Surrey League – Christophers 5 vs Spencer 2 – Match Report
Christophers 5 have been used to many a good battle against Spencer Club over the years but this has normally been against our first team, a real tribute to how well our club has advanced during the past 12 months. These days they battle against our second team in division 5. It was always going to be a tough match for us given that their top two players are both ranked higher than any of our existing squad, plus the fact that we had a shortage of players for this match.
First up at fourth string was Suhail, making a proud season debut for our second team. Keen to register some points, Suhail battled long and hard, in particular during the second set where he was ahead for most of it, but in the end his very capable opponent worked out a winning strategy and never looked back as he secured the match 3-0.
On the other court at third string, was the ever impressive Mike P, keen to restore some pride for the Spencer boys. Mike was playing against Ravi who actually lives opposite Spencer Club. Mike started very well and enjoyed the hot conditions to command an early 2-0 advantage. Ravi took advantage of a few opportunities in the third set and nicked it to prolong the match and make things interesting for all concerned. However, Mike is super fit and has focused lots on his strategy recently as he commanded the fourth set and finished as a 3-1 winner. Well played!
Over to Leon at second string, playing a very tough opponent in Andy Clorley, a product of the Spencer youth team who has since switched to Christophers. Clorley is a tough opponent and this was always going to be a difficult match for Leon. However, Leon is a battler and does not succumb to easy defeats hence he made a really good effort in this match and was within a few points of winning a few sets which would have then asked the fitness question of Clorley, which Leon would have enjoyed the most! However, it was not to be and the three games just about slipped by as Clorley won 3-0 to put Christophers ahead and seal a guaranteed countback victory on the night.
Finally up at first string was Captain Dan, looking to limit the damage and force a countback in order to maintain our strong gap against Christophers in this very tight league. Dan won the first narrowly 15-13 after an incredibly long first set and then a couple of other extremely close sets followed where Dan found himself 2-1 up against a very strong opponent Si. However, Si played the set of his life in the fourth as everything seemed to hit the perfect spot and he moved and volleyed extremely well for somebody who seemed totally knackered between each rally! Both sets of supported got very excited for the fifth and a combination of the Christophers first, second and fifth team players, along with the bar staff, catering team, squash players and travelling supporters ensured a vibrant and tense atmostphere during the vital final set. Dan stormed ahead 10-2 only for Si to rediscover his form and pull back to 10-10. Both players traded blows towards the end of the set before Dan wrapped it up in a grand finale to win 3-2 and level the tie 2-2 overall on countback.
Unfortunately Christophers nicked this one on countback 10-6 however this was a fantastic outcome for a slightly weakened Spencer Squash Club against a very strong opposition and the “draw” maintained our healthy position in the league. Next up runaway league leaders David Lloyd Hampton at home. Bring it on! Well played all.