3rds STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON AFTER A NAILBITER AGINST CLUB AZ II

Looking for their first win of the season, Knutsford 3rds entered this match fielding a much stronger team an high hopes.

Robinson started at fifth string against an awkward opponent Phillips. After an even start Phillips began to pull away and a string of errors by Robinson cost him the first game 9-4. The same pattern followed in the second game with Robinson struggling through to again lose 9-3. A much better performance in the third made for a much more even game but Phillips pulled away to take the game 9-7 and the match 3-0, a poor start from a below par Robinson.

Next up was Smithy at 4^th string up against an athletic Sisson. The first was a close affair after a lot of to- ing and fro-ing went to Sisson 9-6. Smithy upped his game playing some great squash taking the next two, 9-6 and 9-2 and moved into a comfortable lead, The fourth was a close affair with Smithy leading 9-8 for the match when Sisson was forced to retire due to an injury. A great way to even the match at 1-1.

Whitaker was next up, recently back from injury showing some great form against an evenly matched Ilot. . The match started at a fast pace and Ilot took the first 10-8. Whitaker then began to take control , steadying his game to take the second 9-1 and 3^rd 9-5 moving into a 2-1 lead. Ilot fought back well to take the fourth 9-3 making for an exciting decider. Whitaker started well but the pace of the game had got to him and he went down 2-3. A gritty, performance by an unlucky Whitaker.

The athletic O'hare making his first performance of the season for the thirds was up against the stylish Peel. After a round of tough rallies Peel took the first 9-6 but it was clear that Ohare had plenty left in the tank and was just warming up. O Hare then piled on the pressure taking the next three games in succession to come out on top 3-1, a stunning performance at 2 to take the man of the match award this week for me.

At 1, Evo was making his first appearance of the year and whilst may have lacked a little match practice put in a sound performance against an in form Moody. The first two games were close affairs, some long hard rallies and great drop shots with Evans losing out 9-7 on both occasions through the odd error. The third was evenly matched until half way through when Moody was able to pull ahead and take the game and match 3-0. A good start at 1 for Evo never going to be easy but handled it very well.

So although close, the team went down 3-2, a little unlucky with a lot of positives to take away. Eight valuable points in the bag and a clear improvement o the previous weeks, the thirds still have work to do if they want to stay up.

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