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With promotion, barring miracles, out of reach the squash club board were getting 'Abramovich' style edgy and calling for new blood. So with the skipper getting worried about being Di Matteod several new players were being lined up for the last 2 games. This was going to be difficult, keeping all the old stars happy, Rafa style rotation policy was called for.

So team selected, some squad players rested and new blood introduced with Will Mcleod. We looked strong, ready for Macc 2, the QPR of the division. With Thursday looming squad rotation took on a new meaning- ie rotate through the thirds and the new KSC youth policy looked in doubt as JC was put on standby. New blood Will was struggling from his prematch training abroad on a beach in Cuba. Worries over jetlag and fitness were dismissed when he realised JC would be more jetlagged coming back from Devon!

So Will started and quickly took an 18-0 lead, fine start to league squash. Relaxed in the third but overcome the nerves to take it 10-8. Excellent debut and thanks Will for turning up on a rainy, windy night with the memories of Cuban sunshine still fresh in the blood.

Meanwhile Matt was making quick work at 2, easy win untroubled- bit too quick though as no other KSC players had arrived yet!

Richard arrived in the nick of time and again looked untroubled but relaxed at game point to 3 in the first to take it narrowly 10-9. Next 2 no relaxation, and comfortably took the game and match on the night. Graham on at 4, also untroubled for another easy win.

Meanwhile drama on the next court as Alsager 2 no. 1, Chris Riley, took on Macc 1 no 1- a proper game of squash balls. Still can't picture (fortunately) what happened but Chris got pinned in the back corner as he drove the ball out and past the Macc player who had to turn and play the ball off the back wall. In full swing Chris moved too early for the tee and despite an attempt at leap frog out of the way the Macc player's racket met the meat and 2 veg of Chris- ouch, eyes wateringly big ouch. Chris crumpled to the floor as did the balcony. It wasn't so much squash balls but tennis balls as apparently one testicle quickly reached this size (OMG) - attention from the female leisure centre first aider (wonder if she's trained for that injury?) and off to A&E. Big, big ouch and a big, big testicle.

So last up yours truly, still in the car (or scared of a similar fait?) for the first and a game down in no time. Nervous, scrappy fight in the next 2 and rode my luck but got back into the lead and at 2-1 up relaxed taking the 4th game comfortably.

Good win on a horrible night 20-1- a good practice for our next away game in Buxton! Good that the fab fourths have a good, big squad (better all still be available for Buxton!!). Thanks also to the 3 who stepped in and well played Will

For Match Scores click here

Winter arrived early for the Travelling 3rds when they trekked to Macc Leisure Centre with a team weakened by an outbreak within the club of Halftermitis.

Jacko at 4 was first to brave the elements, and he had a real job on to hit a length, the ball was so cold. The first was close: 7-9, the second not so as the effort began to tell and the trademark boasts went narrowly down. But our man stuck at it in the third, eventually conceding 6-9 for a 3-0 thumping.

Meanwhile Skipper Neil at 2 was taking on the tall, handsome and superbly coiffed Alex. Neil was looking pretty cool, too, in matching blue top and shorts. When it came to squash, though, Alex had a clear advantage and subjected poor Neil to rather more movement than he was built for. Bravely though he battled, Neil didn't get on the scoresheet until game 3, when he amassed 4 points. Ouch! 2 down already.

Geoff was 'guesting' at 5 and during the knockup felt he was in with a chance. But then opponent Russell started serving at 100 mph, Smithy-style, into the nicks. Geoff was doing the right thing, lobs and drops, and took the first narrowly, to give the team its first point of the night. Between games some sneak told Russell about Geoff being left-handed, after which he directed his howitzer serves to the right court, to deadly effect. End result: a 3-1 defeat.

Gwyn at 3 took on Adam the Landlord, of whom more later. I didn't see this match, but Gwyn was clearly having the same problems as the rest of us, his points scores being 2 3 1.

Could Tim our No 1 turn the tide? His opponent Andy was immaculately turned out in revealing black leotards and an arty farty top with undershirt, finished off with what looked like golf shoes! Oh, and he could play a bit too. Tim had a real job on to handle a pinpoint serve and some surprise high cross-courts. To his credit Tim worked hard throughout and the score, 4 4 and 2, didn't reflect the game itself. But it's results that count and this result was an emphatic 20-1 defeat, and an early finish....

Then we discovered that our journey had just begun. The aforementioned Landlord, late of the Cock Inn where we used to eat, now runs the Spinner in Outer Bollington! For future reference, the post code is SK10 5PW and it's nowhere near the Leisure Centre!. Bit of a wait while the kitchen coped with our early arrival, but a nice curry 'with a bit of a bite' (N Robinson).

For Match Scores Click Here

HIGH FLYING MACCLESFIELD TOPPLE BATLING THIRDS IN SECOND HALF TURNAROUND

A much strengthened Macclesfield team proved too much for a strengthened thirds who battled hard to win a well deserved four crucial points.

Gary Cashmore first on at 5 back and fresh from injury was always going to have his work cut out against the fitness of Richard Maxton. Cash started the first well driving and moving his opponent around the court to take the first 9-6 but unfortunately the pace and length of rallies took its toll and Maxton fought back to level at 1-1. From here on in fitness was crucial and although Cashmore battled well, it proved not quite enough as Maxton took control to win the match 3-1. Unlucky Cash, a good effort only just beaten by an extremely fit opponent who just had the edge on this occasion.

Robo was on next against the Pub Landlord Adam Colbatch. Colbatch won the toss and started the first game moving quickly to an early lead following a series of errors. After a while, Robo started to read his game battling hard to pull level at 8-8. With all to play for both players went for it but two clear winners gave Colbatch the edge and he took first game 10-8. From here on it  was all Robo who summoned the strength to play some of his best squash for many a year. Robo controlled the T accurately dropping driving and lobbing with Colbatch struggling to respond. As Colbatch got frustrated with himself Robo piled on the pressure to the next three games and match 3-1. One all ,with all to play for.

Whitaker   had the toughest game of the night ahead against the Skills of Shane Great Rex. Whitty started brilliantly playing a series of quick winners and soon found himself 8-0 up with Ex struggling to respond. With the first in sight Whitty stumbled and from here on in every point was a battle. Slowly but surely, Great  Rex fought his way back and at 8-8 the game was anyone's. Whitty tried hard to recover but Great Rex piled it on to take the first 10-8. A great effort from Whitty who almost took a game off a very highly ranked opponent. The strains of the first took its toll as Great Rex soon got into his stride to take the next 9-2. The pace had taken its toll and the third went 9-3 to Great Rex giving him the match. Great effort Whitty a little more and you would have taken the first against a classy opponent.  Two-one to Macclesfield.

Evo, back after a long absence and not yet quite match fit took to the stage against newcomer Andy Dunn a  unknown quantity. The first started evenly but Evo struggled to match the pace and his lack of match play showed as Dunn took the first 9-1 by forcing a series of crucial errors. The second went much the same way with Evo on the back foot and although battling hard, Dunne proved too strong taking the second 9-2. The third was a continuation of the second and although Evo battled hard showing glimpses of what he could do, it was too little too late. Dunn sensing victory did not falter to take the game 9-2 and the match 3-0. A below par performance from Evo who has much more to offer and should come back next week with a vengeance. Match to Macclesfield

The much improved Smithy at 2, knew he had an enormous battle on his hands against the athletically unorthodox Alex Oppenheim. Never one to give in Smithy started well ,showing power and pace but Oppenheim was well up to the mark quickly cancelling out Smithy's power with some subtle drops and lobs. The guile proved too much and Smithy soon found himself 1-0 down at 9-1. Oppenheim began turning the screws and although Smithy tried hard he struggled to contain Oppenheim who swiftly took the second 9-2. Facing an uphill battle, Smithy tried hard to recover but Oppenheim was not to falter taking the third 9-3 and match 3-0.  Unlucky Smithy it was always going to be a tough call.

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

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Knutsford 2 (20)  Macclesfield 1 (0)

Steve Costello started the match and was a comfortable (3-0) over Alex Oppenheim. Steve kept the ball tight and away from the danger man.

            Simon Whitaker was next on court playing Andy Brown. Simon controlled the game and finished the rallies with few mistakes and tight drops/boasts, (3-0).

            Nigel Uttley was playing Richard Maxton at 3 and put in a strong performance. He won (3-0) and his tactics of attacking short for spells and then switching to play the ball deep created plenty of space to put the ball into the front corner nick when needed.

            So the match was won already when David Waring span for serve with Martin Hall. It looked like it could it might have been a tough match and Martin pushed really hard, but David upped his game and smashed the ball down the lines and crosscourt to keep Martin off the T.  In the end David's drop shots proved too good and he was winner (3-0).

            Keith Edminson at 5 displayed a good level of squash skills. He beat Dave Birtwistle with accurate lengths and tight side wall shots. Keith moved around the court well and his opponent never threatened, (9-2, 9-0, 9-1).

Well played Knutsford, another good win!! and nothing for Macclesfield.

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Match: Knutsford 2 Away to Macclesfield Leisure 1

Date: 25th November 2010

The Seconds didn't travel well, losing 20 points to 2. 5th String: Hunter - battered 4th String: Ward (Snr) - rusty, but won a game 3rd String: Robinson - hammered 2nd String: Evans - humiliated 1st String: Waring - dis-orientated by Leo's 100mph 'squash' but managed a game. XX

Scorecard