Melbourn won 16-8

Wednesday was billed as the crunch match for these two Division 2 teams, both hoping to move up to Division 1 next season. By far Melbourn’s toughest match of the first half, we were at full strength this time to make sure of the victory.

It kicked off with Ed Aspelling (5) who had played a key part in last half’s victory. Matched up with the same opponent, this could almost have been a rerun, but for the opposite result. Both players battled hard, and it was nip and tuck all the way, although it felt like Ed had the better game to win. However, the ebb and flow of the game was not with Ed this time, who lost out in 5 games, 15-17 and 14-16 in the last two; sometimes it’s just the way it goes.

Skipper Mark Oppen (4) was on the other court hoping to bring a better result for the team this time round. When he played calmly, with good height, width and shot choice, there was no contest. However, from time to time, he let this plan slip and allowed his opponent, whose shot-power might challenge Cameron Pilley’s, into the game. Luckily, Mark managed to swing the balance of play in his favour and notched up a very important 3-1 win for his team.

Kate Bradshaw was keen, like the skipper, to make amends for her first half performance. However, her opponent has been unbeaten as number 3 for Ely all season and he was unlikely to want his record blemished either. The first game saw Bradshaw a bit timid in her approach, getting on the end of her opponent’s shots, but not being able to do much with them. A pep talk from Melbourn number 1, Matt Sampson, after this helped Bradshaw to find some confidence in her game and she very nearly took the second, just losing out 13-15. The third also fell away in the final part, but again she challenged the Ely player most of the way. Still  a little disappointed, but happy with some very good spells of play, Bradshaw lost 3-0.

With the scoreline sitting at 2-1 to the away team, the next two matches were to be critical. Vinod Duraikan at number two also faced the same opponent from the first half. This had been a tough match first time round and this occasion was to prove no different. Duraikan was as reliable and hard working as ever, knowing how crucial this match was for the team. Drawing on years of experience and summoning all his energies, Duraikan fought hard and went 2-1 up with all games going to 15-12 one way or the other. By the fourth he was clearly determined not to cut his opponent any slack and mustered a fine finishing game, taking it 15-4 in the fourth and a second win for Melbourn.

With the match level, Sampson equally knew his was the match to win now! Knowing his opponent could be dangerous, Sampson was prepared for a challenge this week. However, the challenge was never given a chance to turn into anything sustained. Sampson’s shrewd shot choice, disguise and excellent rally building enabled him to outplay his often skilful opponent, whose cross court drop flick was a dangerous weapon, and seal a victory for Melbourn with a 3-0 win, 15-9, 15-7, 15-7.

Team captain, Mark Oppen, was delighted with the result, commenting: "It was a superb team win that puts us just one point behind, but with a match in hand, on the league leaders. The team still has a way to go, but if we can continue with our solid play each week, that should put us in a strong position before playing our final match of the season."