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| Report: | Kent NW leagues have fallen out of the habit of match reports; so at the request of Mr Robert Lewis – here goes:
Bexley 5 (yes, 5!) visited Knole Park 2s for what promised to be an early-season indicator of promotion candidacy. Knole had turned out almost the strongest side they could muster, in the hope of some anti-relegation insurance points. Sadly, Bexley had also been sharpening their tools – maybe as revenge for any lost points in the Summer (it wasn’t many).
As it turned out, the tie was very one-sided in the sense that each match was.
At 5, young Zac (demoted from 3 since the Summer) demolished Raj, who was just getting into his stride by the end of the 3rd game. Or perhaps Zac was just easing up. Perhaps the encouragement of Zac’s proud father, Nanu, watching powerless from the balcony, helped. Or perhaps not.
Over on the show court (new floor), Mike found a well-behaved Paul eager to compete, but just failing to take a very close game then falling away with a few angry words for himself. In fact many of the Bexley players were uttering loud admonishments – always to themselves – no conduct penalty. Mike eased to a 3-0 win with few alarms. [According to the after-dinner gossip, Paul is looking to reacquire his place as Anne’s whipping boy after the mid-season break.]
Niall took over from Raj and found visiting captain Dean as always flattering to deceive – an array of strokes just falling short at the final hurdle. Dean managed a game – against the trend for the evening, and the run of play. But by limiting himself to a few Aussie boasts, Niall got it back together and judging by the decibel level, induced more errors from Dean. So, 3-1 to Niall and 2-1 to Knole, with just the Bexley veterans to follow.
Christo seems to have found a new lease of life and to have re-found his sharpness and touch. Looking ten years younger than 69, he kept beating Tim to the punch with pace and accuracy. A sign of his improvement – only a few raised eyebrows aimed at the marker – in place of the usual debate. In spite of Tim’s efforts to break the shackles, Christo ran out a comfortable 3-0 victor, leaving the 3’s to play the deciding roles.
Rob Lewis had been parachuted in from the higher echelons of Bexley’s massive squad – and been hidden in the middle order. Facing him was Anne – who seemed a little surprised to find that her double defeats of Paul at 1st string in the Summer had been rewarded with an ‘easy ride’ at #3.
Usually Anne fools everyone by deliberately going 0-2 down and then storming to victory – leaving a trail of downhearted opponents in her wake. Rob was having none of that. He paused only between every point to haul up his slippery knee supports – and occasionally to discuss the previous rally or marking decision, while politely enquiring about his opponent’s wellbeing. These tactics served him well throughout – and coupled with his vast experience and broad stance, he was able to thwart Anne’s attempts to pass him – picking her serves and drives off with sylph-like touch. Anne gave it her all – and one massive sprawl – in an attempt to pull off another feat of derring-do. You all know the outcome: 3-0 to Rob. Maybe Bexley 2nds (or 1sts) will sign him up from now on. If not, his radical redesign of the rankings system will surely see him back at the top of the tree afore long. [Ed - Marker Dean didn't like the new scoring system - I think it was the big numbers and the adding one every rally.]
Bexley worthy 3-2 winners and only 6 points allowed to their generous hosts.
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| Author: | |
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| Away Report: | 'Great match all round. Bexley performed well even though Knole Park had all their big guns playing. As usual, Bexley played with determination and so much passion, especially Paul and Dean. Great company and superb food prepared by Raj. We do however miss the visit to the pub.😬
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| Author: | NBA |
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| Notes: | Food was actually by Anne (although I'm sure Raj's would have been nearly as good). |
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