Match Knutsford 4 v Club AP 2     AWAY

Date 12/01/12

Knutsford fourths had a short journey south on the A50 to Club AP2 for the first fixture of the Year. Up first at No 2 and looking like he'd just woken from his 'Nanny Nap' was Snapey playing Jim Toole.  Snapey was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he lost the first game 7-9.

After a double pincer movement 'talking to' from Hindley & Cash (Bearing no resemblance at all to Tango & Cash) Snapey tried to step up a gear but the lovely warm court and the ageing surface underfoot held him back somewhat. However he did enough to win the 2^nd game 9-5. Something was brewing for the Cash, so only Hindley came down from the balcony to give his expert opinion. Games 3 & 4 went Snapey's way 9-4,9-6 to win the match 3-1. By no means a convincing performance. Too many unforced errors. Not enough effort. Note to self, must not miss the daily post lunch Nanny nap.

Next on at 5, The Vet against  Kieran Dony playing his first year on the squash court for AP and enjoying the experience that is the cut & thrust of team squash. The Vet was in no mood for 'small talk' and was soon showing this 'young pup' who was in charge. There was no paws for thought, so after a quick examination and apart from a few minor mis-diagnosed shots discharged the patient  9-0, 9-2, 9-5 for a 3-0 win.

Meanwhile Gwyn  'The Tin' Pickering was limbering up. Being a close neighbour to this club, Gwyn's carbon footprint was almost invisible as he walked to the venue this evening. This was an 'up and down' performance from our 4^th string. Points were quickly won and lost with little rallying taking place. A frustrating match to both watch and play at times, with the winner being the one making the least errors. Gwyn ran out loosing his match 0-3. Good effort though Gwyn and a lovely walk home to look forward to whilst admiring the starry night!

So with the 4^th team still looking for a winner to seal the match on the night, expectations were high as 1^st string 'The Cash' readied himself for his match against Phil Hendry. Now no-one knows if what happened next was nerves or a tactical ploy but The Cash left a belated Christmas present on the balcony as he trotted down the stairs. Pandemonium broke out. In the haze women screamed, babies were heard crying, people were trampled on as there was a stampede for the exit. There was no choice other than to vacate the viewing gallery until it was safe to return. During which time The Cash retreated to the smallest room in the club bolting the door behind him. (Shame on You Gary).

So with normal service resumed the match commenced. The Cash won the 1^st game 9-2 but came off court muttering about their playing order being picked from a 'Lucky Bag'?? However The Cash was never really tested and won the next two games 9-2, 9-3 and his match.

With the building's ventilation system returning to normal operating speed all was set for the final match of the evening. Billed as 'The Clash of The Titans' direct from The Lakeside Club, Frimley Green, the 3^rd string match between Tony 'The Count' Hindley and Colin 'The Fox' Jump. Two master tacticians who brought their portfolio of shots onto court.  'LET'S PLAY SQUASH' 

announced the referee and Tony took the 1^st game with relative ease at 9-3 and was barely registering a pulse. However Colin had just been taking stock. The 2^nd game saw Tony being made to perform some exquisite dance movements around the court. Could Tony keep it up? Well he lost the 2^nd  4-9 and came back to win the 3^rd    9-3. Now all that was needed was a final push by Tony and the match was his to win. Alas, were those beads of sweat forming on Tony's forehead? His pulse had returned to a steady 160bpm and the gazelle like Hindley from the previous game was a distant memory. The Fox hardly looked out of breath taking the 4^th   9-2 barely moving off the 'T'. Tony fought hard in the final game but could not change the inevitable loosing 3-9. Has he found his nemesis? A tough match against an experienced campaigner saw Tony lose the match 2-3 but another great effort though.

So the fourths won 3-2 on the night. Chilli & Chips followed in the bar washed down with cold beers. A win to start to the New Year but definitely room for improvement if the fourths want to end up amongst the movers and shakers in the top half of the division by March. 

For this match result Click Here