Broadberry Sports

Well, another tough one tonight against Newlands 1st team and although we’d had some good wins up to now this would be the toughest test so far. Looking at the Newlands team order, we thought we’d have a chance in some of the match-ups, as a fitter Chris had a chance against their No.2 and James would be the favourite at No.1 – someone in out squad ‘WhatsApp chat’ suggested we change our team order to get an advantage, but the team didn’t want to play it that way.

At 7.05pm, I was the only one there and was wondered if I’d got the wrong venue, until the Newlands entourage that arrived on-mass, with traveling support. James was still in his bed apparently and the other 3 arrived soon after whilst I’d gone of first against Vicky Bell from Carlisle, at No.4. Although I’d never played Vicky before, I did know what to expect as she has beaten many players better than me with her master class of tight volleying from her time on tour, and so it was tonight. She dispatched me in the first two and a half games, and I couldn’t get the ball tight enough to stop her. I had a slight resurgence in the 3rd game, but I think that was more to do with a few uncharacteristic mistakes from Vicky rather than anything I did. So, a disappointing 3-0 loss (although all of the lads in our other teams were delighted that I’d lost and said they looked forward to reading the match report!).

Next up was what we thought would be the crucial No.2 match up, but Chris (Murphy) was surprised to find himself up against Matt Bedwell in his first run out at No.2. Matt won the 1st game easily enough, but at the start of the second game Chris played a backhand-crosscourt-volley into the nic however, it was called down! I didn’t hear the subsequent discussion (I think a ‘let’ was played), but after this disagreement the match got a bit spicy, with both players thinking they’d got something to prove for the subsequent ‘justice points’! Chris was really inspired to step up his game and at 7-5 up was looking dangerous, unfortunately Matt’s movement was just too good tonight as he wrestled the game back with longer rallies and ultimately won this game and the next with that tactic. 3-0 to Matt.

Next on at No.3 was Harry (Anderson) against Mark Ford. To say this was a clash of styles would be an understatement! Harry was a blur of Mizukies & mistakes and Mark played his usual ‘right shot at the right time’ experienced game. Harry had flashes of brilliance, but Mark was good enough to cover many of those attacks and kill off the chances. In truth Mark was ahead at the crucial times in every game and won the tie 3-0

Next up was our best hope of some team points as James (Singh) took on Fraser McCann at No.1 and so it proved. James is as quick round the court as I am slow and he really piled the pressure onto Fraser, with some good lobbing quickly followed by shots short to the front, that gave Fraser a 50:50 chance of attacking or not quite getting to the ball (and either way it took a lot out of Fraser’s legs every time he did another court sprint). James said, “I love playing ‘old-man’s squash’ and I though I haven’t seen many old men playing like that! But maybe he meant old as in over 35! Eventually all this movement took its toll on Fraser and despite a good start in the 3rd game James was just too fit (I’m only one vowel away from being fit! 😊). A 3-0 win for ‘Two James Singhs’.

Last on at No.5 was Kiwi-Cammy playing his last match for the club as he’s moving to New Zealand tomorrow! (……now that’s commitment! He obviously isn’t married!). He was up against another Cumbrian in Damien Whelan and was hoping to sign off with a 100% win record this season. Unfortunately, Damien had other ideas! I said to the team I’d go for a quick shower and would be back for the 5th game, knowing Cammy! But when I returned, we were 0-2 down. Apparently, the 2nd game had been a tough one, so I thought maybe this would be the start of a Cammy-comeback. However, it wasn’t to be tonight, and Cammy was playing like he didn’t believe he could win this one, throwing in a couple of ‘crowd pleasing’ shots through his legs. So, a final 0-3 loss and the match was lost 3-15

C’est la vie! Sweet & sour for dinner (with chicken for some and Quorn for others) and it must have gone down well as I was only allowed a small ration of seconds, due to high demand. And ironically a match that left a sweet & sour taste in the mouth!

Au revoir Cammy and bonne chance……………. oh wait a minute he’s going to New Zealand! Well don’t forget to pack your jandals & togs and I hope you find a good squash club out there and also learn the rules of cricket! Bon Voyage!