Melbourn lose 9-14

Our winning run came to an end, however it was close and could easily have been another win.

First up at string 5, Roger against the pacy Uruguayan Renzo Rozza Gonzalez. It was a fascinating encounter with Roger’s experience and ability to run his opponent, contrasting with Renzo’s ability to retrieve from almost any position on the court. Renzo was quick out of the blocks, racing into a 0-4 lead but Roger found his rhythm and had the game evenly poised at 8-8 and again at 13-13. Renzo got the break and took the game 13-15. In the second game, both players started well, however Renzo piled on the pressure and went on a scoring run to take the game 8-15. Roger was playing well and knew that if he could apply some pressure, he could make it interesting. Sure enough, Roger found himself dominating, sending Renzo to the corners and using his trademark drops to stay ahead. However a mis-hit drop to the tin halted his momentum and gave Renzo the chance to bring the game to 11-11 and, with his speed and accuracy, was able to close out the game 12-15 and the match 0-3.

At string 4, Jamie was playing Pierre Caruso. Jamie had played less squash in recent weeks than he would have liked and it showed in the early stages as Pierre was at the pitch of the match quickly and had all the answers for what Jamie was throwing at him. Pierre comfortably took the game. In the second, Jamie was showing signs of returning to his usual level and kept it close until 7-10, however Pierre was playing with conviction and took the game 11-15. Jamie was now at the pitch also and was starting to really compete. The third game was a marathon with Jamie digging in and determined to make his mark on the match, fighting all the way to 17-17 and ground out the win with the next two points. Jamie’s dander was up and he cruised through the fourth game  (15-6) to level the match and set up a decider. Jamie had put a monumental effort to this point and was tiring a little. Pierre was also determined to fight to the end. The game toed and froed with both players giving it everything they had. Pierre reached game point at 12-14, and hung on for a 13-15 win and the match 2-3. Credit to both players for a huge effort.

Sean who was bringing really good form, was playing at string 3 for the first time and wasn’t in any way intimidated by it, playing Carlos Correia, also left handed. The first game was hard fought and at 10-10 it was difficult to pick a victor. Both players were enjoying the forehand driving, waiting for the other to blink first. This was often followed by drops and boasts, and returning to forehand drives again, high quality squash. Carlos managed to somehow get a run of scores to take it 11-15. Sean was competing very well however and was able to just about stay ahead all through the game and took it 15-12. The pendulum swung back in Carlos’ favour in the third, staying ahead throughout to take it 9-15. Sean was up for the challenge and they traded points throughout the fourth taking it to 14-14. An unfortunate spin on the ball put it just out of Sean’s reach and while he felt the point could have been replayed due to Carlos’ positioning, it was not given and Carlos had match point. Carlos played the point strongly hitting the corners and put it beyond Sean. Another high quality and close match ending in Peterborough’s favour.

Meanwhile on court 1, Colm was playing a very experienced and powerful hitter in Alec Sarkissian. The players had contrasting styles, Colm playing a combination of drives and drops, while Alec was hitting corners, driving low and boasting accurately. The rallies were shortened by both players going for the winners. The first game was evenly poised at 10-10, however Colm kept his nerve and the ball deep to negate Alec’s ability to attack, winning 5 of the next 6 points to take the game 15-11. Colm continued with the same approach and this paid dividends, leading the second game from early on to comfortably take the second game. Alec changed it up for the third, recognising where there may be some vulnerability in Colm’s play and this meant a much closer game. Alec went ahead at what looked like the opportune time to lead 11-13. Colm however was up for the battle and took the next 5 points to take the game and the match 3-0.

While Peterborough had by now settled the match, Melbourn were racking up points and Miles had a chance to secure 3 more. He was up against Tim Millington. Tim was aiming to upset the odds and he fought tooth and nail for every ball. However as the first game wore on, Miles was establishing his authority and confidently closed out the game 15-9. Miles continued with a strong start to the second game and took a 5-0 lead, however Tim was playing well and displayed great accuracy and speed at the front of the court to make the game closer. Miles was feeling the pressure being applied and responded with positive aggression to dominate the remainder of the game and managed to grind out a 15-12 win. In the third Tim upped the ante again and surged ahead. He had subtly changed tactics with more touch play and trickery. Miles responded and showed fantastic retrieval skills to counter Tim, forcing the errors. Miles took point after point to take an unassailable lead and the game 15-8.

Team captain Colm explained ‘we were missing 4 of our regulars tonight and depended on squad depth. I’m delighted to see Roger, Jamie and Sean play so well against very strong players. It’s been a really good first half of the season for us and we look forward to the second half starting in the new year’.