Melbourn lost 4-9

Melbourn 2nds played this match at Haileybury College on a very warm court despite the cool external temperature.
Roger Woodfield (3) played first against Adam Gourpinar. Roger made a slow start and struggled to combat a series of very measured boasts. With the first game lost, Roger fought back and generated some pressure and mistakes from his opponent. But this comeback was too little and too late and the match was lost 0-3.
Miles Jeanneret (2) was next against Graham Dial. A similar pattern of play initially in that Miles started slowly and Graham put pressure on with effective boasts. The difference in this match was that Miles soon picked up the pace and forced errors with more aggressive play. It was at times scrappy but Miles took the first game. After that, Miles took full control and steadily demolished his opponent’s game, a pattern often seen during this summer. Miles won 3-0.
The closest match was Mark Oppen (1) against Alistair Lee. Once again the home player made the running and controlled the first game. Mark competed well in the second game but was unable to prevent Alistair winning it 15-13. Mark responded strongly with great resolve, forcing errors and making winners to take the third game. It looked as though the fourth game would also go to Mark who had built a solid 14-10 lead. However, Alistair replied with excellent match play to win it 16-14 and the match 3-1.
Skipper Roger Woodfield said “This developed into a very close match with the result turning on the outcome of the first string match. Despite a great comeback, Mark just failed to stop Alistair winning”