Hi readers. Sorry I am a tad late with my musings on this clash of the titans -- Park Langley being league leaders and all!
The dream team was again galvanized for full blooded action and the home venue meant a few groupies were lending their collective positive vibes.
Pete had a good one and had his tall lanky oppo on the rack pretty much from the start. Once the close second game had fallen favourably a straight sets win looked inevitable and indeed transpired.
David took a couple of games to get into his impressive stride , found line and length and ran through his tiring (apparently) opponent to reach 2/2 . In div 6 & 5 and even in last year’s div 4 this would have been a done deal; but guys don’t lie down and do the honourable thing in the higher leagues. David’s healthy lead was eroded to a 9/7 loss in the last game despite his gallant efforts. Disappointing? Yes; but everything was left on the court and you cannot odds that.
James also met a grafter who was not fazed at being 2/0 down. I observed at the end of the (successful) second game that James could "relax" into some free shot making. A dangerous suggestion indeed and I, of all people, should know how games can turn. Coming back from feeling very peaky last match (which I missed), James ran out of legs somewhat, but his opponent was also extremely tenacious and my comments on David’s game would apply here also.
Niall met an ex pro and I saw none of it since it was a bit rapid. As Niall freely admitted he got a bit of a thrashing - "the guy was hitting nicks for fun". Basically this was a guy who should be playing at number one but pleads physical limitations with which we can all identify!
Mike met my old mucker from BLTC days - Andy "fat boy" Blackman. We discussed whether the epithet should be "very fat boy" but I think that would be a little unfair since he gave Mike a very good work out - rather more than I had anticipated in fact. Two games went to 10 in this 3/0 win for Mike. Good to see you again Andy - if you read this, and I wish I could still move as well as you.
Overall, a pretty good result (3/2 loss), which came very close to being a win.
Knole 1 is definitely "living" in div 3, and if the dream team holds up we could, just, be chasing the honours at seasons close!?
Cascades next week away and the full side is currently available.
Regards to all. MJ