Melbourn 1sts squash team went into their final match of the first half last Wednesday, confident of a good result with a full strength team. Ed Aspeling went in at 5 string against the experienced Sanjay Poria, who had been brought into the Cambridge side at the last minute. Ed started well, taking the first game fairly comfortably, 15-9. The next two proved trickier - he took the second 18-16 but missed out in the third 14-16. This must have tired out his opponent, however, who then suffered a 15-8 defeat in the fourth, giving Melbourn the match 3-1.

Skipper, Mark Oppen, went on next not so confident, largely due to an ongoing injury he hoped had healed. This was not the case; struggling with movement, his game was off and he lost 3-1.

Kate Bradshaw (3rd string) was next on court against a tall opponent with a great reach. Nonetheless, Bradshaw started well taking the opening games 15-11, 15-9. Feeling strong and in good form, Bradshaw was disappointed, if not surprised, at a dip in concentration which resulted in her being on the wrong end of the third game, losing it 6-15! Redoubling efforts was not enough to secure a tough fourth which she narrowly lost 16-18. Fortunately, Bradshaw regrouped in the nick of time and with increased patience and improved shot decisions, took the final game 15-8 and a hard-fought 3-2 win.

Vinod Duraikan would have been no stranger to his 2 string opponent who, although appearing unwarrantedly disgruntled at times, knew that he was on a hiding to nothing from the off, given the superior skills of his adversary. With the court getting ever-colder due to the opposition’s desire to turn off the heaters, Duraikan did well to hold concentration and form to deliver a 3-0 victory (15-10 / 15-2 / 17-15) for the team. Matt Sampson also hit the court very much the favourite. His match was a swift affair with his opponent unable to put up much fight. The all too squash-savvy Sampson rolled out the fourth and most convincing win of the night, 3-0 (15-3 / 15-1 / 15-5).

The two teams then enjoyed their final post-match dinner of the first half at the Plough at Shepreth. Sadly this was to be the last visit to this extremely hospitable and welcoming pub, which closed its doors on the following Sunday. As ever, they delivered a hearty and incredibly tasty meal to replenish the players’ energies, who even enjoyed birthday cake for dessert. A huge thank you from the Melbourn squash teams to the Plough for their unfaltering catering and service over the last few years – you will be missed.