Part 2 of the 1st Round.
The 2nd part of the Round Robin 1st round matches were played out on Monday 10th December. Despite atrocious court conditions there were some good matches to watch. This is how the evening unfolded.
Group E.
First up was newcomer Paul Leedham against Nick Fecitt.
Nick couldn’t afford to make any mistakes having to claw back from -7 and Paul only needing 11 points to take a game. Nick got off to a good start, perhaps a few nerves on show but it was quickly 11 all. Nick kept it tidy and took the game 21-16. The second game not so straightforward, Paul got into his stride, used his reach and cut out a few of Nick’s shots for winners.
Paul was 17-13 up at one point- just 4 points needed but Nick steadied and went through without dropping another point.
2-0 to Nick.
The other player in this group was Tony Hedley. Even with a -25 handicap Tony had was under little pressure during both his matches and comfortably went through as the group winner.
Group F.
Peter Archbold and Steve Lavery had another up and coming junior to contend with in this group. Luke Fecitt demonstrated his court speed and ability to retrieve just about anything. Fortunately for both elders Luke included a few errors to keep them honest.
I suspect Luke will be a serious contender next year. This group was decided on the result of the game between Peter and Steve. With only 2 points between them (-9 against -7 respectively) it was close throughout their 2 games but Peter remained composed from 10-10 onwards and took the games 21-15, 21-15.
Group G.
A most interesting group with Lorna Chambers on +10 looking difficult to beat. And so Jonny Woodhouse discovered. With accurate drops and boasts Jonny got off to a bad start. With only 3 points on the board (starting from scratch) Lorna had the 21 needed.
The second game was a little different and Jonny realised he had to up the pace of the game. Lorna had no trouble dealing with the power play particularly when loose and managed to cut out enough of Jonny’ s shots for winners. 21-3, 21-13 to Lorna.
Jonny played better squash up against Martin Davison in his 2nd match. With a 8 shot advantage Jonny kept Martin at bay throughout and won 21-18, 21-15.
Lorna’s (and Martin’s) second match had Martin on the ropes.
With such a healthy headstart of +10 Martin was always under pressure. He held on and took both games at the death, 21-19, 21-19. All 3 players had won one, lost one. Lorna had only dropped 4 points but was doubtful for the semi final match. Jonny’s opener with Lorna was his downfall and Martin went through as the groups representative.
Group H.
Put simply I can’t cope with our fridge like courts and during the opening match in this group against Bruno Gaultier I pulled my hamstring. (I was only in it as a stand-in) I could not continue which meant the match between Bruno and the third member - Rob Owen would be the group decider.
There was only 3 between them (-7 against-4 respectively)
It was close throughout but Rob always managed to stay ahead.
21-15 in the first and a fiercely fought 21-20 in the second.
With all group winners decided, Peter Irlam kindly drew lots for the knock out stage to be played on Tuesday.
Martin Davison v Dave Hall
Peter Archbold v Rob Owen
Mark Knott v John Ormsby
Chris Brock v Tony Hedley.
Ian Mc
RSS Feed