Droitwich 3, Away, 29 January 2003

Result: 1-4 (8 points to 17)

R Crisp lost to R Chinn 2-3; 4-9, 9-3, 0-9, 10-8, 4-9
S Oakley lost to B Bomford 0-3; 7-9, 3-9, 1-9
R Dufty lost to D Potter 1-3; 3-9, 8-10, 9-1, 6-9
J Moore bt B Salcedo 3-0; 9-5, 9-5, 9-4
D Moody lost to J Lowe 2-3; 9-10, 2-9, 9-6, 9-7, 4-9

What a result, a 1-4 away win against the second placed team in the league!

John-boy got the team off to a flier with a hard fought win at No.5. He must have been feeling good cause he didn't argue with the marker (much)!

Ben played at No.4 and failed! And didn't the rest of the team enjoy the drive home!! (surely a captain deserves more respect!?)

Potter went off like a steam train at No.3 with reverse angles blazing and looked set for a comfortable win. But half way through the second game he looked far from comfortable! (i feel a bit of fitness training is needed David!) After a serious rest in the third game Dave went for it all or nothing in the fourth and just made it. Good job too cause a fifth game would have killed him!!

Ben Bomford made an impressive debut for the third team winning comfortably at No.2. He kept his opponent under constant pressure whilst seemingly having plenty of time on the ball himself. We look forward to Ben playing more team squash...

Chinny turned in another good performance at No.1 and always looked in control despite the close scoreline. This win completed a good team performance against a side that were expecting an easy win, well played all! (except me! And thank you for the kind words of advice on the way home...!?)

Nunnery Wood 2, Home, 22 January 2003

Result: 3-2 (17 points to 8)

R Chinn bt S Goodwin 3-0; 10-8, 9-3, 9-3
D Potter lost to M Futrill 2-3; 9-3, 9-7, 1-9, 2-9, 2-9
B Salcedo bt D Meredith 3-2; 6-9, 0-9, 10-9, 9-4, 9-1
J Lowe lost to K Hooper 1-3; 9-5, 0-9, 5-9, 7-9
J Harrison bt S Green 3-0; 9-2, 9-2, 9-8

An excellent win! And Dave Potter actually washed up as well!!

Jimmy, playing his ever stylish brand of squash (if you listen to him that is!), won comfortably at No.5 to get the home team off to a good start.

John-boy started well enough at No.4 taking the first game no problem, however, in the next game his opponent changed his style and started going for more winners, this worked! And John never really got back into the match, losing 1-3.

Potter played at No.2 and seemed to be cruising at 2-0 up, but then the wheels came off big-time! His opponent won the next three games with apparent ease.

It looked all over for Ben, and the team, half-way through the third string match. He played some very loose squash and was 0-2 and 1-7 down in the third before finally waking up! Courtesy of some frantic retrieving he managed to pull the third game back after saving 4 match points. This turned the match round and Ben was able to apply enough control to win the final 2 games and set up the No.1s for a decider.

After a tight first game Chinny kept a better width and length on the ball than his opponent to take a straightforward win and claim an overall 3-2 win for the homeside. (the captains performance won it really though!!!)

Redditch, Home, 08 January 2003

Result: 4-1 (18 points to 7) R Chinn bt D Brown 3-0; 9-5, 9-0, 9-7 D Potter bt G Haines 3-1; 9-5, 9-2, 7-9, 9-6, 3-9 B Salcedo lost to B O'Hara 1-3; 3-9, 7-9, 9-3 P McFarlane bt Rahim 3-1; 3-9, 9-1, 9-7, 9-6 J Lowe bt S Philpott 3-2; 10-8, 3-9, 9-4, 3-9, 9-7

A good start to the new year for the third team, a 4-1 win!

Chinny, Potter & Pete McF, playing at Nos.1, 2 & 4 respectively, were always in control of their matches and won comfortably to secure the victory.

Lowey had a good scrap at No.5 with the momentum changing frequently between the two players, but John-boy had enough left to win the decider and underline a good team win.

Unfortunately Ben could not complete the clean sweep playing at No.3. He played poorly and was unable to maintain enough concentration to put his opponent under any real pressure. He was suitably counseled afterwards by the rest of the team! (thank you boys!!)

Evesham 2, Away, 15 January 2003

Result: 1-4 (5 points to 18)

M Whiting bt R Chinn 3-0; 9-1, 9-5, 10-8
G Wilson bt D Potter 3-2; 3-9, 9-3, 9-4, 6-9, 9-7
T Bomford bt B Salcedo 3-0; 9-4, 9-2, 9-7
R Harrison bt J Lowe 3-0; 9-7, 9-6, 9-8
E Ferris lost to J Harrison 1-3; 9-6, 5-9, 4-9, 7-9

A victory for the second team again, but things didn't quite go all their way this time!

Errol & Jimmy had a battle at No.5, needless to say the markers decisions were called into question on more than the one occasion! There was frequent contact between the players, with Jimmy twice catching Errol with his follow through. However, Jimmy moved about court well and managed to put enough pressure on to cause an upset and win 1-3. As you can imagine, the mouth was in overdrive!!

Potter caught Grey on an off-day and nearly pulled of another upset paying at No.2. Both players seemed intent on using all the angles on the court and at times it looked like a competition to see who could play the best reverse angle! Dave managed to keep the pressure on well right up until 7-7 in the fifth when tiredness struck and he tinned consecutive returns of serve to give Grey the match.

All other matches went according to the form book with the 2nd team winning them 3-0. Grey cooked an excellent meal that was enjoyed by all and even managed to keep Jimmy quiet for a couple of minutes!!!

Altered Images, Away, 17 December 2002

Result: 2-3 (8 points to 15)

S Harrod lost to R Chinn 2-3; 9-10, 9-7, 9-7, 3-9, 4-9
D Pullen bt P Scully 3-0; 9-4, 9-1, 9-4
J Boardman lost to D Potter 0-3; 1-9, 1-9, 5-9
B Taylor bt B Salcedo 3-1; 10-9, 9-4, 2-9, 9-6
R Krick lost to P McFarlane 0-3; 5-9, 2-9, 0-9

The third team finish the first half of the season with a win and go 4th in the league.

Pete McF played solidly at no.5 winning comfortably as the scoreline suggests.

Ben played poorly at no.4 throwing away a match he should have won, he started each game well but couldn't maintain his concentration long enough to win more than one game. Terrible! and Messrs Chinn and Potter confirmed this in no uncertain terms on the journey back! (thanks lads, I took it as a sign you care!?!)

Well what can one say about Dave's performance at no.3...convincing...commanding...imperious? (all I can say is there no.4 was obviously a lot better than there no.3!!) An easy win for Dave, he was in full control with the full range of girly shots on display!

Pete Scully made a welcome return to the team at no.2 after a six week lay-off through injury. An understandable lack of match fitness left him a bit short of speed around the court resulting in a 3-0 defeat.

The above results once again set Chinny up to play the decider at no.1! Another five setter ensued! The match was very tight and will be remembered for some appaling marking, but as Chinny said at least it was consistently bad! The poor decisions evened themselves out and Chinny won through on merit with some good squash.

A big thanks to all who have played in the first of the season, some of you at a moments notice! Lets hope for some continued good results in 2003! Happy New Year!

Barnt Green 2, Home, 11 December 2002

Result: 4-1 (17 points to 7)

R Chinn bt M Cook 3-2; 6-9, 9-7, 9-7, 8-10, 9-4
D Potter lost to I Edgington 0-3; 0-9, 6-9, 5-9
B Salcedo bt P Greenwood 3-1; 8-10, 9-0, 9-2, 9-2
P McFarlane bt G Greensall 3-1; 4-9, w/o
J Lowe bt M Coffee 3-0; 9-6, 9-1, 9-4

A good result for the third team! The victory was secured early on with the home team winning the first 3 matches on court. Ben and John both won comfortably at 3 & 5 respectively. And Peter was handed the 4th string match when his opponent unfortunately twisted his ankle at 7-7 in the second game.

Chinny played steadily at 1 only moving up into top gear in the 5th game to win his match.

Dave was last on court, already knowing the team had won, and it showed! Playing at 2, he had a shocker! The concentration wasn't there and his opponent was too quick around court for his reverse angles to work, but he still kept playing them! A game for Dave to forget...but not the rest of the team, you can be sure the banter was flying after the match! Good stuff!!

Cannons 2, Away, 04 December 2002

Result: 3-2 (17 points to 10)

S Leader bt R Chinn 3-1; 9-4, 3-9, 9-7, 9-7
F Norman lost to D Potter 2-3; 3-9, 7-9, 9-1, 9-1, 6-9
C Hawken bt P Heneghan 3-1; 9-5, 9-10, 9-2, 9-2
M Brocks lost to B Salcedo 1-3; 3-9, 9-2, 7-9, 3-9
J Davis bt J Lowe 3-2; 9-0, 9-1, 5-9, 8-10, 9-1

The third team had a good close match, played on some cold courts, away to Cannons, which Paul found via the magical mystery route, including a 3-point turn on the A38 in an Audi estate - impressive!! Unfortunately we came away with another 3-2 defeat...its getting beyond a joke now!

Lowey had a curious game at 5, losing the first two games easily to a difficult opponent who called for everything. He dug in well to win the next two but lost the momentum in the fifth.

Chinny, when we'd peeled him off the window to the ladies gym, had a tough match and played well but was unable to stop the impressive Cannons no.1 winning 3-1.

Dave played some good(?) squash to win 3-2 playing at 2. He won the first two games comfortably catching his opponent flat-footed with plenty of his trademark reverse angles and cross-court dinks. Dave's concentration then went out the window and he lost the next two as his opponent began to read the 'girly-shots'! Fortunately he switched back on in time to win the fifth.

Ben, playing at 4, won 3-1 without too much trouble despite some shocking decisions by the marker! (biased...me??)

This left Paul in the hot seat to decide the match! After a slow start he played some good squash and levelled at 1-1 but, following a monumental rally in the third game, he seemed to run out of steam. His opponent took advantage and played some excellent lengths, there was no way back for Paul!

Brintons 1, Home, 20 November 2002

Result: 2-3 (8 points to 17)

R Chinn lost to B Booth 2-3; 9-4, 9-10, 4-9, 9-6, 8-9
D Potter bt T Widdows 3-1; 4-9, 10-8, 9-6, 9-7
P Heneghan lost to J Hyde 0-3; 4-9, 5-9, 6-9
B Salcedo bt A Miles 3-2; 9-7, 6-9, 7-9, 10-8, 9-5
J Lowe lost to I Price 0-3; 6-9, 4-9, 8-10

A third frustrating 2-3 defeat for the third team this season, but this one was so close! A big thank you to Paul Heneghan for standing in for the injured Pete Scully. Paul was thrust into the fray at 3 and played well but lost 0-3 to a good performance by his opponent. After threatening to come back in the third game John Lowe, playing at 5, also lost 0-3.

Dave & Ben won at 2 & 4 respectively, Ben coming from match-point down in the fourth to win, setting up a deciding match between the No.1s.

Chinny & Brian Broom had a storming match which was ultimately decided by a single point. Chinny saved a couple of match-points before leveling at 8-8 in the fifth, the tension built! Chinny served for the match and...if only that reverse-angle had been a fraction higher!! But not to be, Brian held his composure to win the all important final point.

Malvern 2, Home, 13 November 2002

Result: 5-0 (20 points to 6)

R Chinn bt G Rutter 3-1; 9-1, 9-5, 7-9, 9-1
D Potter bt M Read 3-1; 9-0, 4-9, 9-5, 9-4
B Salcedo bt S Gains 3-2; 8-10, 5-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-4
J Lowe bt H Webber 3-1; 9-7, 9-4, 1-9, 9-2
S Porter bt D Watson 3-1; 9-10, 9-3, 9-4, 9-3

A good win for the thirds despite Errol's attempt to sabotage the team! A big thank you to Steve Porter who stood in at the last minute and played well, despite being full of cold, to win 3-1. The rest of the team all played well Chinny, Dave and John always looked in control of their matches and all won 3-1. Ben had a tougher match playing at 3 and came back from 2-0 down to secure a clean sweep for the team.

Well played all - hopefully this is the start of some positive results for the team following three defeats in a row...

Droitwich 3, Home, 30 October 2002

Result: 2-3 (6 points to 15)

R Chinn bt S Oakley 3-1; 10-9, 10-8, 2-9, 9-7
P Scully lost to R Dufty 0-3; 7-9, 2-9, 1-9
D Potter bt D Moody 3-0; 9-2, 9-4, 9-3
B Salcedo lost to J Moore 0-3; 3-9, 2-9, 3-9
G Speake lost to J Dale 0-3; 3-9, 2-9, 6-9

The third team lose again, a habit that needs to be broken! Pete, Ben and Granth were all full of cold and produced under par performances. Droitwich 3, the league leaders going into the match, took advantage and won the match 2-3. Dave showed the home team how it should be done and won with ease at three. Chinny had a good scrap at one, saving game points in the first two games and powering home in the fourth, after taking a breather in the third, or so he said!

Pete served up one of his special curries to feed the troops which went down very well and hopefully went some way to unblocking the sinuses of the ailing home team!

Nunnery Wood 2, Away, 18 October 2002

Result: 2-3 (8 points to 16)

M Futrill lost to R Chinn 0-3; 0-9, 8-10, 5-9
P Stratford bt P Scully 3-1; 1-9, 10-8, 9-7, 9-0
D Neredith lost to D Potter 2-3; 6-9, 7-9, 9-1, 9-7, 1-9
S Green bt B Salcedo 3-0; 9-1, 9-5, 9-6
K Hooper bt J Lowe 3-1; 7-9, 9-6, 9-3, 9-6

A disappointing defeat for the third team away to Nunnery Wood 2. Everybody struggled to adapt to the very warm glass-backed courts. As a contest the tie was over early as Nunnery Wood won the first 3 matches on court. However Richard Chinn and Dave Potter went on to win their matches to give the score line some respectability and secure some points. 

Dave was particularly pleased with his first win of the season, by the time we got home he almost had us convinced that he'd just beaten Peter Nichol!

Evesham 2, Home, 9 October 2002

Result: 0-5 (2 points to 20)

M Whiting bt R Chinn 3-1; 9-4, 6-9, 9-5, 9-2
G Wilson bt P Scully 3-1; 9-6, 4-9, 10-9, 10-8
E Thorneywork bt D Potter 3-0; 9-1, 9-1, 9-4
T Bomford bt B Salcedo 3-0; 9-3, 9-4, 9-6
E Ferris bt J Lowe 3-0; 9-2, 9-1, 9-2

A good match played in very competitive spirits with the 2nd team living up to their higher rankings and winning 5-0. Pete Scully came closest to causing an upset getting to game point first in the 2nd, 3rd & 4th games, but Grey, using his wealth of experience, came through to win a close match.

For the aftermatch meal the teams relocated to Mr Chinn's private eating house, Maheens. Full advantage was taken of the Rowing Clubs discount and it was noted that Mr Potter was sweating more eating his curry than playing his squash!!

Redditch 2, Away, 2 October 2002

Result: 3-2 (17 points to 7)

Richard Chinn won 3-0
Dave Potter lost 2-3
Ben Salcedo won 3-1
Steve Porter lost 1-3
Peter McFarlane won 3-0