Match: Knutsford 4 Away to Radbroke Hall 2

Date: 2 December 2010

It was arctic at Macc Leisure Centre, and not much better outside, as the Frozen Fourths took on Radbroke Hall 2. Guy at 3 started proceedings, well wrapped in his tracksuit, while on the next court David O'Brien toughed it out waiting for his opponent who'd forgotten his kit - gamesmanship or what? Guy was finding it hard to get a length in the first, so it was tracksuit off, a closer second game and an even closer third, but not close enough - 0-3. Brrr!
Meanwhile David finally got underway at 4 against Bill, giving the ball some rare tap to keep it warm. David took the first 9-6 and the second 9-0 before Bill clawed his way back in a tight third game. But David mixed it in the fourth with some searing drives and ice-cool drops for an excellent 3-1 win.
Graham Thomson had craftily negotiated the No 5 slot - England FA needs you! - and set about Alan with chilly relish, taking the first 9-4. The second was a glove-biter: Graham took it 10-8 before gliding to a 3-0 victory. Well played Graham!
Geoff had drawn the short straw in the form of Natalie, but took the first with deceptive ease and dared to think the team was on the way to victory. Folly! You know how women are, they watch patiently, spot your weakness and exploit it relentlessly. And so it was for crestfallen Geoff, a 3-1 loser.
2-2, one to play, come on Gwyn! His oppo John is a seasoned campaigner and clearly knew these courts, while Gwyn struggled to get a length and was soon dispatched 3-0, allowing us all to head for the warmth of the Cock Inn and a curry! Another 3-2 defeat though, must try harder!
Geoff Dalton

Scorecard