Match: Knutsford 1 Away to Congleton 2

Date: 17th February 2011

With just two arrivals from each team at 7.30 the match didn't get started until 7.45. Up first was Burkey vs Stanier, our rejuvenated no.1 after a couple of seasons in the lower positions. Steve Smiths departure left us all feeling a little lost. No worries in the first, our man took it easy and only losing a single point. The second game was a complete turnaround. So some soul searching on court and our man
focused to close out his oppo in 4. An easy win in the end for the no.1.
1 up to knutty and Risley on next. A few laughs from Streff and Smith as to who he was up against. A good briefing from Streff had still left Risley unprepared for what was to follow. A wild Mr Quarterly took his squat pose and watched the front wall waiting for the serve! Risley completely freaked at his oppos unusual game lost the first by a country mile. Much coaching from Streff and he came back on to tough it out. Some bumps, calls and wild swings from Quarterly and Risley shaved the next. The next two were a formality and the last killed his oppo off.
So 2 up to knutty and with Smith,Streff and Costello yet to play all was looking rosy. Up next was Smithy after a weeks break and a trip to the National champs to inspire him, he took to the court and was soon off it. Lets not talk too much about this one Smithy, and look forward to the next match.
Streff up next against a lean looking Mr Marlow. He too looked lost in the first two games with Marlow hitting it hard and low. He then figured it out and took a different approach. It worked and he took the next two comfortably. So into the fifth it went and if Streff could just keep it going he would surely come out the winner. Some long rallies unsued with some tight deep shots and great pick-ups. But Streff got drawn into Marlows game and succumbed eventually. A well fought battle and an overall good performance.
So at 2-2 in matches all hopes pinned on the returning Costellernator. Not with it in the first Steve took some deep breaths and git back into it in the second. With the time approaching 11 all eyes were on the bar. Could Steve demolish his oppo in the next two. The answer was yes and after some long rallies Steve prevailed. A good win for Knutsford and all retured to the bar for home made chilli and guacamole. Bring on the last 5 games.

Scorecard