Melbourn I won 20-2

Ed Aspelling at 5 string was playing his inaugural match as part of Melbourn’s team. Feeling the pressure of starting for a new team and being the first match play for well over a year, he admitted to a few pre and on court nerves. This was not reflected at all in his play. Dealing well with some hard, loose hitting from his opponent with skilful drops and using his consistently pacy and accurate forehand drive, he came away with an excellent 3-0 win.

Mark Oppen at string 4 had a good opening game, taking full advantage of playing the ball early and in short to the front wall as his opponent made some loose returns. There was a marked improvement from his opponents shot making in the second game but he was able to keep ahead and in control. The third and what was to be final game of his match was the closest but he found his line and length when it counted and came away with a 3-0 win.

Kate Bradshaw walked on court for Melbourn at 3 string with some match practice already in hand. Feeling confident, she focused well and served accurately and, by cutting out loose returns, quickly reached a 2-0 lead. However, the match was not in the bag yet…wavering concentration and some improved passages of play by her opponent led to the match squaring up at 2-2. Determined not to let self or side down, Bradshaw pulled through in a see-saw 5th game, taking it 15-13 and the match 3-2.

Vinod Duraikan at string 2 had an uncharacteristic up & down opening game as he adjusted to the courts speed and temperature. Nonetheless, he was able to keep ahead in the vital latter points to win a close opening first game. The second game saw his opponent attack more which gave him more opportunities to test finding his range and rhythm. The second and third games saw some good rallies but ultimately his opponent was unable to turn around the inevitable 3-0 win to Vinod.

Matt Sampson string 1 was up against a youthful player whose speed and agility made for some entertaining rallies. This didn't faze Matt as he held his tee position to produce some pin-point accurate short balls that made it extremely hard for his opponent to retrieve. This standard of play continued throughout his match and culminated in an excellent 3-0 match win and overall team win of 5-0.

Skipper Mark commented “This was a fantastic team win to mark the start of the season. It was great to see everyone so focused and enjoying their squash again after such a long layoff. It was also a superb win from our new team member, Ed. Thanks goes out to the The Plough, Shepreth for the excellent meals and hospitality afterwards.”