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Unfortunately Cobdown only managed to bring three players due to a bad run of injuries. Well, at 6:45 we had 1. The other 4 (and supporters) were stranded by a fire at London Bridge. Anyway, the match started at 8.20 as David had arrived. Niall turned up a bit later and Chris S-B by just after 9. In the end it was a fairly overwhelming victory with 20 points in the bag by 9:40.
Same team next week - plus Pete and one. League update below:
Best
JC
As he headed off into the sunset, Mark did mumble something about a match report. So here, for one time only is the Spectator’s view.
On the positive side, there was a good turn-out of support for Knole’s depleted warriors. And with the absence of the Park Club’s #1 George Fray announced, a sniff of a result was sensed.
David demolished a far from fit John Hogwood (a talented player, but one who clearly knew he was limited by weight and hams) in 3 quick games. Didn’t have time even to coach David in between games.
Pete was despatched equally smartly 3-0 by Andy Lewin who moved deceptively quickly and hit the ball hard with his left hand. He rather bullied Pete off the court, although if Pete could have hung on for another few games, he might have got back in.
Niall held his own for two games against a similar styled Mike Watson (whom we haven’t seen before). After 1-1, a few too many errors from Niall and Mike found his range and touch. 1-3.
Meanwhile Chris S-B – rapidly assuming the smash mantle – smashed Carlos hard for a game and a half. Carlos gave him the rest of the 2nd game 0/9 after an apparently bad call, but then reversed the score 9/0 in the 3rd as Chris eased up. Maybe the attempted drop shot (or was it two?) and a few more errors in the 4th, while Chris tried to get some momentum back made it 2-2. Then a bit more smashing wore Carlos down by the middle of the 5th and he surrendered meekly at the end. So 2-2 in rubbers and expectations of the usual grandstand finish.
Mike was up against George Fray’s brother Phil (looked more like his dad, I thought). They were evenly matched for most of the early exchanges. Again Phil seemed to have the home court edge as Mike faded and showed surprising stamina and speed. Sadly the threepeat miracle was not to be this week. 1-3 and 2-3 overall. 8 points picked up in the battle for 3rd place in the league. It will take a storming second half season to rise.
A first for me during this match – I’ve never seen as big a sidewall nick than the one which trapped the ball and sent it back towards the front of the court. No let given (same for both players, I guess). I hope the mice didn’t get a headache.
A fine spread of pub fried fare afterwards – much better than the old takeaways we used to get. During supper:
MrJimHall told us about his foot and shoe implants – I think. That has to be good news, doesn’t it.
MrSleepers reminded us that he will be coming back taut and trained after a couple of weeks r&r – and looking to displace any aspiring 5th stringers.
Mike confirmed his absence for the next two fixtures, also for a much deserved foreign jaunt.
Vice Match Reporter John
This should be entitled the HULK SMASH SLAM DUNK memorial game on account of how much Gary berkowitz would have enjoyed it.
Phew, what a week! Monday in Manchester with James to see Nick Matthew move forward to winning the world crown by beating Ramy (albeit due to injury
retirement) then later Greg Gaultier in the final. Well done Nick --- fortuitous maybe, but you can only play what is put in front of you!!
Wed at the O2 to see Rafa do a number on Wawrinka and return to top spot on the tour (and probably to win the whole tournament ??) Also Roger got THREE separate awards for humanitarian work and good sportsmanship (13th consecutive!!) The very close nature of Rafas game just highlighted how small the margins are and explains why just a small drop off by Feds is impacting
so hard on his ability to dominate..
And sandwiched in the middle a memorable Knole 1 match !!!..
David was at his imperious best and made Jim look flat ordinary , which is some achievement since all the number 1.s i this league have a pretty good idea which end of the bat to hold. The all court game variety and early takes and kills just left Jim standing most of the time and the writing was on the wall well before half time..
Niall and Mark were disappointed with their efforts but will live to fight another day and tantalizingly set up what was to follow ( both 3/0 losses)
Very soon the gloom was descending on the possibility of a 4/1 thrashing with the overall score at 2/1 down and Chris s b down 2/0. Chris however had different ideas and carved out a brilliant 3/2 win. Richard had Chris on a string all over the court but his do-or die retrieving and chasing of lost causes just negated Richards tactical and technical experience and he just ran out of ideas and puff..(3/2 win)
Pete entered the fray with uncertainty about his sore paw but it stood up to a thoroughly compelling and rigorous match. Many match balls were
reached and lost and it went the full distance with no obvious indication of who would finally prevail. A fine all court game (3/2 win). Such was the interest that Chris was literally hanging from the rafters being unable to secure a decent spot on the gallery.
With no away game for the second team the groupie count was most impressive and the protagonists were enthusiastically encouraged by both teams
as well as Messrs Skiller/Willis/Creek/Hall/Myself all of whom enjoyed the following social.
This was a blinding result in the absence of the maestro -- business in Singapore -- pah ! what a pitifull excuse. James has finally had to bail out and let his toes heal properly and clearly the doubt about Pete,s possible durability with his wrist problem was lurking -- hope there has been no adverse reaction since !!??.
To mangle a notable soccer term this was definitely a match of (approx) three thirds.
To lift another perennial favourite -- you cannot win the league in the first half but you sure can lose the opportunity to do so-- this kept us in the hunt.
This was "hanging -in" at its very best, well played ALL .. Niall and maybe Mark will no doubt have the opportunity at some later date to be the "heros"
Well done all ,and keep up the training !! Mark Johnson
(PS --Gary -- hope you have managed to get yourself involved in some squash fun at home -- best wishes from all)
Welcome result 3/2 win last night with a packed gallery.
Unfortunately we now have two warriors with saw paws. James continues to have toe problems but valiantly pitched up again to push everyone
down the order and we needed that assistance to win . The slow thoughtful game with more attempted kills is working well and almost nailed the third game. A fully fit Mr hall will certainly be able to mix it with all these guys. (3/0 loss)
Didn't see any of Petes game but the wrist was a real hindrance I believe -- hope its good for next week pete..(3/1 loss)
David had a rather unexpected marathon v Simon who played his socks off and put in the best performance i have seen from him. I have had some tussles with simon and am well aware how difficult it is to play all those short winners, particularly off service. Great one to win David and you showed great control to nail it in the fifth (3/2 win)
Both Niall and Mike put in sterling mid order wins ( both 3/0) but had to put in committed effort . A good run was had by all -- well played everybody.
See you all next week hoping the walking wounded feel a lot more capable ..
Best wishes Mark Johnson.
Narrow loss last night v very good Blackheath side. (l 3/2)
John nicked a valuable point against their capable captain but the low percentage attack game rendered too many errors to prevail. (l 3/1)
Pete had a scrappy battle with Shawn who looks difficult to get around on court..
By his own judgement Pete can do better ,, so next week looks tempting ??.(l 3/1)
Mike had a humdinger with Nico and only nicked it in a close 5th -- both players thoroughly enjoying the run out having a somewhat similar game -- good to watch for the groupie onlookers , James and myself.(w 3/2)
Niall played a new guy who could have been a one. Tom was basically a bit too good all round but I didn't see a great deal of the game.(l 3/0)
David gave us an exhibition in taking the ball very early and using the whole court with subtle pace/ direction changes.. -- a joy to watch vs a difficult young player to contain -- a longer match would have been very interesting ! ( w 3/0)
Very well played all but we look forward to James getting properly back on the saddle to make a real impression on this league.
Best wishes MJ
A very good start with 18 points.
James did a valiant job under toe pressure and apparently (i didnt see much of his game) slowed it right down to take the match to a close fourth set having also
taken the second set to 10/8 from an 8/7 gameball! ( 3/1 loss). Hanay beat Keith a couple of months ago so he is certainly no mug and the way he buried the first few shots was awsome. Thanks for playing champ.
David is just a cheat !!?? -- he obviously has a string attached surreptitiously to the ball such was his close ball control. Of course it does help if you can move
like an athletic (mature) cheetah. Ash can be a bit of a handful I am told, however such was the dominance of David's play that he obviously could not
see the point in getting agitated and managed to garner only 7 points in the whole match !!!. ( 3/0 win)
Niall sorted out Keith with very little drama. It appears that Neal Murphy marked the game like a brain dead donkey (according to his own guys) so maybe that
provided a little bit of entertainment !!?? (shame -- I did not see this one either) (3/0 win)
Mike at 4 -- we jest surely -- Baz was always onto a bit of a hiding but a good sweat was worked up by all. Job well done Mikey boy !.(3/0 win)
I marked Petes game which ended up being a longer affair than it should have been and i missed most of the other action. The match was litered with chunks of point runs and hand in hand out sequences. It looked rather as if many good kill opportunities were spurned and the front court drops were very shaky
but i would give my left arm to move around like that..(3/1 win)
Well played all , would be great to put out this team all season but we all know that is a bit of a dream..
Knole Park Squash Club is based at the Knole Park Golf Club near Sevenoaks in Kent. It has a lively membership and two teams in the North West Kent league.
Knole Park Squash Club | c/o Knole Park Golf Club, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, TN15 0HJ, Sevenoaks, England, TN15 0HJ
