KNUTFORD THIRDS HOLD THEIR NERVE, OUTPERFORMING ALSAGER TO FIND THAT WINNING STREAK AGAIN

In what proved to be an even contest Knutsford thirds put on a fine team performance to keep on track for a mid table finish defeating the higher ranked Alsager 2 through some gritty play at positions 3,4 and 5.

First out this week at four, Robbo v Keith Holloway in what proved to be a close encounter. Robo started off well enough moving Holloway around the court and through some tight boasts took the first easily 9-6. Robo continued the second in the same vein taking an early lead but Holloway was not to give in easily. At 8 a piece in the second Robo should have sewn it up but some sloppy play hitting the tin twice in succession meant losing out 10-8 to even the match at 1 - 1. Holloway was gaining in confidence and blew Robo away 9-1 ro take a 2-1 lead but Robo was not yet done for. The fourth saw a reversal of fortunes with Robo coming back strongly to take the game 9-1 and even the match at 2-2. Robo, gaining confidence fron  the last game took an early lead, Holloway fought back hard but Robo was not to be beaten and steadily eased to an 8-5 lead. At match point Robo was under pressure but a stretching lunge just came off and the match was won. A close fought affair with Robo holding his nerve to come from behind. One nil to Knutsford.

Next on, at two, Gary Cashmore v the fit and energetic Brian Spearman, turning out whilst on nights and eager build on last week's creditable performance but it was not to be. Spearman started like a rocket running Cashmore all over the place and forcing a series of uncharacteristic errors to take the first 9-2. Cashmore came out fighting in the second but the speed and class of Spearman proved too much forcing error after error to take the second 9-2. Cashmore did not give in fighting bravely in the fourth but the dmage was done and Spearman took control the game 9-2 and the match 3-0. A difficult one for Cashmore not helped by his shifts but below par by his usual standards. Knutsford 1 Alsager 1.

Roger Snape, eager to find a winning steak was next on at five against the wiley Paul Lowndes. Snapey started the game well playing steadily and sensibly; nothing fancy but accurate and tight squash was the name of the game. Snapey kept moving his opponent round court, took his time and patiently won 9-6. The second went pretty much the same way with some long and tough rallies but Snapey kept his cool, forcing the errors from Lowndes and took the second 9-7. By the third both players were tiring and battling for the game but Lowndes came out on top to take the game 9-7. The fourth started with all to play for but Snapey wanted it more. A steady game from Snapey followed with Lowndes always playing second fiddle and making all the errors. Snapey held his nerve and took the game 9-5 and match 3-1. Two one to Knutsford, and a win in sight.

Turning out at 1, Mark Strefford, first appearance of the season and keen to get back into the swing after a niggling injury against Andrew Fish. Streff started the first game a little loose and clearly lacking match practice but stuck with it and following a series of long tiring rallies and unforced errors went down 9-1 but did finish strongly. The second was a different ball game, clearly with his eye in, Streff reached another level running Fish all over the court and with some clinical finishing took the game 9-5. Alas the second took its toll and a lack of match fitness put Streff at a disadvantage. Some long and tiring rallies followed with both players stretching each other but Fish gradually moved ahead taking the next 9-4. By the next game, Streff was tiring and Fish knew it. A series of long rallies took their toll and Stref went down 9-5 to lose out 3-1. A great return performance just lacking match fitness but promising for the second half. 

With the match at 2-2, last on for the decider at 3 was Dave Smith playing against the awkward yet highly experienced Peter Lovatt. Smithy with that new steady tactic of playing lengths rather than smashing it around court started well serving hard and deep but Lovatt responded well picking off the serves and making Smithy run round the court and fight for every point. The game was very even and at 9-9 could have gone either way but Smithy was not going to give in and summoned up his reserves of strength to take the first 10-9. The second followed in much the same vein with both players stretching each other at every opportunity. When the score reached 9-9 again it could have gone either way but Smithy was not to disappoint and gave his all to take the second 10-9. By this time, Lovatt was tiring and Smithy knew it. Smithy kept up the pressure forcing Lovatt into errors he would not normally make and rallied to take the game 9-3 and match to Knutsford 3-2. Man of the match performance from Smithy to top a great team performance from all who played.

A fine performance from all concerned, well deserved win and sets up the second half of the season nicely.

Well done to all those players who have turned out for the thirds who have had a great first half with plenty more to come as we get better and better.

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