DEPLETED THIRDS SECURE VALUABLE POINTS AGAINST RELEGATION CONTENDERS BOLLINGTON

With availability at its worst this week, depleted thirds travelled to Bollington hoping to take what they could against a strong experienced Bollington team.

Two courts meant that Robo and Ian Hopkins stated together at 2 and 5 respectively, with Robo against the experienced Nick Shatwell and the vet against the unpredictable Willie Laird.

Robo at 2 was always going to find it tough at 2 and having lost the serve found himself quickly on the back foot. The speed of Shatwell around court was instantly telling and Robo quickly lost the first 9-3 without really getting going. For the second, Robo not to be outplayed stepped up a gear and a series of long drives were causing Shatwell problems but how long could he keep it up. At 6 all, a brief recovery from Shatwell looked on the cards but Robo dug deep playing decisively tight to take the second 9-6. At 1-1 it was all to play for but alas Robo's lack of match play had been telling and from here on in, puffing and panting faced an uphill struggle. A series of long rallies at the start of the third took their toll and Robo could not recover quickly losing the next two games and the match 3-1. One valuable point that could have been more had Robo been fitter. One nil to Bollington.

Ian Hopkins, turning out as a last minute replacement found himself up against Willie Laird and obviously up for it, started well taking the first game 9-3. Laird quickly fought back to take the next two in succession and establish a 2-1 lead and putting Hopkins on the back foot but the vet was not to give up easily. A marathon fourth game ensued with both players having their chances and giving their all. At 8 all it was all to [play for  but luck was not on the vets side tonight and Laird dug out the next two points to take the game 10-8 and match 3-1. A gutsy performance from the vet, who just missed out on a five set decider.

Two nil to Bollington.

Roger Snape at three had a tough opponent ahead in Andy Barber. Snapey got off to a fine start forcing Barber into a series of errors and a series of long steady rallies saw Snapey take the first 9-5. Alas it was not to last and an even second went Barbers way 9-7. The third was another even affair with Barber edging it 9-7 leaving Snapey unlucky at 2-1 down after a flying start. For the fourth game, Snapey struggled handing the first few points to his opponent and leaving himself vulnerable. Barber was not to let go and steamed ahead to take the game 3-1 giving the match to Bollington but getting a valuable point.

Tim Slater at four turning out for only the second time this year found himself up against the ageing but experienced wily fox Ron Newton. Tim started like a rocket and took the first comfortably 9-6. The second was going much the same way and at 7-3 Tim was in control when Ron took an unfortunate leg injury forcing him to retire and concede the match. Good performance from Slater who on today's form was always heading for a victory. 3 valuable points in the bag.

Smithy was last on at 1, and knew it was never going to be easy against the fitness of Simon Bannister. Smith started well giving his all, matching Bannister at times and was unlucky to lose the first 9-5 after some long and trying rallies on the backhand. By the second Bannister had control but Smithy wasn't for giving up, giving his all before going down 9-4. The third game followed much the same pattern with a much improved Smithy running for everything but his efforts were not quite enough as he went down 9-4. A good effort that was never going to be easy.

Overall, a gutsy performance, and six well earned points from an under strength third team with many thanks due to all those who turned out and gave their best.

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