s second win in a row! (Thanks to that walkover Whahaha)

Match Score 9 – 7

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

Overall result:

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 03 vs Chamber 04

Chrisna beat Tracey 3-2

Sonelle beat Hannah 3-0

Jenny beat Josephine 3-1

Mandy lost to Michelle 0-3

Overall result: 12 - 6

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 04 vs Chamber 03

See above

Overall result: Lost 5 - 13

LADIES 3rd LEAGUE 05 vs Pirates

Belinda won 3-2

Jana won 3-0

Roshael won 3-0

Marissa won 3-0

Overall result: Won 16 - 2

LADIES 4th LEAGUE 06 vs Randburg

4th league girls had very tough matches versus Randburg 3. We unfortunately lost 9-6.

1. Becky won 3:1 (11-15 17-15 15-6 15-9)

2. Kirsty played a great game against a very strong opponent but unfortunately lost 0:3 (7-15 16-18 9-15)

3. Jo won 3:0 (15-11 15-11 15-12)

4. Debbie lost 3:0 but one game went to 20-18! 15-8 15-9

A very brave effort against a very strong team.

Overall result: Lost 6 - 9