This was Stamford’s 4th league match and we were still looking for our first win. Tonight’s opposition were newly promoted Haverhill so we were optimistic of a good result. As usual first on court were the Barker brothers. Richard was on against Arthur Patrick. After last weeks shocking display from Richard he was in no mood for taking prisoners and went on court with a determined attitude. The match started well with Richard dominating the court and clearly outclassing his opponent. The first was quickly in the bag for Richard 9-4 followed by the next two 9-2 and 9-2. A comfortable win for Richard. His first for the season, with hopefully many more to come.

Simon was on the court next door playing Wayne Bamforth. A slow start from Simon allowed Wayne to control the game putting Simon under pressure. Simon was struggling with Wayne’s awkward style of play and failure to clear the ball completely. This also had an effect on the marker who clearly had no comprehension of the frustration caused, by giving very dubious strokes away to Wayne. This was noticeable by the pained look on Simons face as another point was lost on a stroke. Simon though finally got a grip of the game managed to step the pace up, drilling the ball to the back of the court and began to take control of the rallies. Simon did enough to recover the deficit and took the first 10-8. The next two saw Simon retain control for 9-6 and 9-3 wins to take the tie 3-0.

Next on was Paul York, still smarting from his crushing defeat, costing the team the match last week. He was up against Tony Archer. As the first game progressed Paul was outclassing Tony and it was going to be a one sided match. 9-0 to Paul in the first and it looked like a possible 27-0 was in the offing. Again though, Paul’s killer instinct seemed to desert him as he dropped unnecessary points, letting Tony of the hook. Still, a convincing win for Paul who informed us he would treat us to a demonstration of nicks in the third. After his fourth “framing” in a row though, Paul abandoned the plan and stuck to winning the tie. 9-0, 9-3, 9-4

With the match secured now it took the pressure off the number 1 and 2s. Jon Hand was against Paul Bragg. Jon started strongly, moving Paul around and forcing him to continually retrieve under pressure. A good variation in play from Jon kept Paul guessing and allowed a comfortable first two games for Jon winning them 9-3 and 9-3. A lapse of concentration in the third saw Jon hit tin after tin as Paul took the game 9-1 in about 4 minutes. Jon gave himself a good talking to in the break and was back to form in the fourth to take the game 9-1 and the tie 3-1.

Last on court was James Treweeeek playing Jim Fitzpatrick. Having seen the other players James was in a buoyant mood. The first went well as James concentrated on moving Jim around the court. Some good rallying by both players provided entertaining squash but with James clearly dominating the Tee he began racking the points up. Some more dubious decisions by the marker (same one as marking Simon’s game – short bloke, likes ice cream!) saw James crying out in complete amazement. His “maturity” though, took over and the first went to James 9-2. This was followed by much of the same in the second for James to win 9-0. The third saw Jim seem to find even more speed as he raced around the court picking up everything James hit. Some very big rallies early on the in third saw the points evenly split until eventually mid way through the game Jim hit the “wall”. Suddenly he was half a yard short picking the short balls up and James ran away with the last few points to take the game 9-6 and the tie 3-0.

An excellent result for Stamford, taking maximum points for our first victory. Lets hope there are many more to come.