Two's home v Watsons II's(Wed, Mar 16)

Wednesday saw the Grange 2 team take on Watsonians 2 at Grange. Grange 2 started the match knowing that we had already done enough to secure our spot in Division 2 for next season, while the lame duck Watsonians already knew they'd be relegated. It was, however, an opportunity to hammer home the final nail in the Watsonian coffin, consigning them to the murky depths of division 3 squash for the entire 2011/12 season, so we went in psyched.

First up was Patrick "Cuddles" Langley, playing his final match for the Grange. Patrick emerged onto the court like a caged animal, eager to get his fangs into opponent Derek Davidson. Patrick eased home the first game 9-4, but found himself with a fight on his hands when the second game headed to 8-all. Patrick stood firm, clinching it 10-8, before putting his foot down and running away with the final game 9-2.

Next on court was Duncan "It always goes to 2-2" Walker against Peter Wilson. Peter initially moved Duncan around the court well, but Duncan quickly warmed up, taking the first two games for the loss of only one point. Peter fought harder in the third, but Duncan rammed home a convincing 3-0 victory.

Clive "Just don't make me run" Allison was up next, in a brilliant match against Mike Robson. Clive's accurate hitting helped him take the first game before Mike's relentless retrieving and speed around the court forced Clive to run, and allowed Mike to take the second. By the middle of the third game both were starting to flag. Clive managed to save 6 game points in this game before turning an 8-4 deficit into a 10-9 game win. On a couple of occasions he was able to pull off some return nicks and proceeded to win the match by taking the fourth game also.

Mike "Mutton" Hall was up next, taking on Watsonians' Chris Weare. Chris started strongly, keeping Mike behind him and seizing the first game 9-4. Mike paced around the court impatiently, planning a game plan for the second. The game plan worked. After serving, Chris only won two rallies in the game, with Mike romping home 9-1. Chris still struggled in the third, again only winning two rallies. 9-0 Mike!!! A pep talk in the break allowed a revitalized Chris to return the favour in the fourth, taking the game 9-1. All set for the decider - a long game which Chris finally managed to close out 9-7 to take the match.

Finally, Rob "The toothless gurner" Pfab was up against Graham Murray. Rob was also making his final appearance for the Grange. The first game saw Graham dominant, moving Rob around the court well, and keeping him under pressure. A straightforward 9-3. Rob changed tactics in the second, sticking with risky lob serves, and cutting the rallies off after just a few shots. Graham kept him moving, but Rob clinched it 9-3. Similar story in the third, going 9-4 to Rob. Graham competed more in the fourth, but Rob stuck to his game plan, and took the final game 9-5.

All in all a solid 4-1 victory to a strong Grange 2 team, and both departing players ending well with victories. Fond farewells to Grange team squash from Patrick and Rob. Any volunteers to captain the twos next season??? Rumour has it that the Cockburnator might step up. Watch this space... (Report: Cap'n Pfabuluous)

(Webmaster adds: thanks to the two's for a great season and keeping us hackers entertained with the reports, win lose or draw, great team spirit. Fare ye weel on yer travels, Rob & Patrick))