It has been the worst season for team organisation I have ever done, call offs, injuries, holidays, illness, snow, etc, etc. We have now stumbled over the finishing line the last match was against Western 6 who we have beaten before!

The West End Warriors (walking wounded would be a better description) took to the court last night and despite brave efforts lost 3-2 in matches 7-12 in points.

1. The Colonel hobbled on to court having been on the rowing machine for 10mins before his match to warm up his bad leg. The Colonel’s usual running and chasing the ball was lacking due to injury so he was forced to
play a more thoughtful game with minimum movement. Lost first fairly easily but then played very well in second game, some of his best squash this season…maybe we need to try playing on one leg at training and using our heads more. Colonel lost 1-3.

2. Kevin with bad knee, sore foot and trousers lost to an opponent he would have beaten had he been fit (when has Kevin been fully fit you may ask … 1985 probably!) The gallery knew Kevin was going to come off second best as he never removed his trousers during the match… an extremely bad sign. You know when Kev is well up for it as the trousers come off and the headband comes on. Kevin lost 1-3

3. Maz on playing a woman! Had beaten her last time we played. Won first game then lost next 3, should have done better. Lost 1-3

4. Andrew Alibi continues his winning streak 3-0 win tonight makes it 3 wins in a row, a great end to the season for Andrew who has hit his peak a bit late in the season. Buoyed by his performance Andrew was asking when the new season starts!!!

5. Donald rounds off the season with a 3-0 win over Charlie (Craig’s usual opponent at Western and fellow smoker!). Quick work from the Captain:

Thanks to all players who have turned out this season for the teams. If we are to run 5 teams next season we need commitment from people to play regularly on a Wednesday night!

Regards,

David Mazz

On first at No. 5 was Alasdair Baird playing some whipper snapper who turned out to be a very good player and was very quick on court. He easily one the first game and the Bairdster looked like he was in for a tough night, but a little change of game planning keeping his opponent at the back of the court proved fruitful for Al and he took the next. Again he had to come from behind to make it 2 all and unfortunately lost the last game inflicting our first 3-2 defeat. Al played very well and there was only ever a baw hair in it.

Next on was Douglas C playing at No. 1. Douglas lost 3-1 and didn’t look himself and tired in the middle of game 2 against a very fit hard hitting opponent. Maybe it was due to the new Bearsden gangsta image with white Chelsea tractor and blackened out windows. Am just jealous, very nice looking motor.

Next on was myself at No 4 playing a guy called Mike Hannah. I was beaten 3-2. In the first game Mike whistled 3-4 shot past my face and I have no doubt in my mind it was part of an unsettling tactic which probably worked as I lost the first. I levelled with some decent squash in the 2nd and then promptly lost the third, stuck in during the fourth and made it 2-2 but there was some real needle and body contact in the games. The last game my opponent was trying to make out that I was impeding him, but for me he was just deliberately back into me to achieve a stroke. No disrespect to Garry D’s marking as he only called what he seen. This proved decisive in the last when I was 13-12 up but on reflection I should not have let this affect my game.

On next was Mark at no. 3 who also ended up in another 5 gamer, full of controversy with Mark winning 3-2. Mark played really well in this game, like he has for a while now and must be one the contenders for most improved player of the season. His opponent chucking himself all over the court, complaining with a lot of venom towards Al Bs marking decisions and at one point asking for a new marker. Mark thankfully shut him up with some great squash and determination.

On next was Garry D playing Andy (who was a thourghly embarrassed by his teams members disappearing and not bothering to mark any of the games). Andy turned out to be a very good player and even though Garry ran him close in a couple of games his drop volley proved very decisive winning 3-0.

Man of the match went to Mark on our side and Andy on theirs.

Food was a decent beef curry but we quickly dispersed to Stravaign in the West End for some decent craic.

I would also like to thank everybody this year for the great team spirit we have achieved throughout all the teams, it has been a total pleasure being part of our efforts this season and banter.

Cheers

Al

1. Ben strolls through game 1 before pulling his hamstring and withdrawing in game 2 therefore losing 1:3, not a nice way to finish the season but an enforced rest will help the hamstring….trust me….all that springing around the court ain’t good for you!!!

2. Dave Ritchie lost 0:3, not his finest hour, never really recovered after a wee accident which left his opponent needing a stitch or 2 just above his eye.

3. John Turner puts in a solid shift and wins 3:1, more importantly gave me a lift to the pub afterwards.

4. I win 3:0 in a pleasant and fairly even little tussle.

5. Paul wins 3:1 against young master Graves who nicked off to do homework throughout the evening.

Good win, good food, jolly banter and a pleasant post match ale……….well done one and all for their efforts over the season, we collectively produced a mixed bag of form but at least had a bit of fun along the way.

Kind Regards,

Robert Macm

Wallopped wishy 18 3 tonight who only turned up with 4 players meaning young doug could stay at home for extra homework.

In order of play:

At 1, I beat norman 3 2 after competitive match involving generally poor squash. My weekend in berlin took its toll and midway thro first game had cramp in both calves. It never went away and still have it mildy now. Scary! Anyway normie boy came back from 1 down to go 2 1 up then I managed to start actually playing shots. Thoroughly unenjoyable match to finish.

At 3, the ‘Marker’ (jason – he must average marking 1.5 matches a week throughout the season) destroyed his guy 3 zip. Went for a shower as he was starting his first thinking I would see most of match but he was off by time I returned. Good effort and good season for him.

At 4, mcsherry played his usual eclectic mix of delightful shots mixed with utter pi*:h. Always a pleasure to mark although nothing contensious here. A end of season damp squib. Good 3 1 win tho against the guy who used to be a good no 1 for them.

At 3, ‘handsome harry’ zipped ‘bobby the bobby’. Didn’t see much of the match but looked a fairly one sided event which was good by handsome harry as bobby the bobby can be tricky. Good effort again.

So a fine end to the season but I suspect ssrc will take 19 points from their last 2 games to pip us to 3rd. And they will go up to div 1. Probably a fair result all things considered and we will enjoy div 2 again next year.

Thanks to everyone who played for first team and their effort throughout season. Everyone was committed to playing as much as they could and made things easy to organise for me by responding quick with availability.

Also thanks to all other team captains and team players for accommodating late changes.

We didn’t go up….but at least we had a laugh along the way!!

Hopefully see u all at the end of season night out – let’s see who king pin is!

Night night

1. Me lost 1-3, won first game comfortably then opponent woke up and
lost next 2. Strained thigh for my efforts hobbling about today!

2. Craig won 3-1, great performance was moving about the court well, 1.5 hour Saturday session with Mazz helped obviously!

3. Andrew lost 2-3, another fine battling performance with 3 games all going to 15-13; tough one to loose.

4. John lost 1-3, won tight first game then went downhill after that.

5. Donald lost 1-3, couple of close games that could have swung match in Donald’s favour; not one of Donald’s best performances, played below his
potential.

On another day with full team this would have been a victory for the 4ths. Hopefully Kevin and Simon fit for next week. Last match of season away to
Western 6.

Regards,

David Maz

Before I start, COTM and week award definitely belongs to me for turning up at DLWE when we were away to Strathgryffe, further enhanced by getting lost on the way home, ended up at some farmhouse in the middle of no where. Runner up for the award was Douglas Cardiff who followed me, ya beauty.

Anyway back to the report.

On at first was Mark at no. 3 who was talking a lot when I arrived so I can deduce from that Watson he won fairly comfortably 3-0.

On second at No. 5 was Al Baird who had also played before I arrived, but he reliably informed me that he destroyed his young opponent and would be surprised not to win man of the match, Al won 3-1 but only his opponent won Man of the match as it was his first competitive game for the team.

A match I did see was Garry D on third at No. 2, Garry played very well and definitely deserved his 3-0 win against a decent opponent, like myself Garry needs to hit a straight down the line now and again rather than always cross-courting.

On next was myself at No. 4 against a very tall young opponent. Didn’t really get going in this match, but according to the gallery I won ugly taking it 3-0 against a player who will only improve but made to many unforced errors. His banter and manners after the game far exceeded his years which is obviously being cultivated by being part of a small community club.

On last was the haulage King at number 1 (don’t mention the farm road) I think over the last few weeks there has been a definite step up of quality from Douglas and he out played his opponent (il Presidente) with a superior shot selection. His opponent was still busting his chops over some of Garry Ds marking decisions, but was beaten by the better man 3-1.

Food was good, pizza and chips and our man of the match award went to Garry.

If we have any chance of promotion then we will need a full strength team against Giffnock next week who are lying 2nd at the moment.

Cheers

A

1. Doug Mac pumped by Scott Adam, never seen anyone hit it so hard (apart from McWhiskers). No real disgrace as Scott has not dropped a game this year never mind lose a match, former Div 1 player and playing way below his level. 0:3

2. Ben brushed aside his man in quick time, never in danger. 3:0

3. Steve Elms lost 1:3, not himself tonight by a long way, understandable, has pulled out for the last game next week.

4. I win 3:2 against Gill, nice player who loves a right good foot fault (never foot faulted in my life).

5. Paul wins 3:1 with relative ease.

This result has ensured we will be staying in Div 4, pathetic to think we were looking at relegation at one point when with a full squad most weeks we
could easily have been promoted.

Final game next week, home to Allander, all available apart from Steve, nasty rumour that some of us are not bringing our cars and indulging in a few post match ales…on a school night…oh Matron!!!

Robert Mac

Lee lost to Lee 3-0. Lee Fraser is a class act – and as Gunsters first real
test back from injury – reports were that he played quite well. No
recurrences of the injury – so good news there.

Richard beat Frank 3-1. Rulebook Rambo (honestly – the post
match chat was interesting) suffered at the hands of Richard here who
commanded the T and when he did Frank had nowt to reply with. Good steady
performance here.

David demolished Robert 3-0. Some quite clinical stuff here from David who
has really blown hot and cold over the last month or two. Tonite he was on
fire – and never gave Robert a sniff.

Jason beat Martin 3-2. Quite an unorthadox player (certainly doesnt like
those wee squirty serves) – Jason stuck in well to win quite convincingly in
the end.

Andrew beat David 3-1 who certainly enjoyed running about the court like a burst pipe. At one point he gave me a real fright by getting a ball back that he shouldn’t have.
Game was made more interesting by Rulebook Rambo giving it chapter and verse
regarding turning and whether it was deliberate or not. Anyway – another good steady performance.

Team won 4-1 – 15-6.
So – if you’ve paid attention, and understood Professor Cantly’s forumalae -
I think its going to be pretty close with us and SSRC. They have some
alleged double headers to play (which when I was President weren’t allowed)
this week and next and I believe there are some complaints in already. So
we are certainly in contention for promotion to 1st Division (this time on
merit!).

Nite all.

At 5 Sandro was beaten by Norrie 3-0 but played some great shots and with a bit of good fortune could have won a couple of games.
At 4 Malcolm Day got beaten 3-0 by Fraser who played very well and out ran Malcolm.
At 3 Bob Ballantyne got beaten 3-1 to Ross, looked as though Bob was going to stuff him after the first game which Bob won easily, then I think Ross got a kick up the arse from some of his teammates, woke up and powered to victory.
At 2 Zahir beat Norrie 3-0 and was in control throughout the game, well done to Zahir.
At 1 I got beaten by Donnie 3-0 but played well and got beaten by a better player.

Overall a poor result for the last game of the season, 16-4.

The only was is up next year.

D

An excellent 15-6 win against a team that pumped us by a similar score in the first half of the season.

On first was Garry D at No 2 playing the very polite youngster Harry aged 13. Garry started very well but his junior opponent looked up for it and he had this annoying ability to get to everything and then turn the rally in his favour. Garry D sensing he was losing his grip on the match and resorted to aggressive tactics, at one point he slammed dunked his junior opponent face first onto the floor. None of this deterred young Harry and he ran out a 3-0 winner, one to watch in the future.

On next was Nic C at No. 3 who had already had an altercation with DLWE 4th team, Kevin was bang out of order insisting the 3rd team couldn’t hog two courts when there was three teams at home. We were all hoping this wouldn’t effect Nic’s concentration and luckily it didn’t as he turned in a very good performance against another junior opponent. Nic won 3-0

On next was Douglas at No. 1 playing what looked a very good player taking the first relatively easily, Douglas then started to play much better which cumulated in him unsucessfully trying win every point with one shot per rally. Douglas did however win 3-1.

On next was myself at No 3, finally a decent performance against a decent opponent, bit of a marathon 3-2 win but played much better length and width this week. Just need to work on the lapses of concentration during the match.

On last was Alasdair B, I watched the first game and then headed to the showers confident the Bairdster was going to do a number on this yet again young opponent. Alasdair won 3-0.

Man of match went to young Harry and Douglas I think

Food again was very good, chilli, rice and chips. Don’t know who had a word with who but it worked.

Cheers

Al