Posts Tagged ‘PDL Teams’
Oakham at present, are looking like the team to challenge us for top spot in the league table. Very strong at 1 and 2 the are always a dangerous team. Richard Barker at No 4 was on first for us against Ian Lidbetter who was no slouch in his youth and still very capable. As the first game got under way Richard immediately started to dominate, picking up everything and covering the court well. Good attacking shots and excellent court coverage from Richard proved the downfall of Ian with Richard winning the tie 3-0.
On the court next door was Mark Smith (No 2) up against Dillon Ross. A strong start by Dillon put Mark under considerable pressure. Hard hitting to a good length won point after point for Dillon with Mark seemingly having no answer. The destruction continued with Mark unable to respond, expressing a range of emotions from anger and disgust to despair, finally resolving himself to obliteration by Dillon who won 3-0. During the post match debrief in the bar afterwards, poor preparation for the game (only one banana instead of two at lunchtime) and a self diagnosed “I played s**t” from Mark seemed to be a fair assessment of the tie.
Captain was up next playing at 5, Simon Barker v Mick Skews. A tight first game with both players moving well saw Mick steal it 10-8. Simon upped the pressure in the second, working Mick hard with some punishing rallies to level it one all. The pace starting to tell on Mick now allowed Simon a comfortable third game 9-1. More of the same from Simon secured the tie 3-1. Stamford 2-1 up.
Jonathon Oakley (No 3) against Dave Battersby was looking like a critical game for Stamford as historical results for the number 1′s were in Oakhams favour. It was good to see a welcome return for Jon,s ‘three for £5′ nylon shorts. Shorts being the operative word – ‘styled to accentuate the gentlemen’s figure’. The game under way, Jon immediately got into his stride moving Dave all over the court, hitting a good length and width. Dave talked well in the first but failed to turn this chat into good squash allowing Jon to take it 9-7. Continued accurate squash and hard running by Jon put Dave under immense pressure allowing Jon to take the next two games comfortably securing the tie 3-0 and the match for Stamford.
The number ones were the final game of the evening. Our own little and large show with Paul (5 foot 2) York playing Justin (6 foot 4) Dougury. Justin, well known for his unorthodox approach to squash, got straight into it, playing some excellent tennis shots using both forehand and backhand topspin to great effect. Yorkie, looking sharp and on the pace fought for everything but just couldn,t get to grips with Justins game; no pace, great lobs (easy when your opponent is shorter than the average opponent) and very tight. A hard fought match but Justin finally winning comfortably 3-0 with not a hair out of place.
A close result but a fine performance from the lower order of Stamford doing enough to maintain our unbeaten run, striding clearly ahead at the top of the table. Thanks to Oakham who proved excellent hosts.
Can Stamfords fortune continue? Up against league newcomers March, we knew little about the strength of this team except for their number 1 Matt Fiveash, whose reputation preceded him after beating other strong No 1′s Bez Beresford and Jonathon Hand. Due to Jon Oakley having prior engagements (school detention), it was necessary to call up Simon Richardson from the subs bench for Stamford.
Richard Barker was on court first against Tim Godfrey (back after injury). Fired up and looking hungry Richard played some excellent squash, taking the ball early and hitting some accurate shots. He stormed through the first game hitting an outrageous cross-court volley dead nick to win the first 9-0. Showing no mercy he carried on the second where he left off, giving Tim no chance to get in the match. 9-1 and 2 up. Tim, looking totally disheartened, was finished off in the third by another unforgiving game by Richard 9-0. A great start to the match by Richard (terminator) Barker winning 3-0.
Next door was new boy Simon Richardson playing Chris Warren. Not known for his steely nerves, true to form Simon had a very shaky start introducing a new shot to squash – played consistently, whilst under no pressure – the forehand reverse angle sidewall tin! Some good battling from Simon though kept it close but lost the first 9-5. Looking calmer in the second, Simon worked well playing better squash, hitting some good clean winners and taking the game 9-5. A fightback from Chris put Simon under renewed pressure losing the third 9-5. 2-1 down now Simon looked in trouble but excellent running, some good retrieving and tighter squash brought the games level 2-2. Would the pressure tell in the fifth? A strong start by Simon using all of his newfound fitness gave him a strong start. Keeping the shots tight he finally took the fifth and the tie 3-2. Well done Simon.
Team captain on next Simon barker v Ady Power. With both players massacring the ball in the knock up it looked like a game of the hitters. Ady started well, taking the ball early and putting Simon under a lot of pressure with some accurate shots. Some poor shots from Simon, who was convinced the tin had been raised for his game, ably assisted Ady in his quest for victory. First game to Ady 9-5. Top tips from Yorkie – take the pace off, hit tighter with better width! Second game funnily enough went exactly the same, with Simon again ignoring all advice from the master blasting everything into oblivion or the tin. 2-0 to Ady. Advice from team members and another effort by Yorkie to calm the captain into playing a semblance of reasonable squash finally sunk in and after a shaky start to the third Simon got to grips and started hitting better shots. Enough was done in third by Simon to take it 9-5. Confidence returned Simon played better squash and took the forth comfortably 9-0. Back in the match and looking in control Simon took the fifth and the tie 3-2. Phew, a very close call.
Mark Smith was on next against Avi Warren. As the first game got under way it looked like being a very close match. Some excellent retrieving by Mark and few errors saw him take the first 9-6. Mark then proceeded to completely dominate the match working Avi hard. Avi, under a lot of pressure played good squash but was unable to get any control of the rallies allowing Mark to take the next two games 9-3 and 9-2. A convincing win for Mark, Stamford now 4-0 up.
Finally Paul York went on against Matt Fiveash. Yorkie, on a recent run of defeats was looking for a victory to secure his team place and alleviate his captains concerns. What followed was one of the best games of squash I have seen for a long time. Both players hitting ferocious drives on both sides of the court, hitting to perfect lengths and widths and retrieving almost impossible shots. Outstanding rally after rally saw the match go the five games with nothing between the two players. There had to be a winner and finally, Yorkie showing outstanding concentration and bottle, playing superbly well secured the victory 3-2. Fantastic squash keeping the balcony engrossed. A pleasure to watch.
A great result 5-0 to Stamford but credit to March who deserved more on the night. Played 6 won 6.
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??
Finally it was here. The chance to make amends for last years costly defeats to Cottesmore. All team members were well aware of the pressure to perform – notably from Jon (20 minutes and I’ll be off) Oakley who was annihilated last year after insisting he be first on court stating “It’ll only take me 20 minutes to sort him out”. That game was officially timed at 16 minutes before Jon was dispatched to the changing room having lost 3-0 to re-consider life in general and the way forward. Paul (Yorkie) York, looking to sort Bez Beresford out and Mark (bad back) Smith to do the deed against Jon Nicholls. By chance Cottesmore put out their same top 4 players, drafting in a new but very sound number 5, so the scene was set for all to lay to rest some ghosts.
First on was Richard Barker up against Cottesmore new boy Bill McTaggart. This was always going to be a tough game and so it transpired. Both players starting well with Richard having the edge in the first. Second game saw Bill fight back with Richard being too careful and failing to finish the rallies. One game all and after some top tips from Yorkie, Richard got to grips with the game and put Bill under too much pressure taking the tie 3-1. One up to Stamford.
On the next court was Simon Barker playing Graham Taylor. A strong start from Graham put the Stamford captain under pressure and a tight first game saw Graham steal it 10-8. More top tips from the team (don’t hit it so hard) saw Simon recover and take the next three games comfortably winning 3-1. Two to Stamford and things were looking good.
Yorkie went on next against Bez hoping his summer training regime would see him right. Some excellent squash followed with both players hitting tight, accurate shots. Outstanding retrieving from Bez put Yorkie under immense pressure. Aware of Bez’s speed, Yorkie played percentage squash not going for the infamous nicks, and keeping the rallies going. This proved expensive in the energy stakes for Yorkie playing a lad 10 years younger! A marathon first two games saw Yorkie two down. More team tips during the break saw Yorkie come out for third fired up and playing his normal game. Some great kills and drops put him back in the match winning the third. The first two games had taken their toll though and Yorkie was unable to sustain the pressure. Bez took advantage finally winning 3-1. Yorkie was consoled later in the bar with offers to buy his ‘intelligent’ racket for a very good price.
Jon Oakley had his turn now with a rematch against Paul Partington (he who annihilated Jon last time). Jon admitted he was a little nervous, and adrenaline could be seen running down his leg. In true form he started badly, losing 9-2 in the first in about 4 minutes. Summoning all reserves of calm and composure he started the second more confidently and playing tighter squash. As the points came in he relaxed further, and began playing his normal tenacious game. Tight shots and excellent retrieving saw Jon continue his run of points and in the end provided a comfortable victory 3-1.
Mark Smith took to the court to seek revenge after failing to finish against John Nicholls last time, with a back problem. Some intense points proceeded, and a very tough first game saw Mark with the edge. 1-0 to Mark. John fought back in an intensely competitive match with some aggressive, attacking squash putting Mark under too much pressure. 1-1. The next two games were very close with more of the same attacking squash. Good length and width by both players made for a very entertaining match but John just having the edge nicked them both 10-8, and the tie 3-1.
An excellent result for Stamford winning the match 3-2 away from home. Commiseration’s to Mark and Yorkie who struggled under pressure at the top but well done to the three stalwarts who got the results and keep the team on track for league victory. Played 4 won 4. Come on!
Stamford on a roll. Played 2 and won 2 with maximum points. Tougher opposition tonight though, with Oundle fielding a strong team though missing Chris Davey; (apparently he’d heard Yorkie has a new ‘intelligent’ racket and was last seen rolling around in hysterics).
So, onto the match. First up was Richard – newly promoted into the No 4 slot as Simon was still recovering from a week of alcohol abuse in Lanzarote. Rich settled into the first game against Phil Wallis, comfortably moving to a 7-2 lead. However, focusing hard on his new grip (which involves holding the racket on the shaft, thereby saving on buying new grips) Richard completely lost touch with reality and managed to lose the first game. After much coaching and top advice (hold the racket properly) Rich fought back overcoming a tricky opponent to win 3-1.
Opposite him was Jon Oakley who arrived at the court sporting a very fetching safari jacket – “It’s the height of fashion you know”. On court however, he moved with the agility of a monkey and was as aggressive as a lion (sort of) as he destroyed his opponent, Peter Izod. Some accurate shots along with excellent retrieving saw Jon a convincing winner 3-0.
Next up was Simon looking tanned and fit. Fully rested after his holiday saw him surprisingly sharp around the court playing accurate and aggressive squash. Dogged retrieving by both players made for some hard rallies. The 3-0 score line to Simon belied an excellent match (apart from the most appalling marking ever seen) and a strong opponent in Dave Reardon.
Meanwhile on the next court Mark Smith started comfortably, working hard but securing the first game. His opponent Nick Sims fought back and took advantage of Mark’s new ‘short and middle of the court game’ (which he played very well) to gain the upper hand and move a 2-1 lead. Again some top coaching and advice (lose, and you’ll never hear the last of it) proved the spark to rejuvenate Mark’s flagging spirit and he stormed back to win the next 2 games and the match 3-2.
Finally last on court was Yorkie with his new ‘intelligence’ head racket. (Someone was heard to say that “maybe Yorkie should start sleeping with it under his pillow and hope some of it seeps through” though I couldn’t quote them). A tough opponent for Yorkie in Neville Keir. Some quality rallies in the first game saw Yorkie work Nev very hard. This paid off in the second as Nev tired allowing Yorkie to command the ‘T’ and hit some outstanding shots. The third game going the same way with Yorkie a convincing winner 3-0. An excellent match result for Stamford winning 5-0 and taking 20 points again.
Next week is the big one against last year’s league winners Cottesmore. This one matters!
What no report! Yes, the reporter was on holiday. However, the team won achieving maximum points.
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)
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)