Steve O'Hare played 4^th string against the handy looking Chris Fretwell.  Chris tried to play Steve wide but Steve was quick enough and stronger enough to hit good lengths off the balls he retrieved.  He also took his opportunities at the front of court and finished rallies with tight drop shots. The first 2 games went to Steve and he was looking comfortable to win the match.  Fretwell then responded competitively to some close calls from the marker following lets to the b/h side wall and some of the play around the f/h drop shot.  I think the decisions were fair but credit to Fretwell, he used it to his advantage and was spurred on to win the next game as Steve tired.  In the 4^th  Steve attacked again and played such good length that Fretwell's own attacking force was diminished; Struggling to match Steve point for point Steve had no problem going on to win the match.  Good squash.

Mike strode on court resplendent in a Shankly and Paisley t-shirt and with a full expectant balcony he wasn't walking alone. Mike easily won the sartorial stakes as his opponent was warming up in a cricket sweater that hasn't been available to buy since WG Grace was a toddler

             However, with below standard length and poor shot choice he allowed the tricky Steve to blast into a 7-1 lead. Mike gave himself a pep talk that was reminiscent of Istanbul 2005 and impossible really was nothing as he turned the tables to win the first set 9-7.     

             The next two sets saw a glimpse of Mike pre recent injury concerns as consistent length, domination of the 'T' and well timed drop shots left an exasperated opponent at a loss as what to do. Mike wins 3-0. It's official, Walton is back. That's a fact!

Greg vs Chris 3rd string game: A slow start for Greg against the powerful Chris from Alderley Edge. Greg tried to get some length in his returns but just seemed to be dropping half court all ready for Chris to capitalise on. Greg went down the first game and deserved a stern talking to! The second Greg returned to his usual form - hitting good width shots, picking the ball early and Chris struggled in turning to return. Greg dominated the game and apart from a slight lapse in concentration took the game with relative ease. 1-1. The third game had a similar theme with Chris also hitting 2 serves down giving Greg the physical and psychological advantage. Greg took hold off the next two games with great shots, mixing up the game and a deft touch at the front court. Greg won 3-1.

The match was safe when play commenced against Phil Morgan at 1. Steve Costello had  a 3-1 away win against this player and Morgan had been pretty done in at the end of that game, so Steve was confident about another win.  The 1^st game did not go to plan and Morgan blasted the ball hard and low down the f/h making many winners of loose balls. Steve kept in touch with the score but was unsettled chasing b/h drops; forced into lobbing it up in an effort recover the T.  Morgan won the 1^st game; his f/h side wall kill was unplayable.  In the 2^nd game Steve kept the ball away from his opponent and won more points by wrong footing Morgan who hadn't got the speed to cover all of the court.  Steve levelled at 2 all and in game 3 caught Morgan out of position and killed of more rallies with the f/h boast from the back.  In game 4 Morgan attacked again, he volleyed the drop returns for winners and controlled the direction of play, this lead to a lot of unforced errors and levelled the match. In the 5^th Steve had fresher legs and put less shots into the path of Morgan, combined with a tight b/h side wall won the 5^th comfortable.

2nd team stand in Mike Walton was given the honour of marking top player Dave Waring.  Waring being unbeaten for the team this season was in bullish mood.  Enter Alderley Edge comeback kid, Mike Perry.  Perry was unknown to Waring but Walton soon put this right - "he's quite good".  The game started at a great pace, Perry, complaining of lack of match practice and fitness due to child birth looked rusty, played some crisp drives that were matched by Waring in the early stages.  Waring's quality lobs and  killer volley's brought some early success but Perry's consistency was telling.  At  2.0 down there was still a chance for Dave but the 3rd game went away from him quickly with Perry beginning to enjoy himself.  Dave hung on in even trying to implicate the marker in his demise, but to no avail.  A comfortable win for Perry in the end - we can only hope he plays against Prestbury later in the season.

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