6th November 2011

Lance  was on first, as befitting the man who has organised this excellent fixture for the last 15 years or so. On a cool court, his killer drops and uncanny anticipation soon resulted in a 3-0 win. Roger went down by the same score, however, his lady opponent moving well and hitting to a great length, so the top-of-the order strings went on with the match finely balanced.

Against an extremely competent (and younger) opponent, Ian did very well to take the first game, but succumbed 9-0 in the second, and appeared to be feeling the effects of his tough 5-setter at Chichester the previous day. The match hinged on a titanic third game. Playing terrific squash, Ian took a 5-0 lead, got pulled back all the way to 5-8 down, then dug very deep to level at 8-all. Both players served four times for the game, but sadly for the Vets it was not to be. The fourth game, and the match, then went relatively easily to our opponents.

Graham’s opponent was a frighteningly quick, hard-hitting 39 year-old, playing some fantastic squash. As spectators, we all thanked our lucky stars that we were not on court, while wondering where on earth Graham was meant to put the ball to get a winner. I was on last and had a most enjoyable match but sadly a solitary game ball for the third was the closest I came to troubling the scoreboard.

So a 4-1 defeat with a lot of good squash. Our thanks to our hosts for the excellent games and ensuing hospitality, and also to our five very loyal WAGs, who were all there in support – thank you ladies!

David Garrett
9th Nov 11