SOLID DISPLAY BY KNUTSFORD THIRDS PROVES JUST TOO MUCH FOR MACCLESFIELD

On the back of a heavy defeat last week, Knutsford thirds were all fired up this week keen to prove a point against a battling Macclesfield team.

Third seed, Whitaker was on first against the fitness and power of Adam Colbatch, never an easy ask, but eager to find that winning form again Whitaker meant business. Colbatch started well storming into a six point lead catching Whitaker off guard but Whitaker dug deep, coming from behind to take the first 10-8, in a nail biting finish. All fired up, Whitaker started the second strongly and began to dominate the T, finally finding that elusive length. Colbatch tried hard, running himself into the ground but never quite got there and Whitaker took the game 9-3. The third stated evenly enough with both players testing each other with some long and arduous rallies but Whitaker was not to be beaten summoned his reserves of strength in a final push to the line, taking the the third 9-6, and the first game of the night. 1-0 to Knutsford, a great start with all to play for.

Smithy at 4 was next on the T, back in as a last minute replacement, well up for it and ready to face up to the challenge of the athletic Maxton. Smithy started well with some powerful serving, as the game to and frow-ed. At 8 all it was anyone's for the taking but Smithy showed his mettle and upped his game at the right moment taking the first 10-8. Smithy started the second well, never allowing his opponent to settle and quickly took the second 9-0, moving into a 2-0 lead. Maxton however was not for giving up and with all his might fought back well to take the third and fouth. It was game on at 2-2, and all to play for. The last game started evenly with both players stretching and challenging each others fitness with some long tough rallies but Smithy was not to be beaten steadied his nerves and summoned his immense reserves to take the game 9-6. 2-0 to Knutsford. Well done Smithy, man of the match, great resilience.

Robo was next on at 5, against the awkward marathon runner Birtwistle in what proved to be a see saw of a game. With the match in sight for Knutsford, Robo started like a rocket playing some great touch shots to take the the first easily 9-0. Birtwistle however, was not to give up coming out of the blocks on a mission and following a series of unforced errors from Robo, took the second 9-2.

A reversal of fortunes and a reduction in errors saw the next game go quickly to Robo 9-1 but Birtwistle was not yet beaten and fought back convincingly to take the next game 9-6 leaving the match completely open. The final game started evenly enough with both players trying to get the advantage each finding some great lengths but neither to dominate. At 5-5 Robo was tiring but decided to go for it, his game to play series of winners giving him the match with a lunging drop in the right hand corner. A tough one, could have gone either way, but game over and match to Knutsford with two to go.

Marshall, turning out at no 1 and after a lengthy drive up from the south was up next against the might of Alex Oppenheim.Marshallstarted well, covering the court with ease but Oppenheim was up to the challenge matching and even taking the pace higher. Oppenheim never faltered and took the first 9-4 after a series of lengthy and hard fought rallies. The next went quickly to Oppenheim 9-1 fagainollowing some hard fought points withMarshallcoming out second best. Oppenheim was now in his stride butMarshallwas not going to give in easily. Some extra long rallies followed with each player giving his all but Oppenheim was not going to falter. He took the last 9-3 .Marshall had given his all but the long trip had taken its toll. 3-1 to Knutsford.

Last on was O'Hare, in at second seed this week unorthodox, tricky and always up for it.  His opponent Brown a fit Badminton player was not going to make it easy. The first game started on an even keel, some

long rallies, loose at times but both players covering the court with ease. O Hare was not to be beaten dand took the first game 9-5. The second followed the first with Brown always playing second fiddle. A battle ensued, but OHare had the upper hand. He was not going to give in, taking the second 9-4. The last game started evenly and at the beginning, O Hare seemed to lose concentration struggling to finish off his opponent. O'Hare's confidence was lifted by strong support from the  home crowd which clearly lifted his game and he dug deep , stretching and punishing his opponent. Brown could not keep up struggling to match the pace and clearly lifted' O'Hare took the final game 9-5. Great performance, 4-1 to Knutsford.

Well done you thirds, a great team display, crucial win, valuable points on the board, and back on track for strong finish before the Christmas break.