Hi everyone
This very successful season finished with a very close 3/2 loss to Cobdown away on Tuesday.
It was with keen anticipation that an enthusiastic contingent accompanied a fired up Knole first team to the season closer at Aylesford near Maidstone.
Pete (1) always had his work cut out at pole position and had to be focused on keeping his opponent moving as much as possible in the first two games to take the edge off his accuracy and resolve to win swiftly. From past experience this excellent oppo needs physically and mentally to nail a win quickly otherwise he has a tendency to lose his commitment. This did not happen and Pete suffered a rare defeat exacerbated by some "interesting " marking in the second game (and peripheral employment diversions..!).
David (2) was positively the Duracell bunny for the first two games and looked good to nail the cup victory from a 2/0 and 6/2 advantage ---- but as we know all too well, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. His opponent simply refused to lay down despite appearing more than once, to have shot his bolt and as the edge came off David’s game slightly, so his opponent picked up the marginal slack. Great to watch David take the early balls and put away the winners in style -- somewhat in contrast to his opponents industrial, but obviously effective, technique. Nothing to be ashamed of here, it was a seriously impressive tussle.
James (3) expressed his dominant and ever increasing poise with a worthy 3/1 and may well have been disappointed to have dropped a game. However, he re-established his dominance in the 4th in impressive style with some great drops challenging a wearying opponent.
Niall(4) encountered another even more unconventional opponent on whom I made comment in the last recent fixture with Cobdown. One felt that Niall’s impressive consistent long game and great all-court movement should have put this string out of question rather sooner than a fifth game, however the 3/2 win result still left David with the
opportunity which he came so close to converting.
The consensus from the balcony was that Chris S-B (5) played a much improved oppo who could likely have a competitive game with their 4th and 3rd strings. As always Chris ran everything down that could be reached but there was, unfortunately, rather more that he could not reach. Thanks Chris for filling Mikes shoes and giving it your customary 100%.
Whilst a disappointing final result this has been an unequivocally successful winter season which has seen a seamless bonding of Wildernesse and Knole squash to the obvious substantial benefit of both. Summer Div 3 squash will need another push which this maturing first team is more than capable of embracing with relish.
Stay healthy and keep fit. Best wishes to all and thanks to John Creek for all his input. [You’re welcome – Ed].
