Grange II home v Linlithgow II – 12/01/10

First game back after Xmas saw the 2’s take on Linlithgow 2’s down at the Grange. First on court to shake of the rust was the No. 5 match of Pete Cockburn Vs “Auld” Dougie Raeburn (his description, not mine!!). Dougie was giving away a few years to the grange man but what he had in age he also had in experience and shots!! Pete took an early 7-2 lead only to be brought back 8-8 by some good running from Dougie along with some nice lengths. After calling for 2 Pete got back the handout and back in the match taking the first 10-8. After tightening up the length and some nice volleying (honestly!) he took the next two games went 9-2, 9-2 for a 3-0 win in a game that saw lots of running from both players in a well contested match.

Mike Hall took to court one in the No. 4 match against Linlithgow’s Mark Pilcher. Having not seen this one I can only guess that Mike’s intensity and possibly even precision was too much for Mark with Mike making quick work of things 9-1, 9-3, 9-2. 3-0 to the Grange.

The No.1 match of Robin Steel Vs Linlithgow’s Gordon Henderson went on after this. Robin who was sporting some interesting legwear!! took an early lead with some good touches at the front along with the usual ferocious power. However, he was soon pegged back by Gordon who definitely had on his running shoes to take the first all the way to 9-9. Robin came through taking the first 10-9 followed by the next equally tight game 9-6. Looking to close out in three Robin felt it was time for a breather and let the next go 1-9 but soon sorted it though by tightening up and romping home 9-2 in the fourth.

The No.3 Match saw Tony Gribben going head to head with Ian Bannister. A slow start saw Tony lose the first 9-4 as Ian mixed up the pace with some tight driving and dropping. Tony tightened things up in his usual style playing some tricky lengths and drops to edge the second 9-7 and then the third 9-5 in a similar fashion. Thinking Tony was on top of things I went out to sort out some tasty treats from Franco’s only to return to find Tony on the end of a 2-3 defeat with Ian taking the last two 9-5 and 9-3. A tight game with some excellent shot making from both players.

The last match of the night saw a Grange debut for Clive Allison up against Linlithgow’s Ashley Mears. The latest signing to the Grange was up against stiff opposition who was running down everything and fighting hard with her own dropping and tight driving. Clive fought hard to take the first 9-5 and the second 9-7 coming from 5-7 behind in a game that could have gone either way. Clive tightened thing up in the third with some excellent driving and very tight volleying to put the game out of reach. 9-2 to Clive in the 3rd. Should be noted that Clive made his debut in a fetching red Grange T-shirt. Obliviously meaning business then!! (Sounds like it was 19-6 0verall)

Upstairs we were back on the Franco’s. Bit of haggling was required to get the usual price. Good news we are still enjoying the best pizza deal in town!! Some good banter and a surprising amount of fresh orange and lemonade being consumed. See how long that resolution lasts!! (Report: Cockburnator, eastern sibling)