TOP PERFORMANCE FROM EVO BUT KNUTSFORD THIRDS LOSE OUT 3-2 IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE WORST KIND

Up against an experienced Alderley Edge 3^rd team, Knutsford 3rds were not quite up to the mark, and went down 3-2 after a promising start.

First on at second seed was Johnny Evans against the experience of Dave Johnston. Looking for his first win of the season. Evo started the warm up showing he meant business and was clearly going to give his all. The first game started evenly but after a long and arduous rally, Johnstone seemed to be struggling making a series of errors. Evo on the other hand played some great winners putting Johnstone under constant pressure to take the first 9-3. Johnstone fought back well in the second but Evo kept his nerve and came from behind to take the second 7-3. Evo came out of the blocks in the third game and although Johnstone tried hard to match him Evo piled on the pressure and took the game 9-5 and first match to Knutsford. A promising start after a Man of the match performance from Evo who is beginning to find that winning form..

Next on, Mike Walton against Steve Chalmers-Morris at third seed. The game started at a fast pace with both players playing some accurate squash but Chalmers Morris edged in front and took the first 9-4. The second saw Chalmers Morris dominate the struggling Walton with some demanding rallies, taking the game 9-1. Already 2-0 down Walton dug deep and played a much better third game stretching his opponent around the court but alas, Chalmers Morris was not to be beaten and edged ahead to take the third 9-6, and the match 3-0.

At one all the match was still wide open with all to play for,

Whitaker turning out at 1 was keen to make a good impression against the might of Fretwell and started the first game like a rocket , moving quickly into an 8-1 lead. Alas it was not to be Fretwell began to find his form and after a series of long rallies edged his way back to 8 -8 and the serve. Whitaker was clearly shaken and went down 9-8 in a very evenly matched opener. Fretwell was now in his stride and Whitaker still reeling from the first was unable to respond going quickly two down losing the second 9-1. Still not yet out of it Whitaker came out of the blocks to put up a valiant effort in the third but alas not enough and lost 9-5 and the match 3-0. A brave effort, just not quite good enough. Two one to Alderley.

 Robo was next on at 5, up against the tricky skills of Richard Hedley. The first started evenly enough, it was 1-1 for what seemed like hours but Hedley edged in front and after a series of unforced errors by Robo took the game 9-5. Robo was not to be beaten and came back strongly with some tight boasts to take the next two 9-3 putting Hedley on the back foot. With a win in sight Robo played a steady fourth game evenly matched but Robo just keeping the upper hand. Hedley fought hard, but not enough and Robo took the game 9-5 and match 3-1. Two games all everything to play for.

Whilst this was happening Smithy at four had gone two down on a spare court against the skills of Mike Perry. Smithy battled hard in the third, in what was to be a match decider and at 8-8 was in with a shout but Perry held his nerve and in a battle to the finish took the game 10-8. Unluck Smithy didn't gate going till too late.

Overall, just missed out, only one match short of the win but a good performance against a top half team which could have turned out differently on another day.

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