Caversham may be one of the premier clubs in Berkshire but Hart Squash can compete with the best at all levels & this match proved it.
Richard has not been well lately, all manner of illnesses but he is on the mend now, or so we thought! His opponent had a unique style that made Richard feel sleepy / dozy – and perhaps he just wanted to go back to his sick bed! There were no shots or rallies of quality to describe so the report ends here. Richard lost 1~3. Elliot was equally frustrated, playing within himself because of his opponents limitations. He slowed his game down and played some good squash. Win 3~0
The best match of the evening was Macs. It was a slow start, but Mac got into the groove winning the next 2 9~5, 9~5 & the spectators thought he would then finish it off. His opponent had other idea’s though and the 4th was very tight. Mac was 6~8 down but had a run of points to get to match ball – but the point was lost and his opponent then finished off the game. It turned out to be decisive as the 5th then slipped away. It was an enjoyable match but a defeat for Hart.
On the other court Chris H returned after a long lay-off and played a very able lady player. It was a clash of styles which made for an interesting match, which again went the distance. Chris was 2~1 down & again the 4th was crucial, but here it was Chris who was in charge throughout, having fully warmed to his task. He then won the 5th comfortably.
And so the No 1’s, where Hilmar was taking on an awkward opponent. It was a match notable for a number of ‘discussions’ between the Caversham player & the Caversham marker which raised the temperature of the match. However Hilmar was in charge for the most part and ended with a 3~0 win.
Delight all round! Lets hope the seconds can beat Caversham seconds when they meet in November.
On a chilly evening in the council suburbs of Reading, Hart second team took on the park village of Caversham.
The Professor (Phil) went on first against a more senior opponent (yes honestly). His opponent knew every inch of the cold court, which frustrated him immensely, but PPP came out charging and by trying to get some heat into the ball, took the first game easily. However his opponent got to work in using the conditions and won the next 2 games. Facing an embarrassing defeat, PPP decided enough was enough, turned things around and won the next two games and the match 3-2.
The Sergeant (Simon) blasted his way onto the other warmer court (!). With a few days of stubble due to late night entertaining, he dominated his opponent during the first game. The notable moments of this game were the arguments between the player and referee, both of whom were from Caversham PV. Not only did it happen during the game but in the breaks between games. The Sergeant, despite a wobble in the second game, kept his nerve and won with a canter 3-1.
Clyde (Ian) realised he was playing next on the cold court, & took out the thermals and deepheat. In a fairly quick game, Clyde breezed past his opponent 3-1. He must have cooled down in the second game, hence why he lost that one. Otherwise a comfortable run out and an easy win.
Blubber Bear (Paul) looking slimmer in his white t-shirt (according to the Prof), took only 15 minutes to brush off his opponent. In a very one-sided game (an understatement), the Bear easily made mincemeat of his opponent, winning at ease and without sweat 3-0.
Muttley (Rob) went on last and looked like he was still somewhere else. Even though the season has just started, Muttley looked like he is still in pre-season. Rustier than an old copper pipe, Muttley struggled to put any dominance on the game. Despite this, at 1-1 in games there was hope. However his opponent refused to use the strings on his racquet, & just had too many winners off the frame. Muttley lost 3-1. 18 points – super start.
Hart in the Premier League. Wow! The best players in Berkshire playing at Hart and Thursday was our first match. Robbi, who played in the summer for us was playing at 2 and was first on to try & get the season off to great start. First game, a few too many mistakes and he lost it 9-6, but then started to get on top by playing accurate squash that his opponent found difficult to counter. The 2nd & 3rd games were won comfortably and he maintained the momentum with the opponent struggling to anticipate Robbi’s shots. A super 3~1 win.
On the adjacent court Ash in his last match before Uni really wanted to depart with a win but struggled to find his best form, making too many errors. But Ash kept on running & chasing and managed to win the first, and from then on it was much easier. A 3~0 win was the result. Caversham did not have their strongest side out, but thats their hard luck. Hart was 2~0 up!
We have a new No 1 – Dan, who played for us a few years ago – and he will have the toughest of games – this week against the Berkshire No 1. Wearing his pink bandana he would undoubtedly have won in the fashion stakes, but his opponents squash was too hot to handle.
Chris was playing at 3 & has been troubled recently by a bad back, but he was determined to play a part in Harts first appearance in the top league. Having lost the first game, he turned it on in the second, winning 9~0. But in the 3rd & 4th there were many uncharacteristic mistakes that contributed to the 1~3 loss.
Finally Stefan at 5 was confident of victory against a player who he had beaten 3~0 in the Summer. It did not start well ….. but Stefan got into his stride and despite a close 3rd game, won 3~1 – and he was in control most of the time!.
So, there it is – a fantastic start – 15 points and confidence on a high going into the next match at Greenacre.