This was a game of tops and tails.  With Knutsfords unconvincing start to the season we were all hoping to top and tail Alderley Edge.  Looking at the first couple of matches they had played Knutsford's spirits were high.  However, Alderley brought a top strength side, with both Antony Perret and Jon Harari making an appearance for the first time this season. 

First up at 2 was Liam against a fast improving George Wilshire.  Our boy couldn't keep with the hard hitting Wilshire and was swiftly dispatched by the Alderley man 3-0.

Next on was the top order.  Glenn against the high sprited and 'aren't i just brilliant' antonyperret.  What could our humble man do against the ex-div 1 player.  A real ding-dong this one with plenty of shot variation.  After a good 50 mins of exchanging points and games, we made it into the 5^th.  At 6-6 it was starting to look as if our man was flagging, but he dug deep and managed to get the next 2 point to get to match ball.  On top in the rally, Glenn was pushing his oppo from front to back left to right until he got what he was looking for.... a soft boast from antony in the back right corner saw our man jump onto it.....the whole balcony expecting a typical Glenn tight drop to the front left to finish the match.....no...... he cross court drove it straight to the surprised perret and bang he put it away.  Was this it? Glenn's chance looked like it had gone!!  He dug even deeper and worked another match ball.  This time no mistake and he finished the match 9-6 in the last.  Man of the match for a glorious and well deserved win.  He takes the Captains arm band for next week.

Next up was the two J's, John vs Jon.  Our man not looking too confident, having just confessed to the captain that he had never beaten his oppo!!  The first went that way and Jon had John running all over the court in his brand new sparkly blue shoes!!  The blue shoes got a good work out and easily took the next 9-1.  So all even, could John beat Jon for the first time... Alas no and he succumbed to another Hararying 9-4, 9-4.

The top order having succeeded, it was now the tail that needed to wag.  Risley against Leonard.  Last season saw Leonard dispatch Risley 3-0 twice.  So time for revenge.... or was it.  Leonard began strong and was 7-1 up in no time.  A tinned volley then changed things.  Risley began a charge... Point by point he pulled it back to 7-7... then eventually a tie break saw him take it 10-8.  Leonard pulled it back to a game all.  Some stern words from Glenn at the break managed to work and Risley triumphed for the first match this season and took the 3 points.

So 2-2 and things were looking good.  Could Smithy pull it out of the bag.  Chris did his usual and made it interesting by handing his oppo the first two games.  Now fired up he began his charge, and obliterated his man 9-1.  The fourth was closer and went to a tie break... But Chris had left it too late and the Alderley man edged it 3-1. 

So a disappointing night from the middle order but shines of hope from the top and tail.  Onwards and upwards.......

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