VICTORIOUS THIRDS BOUNCE BACK TO REVERSE FIRST HALF DEFEAT BY CLUB AZ

With stronger availability this week Knutsford thirds took on a strong lookingClubAZin what looked to be a close encounter right from the start.

With two courts available, Snapey and Gary Cashmore both started at the same time playing at five and four respectively. Snapey was up against the youth of Scott Lovell and Cashmore against the defiant and experienced Simon Gulliford.

Snapey started well controlling the game and although Lovell was always in with a shout Snapey's unorthodox style continued to cause him problems. Snapey looking in control took the first two games 9-5 and 9-6 with Lovell struggling to match. A brief recovery saw Lovell take the third but Snapey was not to be outwitted and swiftly recovered to dominate and take the fourth  9-4 giving him victory and first match to Knutsford. Well done Snapey a great start.

At the same time Cashmore was having a bit of a battle with Simon Gulliford and at 2-1 had it all to do. At this point Cash was getting upset with himself and needed to focus. The fourth game was his last chance and Cash knew it. As he game started Cashmore took control driving boasting and making Gulliford do all the running which was clearly frustrating him. Cash piled on the pressure with Gulliford unable to recover to take the fourth 9-2 to level at 2-2. The fifth and deciding game started on an even keel at 3-3 but Cashmore had the bit between his teeth and began to believe in himself and edge ahead moving up to 7-3 where it stayed as service went from one to the other. With victory in sight, Cash was not going to give in and a final effort took him past the final hurdle to take the game 9-3. Great, gritty man of the match performance from Cashmore and 2-0 to Knutsford. Looking good.

Simon Whitaker at 1 was always going to have a tough time; but recent form meant that he was always in with a shout. The first stated well for Whitty as he quickly took control driving and covering the court with ease. Moody was not quite up to scratch and Whitty took advantage to take the first 9-5. The second was another close affair but Moody began to read the game well covering the court well to take the second 9-5 and level at 1-1. The next two games were even at the start but Moody just had the edge and although Whitty was always in with a shout he just couldn't get in front and lost both 9-5 and 9-4. Good effort from Whitty, and another important point.

Smithy at three up against Ashley Sissons was well up for it as he started the knock up with confidence. As the first game began, Smithy was out of the blocks like a whippet leaving Sissons stunned. A series of powerful serves had Sissons quickly on the rack as Smith romped ahead to take the first game 9-1. A brief recovery from Sissons levelled at 1-1 but Smith had the bit between his teeth and was not to be beaten taking the third 9-1. A fight back from Sisson saw a much closer fourth but Smithy, sensing victory went for it and Sissons unable to respond went down 9-7 giving Smith the match and securing that all important win. Another fine performance well done Smithy for winning the game.

Unknown to Robo at 2, Smithy was heading for victory on another court to put the match out of reach for AZ but at 9.45 against the power of Andy Peel, he was going to have it tough. Little did he know how tough. Peel started like a rocket, playing some of the best squash he has ever played ;dropping, driving hard and heading for the nick so many times that it left Robo shell shocked as he went down 9-0. An out of sorts Robo knew he was up against it tonight and the second went the same way with Robo limited to one

consolation point. The third game was over in a flash and Robo was sent to his worst defeat for years following a first class performance from an on song Peel. Robo,outplayed and out classed was nowhere near the mark tonight.

Overall, a fine team performance, apart from Robo's disastrous effort, securing 15 well earned points. A very strong third next week, should be up for a winning performance.