The 3rds were up against a full strength Sandbach 2 but were hoping they had a strength in depth in the ranks to deal with the challenge.

First up at string 3 was Greg against Sunderland's answer to Jonah Barrington.  On a very cold court, Greg flew out of the blocks to control the first  game with ease driving consistent lengths and dropping when his opponent was out of position.  1-0 up and no sign of sweat on Greg's brow.  Plan A went out of the window as Greg surrendered good length and allowed his tricky opponent to romp the 2nd 9-1.  Original service was resumed as Greg took the next 2 comfortably for a 3-1 win.  Well played.

Next on was Walton against the hulking Mike in Game 5.  Walton put in a Jeckyl & Hyde performance obviously inspired by Liverpool's recent contrasting displays against Bolton (awful) and the Manchester teams (pretty good).  Unfortunately, Bolton weighed heavier in his mind as he lost 3-2.  Better luck next week.

Dave "have I told you I'm going on holiday tomorrow" Waring didn't want to waste too much energy before his romantic break as he produced some of his best squash this season to demolish a tough opponent, Rennie Birch, in game 2.  A comprehensive 3-0 win and definitely Man of the Match.  Excellent stuff.

Attempting to tie up the match, O'Hare was on in game 4 against the teenage Matt Oakes.  It was clear in the warm up that all the talent lay on the Sandbach side of the court and the umpire refused O'Hare's request to toss a coin for the game rather than be beaten by someone half his weight and less than half his age.  Never mind.  The squash gods were in uproar as the pre match talent was out powered and out manouvered as O'Hare raced to a 2-0 lead.  Balance was restored in the 3rd as Oakes pulverised O'Hare with some great front of court play.  Could this be the start of a comeback against the beetroot faced and tiring Mancunian.  NO!  Bish, bash, Bosh, 9-1 in the 4th for a 3-1 win and the match in the bag for Knutsford.

Last but not least saw the 1st string match as Streff strode on court all in black like a Star Wars extra.  His elder opponent was smashing the ball in the warm up aided by wearing a golf glove on his racket hand.  We wondered whether it was a Luke Skywalker esque robotic hand, such was the power generated and Streff was out powered 3-9 to lose the first.  However, our man was far too canny for this and noticed old Skywalker's backhand had as much power and accuracy as an Andy Carroll attempt on goal.  Clever positional play and some excellent nicks sealed a 3-1 win.  Great comeback and good on court know how.

Retired to the bar for an excellent chicken casserole and wild rice.  Yum.  Eclairs for pudding too.  How Robinson would have loved it...!!!!

For Match Scores Click Here