Fresh from their recent success at Cottesmore the team was on a high. Yorkie having twisted a sock in his match against Cottesmore claimed he was “almost” fit again and was now ready for the challenge of Jonathon Hand. So let the match begin.

Jon Oakley was first on court up against a very stressed and in a hurry Peter Hand. Keen not to delay Peter too long in the match Jon dispatched him with a ruthlessness rarely seen from Stamfords own fashion guru. Peter, looking jaded and not keen to go forward, allowed Jon to take full advantage with his short game. Only four points dropped and not a hair out of place Jon was looking good. A fine start with Jon winning 9-2, 9-0, 9-2.

Next door was Simon Barker. Playing a tricky opponent, a very good volleyer of the high ball Simon was advised by Stamfords squash oracle Yorkie, to keep the ball low and hard. Top tip, which worked well in the first with Simon winning it comfortably. Second game though Simon drifted into lifting the ball high and was suitably punished. Groans of dismay from the balcony lifted Simon out of this rut and after battling back managed to rescue the second. Some strongly worded advice from the oracle saw Simon again ignore everything said in third, lifting the ball and having to work very hard. Some dogged battling though again saw Simon clear through and taking the third to win the tie 9-2, 9-6, 9-5.

Richard Barker was next up, disappointed at playing number 5 when he had recently massacred Jon Oakley in a recent ‘friendly’ but still struggling to get close to the Captain at four. Once on court, team loyalty sparked him up and playing some controlled, tight squash saw him take the first two comfortably. Mid way through the third however and Rich was struck on the arm twice by the ball travelling at considerable pace. Confidence somewhat damaged, Richard struggled to keep control and after a nail biting last few points Rich managed to secure the tie winning 9-1, 9-2, 10-8.

Paul York was on the next court playing Jonathon Hand. Looking a bit nervy in the knock up concerns were raised amongst the team about whether Yorkie was still carrying a twisted sock. These concerns soon came to fruition as the game got under way with Yorkie being annihilated by some devastating squash from Jonathon. Jon took everything early, played with pace and accuracy and a boast that destroyed any hopes the Yorkie might rescue something. Paul finally losing 9-1, 9-5, 9-0. Unlucky Paul, on a recent poor run – played two lost two. Fortunately the team are playing sufficiently well to support our number 1! Can next week break the losing run?

Finally Mark Smith was on which on paper looked like the closest match of the night. True to form the first two games went one each with both players retrieving well and playing some good squash. Hard rallies and entertaining squash took the tie to 2-2 with both players having worked very hard. The deciding game finally saw Marks fitness take hold being quicker to the ball and playing a telling short game to take the tie 3-2 winning 10-8, 4-9, 9-10, 9-5, 9-1.

Another excellent result for Stamford winning the match 4-1. March at home next week – another tough game for Yorkie??