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Home | Return to Division Fixtures
| Nom | Home Player | Nom | Away Player | Result | Games |
| 1A | J.Tapsfield | 1 | J.Robbins | 2 | 3 | 4-9 9-6 9-5 1-9 6-9 | | 1B | J.Head | 4 | C.London | 3 | 2 | 10-9 9-6 7-9 4-9 9-3 | | 3 | A.Ward | 6 | M.Currie | 3 | 2 | 3-9 9-2 3-9 9-3 9-3 | | 4 | S.Johnson | 9 | A.Bonner | 3 | 1 | 9-2 5-9 9-4 9-7 | | 6 | S.Marburg | 11 | K.McCaughan | 3 | 0 | 10-8 9-4 9-7 | | | | | | | | | | | Games: | 14 | 8 | |
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| | | Bonus: | 5 | 0 | |
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| | | Penalty: | -2 | 0 | |
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| | | Result: | 19 | 8 | |
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| Report: | Woe, woe and thrice woe (four times actually). PL first team commenced their New Year programme of events at Tunbridge Wells. This turned out to be a bit of a late one since the available players for each string appeared to be mutually exclusive.
First up, the one matching pairing before 8.30pm! Marburg v McCaughan.
In contrast to the last PL visit to deepest, darkest Kent, Street played a blinder. Kev looked pretty cheesed off after this one, but it wasn't really anything he did wrong (apart from maybe a few too many onto the deadly Marburg forehand at the front). Games one and three were tight affairs, and Kev could have easily snuck either of them, but it wasn't to be. Street wrapped up an impressive start for T.Wells.
Next arrival (for PL). Ward v Currie.
PL new recruit Michael eventually found the little back alley that is T.Wells commenting that he didn't realise Kent was this big. Didn't see any of this one since my opponent arrived just as Kev finished. Michael proved pretty true to his words to me though. Apparently blasted his opponent off court in the 1st, had the compliment returned in the 2nd, deja vu (for Michael) in the 3rd, before running out of steam and losing 3-2. Once he has a few more games under his belt and the fitness comes back this should prove to be a good signing, particularly if AFKAW is coaxed back to his best.
Next up, Head v London senior.
This turned out to be a marathon. Clive seemed to take every opportunity to play a good 90% of each point before just catching the tin or top of the side wall, on numerous (every!) occasion. Jolyon capitalised on this post Christmas good cheer and sneaked the first, despite Clive having about 6 games balls. He then consolidated his lead in a close fought 2nd and went 7-4 up in the 3rd. At this point Street came to the rescue in marking mode. A contentious let appeal was turned down, and as is often the case, the London outrage was channelled into a comeback for the remainder of the game, duly sneaked 9-7. The 4th was also claimed setting up for a grand finale. Having taken inordinate amounts of time between each game up to this point Jolyon had looked to be tired, but as it turned out was merely luring his opponent into a false sense of security. He proceeded to play tight disciplined stuff, sending an ever more weary Clive scurrying frantically around to every corner, and running out a 3-2 winner.
So, three down and nothing to play for. So far so bad. On the other court whilst this was going on we'd moved on to Tapsfield v Robbins.
Didn't see any of this apart from the last few points, but it appears that James R produced his customary "just enough" performance to spirit the match away from James T. Maybe some points to play for then ?
Last up Johnson v Bonner.
Steve understandably didn't look ecstatic about going on at 10.15 to play Andy having been there since 7.30, and with the chef and Happy Jack behind the bar being similarly impressed, probably wanted to get off court before his dinner was fed to the dog. Still, ringside seats for the rest of the lads, sitting eating their meal whilst watching the efforts of Johnson and Bonner. Andy started off with a flurry of tins to lose the 1st, got it back together to take the 2nd, but then found himself being out "Bonnered" as Steve picked off almost all of Andy's usual anticipation shots. It looked for a while in the 4th as though neither player wanted to wrap it up, as it stuck on 8-4 for a while - Andy clawing back to 7-8 then burying the last one in the tin, to give T.Wells suitable revenge for their early season drubbing.
Everyone in the PL team seemed to have resolved to give up alcohol in the bar afterwards. This included a highly unconvincing Kevin who was still mortified at the outcome of his match. Normal service will no doubt be resumed next week.
The inevitable flurry of texts from AFGB finished off the evening. The Mighty Hill juggernaut trundles ever onwards towards an unbeaten season, and the feeble efforts of all those around them seem to come to nought. DC claims the lights at The Hill are to be done at last. Maybe when their opponents can see they'll be able to infict a little more damage on the hitherto adamantine Hill carapace. |
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| Author: | Clive London |
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| Notes: | Two incorrect nomination numbers were submitted by Tunbridge Wells S.R.C. (J.Tapsfield 1 NOT 1A and J.Head 1A NOT 1B).
Rule 13d. |
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