HIGH FLYING MACCLESFIELD TOPPLE BATLING THIRDS IN SECOND HALF TURNAROUND

A much strengthened Macclesfield team proved too much for a strengthened thirds who battled hard to win a well deserved four crucial points.

Gary Cashmore first on at 5 back and fresh from injury was always going to have his work cut out against the fitness of Richard Maxton. Cash started the first well driving and moving his opponent around the court to take the first 9-6 but unfortunately the pace and length of rallies took its toll and Maxton fought back to level at 1-1. From here on in fitness was crucial and although Cashmore battled well, it proved not quite enough as Maxton took control to win the match 3-1. Unlucky Cash, a good effort only just beaten by an extremely fit opponent who just had the edge on this occasion.

Robo was on next against the Pub Landlord Adam Colbatch. Colbatch won the toss and started the first game moving quickly to an early lead following a series of errors. After a while, Robo started to read his game battling hard to pull level at 8-8. With all to play for both players went for it but two clear winners gave Colbatch the edge and he took first game 10-8. From here on it  was all Robo who summoned the strength to play some of his best squash for many a year. Robo controlled the T accurately dropping driving and lobbing with Colbatch struggling to respond. As Colbatch got frustrated with himself Robo piled on the pressure to the next three games and match 3-1. One all ,with all to play for.

Whitaker   had the toughest game of the night ahead against the Skills of Shane Great Rex. Whitty started brilliantly playing a series of quick winners and soon found himself 8-0 up with Ex struggling to respond. With the first in sight Whitty stumbled and from here on in every point was a battle. Slowly but surely, Great  Rex fought his way back and at 8-8 the game was anyone's. Whitty tried hard to recover but Great Rex piled it on to take the first 10-8. A great effort from Whitty who almost took a game off a very highly ranked opponent. The strains of the first took its toll as Great Rex soon got into his stride to take the next 9-2. The pace had taken its toll and the third went 9-3 to Great Rex giving him the match. Great effort Whitty a little more and you would have taken the first against a classy opponent.  Two-one to Macclesfield.

Evo, back after a long absence and not yet quite match fit took to the stage against newcomer Andy Dunn a  unknown quantity. The first started evenly but Evo struggled to match the pace and his lack of match play showed as Dunn took the first 9-1 by forcing a series of crucial errors. The second went much the same way with Evo on the back foot and although battling hard, Dunne proved too strong taking the second 9-2. The third was a continuation of the second and although Evo battled hard showing glimpses of what he could do, it was too little too late. Dunn sensing victory did not falter to take the game 9-2 and the match 3-0. A below par performance from Evo who has much more to offer and should come back next week with a vengeance. Match to Macclesfield

The much improved Smithy at 2, knew he had an enormous battle on his hands against the athletically unorthodox Alex Oppenheim. Never one to give in Smithy started well ,showing power and pace but Oppenheim was well up to the mark quickly cancelling out Smithy's power with some subtle drops and lobs. The guile proved too much and Smithy soon found himself 1-0 down at 9-1. Oppenheim began turning the screws and although Smithy tried hard he struggled to contain Oppenheim who swiftly took the second 9-2. Facing an uphill battle, Smithy tried hard to recover but Oppenheim was not to falter taking the third 9-3 and match 3-0.  Unlucky Smithy it was always going to be a tough call.

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