[As Knole Park only has one team in the Kent North West League this season, members starved of first-hand news will be eager to learn of their progress. I therefore have pleasure in posting the first match report from this week's Star Writer - Ed.]
Our Winter season 2017/18 kicked off with a tricky home match against Bexley on Tuesday.
I have the dubious honour of writing the first match report. This honour has been bestowed upon me on account of putting in the most dubious performance. So I will start with two apologies, one for my performance, and two for not really paying attention tothe other matches, I would have done if knew I was writing the report!.
First up Jerry playing a larger than life Dean. I missed the first game which sadly was the one Jerry won. What I did see looked like a very competitive match with Dean playing at one pace and Jerry varying more with lobs and drops. Unfortunately Dean was ultimately too strong but a good performance from Jerry - 1-3 loss
On the other court a young, sprightly, fast paced Peter, was up against the less than friendly looking Paul. Similar to Dean over on court one, this was played very much at one pace. The ball was bouncing all over the place. I thought Peter did a great job to recover from the first game 9-1 loss, which didn't reflect how close it was, to pull back level at one game all. Unfortunately Paul won the next two with the fourth a really tight 9-10. Well played Peter, unlucky 1-3 loss
Next up, I played Ross. I will keep it short, much like the match. Niall not good enough, Ross too good. 0-3 loss. (must do better next time, whenever that might be)
Now for the big guns...
James versus Anthony on court 1.
I missed the startbut what I saw was high quality from both players. James looked like he was moving really well. His talented opponent had great racket skills but could not match James' all round game and fitness levels. It might have been over quicker had it not been for a lucky shot from Anthony at 8 all in the third, having called set one. Last game was a 9-0 whitewash from James. 3-2 win, well done Jimbo
Last up was Will versus Paul
This match was fantastic. It's fair to say some of Will's performances in friendly matches are 'variable' however when it comes to team games he shows such mental strength. Could almost be South African if he wasn't so effeminate.
10-8 in the fifth tells you how close this match was. Both players pushing themselves, and the marker (who is really a Golfer) to the limit. Luckily the marker had JCs ever present commentary which I'm sure he would have enjoyed.
Pleasure to watch, especially as Will came out on top. Kept us all from the pub but it was worth it. 3-2 win. Well done Tindall.
Overall the match was a 3-2 loss. If you consider we were missing David and Mike, this wasn't a bad result and I suspect many in our league will do far worse against a strong Bexley Side.
Well done all and see you soon,
Stay Healthy.
Niall