In a complete reversal of last week's glut of players, skip was on the phone on Thursday afternoon looking for a very-last-minute replacement - thanks to Andy Dalton for turning out! Fortunately Congleton were having problems too, fielding only 4 players, so we were 3 points to the good before start of play, and maybe heading for an early finish!

Geoff got us under way at 1 against the lively Lee, and was 0-2 down in no time and wondering when to warm up the tea. Concentrate! Geoff upped the pace (not easy when you're rising 64!) and it nearly worked, just pipped 9-10 in the third.

Graham Thomson next up at 2, 'haven't played since Christmas etc'. It didn't look like it as he ran over round and through the bulky and non too mobile Mick, imploring the unmoved marker for some strokes. With a lot of front court stuff, Graham just missed out in the first 7-9 but fought back to level with some death-defying dives. The third was close, Mick just edging it as Graham looked to cut everything off. By the fourth the effort was starting to tell on Graham's back, knee etc and he finally went down 9-3  for a 3-1 loss - well fought Graham.

Andy Dalton made his first appearance for over a year at 4 against the wily greybeard Tony in another good tussle, Andy mixing some cracking shots with a liberal dose of tins, always in touch but losing the first two game to 5 and 4. Andy got it together in the third, playing a more controlled game, to win it 9-6 - could he turn it round? Sadly no, as Andy's inexperience showed, and Tony won 3-1. A game won this time Andy - next time a match?

Finally Nick Johnson made his first appearance of the season at 3 against Rob, who towered over him physically. Could Nick turn the tables by dint of art and agility? Close in the first as he got back into the Thursday night rhythm, but not close enough: 6-9. Rob served him out of it in the second 1-9 but Nick fought back in the third pushing Rob hard, ultimately to no avail though, 6-9 and a 0-3 defeat - better luck next time, and may next time will come a bit sooner than last time (er?).

Overall, then, a measly 5 points. Nice tea though - a hearty paella!

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