This was the final league game of the season and pending a complete catastrophe it was mathematically impossible for us to lose the league championship. Missing one of my star players namely Barker junior (skiing again) Simon (no nerves) Richardson did the honours and stood in. So on we go.
First on was that man, Simon Richardson, looking a little tense, playing Si Cockbill. “No problem Simon,” I reassured him; “have you seen the brace your opponent has on his knee.” And it was some brace. Took two people to lift it on, then he needed a hand to stand up. This failed to help as Simon had previously had a couple of nasty experiences; these were, playing a one armed man, he got completely trounced, closely followed by a trouncing from a girl and then to wrap up a memorable three weeks he was 27 loved. Needless to say his confidence was shattered and much needed counselling was sought. The brace his opponent was wearing brought back some horrific memories for him. Anyway I digress. Once on court true to form Simon immediately went to pieces playing like a complete donkey. Keen to take advantage Si Cockbill stormed away in the first hobbling after some very loose and short shots from Simon and killing the ball. One game down and Simon was in trouble. After a quick phone call to the Samaritans during the break, he came on looking calmer and more focused. A close second ensued and at 9-9 the pressure was on but Simon came through to take it 10-9. Phew! More relaxed now Simon was able to take advantage and took the next two a little easier to secure the tie 3-1.
On next door was Simon Barker against Martin Priestly. Simon was just too strong for Martin, putting him under a lot of pressure, blasting everything around the court and taking the tie comfortably.
Mark Smith was on next against Richard Woolveridge. A tricky player playing lots of short shots made Mark work for his points but excellent retrieving and tight squash saw Mark comfortably through 3-0.
Jon Oakley on now against Jim Bryan. Jon having an evening of crisis’ was focused on everything except squash and struggled from the off. Jim playing some good shots hitting wide and to a length took the first. Jon fought back in the second relying on his speed around the court that just did enough for him to take the second. The third was close all the way but Jim had the edge with an excellent short game and took it 10-8. The fourth saw Jon on trouble and unable to recover Jim won it 9-4 and the tie 3-1.
Last on was Yorkie against Justin Fowler. From the start Yorkie dominated the Tee working Justin very hard, moving all around the court. Good battling from Justin kept him in the rallies but at a cost. Losing the first 9-4 he struggled from there in with Yorkie taking the next two comfortably 9-0 and 9-2 and the tie 3-1.
So the end of the leagues with Stamford winning Div 1 by a very comfortable margin. Semi-finals of the cup on Monday against Oakham.