Herts Summer League, Division 4 — Melbourn lost 4–11

A frustrating Tuesday evening at home, where misfortune played as big a role as Berkhamsted did in shaping the final scoreline.

String 3: James Storer vs Alan Tierney — lost 1–3 (15–11, 6–15, 14–16, 5–15)

James started the better of the two, winning the first 15–11 with some controlled, purposeful squash. What followed was a different story entirely. The second was littered with errors — trying to do too much too soon, going for winners that weren't on. Alan was happy to let James self-destruct and strolled through 15–6.

The third was tighter and James pushed it to 14–16, but by then Alan had found his serve and James was struggling to get back into rallies from the off. That pattern stuck for the fourth. A rubber James will feel he let slip after such a promising start.

String 2: Matt Walker vs Grant Kleiner — retired injured

The cruel one. Grant Kleiner is a tricky opponent — deceptive, with a drop shot that can catch you cold at the back. But Matt had him figured out, working Grant around the court and finishing with some neat drop winners of his own. It was still tight at 14–12 in the first, but Matt was making all the right moves.

Then a popped calf muscle ended the night abruptly. The 14–16, 0–15, 0–15 scoreline tells you nothing — this was shaping up to be a cracking match. Get well soon, Matt.

String 1: Will Bradshaw vs Michael Vaux — won 3–2 (15–13, 17–19, 15–4, 3–15, 15–13)

With the tie already gone, Will went out and put on a show anyway. The first two games were nip-and-tuck, Will nicking the first 15–13 before Michael hit back to take a tight second 19–17. Game three was a different match entirely — Will turned the dial up and blew Michael away 15–4, barely giving him time to breathe. Michael responded in kind in the fourth, cruising to a 15–3 win as Will ran out of steam.

Fifth game, anyone's match. Will dug in and closed it out 15–13 — the same score as the opener, neatly bookending a proper five-game battle. An excellent win and the one bright spot of the evening.

Berkhamsted take it 11–4. With Matt's injury and a rubber that got away after a strong start, it could have been a different night. Will's win gives something to build on — and there's a return fixture to look forward to.

Melbourn won 11-3

Melbourn 1sts summer team wended their way down to Broxbourne on Wednesday evening. The bijou team of 3 this week was Mike Herd, Miles Jeanneret and Kate Bradshaw.

Kate (3) was first up against Craig Perry and she was not there to rally! Without too much challenge or pressure, Kate slotted in the winners and got off court quickly with a 3-0 win (15-4, 15-6, 15-9 - ruthless).

Miles (2) was next on and in spite of some close games and unpredictable play from his opponent Shola Bello, he came through with a clean 3-0 scoreline too (15-12, 15-13, 15-10).

Watching from the bar view, Kate and Miles were looking forward to an early dinner with teammate Mike (1) not expected to win against Paul Cousins - in fact looking to avoid bagels. However, the once Broxbourne now turned Melbourn player put up a superb fight. It went to the wire, and he just lost out 18-16 in the fifth! (8-15, 15-10, 15-12, 11-15, 16-18)

It was a great spectacle, followed by a curry and a few drinks to finish off another enjoyable, summer squash evening.

Melbourn won 10-4

It was the warmest May day on record, and by the time play started the courts were almost unplayable — no ventilation, just trapped heat turning them into a sauna. It became as much a physical battle as a squash one.

3rd String:- Gareth Jones vs James Storer: 3–1 to Allenburys (6–15, 15–8, 15–10, 15–8)
A strong start from James saw him take the opening game with smart tactical play and control of the T. However, Gareth quickly adjusted, cutting down errors and using his serve effectively to target the backhand.
From there he took control of the match. Despite the scoreline, James stayed in it throughout and created chances in every game, but Gareth handled the key moments better to turn it around.

2nd String:- Ian Collin vs Matt Walker: 1–3 to Melbourn (10–15, 15–13, 13–15, 13–15)

With the court conditions worsening, Matt showed excellent control and patience in a match full of long, punishing rallies. Ian played well, but Matt consistently kept him out of his strongest positions.
All three of the final games were decided by the smallest margins, but Matt stayed composed in the big points to edge a very tight contest.

1st String:- Patrick Sockett vs Moises Estrelles: 0–3 to Melbourn (13–15, 11–15, 14–16)
Patrick started each game strongly, often taking early control of rallies, but Moises grew into the match and became more patient and clinical as it went on.
The difference was composure in the crucial stages. Moises consistently lifted his level at the end of each game to close out a hard-fought straight-sets win and complete a strong team performance.

A tough evening in extreme conditions, but Melbourn came away with a convincing 10–4 victory.