Saturday 20 November 2010

O'Brien Bucket 2010 Final (Sat, Nov 19,'10)

History was made at the Grange last night when Mike Douglas became the first player to win the O'Brien Bucket for the second time. In what was great five setter, both Mike and Alan Wallace played their parts to the full. Both players played with skill, guile, patience and at times desperation!

The match started with Mike pulling ahead in games one and two. His stated match plan was play safe and tactical squash. Alan retrieved a huge number of shots in the rallies but tended to play the more defensive squash. Mike took games one and two to 7 and 10.

Alan came out with all guns blazing in game three and with Mike beginning to look a little tired, Alan was able to pick up some quick cheap points. He triumphed 15-7 and looked good going into game four.

The fourth game of the match had everything. Each point was closely fought and despite increasing fatigue, both players matched each other blow for blow. Mike moved into a match winning position at 14-11 but let three quick points slip. He took the gamble to call one and promptly lost to see the game go into a decider.
By now we had a good number of Friday nighters up in the gallery supporting the players and despite being almost out on their feet, they both managed to play good quality, tactical squash. Mike managed to stay ahead a crucial two or three points throughout the game and at the fourth time of asking closed the match out 15-12.

Well played to both Mike and Alan in what was a really great final. Mike takes away the Bucket for a second year and first prize of a Titan Tiger racquet. Alan can drown his sorrows with a bottle of the finest Rioja."

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