Morning readers.
Squash can be a very unforgiving game. When there is a level difference between two players it often looks as if the underdog has barely played before, when in fact, at his (or her) own level they are actually rather good players.
The level that Knole 1 is now playing at exposed such a gulf against the (albeit weakened)
Sundridge side. Thus for David/James/Nialls’ games they all lost a TOTAL of only 19 points and never came close to losing a game. [So quick, in fact, that the photographer missed all the action - Ed]
Maybe David rather liked the symmetry of a straight 9/1 scoreline all through or/and maybe he had visions of the match slipping from his grasp from 2/0 up, which was never going to happen (but has in the past !!). I have watched Peter Ng playing with my mate Keith Palmer up at BLTC when I am waiting to be coached/play and I can assure you he is a very decent opponent, although you might not think so from his showing in this match.
James and Niall were slightly ‘kinder’ to their opponents without dangerously taking their feet off the gas and what suffers here is the short game – it’s much easier to crank the ball around hard to a length than to finesse a tight drop - now I am being picky!
Pete gave us a tremendous show of his court coverage again until he pulled a hamstring (or got cramp?). In fact one might observe that his movement is TOO exuberant (or maybe that’s crippo Johnson being just a tad jealous!). Cold reflection of two previous matches v Guy Olby and Ted Jeal provoke me to observe that their movement is much less ‘enthusiatic’ and clearly more effective - there is me being picky again. Jim adopted a tactic which I much applaud, showing us some great lobs - yes that thingy that goes up high and drops dead in the back if you get it right or gives you time to recover to the T. Pete did well to nail it 3/1 or surely would have retired. Jim blew it and really must be kicking himself not to have taken it to 2/2. We all hope you got the massage that was being discussed and that next Tuesday will see you in action again Pete.
My earlier comments re levels might well apply to Chris Ivey’s game, except he was on the receiving end of a drubbing against a strong physical opponent, who was particularly able to pick up all the somewhat loose drops. Thanks for pitching up Chris - I hope it was not too painful an experience.
So, another 17 points and Div 3 ours to lose(?). Mr Creek is gathering all the data assiduously and is far better able to pinpoint the crucial confrontations between the other teams. Pete being absent for the last two/three games makes it more interesting than we would like but since we have seriously benefitted from other teams being short, I guess this levels the playing field.
Barry did not serve up the steak pie that I promised David [nor you the plums, Mark - Ed], but I am sure we shall sample it before this season is done. Well played all. It’s a delight to view a winning team playing quality squash each week and I am always pleased to get away with marking a couple of matches without my heritage being impugned.
Stay healthy. Mark Johnson.