So the season kicks off again with Stamford Green Man looking to improve on last years second place in Div 1 and cup runners up. The starting line up for this season is Yorkie, Mark Smith, Jonathon Oakley, and the brothers Barker. Reserves on the bench (without whom would make running the team nigh impossible – thanks guys) are Simon Richardson, Ade Chappell, Paul Redfern and Mike Ferreira. As an incentive to keep all on their game it was decided to all put £1 pound in the pot – winner takes all for the least number of points dropped.

First on court was ex captain Richard. Having worked hard on his golf through the summer (he’s at that age now), we were expecting a somewhat sluggish start but to our amazement he played some very controlled squash – possibly confirming his critics comments that the pressure of captaincy was too much! Always in control he secured a very comfortable victory moving his opponent with ease around the court playing ‘with mercy’. A fine start dropping only 3 points. That £5 was looking good. (RESULT 3-0).

Alongside Richard was Mark Smith. After a shaky start to the game Mark found his inimitable old style and soon gained the upper hand. Some solid pressure from Mark soon had his opponent in trouble and, ever conscious of dropping the least number of points he finished the match in style. Only 8 points dropped but not good enough. Mark was seen to be visible gutted that Richard had only dropped 3 points. Unlucky. (RESULT 3-0)

Next up was Simon. Having the additional responsibility of captain was seen by some to be his downfall in challenging Yorkie for supremecy. This was confirmed by Yorkies lucky victory in their last game! I digress, back to the match – knowing nothing less than a victory would be acceptable from the captain, Simon drastically changed his game to a safe, retrieving style. This paid off exceptionally well, with Simon dominating and in control. Some dubious marking from Richard ensured that more than 3 points were lost with Simon finally dropping only 5 points in the match. Too many, to wrestle the £5 out of Richards hand. (RESULT 3-0)

Yorkie looking lean, mean and ready for action, was on the next court playing a new addition to Bushfield since the demise of Peterborough Town – Neil ‘mutha’ Hoskins. A hard battle ensued with ‘mutha’ moving Yorkie well around the court. Some last ditch retrieving and lucky shots saw Yorkie pull off yet another lucky victory. Can he keep it up when he meets the big boys – we will see! (RESULT 3-0)

Finally (better late than never) was Jon Oakley (he who goes into hiding in the summer). Jon appeared on court modelling 1975 sports attire and after mincing around the court for two games found himself 2-0 down, under pressure and intensly aware of the forthcoming ridicule of being the only team member to lose etc etc. Summoning huge reserves he fought back producing an excellent comeback and forcing us all to be 30 minutes late getting to the pub. Nice one Jon but a good victory and fine 20 points start to the season. Werrington next week with the captain taking a well earned week off (on the beach) to ponder tactics. (RESULT 3-2)