FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON FOR A MUCH IMPROVED THIRDS SETS THE SCENE FOR REST OF THE SEASON

A great team performance secured a first win of the season for a fast improving third team with some fine individual displays from O'Hare and Cashmore and a nail biting decider with Robinson coming from two down to take the game and match.

O'Hare starting for the first time at 1^st seed up against the experienced Birch played out of his skin to take the gruelling first game 10-8. Birch came back strongly to take the second 9-6 as O'Hare took his foot off the gas but stepping up to the mark O'Hare was not to disappoint. He started the next two with a vengeance putting in some excellent serves to take both, winning the tie and setting the scene for a very interesting evening.

Cashmore, making his first appearance for the thirds was up next against the youth of Matthew Oakes. A thrilling encounter with some extra long rallies but Cashmore used his experience well playing a steady and excellent game to take the tie 3-0.

2-0 to Knutsford and game on.

Next up was the out of form Robinson up against the experienced and slim Mulliner (having lost 5 stone since January). The first two games went quickly and easily to Mulliner with Robinson struggling for form and making a series of unforced errors. Then, the fightback began with Robinson upping his game to take the next two to level at 2-2. Robinson who was now getting into his stride kept up the momentum and after an even start pulled away with a series of winners to take the match 3-2 and secure the first win of the season for Knutsford thirds. A gutsy performance, leading to a great comeback from a seemingly hopeless position.

At the same time with two courts available, SMITH at 3 seed faced the skilful TURPIN. A hell of a game with TURPIN taking the first two with ease then Smith responding playing a steady and tight game to take the next two to level at two each leaving all to play for. The fifth game started evenly bit the last two games took their toll and Smith went down 3-2 after another great performance resulting in two more valuable points for the team.

Last on was Whitaker at two who had to face a difficult opponent in Steve Oakes, an experienced contender. Whitaker started well, and after a lot of towing and frowing was unlucky to lose the first two 9-6 and 9-7 respectively. Whitaker tightened his game and started playing a great length putting everything to take the next game 10-8. Oakes came out of the starting blocks uneased by the last game and played a series of winners to take the game and match with Whitaker feeling the effects of the previous game. Another valuable point in the bag, the rematch should be interesting.

Overall a great result against a strong Sandbach team. A lot of great performances with no one person being singled out as man of the match.

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