KP1 v Bexley 3 10/09/2014

Hi all

I have become accustomed to reporting on convincing wins of late but fear that no such interpretation could be placed on the battle at Bexley last night.

Just three points in all (5/0 loss) does not however do any justice to a sterling effort by all involved.  It is clear, though, that Pete Sykes' input, this season, was invaluable - as we already knew!

Bexley had their top team out and there were no weak links to attack.  There is little to comment on individually since everybody ‘left it all on the court’ as Jimmy Connors
often said (that shows my age - maybe somebody could think of a current squash player with similar views to insert here!).  Suffice to say that David, at 1, played his ‘socks’ off (why haven't I used that one before!?) to gain two games and the majority of points on the night.

This Bexley side is a mainly young collection of talent who ‘stayed with’ the complete physical commitment of a very focused Knole1 side which, we thought, had one hand on the league trophy. The last match now is really set up to be a hum dinger and ‘stato’ jolly John Creek will ensure that everybody knows exactly what is required to gain promotion (which is very likely, but not nailed yet) and win the league (definitely not a ‘done deal’).

We were very pleased to welcome a ‘packed’ balcony.  Mr Creek was able  to engage with some interesting discussions on the politics of a Bexley/Park Langley altercation over points allocation - the details of which are somewhat arcane - but resolution will likely be achieved by common sense and common consent rather than by a computer, with which I would heartily agree.

Karl Pople was most welcome having been a sturdy participant mainly in the lower league battles at Wildernesse.  His return next year may see him re-joining the fray, but maybe, like myself as a Knole 2 squad option?  We were both marvelling at the court coverage and fitness of Knole 1 and questioning whether we ever reached such lofty levels of performance even at our best!? Glad the back is behaving itself Karl. 

Ralph Abbott also joined us and revived memories of his distant squash past with Rob (the Bexley 5) when he was a junior babe in arms.  With dodgy knees and a few extra ounces it may well be a stretch to call Rob one of the ‘mainly young’ Bexley side but he sure is still impressively talented, as Chris SB found out.

All in all then no complaints and the better side won on the night to set up Beckenham 1 at HOME on the 16th Sept.  Groupies, as always, welcome.  The match at number one between Guy Olby and Ben should be an enthralling tussle.  I am regrettably away but look forward to hearing some positive news on my return.

Stay healthy .MJ

P.S.  I promised to keep you in the loop on my progress back to some competitive action. I am pleased to report that I secured a 3/0 win v BLTC, a match in which ‘stato’ excelled himself and beat Brian Ford convincingly (needing to play some rather better squash than was demanded of myself) for an overall 3/2 loss.

 


KP1 v Sydenham (top against bottom) 26/08/2014

Good morning readers.

The team had another marvellous (or should that be awesome?) win last night and secured another 18 points to go 17 points ahead in Div 3 according to stato Jolly John Creek.

and verified eventually by admin!

and verified eventually by admin!

For this week’s comments read last week’s report since practically all applies.  Sydenham were severely weak being short of two/three players and it showed.

David, James and Niall effectively buried their opponents and it was not so much a matter of whether they would win more a case of how quickly they could contrive to do so.  Sydenham tried the old trick of saying the lights didn’t work on one court but James and Chris S-B  took this in their stride and demonstrated that a carrot-rich diet can overcome all eventualities.  James opined that it was an applied lesson in match concentration (but whether ones thoughts would be the same with a more demanding opponent is questionable) - the conditions were clearly far from ideal.

Whatever the ambient lighting, James was moving with assured economy and demonstrated some fine racket skills.  Niall put in his normal shift of long ball excellence but will surely be exposed by better opponents at the front of the court by too many poor and down front drops.  That’s your training challenge Niall - focus on the drops – you’re far, far, far too good a player to be this limited at the front!

‘Socks’ (David) was ruthless again and got his game over in double quick time.  Dan was a beaten man by the end of the second and effectively chucked in the towel.  Given that anything can happen in a match (see next comments) i.e. injury/mental implosion etc., it is unusual to see opponents effectively concede the game before it’s over but when David is in this mood it’s kind of understandable.  The routine drive to step a yard forward on practically every ball is what makes him so effective, combined with a natural tendency to drop anything that is hanging or loose. 

Pete had a disappointing encounter which he clearly expected to win (very dangerous) having done so before.  Tats is far too good a player to allow a sound drubbing for a game and a half to stifle his ambitions.  Pete exhibited his usual highly impressive physicality and explosive movement - maybe too explosive!  A shoulder pull intervened to change the whole shape of play and Tats took control.  With now limited physical capability Pete engaged brain, after some guidance from coach James, and manoeuvred a 6/0 advantage in the fourth with lobs/drops and a slow ball game.  ‘Wings’ could not, however, resist ‘flying’ again and returned to the hard-hitting ultra-mobile game which obviously suited Tats who gratefully cleaned up, with, one would think, a degree of surprise at the turn of events!

Well played all. The pedigree to take this team to a higher league is maturing nicely and even without Pete, shortly, one feels that the team will hold its own and relish sterner challenges to come.

Stay healthy. Cheerio.  Mark Johnson.
(P.S.: I will buy you a pint if you pick up on the little bit of wordplay herein!)  [Only Doombar and Harveys in the Anchor, Mark – no Pedigree – Ed]

KP1 v Sundridge Park 2 - 21/08/2014

Morning readers.  

Squash can be a very unforgiving game.  When there is a level difference between two players it often looks as if the underdog has barely played before, when in fact, at his (or her) own level they are actually rather good players.

The level that Knole 1 is now playing at exposed such a gulf against the (albeit weakened)
Sundridge side.  Thus for David/James/Nialls’ games they all lost a TOTAL of only 19 points and never came close to losing a game. [So quick, in fact, that the photographer missed all the action - Ed]

Maybe David rather liked the symmetry of a straight 9/1 scoreline all through or/and maybe he had visions of the match slipping from his grasp from 2/0 up, which was never going to happen (but has in the past !!).  I have watched Peter Ng playing with my mate Keith Palmer up at BLTC when I am waiting to be coached/play and I can assure you he is a very decent opponent, although you might not think so from his showing in this match.

James and Niall were slightly ‘kinder’ to their opponents without dangerously taking their feet off the gas and what suffers here is the short game – it’s much easier to crank the ball around hard to a length than to finesse a tight drop - now I am being picky!

Pete gave us a tremendous show of his court coverage again until he pulled a hamstring (or got cramp?).  In fact one might observe that his movement is TOO exuberant (or maybe that’s crippo Johnson being just a tad jealous!).  Cold reflection of two previous matches v Guy Olby and Ted Jeal provoke me to observe that their movement is much less ‘enthusiatic’ and clearly more effective - there is me being picky again.  Jim adopted a tactic which I much applaud, showing us some great lobs - yes that thingy that goes  up high and drops dead in the back if you get it right or gives you time to recover to the T.  Pete did well to nail it 3/1 or surely would have retired.  Jim blew it and really must be kicking himself not to have taken it to 2/2.  We all hope you got the massage that was being discussed and that next Tuesday will see you in action again Pete.
 
My earlier comments re levels might well apply to Chris Ivey’s game, except he was on the receiving end of a drubbing against a strong physical opponent, who was particularly able to pick up all the somewhat loose drops.  Thanks for pitching up Chris - I hope it was not too painful an experience.

So, another 17 points and Div 3 ours to lose(?).  Mr Creek is gathering all the data assiduously and is far better able to pinpoint the crucial confrontations between the other teams.  Pete being absent for the last two/three games makes it more interesting than we would like but since we have seriously benefitted from other teams being short, I guess this levels the playing field.

Barry did not serve up the steak pie that I promised David [nor you the plums, Mark - Ed], but I am sure we shall sample it before this season is done.  Well played all. It’s a delight to view a winning team playing quality squash each week and I am always pleased to get away with marking a couple of matches without my heritage being impugned.

Stay healthy.  Mark Johnson.

Consolidation Party - KP1 v Cascades 12/08/2014

Greetings readers
 
Groupies failed to materialize for this encounter, but next week is:
 
HOME TO SUNDRIDGE ---- ON THURSDAY  -- THATS THURSDAY -- 21ST AUG

So you have another chance to see your rampant first team in thrilling action and I can probably get you fed and watered afterwards for a small donation to funds!  I might even be able to scrump some more plums to bring along.
 
Yes - another great win against a team missing their number one.  18 points were garnered and only four dropped for a 4/1 win.   Since Cascades are batting toward the bottom of Div. 3, I guess we could have expected a result like this, however it’s good to put the points on the board.

I am probably tempting fate but the team results keep coming despite somebody having a bit of a ‘mare’ each week - but not all at once fortunately.  It was David’s turn this week, but he was playing the talented Hany (Taleb)!  I didn’t see this one due to marking duties, but apparently David’s short game and early take accuracy deserted him from a favourable advantageous position in game 2.

Pete had a bit of an in and out encounter the result of which was really not in doubt and the brief lapses reflected his certainty of this outcome (win 3/0).

James , Niall and Mike had fairly routine games and they all did their job with little drama ( 3/0, 3/1, 3/0).

And thus a paucity of pithy comments available from your esteemed author (i.e. me).

James treated us to the elegant symmetry of straight 5’s in his match.   Whether this was achieved by commendable control or simple good fortune I am not sure?

Barry (Anchor) fed us a magnificent nosh majoring with his division one chicken pie offering.  Everybody voted with their knife and fork and left a clean plate – it’s good not to have to berate anybody for not eating their greens.  We are very likely to sample the steak pies next week so there is another good reason to lend your support!

Another great match - Div 2 looms closer?

The contenders?

The contenders?

[Ed - just a reminder - it's the plaque we're after, not the promotion!  We've never won Summer Div. 3. ]

[Ed - just a reminder - it's the plaque we're after, not the promotion!  We've never won Summer Div. 3. ]

Stay healthy.  Best wishes, Mark Johnson.
 
(P.S. - YES THAT WAS T H U R S D A Y NEXT WEEK!!!!!)
 

Top of the table clash KP1 v Park Langley 4 05/08/2014

Greetings to all.

Another tasty match last night, with Knole nicking a win (3/2) v a Park Langley crew short of some superstars. 

You can only play what is put in front of you so we gratefully take the points on offer that take us top of Div 3 by ten full points.

Good to see my old mucker Andy Blackman again and he sees Knole 1 as the ‘Creek and Johnson likely lads’ - is that likely to win div 3 Andy, or did you have something else in mind?

I didn’t see any of Pete S game but it was good to see a solid win after the break in normal service for the last three weeks (3/1 win).  [A bit tentative, but he did seem to have something in reserve though clearly not fully fit – Ed].

Orange is good too, David.

Orange is good too, David.

David, with Pop’s support from the gallery, seemed comfortable at 2/2 having dragged back from 2/0 down but  ‘scruffy git’ Kevin showed great fortitude and admirable application to turn the 5th back his way.  I am allowed to be rude about Kevin since I am only repeating AB’s comments in his results report.  This one was a compelling tussle, well played.

James had the measure of Dave Harris to 8/1 in the first then had a dose of the ‘yips’ and stopped doing the winning stuff.  James nicked the second with apparent ease but Dave got into his impressive stride again and wound out a 3/1 winner.

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The ebb and flow of some of these matches each week is quite astounding and I am glad I was not
tempted by Tim Powell, another of my past team mates, to put a couple of bob on the outcome of this one.

AB played Niall in the end and ran him rather harder than I was expecting, mainly due to Niall's shaky and inconsistent front court game (3/0 win).

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Interesting to see that even veterans and very good players like Mr Harris come up with some inexplicable decisions which gave AB cause to look somewhat disgruntled.  Marking squash matches is not a simple and clear task!

The two Mikes battled it out at five with lively commitment but Knole ran it out 3/1 with sustained physical input and control.  The  Maestro looked to be having difficulty not to be drawn into the stab and poke (but surprisingly effective) style of his opponent so it was a relief to see that ‘normal service’ resumed by the end of the match.

The groupie contingent were rewarded for their interest by the PL 1 v DULWICH 1 (Division 1) match on the next court with Tim Garner  v Steve London at 1 the highlight. To be sure we saw a lot of great squash last Tuesday.
 
Next week looks like the full team again AT HOME v Cascades some come along and lend a cheer.

Best wishes to all. MJ

KP 1 v Poultwood 1 - 29/7/2014

Hi readers.

Knole 1 registered another valiant win but it was a close one at 3/2.

Pete B stepped up for David’s absence and made Craig pull all the stops out to stifle his
shot making and energetic movement - but some loose shot selection saw a 3/1 loss on this
occasion.  Considering Pete’s lack of court time recently it was a very good show.  [And his one team point gained means that Knole stay top by one point tonight – Ed.]

Mike dredged up a memorable 3/2 win against an, arguably, more skilful oppo.  When the last game of marathons like this become a SIX pointer the pressure is really on and it is clear that Mike relishes such a task!  The saga with his racket selection continues and he changed bats about four times for this epic.  Great game in which the famous trickle boast really made the small difference that was needed overall !

Niall had a very handy 3/2 win but it did not have quite the same frisson of excitement because
it was not the last match (as was Mike’s).   I saw little of this one but the score line shows a
dramatically changing flux of fortunes.  Niall did not let his head drop on this one and saw it
through to an impressively successful end.

James is looking to be in a comfortable place at present in these matches and relentlessly  dropped his amply proportioned and very skilled opponent to a convincing 3/1 win.  A dip in the third game may well have led to a bit of a meltdown but his now solid mental strength prevailed.

Pete S looked as if he was still suffering a bit of a hangover from the last two very difficult
matches he has had.  [Are you feeding him properly? – Ed].   It seemed very obvious to Mike and me that  the ball they were using had no ‘pop’ at all, but neither player seemed bothered to change it - same for both players, I know, but playing with a ‘puddin’’  seemed a little questionable?

Poultwood have a good side and it was a very tasty team result to nail this win, particularly with David away and Pete having a (well earned) temporary lapse of form.

Well played all. (Glad I ate before I came out this time).

Looking forward to next week away at Park Langley with a full squad. MJ

KP1 v Nuffield Health 1 - 22/07/2014

Hi readers .

Well, we said that being top of the league would draw some good opposition and indeed Nuffield pitched up with Ted.

 Nuffield basically came along with their bestest team and caught us a little light without Niall. This loss 3/2 however keeps us top by 3 points and represents a most creditable effort with some all-round excellent squash played - where were all the groupies??, this was a home game and if you haven’t seen Ted Jeal play you don’t have any real understanding of how good this game can get! 

Mark F gave it his best at five, nicked a game and looked intermittently threatening but ultimately the short rally, low percentage game has to be firing on all cylinders to make a really telling impression on somebody of Alan Saxer’s experience.  [Cruel – but fair – Ed].  Thanks for stepping up Mark ..(3/1 loss)
 
I saw little of Mike’s game but understand he had a significant coming together with Darren, which both walked away from fortunately.  Mike didn’t quite manage to turn the match round in the later stages as he so often does but his oppo was a seriously proficient player who was hardly likely to wilt given his obvious physical stature. (3/1 loss)
 
As Jolly John (Creek) observed, both James (3/1 win) and David (3/2) really gave it some stick this week - were severely tested and came through with flying colours.  I regret I saw little of David’s game but what I saw was impressive against an eager young blade who (dare I say fortunately) was a little discombobulated with the court - with rather little justification one felt.  Maybe we should have suggested using the Wildernesse courts which, of course ,his squad colleague, Mandy Akin, always enjoyed so much - especially in past tussles with the maestro !!??

James is now back ‘on it’ and we look forward with heightened anticipation of what he may be able to carve out playing at 2 next week away to Poultwood (in David’s absence).   This was an ultra-physical match with both players fighting for central court position and doing so in a most sportsmanlike fashion.  I had a ‘good’ night marking, made very easy by the good natured attitude of both players.
 
Pete really had his work cut out against Ted who apparently beat Guy Olby.  So Pete has played two seriously good oppos back to back and would not come across better protagonists even at the top order of division 1 (loss 3/0).  Mike spiced up the proceedings with some ‘interesting’ marking in the fifth which Ted chose not challenge seriously - with the loss of only two points in the match it might have been deemed churlish to do so !?  There are sports writers out there who opine that there is no such thing as ‘talent’ - a view with which I vehemently disagree.  Most players could play 10 hours a day with the best possible coaches and never approach the inventive genius of sportsman like Ted. Dear reader - If you think you play squash get yourself along to a Priory match and cast an eye over his performance – it’s likely to be something of a revelation if you have never viewed a game at this level . 
 
Excellent stuff, chaps.  The leader board has tightened up dramatically so this second half is sure to produce more exciting matches.  See you next week away to Poultwood .


Stay healthy.  Best wishes MJ.
 

[To see the Division 3 league leaders while they last, go to: 

http://kent-squash.countyleagues.co.uk/ ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KP1 v Beckenham 15/07/2014

Hi readers .

Quick one this time, its sunny outside!

The team had another successful foray and stole 17 more valuable points from a somewhat
weakened Beckenham side.

Pete was feeling a bit peaky and made no inroads on Guy Olby who did ‘quietly understated
awesome’ in a most impressive manner. Since this guy (ho-ho) could play one or two in a Priory
Division 1, side this result should come as no surprise and we look forward to the return when Pete
will most definitely be gunning to beat Mr Creek’s , as it happens, over -optimistic prediction
this time, of 3 points per game [Based on a fully-fit contestant – Ed].  Good to be stretched, eh Pete?!

All the other matches were 3/0 and one would have to say relatively comfortably since everyone
had their little lapses of concentration, which were unlikely ever to prove problematical.

It is now entirely likely that all future teams will be seeking to get their best teams out since
Knole 1 is the big kiddy on the block at present - even without Mr Anderson in the middle order 75%
of the time (tut tut!).  It will be VERY interesting to see if Nuffield get Ted Jeal out next week, since Pete will no doubt be keen to give it his committed best, as always.

Well played all - the winning wagon rolls on.

Regards Mark Johnson.
 

Mid-season league table.  N.B. Poultwood have a game in hand.

Mid-season league table.  N.B. Poultwood have a game in hand.

KP1 v Bexley 3 - 8/7/2014

Hi readers.
 

One might have anticipated a slight reluctance to pitch up with the distraction of some excellent footy on the box [Brazil v Germany - Ed].  The dream team are better men than that and stuck to their task helped with regular and incredulous updates from various i-phones [about the football  - Ed].

I am very pleased to report that Knole 1 did rather better than Brazil and posted a 17/9 win over our nearest top league rivals although at the final knockings it felt very like a penalty shoot-out!

I was fortunate to mark the game at 1st string.  I would like to show a game like this on video to all aspiring markers.  There was clear mutual respect between two talented performers who called their own shots down if I was in doubt and made EVERY attempt to hit the ball despite (somewhat more than) minor interference in a few cases.   One now expects extreme physicality, movement and application at this level but Pete managed to make the court seem so much smaller than when others play.  "Wings" was certainly flying on Tuesday and Jack effectively capitulated in the fourth game. (win 3/1)

The idea in competitive squash is that you do things the other chap doesn’t like and take him out of his comfort zone.   David played a talented young chap who clearly wanted to belt three barrels do-do all over the court and run all night.  Short rallies, sharp intercepts and loads of drops were definitely on this menu. "Socks" ran out a deserving winner 3/0 with a 9 zip third game that nicely rounded off his opponent’s frustration.

James is still going through a lean patch and needed a rather less accomplished oppo on Tuesday to help bolster his confidence.   After a tight first game that James nicked, Kieran took control and just had a bit too much of everything.  Frustrating yes but still infinitely better than not playing at all with that sore paw that now appears as good as new!
 

Mike played an amply proportioned warhorse with no knee cartilages and buckets of experience and tactical nous.  Rob looked like he was going for broke to win in three but Mike hauled himself into contention in the third and Rob virtually conceded the fourth.   My take on this situation was that "there was only one winner".  What do I know?!  [Not a lot – Ed]


After his ‘rest’  Rob came out and remarkably  took control to win 3/2.  Mr Creek’s misguided comment from the balcony, before a rally was properly over [It just slipped out – Ed], caused some exchange of ideas between Rob and David [maring] but I am assured by our erstwhile Knole coach Keith Palmer, that this situation was correctly marked as a let not a stroke even if Rob saw it rather differently!

I left the number two slot till last since it was the final game and indeed it felt like that penalty shoot out to which I alluded earlier.  I guess you would have to call Ben, Pete’s ‘wing man’ and he covered for Niall being away.
This was a night when I wonder if I have any ‘reading’ of the game at all.  At 3/0 in the second and one game down I was consigned to this becoming a loss - but Ben won that game 9/3!  Went 4/2 up in the third - looking good - and lost that one 9/4!   The final cliff-hanger after many twists and turns was 8/1 up in the fifth dragged back to 8/7 with a straight run of points.  Finally winning 3/2 and the match (i..e that last game was worth 6 points to the team). 

In my entire squash career I have never seen any player - particularly one as good as this - have such marked variations in focus.  My old man had a saying that fits the bill nicely - Ben was in and out of this match like a ‘fiddler’s elbow’.  Fortunately he was more ‘in’ than ‘out’ and defied the perverse attraction of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with some quite scintillating squash.  I reckon there are easier ways of winning squash matches Ben and you certainly have the talent to do so.  We therefore look forward with keen anticipation for the next time that "Goose" can join us for a home game (for those who get this one, be aware that double Nectar Points are available when you
next buy Mr Creek a drink).

As league leaders by a stretch now, I guess we should enthusiastically embrace the moment, but remember to thank Ben and particularly Pete for their commitment.  A future without their input may prove a trifle too ‘interesting’ but we shall worry about that later I think!

 
Well played all. This continues to be something of a golden period for the now mature melding of Knole and Wildernesse and long may it continue.  Beckenham away next week looks like a full team again with Niall back.  They are languishing down the bottom of the table so it may prove another points fest (but what do I know?!) [Yep, Pete should get at least 3 from Mr Olby - Ed]


(PS - if it is sunny next week you won’t be getting a tome like this!)
 

Stay healthy . MJ
 

How are the 2nds faring?

A week earlier the second team, languishing in the shadow of their illustrious senior side, had further consolidated their mid-table position with a fighting win 3-2 over local rivals Wells Sports 2.

Up first, Gareth looked sharp for a game and a half, before succumbing to a lively Ben Smith.   On the other court, Mark Fleming was surprising the pundits by revelling in the fast local conditions and despatching a bemused young Nick Hughes. So 1-1 and looking like a close match.

Tim, enjoying his lowly ranking at 5th string, is making up for the insult with some good team points; often at the expense of fitter and younger opponents.  Ben Rasmussen can run like a scared rabbit, but not necessarily always in the right direction.  Tim showed no sympathy for the confused chap, with a sound 3-0 win (although the 2nd was close).  If Ben only knew that he is better than he is, he would do better.

Mike looked to have lost the knock up against a stylish but unorthodox opponent, Amar Winayak.  As usual, Mike started slowly 0-9 in the first, but was soon chasing down everything an putting away winners (he tells me the hips warm up after a bit and once he knows he can walk, he is much better).  Mike put the tie to bed with a 3-1 win.


Last up, Peter B on loan from the 1st team, found Wells Captain Mark Sykes on top form and could not find his own touch, going down 0-3.  No doubt saving his best shots for the Bexley Park game (see below).

All in all, a steady rise up the table  3 wins, 3 losses.  At half time, after a loss to Bromley Lawn Tennis and a win against Sundridge Park, KP2's will be in the same position.

result.jpg


KP1 v Bexley Park 1 - 01/07/2014

Hi all.  Sorry, another belated input.   [Sorry for late editing too – Ed J].

The weather has been so good, I have got stuck into outside stuff rather than computer.

I was going to start with the animal that is Knole 1, purring with satisfaction, however I am
compelled to allude to more of a roar - sitting at number 1 - league leaders in Div 3 - my word.  It was gently acknowledged in transit to the match that promotion is not beyond mild consideration
even at this early mid-season stage of proceedings.   I can see that the collective competitive juices will be flowing with a vengeance now and all efforts will be focused on retaining pole position even if the prospect of Div 2 competition could prove somewhat excessively challenging, particularly without ‘Wings’ [Sykes] at number 1 after September.  So it’s teeth and claws from here on in, methinks.

Of course it will all depend on availabilities in this holiday period!   Having said that, Mike and James were recently absent and Niall was not around this week  - and yet the points tally this week was still 19-8 to the good.

Pete B filled the void at 5 and put in a most creditable shift in a long 5-set tussle.  This match could easily have slipped away, but Pete held his nerve in a close 5th to win 3/2.

Mike looked like he might have a fairly straightforward one at 4 but Frazer’s unorthodox style belied a steely determination and very good eye for the ball.  Mike was most definitely in ‘Duracel bunny’ mode and made intimate and regular contact with the four corners of the court with some amazing retrievals, enabled by playing conditions akin to a sauna.  An "interesting" marking call at the end of the 5th could have challenged Mike’s focus, but if anything, to his credit, it provoked an energized response.

James was out of sorts against an oppo who, he conceded, was there for the taking.  By his own judgement, suspect shot selection and, ultimately, shaky focus and confidence let Andy back in, an opportunity he gratefully embraced and converted to a 3/2 loss for Knole.  (Still, only one point dropped though!).

David looked like he might have his work cut out against a clearly talented youngster , but Matt could not contain David’s early shot taking and unerring front court accuracy.  It rolled out a fairly comfortable 3/1 win once David had settled into the task.

By the end of the second it was clear that there was only likely to be one winner in Pete S’s game (a strange turn of phrase to be sure since there can only ever be one winner in all squash matches - ho hum !), despite the dominant physical presence of Ross and his very clean hitting.

 This match was by no means a "gimmee", as the score line might indicate, and all concerned had to work really hard for this excellent win and the superior "scram " that we enthusiastically enjoyed afterwards.  I am pleased to report that I get well fed and watered without all this fulfilling exercise and sweaty competition. 
 
Next week at home with Bexley 3 we shall have most of the dream team available and await news on Ben to fill the fifth spot. [Confirmed].


YES --  HOME game -- groupies welcome.  This team is playing some great squash -- come and enjoy it!
 
Stay healthy.  Best wishes to all. Mark Johnson.

[Editor’s note:  Pete B was the only one to improve his ranking, as he was the only one to beat someone ranked higher than himself, and the others who won only won by a smaller margin than expected.  So, no complacency.

It should also be noted that none of the teams we have played have had their full squads out – Guy Olby still to meet at Beckenham, Ted Jeal at Nuffield, Darren Heathfield at Bexley Park, and Gina Kennedy at Park Langley.  So lots to fear in the second half.

Poultwood have a game in hand, rearranged against Cascades, and Park Langley suffered the absence of their # 3, who inexplicably didn’t show.]

KP1 v Sydenham 25/06/2014

Knole entertained old friends Sydenham on the unusual night of Wednesday.   The fixture was originally rearranged to avoid a clash with Niall's support for the England football team.  In the end, the enforced absence of several others due to work commitments made the World Cup situation immaterial.

Sydenham also had problems with a last minute cry-off, so Knole started 1 up.  A good omen, as it also meant we avoided team-tying Peter Brightwell.

David Falconer, who appeared to have been over-tanned by the reflection of rays from the blindingly white walls on Court 1, dropped the first game to Paul Shade, and seemed to have forgotten how his own legs worked or that he had the best first-game backhand drops in the league.  Luckily, David recovered (or did Paul tire?), and a safe 3-1 win was recorded.

Niall found it relatively straightforward to cope with the running of Dan Wilcox, and needed few of his trademark reverse boasts or other random trickeries to record a solid 3-0 win.  That gave Knole the win bonus and the luxury of a relaxed end to the evening.

Pete Sykes needed no second invitation and allowed himself to just chase everything against a sluggish Tats Manase.  Pete seemed unaware of how many times he had to run around Tats to get to impossible balls, when strokes could easily have been claimed or conceded.  But it made for great entertainment, and Tats soon realised that he would not be able to wear Pete down enough to sneak a game.  Another 3-0 in quick time.

Which left only newcomer Ben Herson - another old Aberdonian and guest from across the Surrey border - to take on the lively John Sherman and his bandana.  An up and down match, which probably lasted as long as the other three put together, saw both players alternately frustrated with their own errors, and resorting to self-chastisement for motivation.   Ben eventually proved the better chastiser, recovering from 2-1 down to take the last two games quite easily.

So, another maximum 20 points to keep Knole in 2nd place and only one point behind the league leaders Park Langley.

John (guest captain)

 

 

KP2 v Blackheath4 - 17/06/2014

More good news for the second team, who climbed impressively out of the basement with their second win of the summer.   4-1 and 19 points the best haul yet.  And it was nearly a full house 20 as Mark Fleming narrowly failed to topple Greg Smart at 1st string.

Another comeback from the captain saw John Creek pick up extra ranking points as he overhauled the fading star Farhad Dabestani.  Not bad for a man who gets his bus pass this year :)

Both 1st and 2nd teams will need to be wary of complacency over the next few weeks, once the 'unexpected' holidays of the faithful start to creep up on us.   Still, for now we can bask a bit.

 

KP1 v Sundridge Park 2 - 17/06/2014

Evening all.


Dave Hanson (Sundridge Park Captain) used the word "slaughtered" on the scoring input and the word "mullered" filtered out from the showers as I passed. 

A 20/1 win certainly is most dominant..  This will be a short report.

The team wanted to get back on track with a good score and this ticks the boxes.  Knole 1 is now second in div 3 which is most commendable.

Pete, James and Niall rolled out very controlled and inevitable looking wins (all 3/0).

With his mojo now fully functional,  James was thought to be moving like a gazelle -- poetic stuff
from ‘socks’ (Falconer)!!

David and Mike were forced to sweat it out a bit and the maestro actually dropped a game to my old mucker Simon who is still giving it some welly despite anno domini, and still smoking (for which I always berate him mightily).  David nailed it in 3 but it was felt that it might have got interesting if a game had slipped ??

All in all one gropes for straws to write about when everybody does their job so impressively.

Well played all and our opponents were a friendly bunch to spent the evening with.
 
Regards MJ
 

KP1 v Cascades - 10/06/14

Hi folks.   June already -- doesn't time fly?

Sounds hot as well -- and it certainly was on Cascades' courts.

Gravesend after a lovely sunny day seemed like just the ticket (???!!!).

We are now right into the "guts" of the first half fixtures and a solid win was in order after the slight disappointment of last week's close one with the league leaders.

I will put you out of your collective misery and advise that a 4/1 WIN was recorded and 17 valuable points logged.

Pete joined us in the balcony after an epic win to recount how appalling he felt during his match.  Frankly, I think most of us would go for "appalling" as a permanent state of being, if we were able to look, play, and battle like this.  What a game from 2/0 down to drag back a win. Craig lapsing just slightly at the end of the 3rd gave Pete all the edge he needed to work into the match (which is much like a statement of the obvious, since the match would have been over if he had lost this game !!!)(3/2 win).

David was as sharp as ever and one had the feeling that he would need to keep snapping away the winners in short rallies. His oppo was just not nimble enough to really catch up with the drops and early kills, but always looked capable of playing a telling game if given half a sniff.(3/0 win).

These were two very solid wins against very proficient opposition. 

James has not quite got his mojo back and, in Hany, did not have the right style of oppo to feel comfortable.  Hany is rather in and out of games and when focused, hits great flat forehand winners and cross court nick killls off service. One felt that James needed another game to get to express himself but unfortunately ran out of time.(3/0 loss).

Niall enjoyed a driving win against another solid performer and never looked in danger, although in these conditions everybody had to put in a grafting "shift" to get the required result.

"Maestro" Mike went on first in fact and we all thought it looked a bit interesting if their 5 was this good!  I think the warm court suited Mike v this guy since he revelled in chasing everything down and although Chris was very stylish and hit the ball very well,he found it was difficult to nail the really penetrating shots.

I am glad I was not marking any of these games, with the ball so lively it was difficult to appreciate what was going on on court.

[As a technical aside it seemed to me that many "strokes" were created from overhit services going round the back of the court and the server moving prematurely to the tee and blocking front wall access (as a result of the very hot courts and frankly poor serving in these conditions).  If the receiver has not "turned" it is irrelevant whether it has come off the back wall and it is a stroke all day long if the server is parked on the tee and the receiver is striking the ball from mid court directly behind him.  I have never seen these given in any Priory match .. Comments ??]

Well played all ... see you next week. MJ
 

2nd team news - 10/06/2014

Knole 2’s have had a typical start to their summer campaign.  With injuries, holidays and the occasional call-up to the first team, the brave KP2 boys are languishing near the bottom of North West Kent Division 5.

Last week, we had the rare privilege of a visitor from the 1st team (David Falconer)  - and managed to snatch our first win of the season – a 3-2 win over Bexley 5th.  Solid 3-0 wins for David and Peter Brightwell, left occasional player/manager John Creek with the task of bringing home the win.  After going 2-0 down to Selina Dagger, John managed to claw back the next 3 games and register valuable points and a win bonus for the team.

result 2.jpg

This week it was back down to earth though.  Park Langley 5th have the luxury of a large squad of players to call on, and are able to field their injured captain Malcolm at 5th string without having to ask him to win.  Mark Fleming struggled at 1 against a fit Sam Wilkinson.   Gareth has slightly better luck against Nick Sammons at 4, but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough in the 2nd game that might have seen him back in the match.

Tim duly beat the ailing Malcolm, leaving Peter Brightwell and John Creek again with the task of rescuing the tie for Knole.  Peter nearly pulled off his part of the job – but after going 2-1 up, he lost the 4th game badly and needed to take the see-saw 5th to win.  In spite of going 7-5 and 8-6 up, Pete just failed to get over the finish line ahead.

John had an equally up and down match for the first two games, before taking the 3rd surprisingly easily.  Disappointingly, he could not sustain the effort, failing to keep with his opponent in the fourth and fifth.

So, a good effort, but a tough loss to take.  The next few weeks will see the return of more players, though.  And some easier opposition (on paper).  Maybe mid-table by the summer solstice? 

Oh!  And Pete managed to break two rackets (one of his own and one of the Captain's :( )