Lions v Holmer Green

So the vagueries of the fixtures calendar saw the Lions take on Holmer Green for the 2nd time in a week.
As promised HG turned up the court heating to sauna levels in an attempt to ensure their young team (ave age 27) could reverse the 4-1 defeat the previous week.
The additional heat blunted our 3-stroke rally policy vigorously adopted by the aging but classy Lions (ave age 42).

Paul played Alex Hartley (again) and won 3-0 (again). Alex whilst trying his best is outclassed by our kiwi vet (just turned 40) and is almost beaten before he goes on court.
In an attempt to rest Mark from the top of the order and get him back to winning ways, Matt Burnett came in at 2 against Tor (who Mark had beaten the week before). Although starting well, Matt with some lovely stroke play, was eventually overcome by the determined Bok whose simple driving game and fantastic speed saw Matt off 0-3.
Mark at no3 was too strong for James Harley winning 3-0 and putting the smile back on his face. He nearly had a beer in celebration but remembered there were some 'patients' back at the surgery to attend to (Jo must be on lates!).
Nic faced Oz Mustapa who plays in 3x county leagues, the Over 35 county team and seeded 9 in the National Racketball doubles - yet he was down at no4, thou plays above Tor in the Berks league (go figure..). Despite Nic's extra Sunday fitness training he was not able to do the business despite going close in 2nd and lost 0-3.
So match tied 2-2 and I was on last playing a teenager (Ben Sheldon) who I'd beaten the last 3 times. Recipe for disaster. On the hot courts the ball was flying off the bat so I decided to try and out hit Ben going up 4-0. Unfortunately lost next 9 points being consummately out hit. Similar tactics saw me go 4-8 down in 2nd then adopted McNeil/Foo style slow hanging game, dug in and  won it 10-9 and then went onto win 3-1.
So a much closer 13-7 victory keeps us in 2nd place
Paul, Matt and Mark took an early bath so me and Nic were left to eat curry for 5 which we very nearly did.

Next Lions game v league leaders Chesham Bois 1 on Weds 21st at home 7.30pm start.

Spectators welcome and Mr Atkinson that means you - your absence on previous home fixtures has been noted...

Thanks
Dan