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The last match of the season saw Knutsford 2 travelling to leafy Alderley Edge knowing that they had the tricky challenge of beating Alderley (unbeaten all season) to secure second place in the division and promotion to Div3.

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As transfer day drew to a close, it was all quiet from the higher teams as KSC4 remained unchanged for Thursday night. First up Mike ‘Carragher’ Walton, the old pro, dragged out for another season and leading KSC4 at one. Despite a few losses he was still a firm favourite on the balcony and so it proved again tonight as Charles Burr, another old pro, knowing he was up against it, tried to delay the start. As the only edge player here, he eventually took to the court and we soon realised his reluctance as Mike won the first 9-1. Charles woke up in the next, levelling the match, but Mike turning back the years lobbed and dropped his way to a 3-1 win. At this rate he'll definitely be wanted next year- one year contract extension please!

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This fixture was always going to be a tough one: top of the league vs bottom, and a weakened side. To make things worse, Captain Neil had to drop out at the last minute, his Achilles heel still not right. Thanks to Gwyn for stepping in at short notice; his reward was to be first on his against hard-hitting Phil on a hot court. Gwyn battled bravely but the pressure was unrelenting, never really let him get into his stride, 0-3 and off home straight away for family duties!

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In true FA Cup giant killing style, KSC 4ths set out to cause an upset against title leading undefeated Alderley Edge 4.

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The last game of the first half against table toppers and unbeaten Alderley Edge 3. The Captain had started preparing the team for the ultimate challenge the day before with the following message "En route to the match visualise your favourite shot played to perfection!! Don't give away easy points and go the hard yard. Concentration is needed."

 

So up first was yours truly against Simon who beat me at AE last season. On a court that was cold,  Simon's loose shots were despatched in quick fashion and the first 2 games were taken by K2 with relative ease. With a warmer court and not so tight drop shots Simon came back and romped away with the next two games. All to play for and Simon continued to dominate taking a 7-3 lead but the captain had to set an example, especially as this was his last game of the season before  winter training grounds beckon in a warm climate to get fit for the start of next season - there's commitment for you!! So the points were clawed back and the first match to K2 was won. I heard someone in the bar later say MOM so I'll accept it.

 

Simon (unbeaten) against nice guy Alex Harris up next. Simon had game point in the first but a couple of tins and easy points conceded meant that it was lost 10-8. Simon was urged to up the tempo and intensity and some good squash resulted but Alex has a wrist that has clearly seen extensive exercise in his youth played the steadier squash and prevailed 3-0. Continued progress from Simon (unless the weight of taking over the captaincy is not too onerous) may well see this result reversed in the second half.

 

John was up against Andy Hine - hard hitting, high tempo looking like an old grey haired hippy veteran. Andy's game is very predictable but not easy to play against. But at 1-1 the game was evenly balanced and then it happened! Andy decided that the marker (Steve O'Hare) would be better off combining sex and travel rather than wasting his time officiating a squash match, Steve responded that he was more than prepared to start the travel bit by stepping out in the car park for a discussion as to the best route (or something) to take. Order was restored and Andy continued to play high tempo squash and blasted John off court for a 3-1 victory.

 

Steve was up against a very strong and stylish player in Mike Perry. Some long rallies and excellent squash ensued but Steve couldn't snatch the one game which might have seen Mike crumble. The game was played in very good spirit with both players congratulating each other's good shots to such an extent that the gallery was starting to get a bit concerned about how this was developing, and quite rightly so as the match ended with hugs! Bonhomie was restored all round and I'm sure there was nothing more to it than modern man showing his feminine side - wouldn't have done that in my day!!

 

With the match lost David went out all guns blazing and won the first game 9-3. His oppo though has been around a bit and is a classy player still and took a 2-1 lead with some classic squash and good serving. David's serves were also well placed and put Mick under some pressure resulting a very tight 4^th game which David had game point but couldn't convert and Mick to the match 3-1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So at half way stage Alderley are well out in front and have a strong squad and are likely to continue through to the end of the season as champions. The battle is for second place and promotion. K2 is tied on points with Macc but in third place based on number of games lost. Two losses to Alsager and Radborke hurts us badly and these need to be revered in the second half - this can only be achieved if we maximise availability at the top end. Some good news is that Graham Woods played for the 4ths last night and should be shooting up the teams to bolster the strength of K2

 

Good luck in the second half I'll be watching out for the results (please E-mail me the card Simon) as I work hard at the warm weather training ground.

 

For Match score click Here

Back again to Alderley, home to our drubbing first match of the season, had Geoff paid his subs to them as he's played there more than at Knutsford this year? Geoff's insider knowledge boded well, he'd already dispatched his Alderley third team player, narrowly lost to the fourth team, surely tonight would be a formality against Alderley 5's.

First on the two captains but despite a promising start and good leads in each game and a narrow loss in the third a lack of Thursday night oughness saw yours truly go down in straight sets.

Graham on next, against a younger opponent, who chased the game down, looking the part, as he ran and ran, retrieving Graham's drops and taking the first 2 games with ease. Meanwhile Geoff on the next court lost the first game quickly notching only 2 points- things weren't looking good, one match lost and down in the next 2 with no reply.

So some inspirational talk from the skipper first for Graham concentrate on line and length and his young opponent while having plenty of  nergy, had no answer to orthodox squash as Graham took the next 3, losing only 5 points- what a turn around- M.O.M. performance.

Next Geoff- your oppo's only got a drop, pick the pace up and he'll make errors and, with Geoff feeling the change in mood on the balcony, started playing drives with venom; low, deep, tight and deadly. His oppo crumbled, next 3 games to Geoff, match nicely posed at 2-1 to KSC.

Tony, first game of the season, would he be rusty? Playing against another up and coming 20 something player.  Did he need some of captain's inspiration- nope he was inspired already! First couple of rallies and Tony was corner to corner, with some sublime retrieving, surely he couldn't keep this up! Well he did, this was a close match but Tony was fitter, tighter, sublime even with no unforced errors as he took the first 2 games and got to match point with only 5 points dropped. Then yours truly had to give a let call to Alderley as he tried to retrieve a drop, Tony claiming
the nick and match and already walking off court (but his opponent had made more of an attempt than some of his let's!). Good decision - only just though as Tony's energy levels dropped and a comeback briefly looked on the cards before Tony finally finished the game to 5.

Meanwhile Mike on the next court playing another old pro Charles Burr, a game that would have been played years earlier on the show courts but now demoted to the back courts. But Mike wanted to look the part and he certainly did in a long sleeved, colour less buttoned black top. Didn't see the first 2 games, Mike won the first narrowly and Charles the second. Nicely poised, did Charles looked flustered and tired,- was it the thought that Mike must be some sort of fitness iron man in that thermal looking long sleeved top on a very warm squash court and he knew deep down he wouldn't keep up with our Mike? Possibly as Mike took the third easily to 3 with some physics defying, cross court disguised, dropping. 2-1 up and Charles rallied in the fourth finding energy from somewhere and again levelled the game but the engine was empty and Mike taking the fifth comfortably to round off a good night for the fourths

So after a successful night, the captain bailed out by his Ferguson type half time team talk, (pity Brendan Rogers can't turn a game round like that!) we thought about Snapey's suggestion of Wilmslow road (or something more upmarket as we were in Alderley)- but Mike wouldn't get in as he'd just played in his shirt so we had to go home.

For Match Score Click Here

Match: 
Knutsford 3Away to Alderley Edge 3

Date:  4th of October
2012

The Third Team travelled to the leafy stockbroker belt of
Alderley Edge for their first away fixture of the season.

Snapey on first against second string Phil Morgan. A tough
game for Snapey who although tried to play a tight game, found it difficult to
maintain any sort of dominance against his opponent's accurate and strong
stroke play. Snapey lost in three.

Meanwhile Court No2 was hosting the 5^th string
match between Brian Beech and Hansel Allen. Beechey's first competitive game
for the KSC 3rds and much was expected from him. Would he 'eat up' his opponent
with a Grimm result? As Hansel led The Beech towards the woods this was not a
mere pebble gathering exercise, as the first game was close with Beechy losing
out 7-9. The second went the same way 7-9 but alas The Beech had pulled a
muscle (and that was the only thing he was to pull this evening). Dr Snapey
recommended a deep heat massage. The Beech manfully fought on in the third
losing out 6-9 but limped off with the respect of his teammates. Good Effort.

As luck would have it, much later on that evening the Club
monthly raffle was drawn and Beechy having already left for home won 3^rd
prize of a free massage at 'Sasha's Massage & Pamper Studio' on Wilmslow
Road.  Shame that, as they're open 24hrs
and all major Credit Cards are accepted (So I'm told). Smithy volunteered to
look after the voucher for you Beechy…how kind.

Now, limbering up on the show court was Captain Robbo.
Smarting from last weeks spanking from Super Simon, he had something to prove
against the 4^th string youth of Adam Slade. Unfortunately Neil's
experience made little impact as young Adam was never going to give this match
up without a fight, and already had a Knutsford scalp from last week (Walt).
Robbo took the first game 9-4 making it a lot harder for himself than it should
have been. His opponent fought hard in the second to take it 9-6. By now the
usual signs were starting to show. Much huffing & puffing from Robbo, and
less movement around the court. The next two games went against him 3-9, 3-9.
Young Adam had 'Slayed' The Captain.

But worry not, Robbo announced he is a slow starter after
the excesses of the summer, and he gets better as the season develops. Well
hurry up Robbo we need you, and this team looks like it's in for a bumpy ride!

The Cash arrived late with Smithy (where had you both been?)
The Cash was up against 3^rd string Simon Feather. This was no
lightweight match and there soon developed some hard-hitting squash, both
players favouring the backhand wall. First game was close 9-7 to The Cash. Then
the demons entered his head and he lost the 2nd 3-9, and with his finger
nervously hovering over the self-destruct button he took the next two games 9-3
for the 3rds only win so far. Well done.

Grand Finale and the show court throbbed with anticipation.
The crowded Bar heaved with Alderley's WAGS. All having turned out specially to see the toned body of Knutsford 1^st String
Smithy. Up against Alex Harris, rumoured to have played for his County on more
than one occasion. This was one mouth-watering match not to miss. Alas, Smithy
was up against a better player and it showed. Those who play at 1 & 2 in
this Division are never going to get an easy game with such tough competition
around. Smithy tried his best but found it difficult to make a dent in his
opponent's game and lost 0-3.

The crowd turned back to the Bar. The WAGS dissolved into
the night.But hey, there was the usual Alderley hospitality on offer.
A nice Curry on the Menu, and Ice Cold 'Peroni' on draught.

As we walked across the Car Park Smithy was now feeling the
effects of the Peronis. He casually tossed his car keys to the Cash, and I'm sure I
heard him say 'Take me to Wilmslow Road'……

Match Score Click Here

Tough one to start for the skipper against a side who narrowly missed out on promotion last time round and who must be one
of the favourites to go up this year. The new captain started things going but on the warm courts struggled to keep up with a fitter opponent, the
vet fading as the games went on- a sad distant second 9-5, 9-3, 9-1. Meanwhile on the next court Walton, making a comeback to thursday night squash, started well and took a promising 8-5 lead in the first, but the courts were getting hotter (an Alderley tactic?) and Mike's drops stopped dieing as Alderley pinched the first game 10-8. Those hot courts certainly kept the ball alive and it didn't suit Mike's game as Alderley took the next 2 easily.

Matt Roberts, back for Knutsford after a bit of a break and Gwyn Pickering faired no better against their Alderley opponents with both unable to kill the ball on such warm courts and quickly subsided to give the match to Alderley

Geoff on last against a much younger Dan Clarke saw a change of tactics by our wisened ex captain. Lob serve and drop/drive had
Dan struggling to read Geoff's game, Geoff taking control to take the first 9-5. The second saw Dan get forward as the lob serve lost its impact, game levelled at one each and not looking good. Third game and the serve came back, Geoff taking the game easily 9-3 but unfortunately the younger Dan had now worked out Geoff's game, took the fourth 9-5 and then punished him in the fifth to complete the match and give Alderley maximum points. 

So silver medalists on the night, a tough start but in the words of Nigel Adkins the season starts in October!

For Match results Click Here

UNLUCKY THIRDS LOSE OUT ON DAY TO CLASSY ALADERLEY OUTFIT

A stronger third team this week had high hopes going into this game but alas, a classy Alderley line up spoiled the day.

First on the grid, John Evans, hoping to improve on last week's performance took on Chris Chatfield in what proved to be a battle of nerves. From the outset, Evo gave his all and although he lost the first 4-9 soon got into his stride and began to play some decent squash. In the second, Evo began his fight back. Dropping, driving and moving Chatfield, Evo began to pile on the pressure forcing a number of errors to take the second 9-6 to level at 1-1. The third proved the decider with both giving their all. At 8-8 it was anyone's and it stayed that way for some time. Evo bravely chose set 1. As the serve went from one to the other, Evo had his chances but Chatfield just edged it 9-8. The next was another even affair and at times too close to call but it was not to be Evo's day as Chatfield managed to get in front and take the game 9-7 and first match to Alderley. Great performance Evo, unlucky to lose out today but a valuable point on the board.

Greg Marshall, turning out mot for the first time at 1 was hoping to spoil the party but was up against a tough opponent in Paul Morgan. The first was an even affair with little in it. At 8 all it was up for grabs but Morgan held his nerve to take the game 10-8. The second was close but again Morgan was able to pull away and take the game and a 2-0 lead. The third went much the same way with Greg giving his all but Morgan edged it winning the third 9-5. Great effort Greg just not quite there today.

Robo at three faced the experienced Steve Chalmers Morris and unlike last week struggled to get going. The first two games were disappointing as Robo went down 9-3 and 9-1 making errors with almost every shot. The third was a complete turnaround as Robo battled hard, finally finding a length and able to exert the pressure. Morris started to falter as Robo took the game 9-1. Alas it was not to be, as Morris summoned his reserves and went for it. Robo struggled to respond and lost the game 9-1 and match 3-1. Not Robos best but a valuable point against a difficult opponent.

Steve O Hare at 2 was always going to have a tough game against Mike Perry whose impressive record speaks for itself but O;Hare was not to give in easily. Perry started strongly taking the first 9-3. The second was much closer with OHare fighting for every point. Some long and tough rallies followed but Perry just had the edge as he took the next 9-6. The third followed much the same pattern with O Hare fighting for every point, Perry was pushed but held on to take the game 9-6 and match 3-0. Great effort Steve against a classy opponent, and you very nearly took a game.

Last on and man of the match this week Simon Whitaker against Simon Feather.. Whitty started like a rocket moving around the court with ease. Some long rallies followed with both giving their all but Whitty was in control as he took the first 9-5. And then carried on in the second, quickly blasting his opponent off court 9-1. By the third a win was in sight and Whitty was not to disappoint us. Feather tried hard but Whittty was not to let go as he romped home 9-4 to get the only win of the night and 3 well deserved points.

Overall, another loss and more dropped points mean that Knutsford have a difficult last two games that will prove a crucial decider as to what division awaits next season ?

 For Match Scores Click Here

Fab fourths welcomed title contenders AE4 toMereheath Lane, could they produce an upset? Read on dudes!

First on at 3 Gwyn the tin against man of few words Charles 'Charlie' Charles Burr, Charlie took the first 9-0 whilst gwyn introduced the new ball to the tin (on several occasions). Racket now calibrated gwyn started to play, only just missing out 8-10 in the second. Charlie now two up needing one more game to start the celebrations and crack a smile? Gwyn had other ideas and what followed was a cameo of gwyn at his best, 9-2, 9-1, 9-2 wham bam thank you mam! Great performance gwyn. Charlie left court and a short while later, the building, inconsolable.

Next up, germ ridden Graham Thomson, full of man flu and we all know how serious that can be eh guys? Nip & tuck affair in the first which Alex took 9-5. Graham spread the ball and his germs around court to take the second 9-7. Alex feeling his racket was under performing, demanded a replacement from the balcony. It must have worked because he took the next two games and the match. Well battled Graham, under difficult conditions. Dr Snapey prescribed he go straight home to bed with the night nurse (ooh err Mrs!) Next at 4 the Hunter whose obsessive compulsive disorder was getting the better of him over the germs left on court by GT, demanded the court be fumigated. Richard Hedley seemed unconcerned and took the first 9-7. Unfortunately this was a match of too many loose shots from the hunter. Not his usual tight hitting game. Richard won the match in three leaving the puffing & panting Graham saying he needed a new racket.

Fourths now 2-1 down, could the club maestro, website guru and chief bottle washer even things up for a grand finale? Hindley v Slade, mama weer all crazee now. Style v effort, brains v brawn. Tony took the first 9-2, nice stroke play. Slade stepped up the pace and effort as the Hindley 'Express' chuffed happily around the court. Second game to slade, 3rd to Hindley, 4th to slade. By now Hindley's fire box was fizzing and his pistons were pumping and he was puffing like a 'good un'. As the Hindley express was pulling out of the station at the start of the 5th, the fat controller in the guise of 'open wide please' Waring jumped on board court and demanded £50 for the catering, how very dare you! This untimely interruption was not good and tony having reached max speed was now loosing steam. He just missed out in the 5th 7-9.  Hard luck Tony.

So fab fourths 3-1 down, the match lost, could number 1 string Snapey grind some points out in the final match at well past 10pm? Nick took the first 9-5 in front of an empty balcony apart from the lone marker. Whilst the others had gone for a mass shower (cosy!) so after Snapey had given himself a talking to he went on to make it a 10-8 win in the second. Some nice squash followed with the evenly matched players driving, dropping and boasting. An exhausting match for both but Snapey hung on in there to take the next 2 games and the match. So fab 4ths unlucky tonight going down 2-3 but some valuable points gained. Nice chilli after but with the time around midnight it was time for bed. Note to Geoff, GT has your pen for safekeeping.

For Match Scores Click Here