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Keith Edminson opened the match against 5th string Mark Beale. Beale played Greg at our place when we met last.  Keith back from injury had the better of Beale and walked away with an easy 3-1 win; knocking the ball around with serene confidence and collecting an early drink from the bar.

Next on was our 1; Perry Russell and young gun Dan Mayer. Mayer dropped down from their 1st team was on good form and with his attacking might Perry did well to get back into the match after losing the first (0-9). However 5 points in game 2 were never enough to unsettle Mayer who's power, skill & strength were unmatchable on the night. Perry tried his best open the court to his advantage but lost too much of the front court action and the match was levelled, one all.

David Warings opponent was Mike Quartley. Dave had a Mr consistent head on and pushed Quartley all the way in the tightest match of the night, winning the first 10-8. Quartley dug in, pulled out all the stops and hounded Dave in the next 2.  The Prestbury man proved to be as sharp as ever and continued to keep Dave under pressure looking for the slightest weakness to exploit. Dave battled on and won some good rallies with disguised lobs but lost points to a countered drop boast at the front. Quartley looked like he might falter but held his nerve to get over the finish line 10-8  giving the home team the advantage. Well played Dave it will be interesting to see this match up again, 3-1 to Mike on the night.

Steve Costello stepped up next with Keith Tolley. Steve looked confident and hit the ball nicely in the warm up. Having swapped marking duties with Perry there could be no excuses fro not delivering an equaliser for Knutsford. The opening exchanges were won by Steve and he raced ahead by a couple of points with tight squash and neat footwork. Then after a chasing a brief spell of drops Steve carelessly played the ball into Tolley's fire path and Tolly greatfully opened up an insurmountable lead that couldn't be pulled back despite some brilliant rallies and more tight squash.  In 2 worryingly the fight never came from Steve and he made far too many mistakes losing (0-9). Again shockingly the 3rd game went the same way (1-9) Steve just couldn't apply any pressure and Tolley punished the loose ball.  Blame it on the early starts eh Steve!

The final match was played for pride, Knutsford had lost and Mark Strefford didn't want to let that ruin his chance to impress the home crowd. Melia playing 3 this week made no easy opponent and it was difficult for Mark to find his rhythm and he struggled to sustain a run of points, melia took the first game. In the 2nd Mark got a vital break, seeing more of the ball he was able to contol his attacks and came back with a (9-4) win. Melia flew out of the blocks in 3 running away with the game; he forced errors and finished rallies mercilessly. Mark tried to keep in touch but the tally of points was just not enough (1-9). Spurred on by the spirit of a knutsford revival Mark got right back into it, he knew where his weakness laid and set about reversing the play to eat into melia's game.  The free flowing squash from Mark was unstoppable and he won (9-3) match levelled at 2 all. The decider was even stevens for the victor, both players looked like they might be tiring and both were big hitters. However it was Mark that made the most unforced errors and Melia drew hope from this, still it was in within Mark's grasp to win and it wasn't until after a long game Melia found enough energy to play some cracking drives that put Mark out of touch with the T. Pressure off, Melia helped himself to the Match (9-5).

So an 18-6 loss to top of the league Prestbury drops us firmly behind the leaders, we are now chasing 2nd place.

For Match Scores Click Here

Steve Costello vs Rob Thorneycroft. The return match was an easy victory for Steve. Thorneycroft still threatened with a deadly b/h cross court drop.  But Steve pushed most of the play deep which limited Rob's options.  Rob scrambled forward to play some trickle boasts but wasn't hanging around for a fight; making too many mistakes into the tin.  3-0 to Steve.

Next: Mike Walton vs Rupert Richards. 5^th string Richards set off looking like business and thundered down his serve and followed up with well struck drives. Mike couldn't match Richard's force and was soon 0-2 down. However Mike kept playing and did really well to take pace off the ball and lob it high over to the f/h. This gave Mike a chance to put away some winners of his own, which he did and it won him the 3^rd game. The 4^th game was very close and Mike looked like he might win but a calf strain picked up at the end of the 3^rd took the edge off his attack and a menacing Richards squeezed out the match 7-9.

One all and Steve O'Hare vs John Bennett.  Steve started slowly allowing Bennett to settle in. The game went, hand out, hand in, hand out, hand in for some time before Steve started to win proportionally more points than his opponent. Driving the ball tight to the wall and good drops off the loose ball Steve won the 1st.  In the 2^nd game Steve's power speed advantage showed more clearly; as although Bennett was now hitting much harder he was trapped driving the ball from the back of the court. To top things off, in winning game 2 Steve got forward and hit some impressive touch volleys, very nice.  In 3 Steve had the win in his head and ran away with it 9-1, despite saying this there was a lot of squash played and Steve stayed well in control making an easy win.

Simon Whitaker vs Paul Bartle. The outcome off this game determined the degree of pressure on Mark Strefford playing 2^nd string. Mark paced the balcony watching intently and preparing his 15 minute warm up routine. Bartle and Simon both looked like they had a big game in them and both players fired the ball into the side wall nick. At the back of the court Bartle was stronger and followed up his drive with a good touch at the front, but Simon was better at the c/c and targeted Bartle's f/h and a number rallies got Simon in front (9-7). The 2^nd was (10-8) to Simon the deciding factor this time was one or two extra shots at the front of the court. The was an intense pace in the game and Simon was lightening around court and fought back from impossible positions but his touch failed and he gifted some sitters into the tin. Bartle won that one (4-9).  Unperturbed and up for a win Simon stuck to his game and forced Bartle back, he was much tighter and dictated the direction of play, at last Bartle was crushed and couldn't stop the flurry of drops that finished off the match. A great win bringing the match to Knutsford.

Mark Strefford Vs Marke Beale.  Gone 10 O'clock and food in the oven, the two Marks made use of the vacated court 1, and started off their match. Mark Strefford was playing good and hitting the ball crisply, drives and volleys; an impressive opener won competently.  There was a slight hic up in game 2 when Beale seized the opportunity to get on the score card, he edged into the lead with a slightly better length drive and Mark snatched at a few shots only to deliver unforced errors.  The next game was a turnaround, Mark must have had words with himself because he was a different player, he nailed the ball up the side wall and timed his trickle boast winner to perfection. Beale had no chance, Mark 2-1 up.  In game 4 Mark turned the heat up and kept Beale on a string at the back of the court; Mark was trying to put a hole in the side wall, he nearly did but ran out of time (9-1).

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Steve O'Hare played 4^th string against the handy looking Chris Fretwell.  Chris tried to play Steve wide but Steve was quick enough and stronger enough to hit good lengths off the balls he retrieved.  He also took his opportunities at the front of court and finished rallies with tight drop shots. The first 2 games went to Steve and he was looking comfortable to win the match.  Fretwell then responded competitively to some close calls from the marker following lets to the b/h side wall and some of the play around the f/h drop shot.  I think the decisions were fair but credit to Fretwell, he used it to his advantage and was spurred on to win the next game as Steve tired.  In the 4^th  Steve attacked again and played such good length that Fretwell's own attacking force was diminished; Struggling to match Steve point for point Steve had no problem going on to win the match.  Good squash.

Mike strode on court resplendent in a Shankly and Paisley t-shirt and with a full expectant balcony he wasn't walking alone. Mike easily won the sartorial stakes as his opponent was warming up in a cricket sweater that hasn't been available to buy since WG Grace was a toddler

             However, with below standard length and poor shot choice he allowed the tricky Steve to blast into a 7-1 lead. Mike gave himself a pep talk that was reminiscent of Istanbul 2005 and impossible really was nothing as he turned the tables to win the first set 9-7.     

             The next two sets saw a glimpse of Mike pre recent injury concerns as consistent length, domination of the 'T' and well timed drop shots left an exasperated opponent at a loss as what to do. Mike wins 3-0. It's official, Walton is back. That's a fact!

Greg vs Chris 3rd string game: A slow start for Greg against the powerful Chris from Alderley Edge. Greg tried to get some length in his returns but just seemed to be dropping half court all ready for Chris to capitalise on. Greg went down the first game and deserved a stern talking to! The second Greg returned to his usual form - hitting good width shots, picking the ball early and Chris struggled in turning to return. Greg dominated the game and apart from a slight lapse in concentration took the game with relative ease. 1-1. The third game had a similar theme with Chris also hitting 2 serves down giving Greg the physical and psychological advantage. Greg took hold off the next two games with great shots, mixing up the game and a deft touch at the front court. Greg won 3-1.

The match was safe when play commenced against Phil Morgan at 1. Steve Costello had  a 3-1 away win against this player and Morgan had been pretty done in at the end of that game, so Steve was confident about another win.  The 1^st game did not go to plan and Morgan blasted the ball hard and low down the f/h making many winners of loose balls. Steve kept in touch with the score but was unsettled chasing b/h drops; forced into lobbing it up in an effort recover the T.  Morgan won the 1^st game; his f/h side wall kill was unplayable.  In the 2^nd game Steve kept the ball away from his opponent and won more points by wrong footing Morgan who hadn't got the speed to cover all of the court.  Steve levelled at 2 all and in game 3 caught Morgan out of position and killed of more rallies with the f/h boast from the back.  In game 4 Morgan attacked again, he volleyed the drop returns for winners and controlled the direction of play, this lead to a lot of unforced errors and levelled the match. In the 5^th Steve had fresher legs and put less shots into the path of Morgan, combined with a tight b/h side wall won the 5^th comfortable.

2nd team stand in Mike Walton was given the honour of marking top player Dave Waring.  Waring being unbeaten for the team this season was in bullish mood.  Enter Alderley Edge comeback kid, Mike Perry.  Perry was unknown to Waring but Walton soon put this right - "he's quite good".  The game started at a great pace, Perry, complaining of lack of match practice and fitness due to child birth looked rusty, played some crisp drives that were matched by Waring in the early stages.  Waring's quality lobs and  killer volley's brought some early success but Perry's consistency was telling.  At  2.0 down there was still a chance for Dave but the 3rd game went away from him quickly with Perry beginning to enjoy himself.  Dave hung on in even trying to implicate the marker in his demise, but to no avail.  A comfortable win for Perry in the end - we can only hope he plays against Prestbury later in the season.

For match Scores Click Here

"Under strength 2^nd team crash out at Macclesfield 1".

  Mike Walton started the match against Adam Colebatch at 5. Colebatch was Macc's super chef, although Mike would never know this; leaving early to collect his daughter. The first game was close, Colebatch thrashed the ball away and was loving every minute of it.  Mike stayed cool but a game down and Colebatch stepped up to fever pitch and ran away with another game, leaving Mike with nothing but smiles.  In 3 Mike moved the ball around more and slowed the tempo, Colebatch made unforced errors and a few strokes saw his face glow so red like it was about to burst!!! As the 4^th game also came Mike's way Colebatch disputed the referee's decision and stomped off court to cool himself down, it went to 2 all. In the 5^th Mike played some good drop shots and got on a run for a while before Colebatch managed to get a grip and reasserted his command of the game and won the match.

  Meanwhile on court 2 Nigel Uttley faced Martin Hall. I didn't see much of this due to extended marking duties in the opener. The first 2 games were shared and Hall, a fit player held a game advantage in the 4^th, was pushed to go to a 5th but made sure of the 2-0 lead on the night and won (9-7).

  Steve O'Hare vs Alex Oppenheim next at 2; a big challenge for Steve and a chance for Oppenheim to get one back from the 1^st half defeat.  Steve got points with his drop shots and return of serve, played his way round the court well at times but lacked a final touch at key points.  Oppenheim's experience in the middle of the court won the match (3-0).

  Simon Whitaker playing at 3 against Andy Dunn. Simon won the 1^st game for loss off only 2 points, but then Dunn took over and won the next 3 games for loss of only 6 points.   Simon hit the tin too often whilst Dunn applied pressure with good footwork and an accurate length.

  Finally the 1^st string match Steve Costello vs Shane Great Rex.  The 1^st game was quite and eye-opener, G Rex won a succession of points with a tight attacking b/h boast. Left with too much to do a lob-drop counter from Steve was not good enough.  In the 2^nd game Steve played a better length and occasionally threatened G Rex at the front, but was pressured all the while by G Rex's boast.  2 games down and G Rex pushed Steve deep on the b/h, Steve fought back from there and hit some good f/h lengths and caught G Rex with some tight drops; left and right. At (9-9) a loose b/h front court boast gifted G Rex an easy match ball.

20 - 4 to Macclesfield spells an end to the unbeaten run sadly. Hope we can turn this around next week against Alderley Edge.  

For this match result Click Here

Match:  Knutsford 2 Home to Alsager 2

Date:  12^th Jan 2011

The first match of 2012 promised to be a close one. Alsager were looking to end our unbeaten run and make up for their 16-6 loss first time around.

Greg Marshall vs Paul Lowndes at 4 was the opening match of the night, Greg settled in quicker and dominated early. Greg's serve was suspect and he hit the court heater more often than the marker could believe. Despite this Greg went 2 games up using his strong drive to best advantage. In 3 Lowndes reacted to Greg's front court boasts and began to win more points, still the game looked safe until a disturbance with a change of marker allowed Lowndes to draw the game into a tie break which he won (9-10).  In the 4^th Greg's strength and speed couldn't be matched and Lowndes challenge fell away. 3-1 to Greg.

                   Next on, Steve O'Hare vs Keith Holloway at 5.  A tough challenge for Steve against all the experience and physical might of Holloway. Steve's mentality to go for everything was spot on and he took the opening game of this match (9-5) catching Holloway off guard at the end of rallies he thought he had won.  The 2^nd game went to the big man from Alsager (6-9), playing to his strengths and hit good b/h c/c and f/h keeping the ball low and hard.  In the 3^rd game Steve didn't tire, got better!! hitting stunning volleys at the front court and mixing it up at the back; sometimes playing good lengths and sometimes playing soft drops. Holloway was off balance and couldn't get his drops tight enough. Any advantage that Holloway created was run down by Steve. Steve marched on winning (9-5, 6-9, 9-2, 9-2).

   Steve Costello Vs Andrew Fish at 1. A loser in the away leg, Captain wanted to make amends against the awkward left handed Fish.  Steve took control of the game from the start but played too many loose drops when Fish was on the front foot. The game went to Fish (8-10).  In the 2^nd the pace increased and both players hit hard lengths but Steve's b/h drop sat up which Fish enjoyed smashing away or replying with his own drop, (9-5) to Fish.  After some inspired words from DW the 3^rd game was a complete turn around, Steve served better and pinned Fish deep with his drive and thus hit the drops for winners, taking the game (9-0!!!).  In 4 both players were tiring but Steve had done more running and this was the telling factor when it game to the drop shot.  The mid court exchanges were evenly matched, both players cutting the ball hard, low, c/c.  At (9-9) Steve put another in the tin and it was all over Boooo…..…..

                   David Waring vs Chris Riley next at 3. Riley was a tall muscled opponent typical Alsager type, sporting a colourful blue party T.  Riley won the 1^st game volley dropping David right and left like a professional (4-9). In 2 David chased down Riley lengths and countered with his own trade mark drop, however one or two hit the tin and this made the difference to Riley, winning it (9-10).  In 3 David began to control the game, he moved Riley to the front and back and Riley made less volley kills, instead forced to hunt down drops and lengths, (9-7) to David.  Both players were now showing signs of fatigue and Riley's T-shirt was looking like he had had a shower in it!  Game 4 David continued to play to a high standard, he hit less tins and put the ball beyond the long reach of Riley, (9-5) to David. Riley had showed signs of a fight back in the latter stages of the 4^th and this match was the longest of the night, at 2-2 it was even money.  However it turned out to be David's match, he kept the ball away from Riley and dictated the direction of play (9-5). A great come back from 0-2 and his best win so far.  Well done! 

   Last on was Perry Russell vs Brian Spearman at 2.  Perry was favourite to win coming down from the 1^st team but it was Spearman who opened and early 1-0 lead (5-9). Both players shared a similar style using measured lengths for position and tight drop shots.  Perry won the next game (9-3).  In 3 Spearman played some boasts from the back that got him some points but Perry answered with boasts of his own.  Perry took the game (9-1) and the 4^th game was also (9-1) to Perry.  He looked more composed on the ball and found it easier to keep pressure on the rallies, he made fewer mistakes and Spearman looked more tired at the end.

   Another 4-1 win over Alsager for club records and 18-8 towards the league title race. Well done team, we are without Greg next week but have already played the Macclesfield court so shouldn't fall short of another win.      

For this match result Click here

Greg Marshall started the match, his opponent Willie Laird played 1^st string for this team last season but was no challenge for the on form Greg; (9-1, 9-6, 9-1). Greg dominated the play from the serve and any positional pressure from Laird was efficiently chased down. Laird was frequently caught swiping at tight wall shots resulting in weak returns that Greg tucked away with attacking boasts and drop shots.

2^nd on was Simon Whitaker on loan from the 3^rd team, his opponent was Christian Ogden. Simon had an overwhelming advantage on young Ogden; a good player for his age but unable to stand up against the power coming from Simon's racquet.  Simon won in straight sets troubled only by strength sapping warmth on the Bollington glass back.

Steve Costello against Nick Shatwell was an interesting game, the Bollington player looked good on the home court and took advantage of some short lobs from Steve and volleyed accurately to take the 1^st game 10-9. In game 2 Steve played the ball short and hard this disrupted the Shatwell attack and won a succession of points off the b/h c/c fade.  Steve drew level and continued to dominate in this fashion winning 3-1, zeroing in with the b/h c/c drop shot.

David Waring against David Fitzpatrick could have been David's 1^st loss of the season but David showed reliable form to take an easy win over Fitzpatrick.  It was the usual stuff from David; super tight drops and good speed around court. He kept the pressure on Fitzpatrick and did most of the attacking. Fitzpatrick looked good for a while in the 2^nd but David had a firm grip off the game and controlled the flow of points.

Finally Steve O'Hare against Ron Newton at 4^th String.  The match was already won and perhaps that played a hand in Steve losing the opening game (2-9). However Steve stormed back (9-3) with tight shots and good speed around court. Game 3 was close and a couple of calls from the marker were suspect but Steve kept his eye on the game score and pulled ahead to take the win.  Game 4 came easily, (9-2) asNewton's challenge fell to Steve's commitment to win every rally and tight attacking play.

The 20-2 win sees us top the league for the Christmas break. 

For the Match result Click Here

A late arrival meant Mike Walton started the match against Matt Oakes at 5.  Mike controlled the play early on and had the best of the rallies, winning his points through c/cs and b/h volley drop shots. The movement of 14 year old Oakes stood out as brilliant and after losing the first game he did not falter in his excellent court coverage. The long rallies tired Mike and Oakes fought back to win the 2^nd with impressive drives and a fantastic read of the front court. In the later stages Mike struggled for fitness and stopped hitting winning volleys and let Oakes rally into winning positions. 3-1 to Sandbach.

Greg Marshall took the top spot at 1 against Rennie Birch.  Birch attacked fiercely and charged forward to unleash powerful drives. Greg was stunned to lose the 1^st from a 4-0 lead. Birch continued to play bruttle squash and Greg struggled to get to grips with a menacing Birch serve.  So Greg was 2 games down with a lot do when he found Birch's weakness. Greg kept his balance and floated the ball into the corners; belting the ball back wasn't working and timing was essential to get Birch off the T and open up for a drop shot. Greg stuck at it very well and took the 3^rd game (9-7). The forth was also close but Birch wouldn't let it go and put Sandbach 2 up.

On stepped David Waring against Ian Turpin. Turpin played a similar sort of game to David, he played short to the front and looked to wrong foot his opponent. It worked! he won the first game (9-2)! and the second (9-6)!  However David was far from done and as the game drew on won more and more rallies. Using the home advantage to full effect he dominated the next 3 games easily catching Turpin out of position (9-3, 9-4, 9-4).

Steve O'Hare faced Mike Mulliner at 4. Steven played to his strengths; speed, power and passion. He took the first 9-7, the 2^nd 9-2, and the 3^rd 9-6.  There were some good rallies and both players applied pressure in spells but Steven's concentration was superior and he was first to the ball and all 3 points.

So 2 games all and Steve Costello took on Tony Taylor (a gas contractor on loan to Sandbach).  He was a good standard but Steve took no prisoners (9-1). In the 2^nd the early pressure hit home andTaylor got some luck off the frame to win (9-6). After a word from the balcony Steve bounced back and took the next (9-2, 9-4), using the b/h drop shot off the return of serve to maximum effect. This and a tight powerful drive was enough to finish of the Sandbach challenge.

            The match's final score was 16-9. One more win at Bollington to complete a 1^st half clean sweep.

Steve Costello started the match attempting an attacking game based on fitness against Trevor Johnson but was totally out classed by Johnson at 1.  Steve succumbed to Johnson's midcourt boasts and fell 2 games behind. He pulled a game back but the damage was done and it was too easy for Johnson as Steve stopped picking up the drops shots. It ended 3-1; 1 up to AZ.

Neil Robinson faced Scott Lovell and took an early lead against the youth in this 4^th string match.  However it also ended 3-1 to AZ; Neil couldn't match Lovell's pace around court and congratulated the AZ player who had played a good match.

Simon Whitaker had no problem against Simon Gulliford and took the first game confidently. In the next he out played Gulliford and used the drop shot to dominate.  In 3 Gulliford had fight left and competed in some good rallies but was short of a proper length and Simon easily picked off his boast.  Simon played very well, steadied the ship and but Knutsford right back in the match!

Next on was Steven O'Hare against 2^nd string Andy Peel.  Steven played well and took the 1^st game (9-6) but Peel got back to 1-1 setting up a close match. Steven was the player on form and took the next 2 games, he was forced to play clever squash at times but won by being attacking, consistent and tight.

2 a piece and Tim Slater against Andy Phillips for the match.  Phillips raced ahead in the opening game by 4 or 5 points before Tim grew accustomed to the court and challenged for the game, coming close at 8-10.  Phillips was tiring and his game of chasing and hard hitting showed signs of weakness.  Tim applied pressure when it mattered and deserved to be on level terms after 2 games.  In 3 Tim looked the better player but let Phillips off the hook and went a game down as Phillips was hitting the ball so hard Tim couldn't get into the rallies.  Tim dug in, weathered the storm and kept chasing Phillips drops like a true Knutsford legend!  He played some delightful volley kills off Phillips c/c drives. This was enough to finish of Phillips who was off balance and tinned too many in game 5, giving Tim a clear victory.

16-9 - Well done and thanks to everyone who helped out this week.   

Fpr the Match Scores Click Here

Steve O'Hare started the match playing 5 tonight against top side Prestbury 2.  O'Hare kept the ball tight and took his chances well playing good drop shots.  His speed around court was superb and the Prestbury man was stuck flat footed too often to be much of a threat.  O'Hare played really well and gave Knutsford an early lead 1-0.

            Next was Steve Costello against Stuart Melia at 1.  Steve started with purpose and was 2 up in no time. To the home support's horror Steve then let Melia draw level, his experience proving too much for Steve who got trapped into boasting deep whilst Melia covered the front court.  However in the 5^th Steve got a good start and went back to basics and made more effort to hit the ball tight and straight and cut out any fancy antics, (9-7) to Steve and 2 up for Knutsford.

            Nigel has been in good form this season and he had the run of play in the opening game against Rupert Richards at 4, taking it comfortable (9-4), he played the ball deep and picked his winners at the front.  In the 2^nd Richards fought back and his attacking play pressured Nigel and mistakes cost him the game.  Game 3 went to Nigel, again taking the fight to Prestbury by hitting the ball tight to the side wall and creating opportunities for good winning drops.  Then disaster struck!  Nigel 2-1 ahead pulled up with pain in his right calf, after a quick assessment it was obvious he couldn't play on and conceded the match, 2-3 to Richards.

            David Waring stepped on court against Paul Bartle. Bartle used his strong build to get forward and strike the ball early down the backhand. He won the 1^st game (6-9) although David was showing good signs that he was not beaten. In the 2^nd David continued to apply his game and started to find winners with his b/h drop shot.  Then he threw in some b/h c/c drop shots which left Bartle chasing a lost cause, (9-6 to David). In 3 the home supporters could taste victory,  David now under less pressure was able to play c/c drops and combined them beautifully with deep b/h lengths. Bartle did more chasing but couldn't get back into the match and David went ahead 2-1.  The 4^th  game was going the same way when Bartle ran into trouble with his leg. After an stop for injury he came back to play a few more points before conceding the match.

            Next Greg Marshall played 3^rd string Paul Maher. Despite Maher being an experienced left hander Greg won the 1^st game (9-2) Greg was light on his feet and ran down any rallies challenged for by Maher. In the 2^nd game Greg continued to dominate (9-2) taking a 2 game lead. In 3 Maher made a good comeback hitting harder c/c shots and stepping up the depth on the f/h serve (9-10).  In game 4 Greg did some re-thinking and floated the ball high over Maher forcing some errors from the hard hitter and winning time to recover the T creating more winning angles. He took the match comfortably (3-1).   

For the Match Score Click Here

Dave Waring Vs Neil Howarth was the opening match (3-0) to Dave.  Dave played the cold court well and dropped the ball short stranding Howarth. Plus Dave's b/h c/c drop and it was lights out for Radbroke and 1 up to Knutsford.

Next to play was Keith, carrying an injury but willing to go on.  He went two down to Mike Sharman; Keith was short of a yard on his lengths and hampered by his calf in getting to the front court.  Sharman took advantage putting pace on the ball deep and then switching the play short.  Despite this Keith fought back to 2-2 using his strengths; creating space for the drop and playing c/c when in the right position.  In the fifth fitness told and Sharman was the winner.

Perry Russell was starring at 1 string against Ewen MacDonald, (and thrashed him 3-0).

Perry pinned MacDonald deep to the b/h, switching to the f/h only when it suited him.  MacDonald looked threatening at times when he got into space at the front court and slapped some fine nicks.  But Perry was in control and kept enough pressure on to match MacDonald's short game, taking the 3^rd 9-1.

Next Steve Costello lost in 3 to Tony Beardwood.  Beardwood got an early start on the home court and despite Steve's reply of a series of b/h c/c drops he couldn't take the game.  In the 2^nd Steve was favourite at 8-6 but Beardwood knew how to score quick points and helped himself to the game.  The 3^rd was the same, Bearwood on fire finding nicks from everywhere, long, short and c/c.  In the end it was the b/h straight drop from Beardwood and Steve's drives lacking depth that cost the match.

However on court 2 Nigel Uttley had hammered Steve Loom in 3 games and won the match for Knutsford.  Loom usually a fit player was coming back from injury and Nigel made sure it looked like it could be a long recovery time.  Well done Nigel  !

16-6 to the Knutsford 2nds and 7/7 for the season.  Prestbury 2 next Thursday and if we beat them we should go top !!!

For the Match Scores Click Here