Match:  Knutsford 3 Away to Alderley Edge 5

Date:  10^th March 2011

The 3rd team arrived at Alderley hoping to confirm their status as promotion favourites and enjoy some yummy scrum!

Our cause was helped by only 4 opposition players turning out, which meant we were 1-0 up and John Ward hadn't even broken sweat.  He decided against waiting for the food but consoled himself with an at length discussion of planning issues in Pickmere with the ravenous Hindley before heading home.

So, on to the matches.  Hindley on at 3 against the athletic Mark Stevin.  The first set was tight with the scoring going backwards and forwards.  The flow wasn't aided by some strict and officious reffing from Alderley's No.1 Rob, who from now on shall be referred to as Victor Meldrew (he's a dead ringer too!). Once Tony had got the measure of his opponent and the rumbling in his tummy, the match turned into a routine 3-0 victory for Thursday night's Mr Consistent.  Well played.

On strode Neil R at 4 against a young filly called Lisa.  Despite several failed attempts at flirting and inquiries as to where she was headed at the weekend, Neil got his gead back on the match to close out 3-0 but without a phone number.  Can't blame a man for trying!!

With the match in the bag it was Steve O'Hare's turn to at string 2 to face another one of Alderley's maidens.  The pre match banter had his opponent weak at the knees and fluttering eye lashes, so Steve sped into a 2-0 lead.  The 3rd set was somewhat closer at 10-8 but Steve was only following the orders of the Captain of the night (Hindley) to keep her on court a bit more as he was enjoying the view.  3-0 and finished with a kiss (what a gent!!)

Last match and the headline act at No.1 was Dave Smith against Victor.  Dave combined his usual power game with some drop shots that were more akin to lobs.  His opponent was a wily old fox with some deft drops.  Our man was 2-0 down and hadn't taken advantage of his obvious physical prowess against his septaganarian opponent.  We settled in for a five set thriller but at 5-2 up in the third Victor shrieked "I don't believe it!" as a sniper on the grassy knoll fired and a muscle in Victor's leg went.  He couldn't carry on and conceded to a frustrated Smith.  Don't worry Dave, the scoreboard shows you chalked up a win.

A few beers and a delicious lasagne followed.  Good night all round!

Score card