Unsure who the 'humble reporter' is but... ta very much...
As the first contest the of summer Berkshire league for the Warriors, and with a new captain whose capabilities at managing a squash team are quite unknown, the team entered their match against Bracknell 4 with many unanswered questions:
- Would home crowd support be a factor in the match outcome?
- Could the team captain find a lift back home after the match?
Your humble reporter is glad to report all of these questions were answered with a resounding ‘Yes!’
Match 1 – Alex Dyson v Phil Simpson
A distressing start to the match saw Alex see the same scoreline, down 0-4, to try and dig out from in the first two games. Finding himself behind early in each game, Alex did well to collect himself and put quite a number of good rallies in; however playing any game down 0-4 is a tough place to come back from! Games one and two to the opposition....not looking good for the Warriors. But, all the rallying and running around began to show in the third game, as the opposition was unable to keep up with the youngster’s fitness level and Alex stayed mentally tough to take game three, 9-4. Sensing his opponent’s strength wavering and showing signs of fatigue, coupled with staunch home crowd support to increase his confidence, Alex controlled the final two games of the match for wins at 9-4 and 9-6. A solid and successful comeback victory....Match 1 to Beaconsfield.
Match 2 – Daniel Joy v Alex McTaggart
While young Alex Dyson was battling his way through a tough match, Daniel seemed to have found an opponent more to his liking. The first game started quickly, with Daniel jumping to a 7-0 lead in short order. However, he then appeared to take his foot off the pedal and coast. His opponent managed to bring the game back to 8-5, but Daniel collected himself enough to finish. The second game started much more slowly, Daniel and his opponent trading places frequently, each seeming to not want to be in the service box! Daniel then decided enough was enough and swiftly finished the game, 9-2. The third game began much like the second, but the opposition managed to keep pace as points accumulated, keeping the game even at 4-4. Would this be a similar story to Alex Dyson’s match, only to see Beaconsfield on the losing end? I’m happy to inform you that it was not....Daniel gradually pulled away, playing consistently and finishing the third game 9-4. Match 2 to Beaconsfield.
Match 3 – John Bullard v Craig Gilbert
As elder statesman of the team, John entered the match with the knowledge that his experience would likely serve him well in tough game situations. From the start, this match had all indications that John would need that experience to pull out a win for the team. Neck and neck, point for point, the first two games ended at 10-9 and 10-8....but unfortunately for John, his opponent was able to take both games! So much for experience; two games to Bracknell. Overheard discussing his plight with the team captain after the second game, John lamented he was “playing like a tosser”....to which his team captain advised him “Don’t play like a tosser.” These powerful words of wisdom served John well, as he was able to secure the third game with a score of 9-6 by not “playing like a tosser.” However, two comeback wins on the evening was too much to hope for, and his opponent responded to the challenge by taking the fourth game, 9-7. Match 3 to Bracknell 4.
Match 4 – Joe Budzynski v Matt Morgan
With Beaconsfield leading the overall match by a score of 7-5, Joe took the court knowing a 3-0 win would secure the overall team victory for the Warriors. A tough ask of someone known for losing concentration, but he started the match with confidence. The first game opened with Joe blazing his way to a 7-0 lead before taking a breath and finishing the game 9-3. His opponent appeared to have settled as the second game started, with players trading places in the service box and a 5-3 scoreline part way through, Joe in the lead. A few strong drives, combined with mistakes from his opponent, quickly changed things around though and resulted in the second game going to Joe, 9-4. The third and final game was a formality, as Joe kept up the pressure on his opponent and won with a final score of 9-2. Match 4 to Beaconsfield, and overall team match victory assured.
Match 5 – Heather Joy v Hardeep Diocee
Last match of the evening and the full complement of each team upstairs to see the action. Would Bracknell save some pride and find a second match win to move the overall score closer? Unfortunately for Bracknell, Heather didn’t seem keen on the idea. A swift start to the first game saw her opponent wondering what he had signed up for, with Heather completely frustrating her opponent on the way to a 9-1 win. After a quick breather, the players were back in for the second game which started a bit more sedately. Trading serve, neither seemed willing to give away easy points; mid-game score showing a slight advantage to the opposition at 3-4. However, a sudden sequence of mistakes changed things, and Heather burst ahead to a 9-4 win. The final game was a fleeting and simple affair, Heather winning in convincing fashion at 9-3 and taking Match 5 for Beaconsfield.
Final Match Score
Beaconsfield Warriors: 13 Games, 4 Matches won
Bracknell 4: 5 Games, 1 Match won.
Overall winner: Beaconsfield Warriors
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