Tuesday 29 November 2011

GRG2 Vs ESC3 (29 Nov 2011)

Another heroic performance by the 2s tonight which makes 8 in a row by my count! Unfortunately we met with some stiff opposition in ESC3 who are flying high in the league I think (hope!).

Mark Dutton was on first against Slasher Snowden. Slasher was slashing and Mark was diving in what was an entertaining bout! Slashers just crushed the ball far to much for Mark whose heroic court coverage could only get him so far. 0-3

Gordon (100%) Sloan was on against old nemesis JJ Tait. Damn close 9-7, 7-9 ,9-7 to JJ. Gordon was playing some lovely squash hitting good lengths and moving JJ well. 9-5 to JJ in the fourth with all on the balcony (mainly ESC) conceding he is just a lucky b*stard! Still no victory for Sloan . His nemesis continues.

Match of the night was the 2 Ians playing at 3. Fast and furious stuff with Ian Forbes grabbing the lead with some attacking boasting! Ian sanders settled in though nicely in the second to take it 9-0 with some tight driving which weathered Ian F's attacks. Ian F battled back as they shared the next 2. The 5th game was tight with Ian F demanding "2 more minutes!" from himself. Unfortunately Ian S didn't have that amount of time and closed out 2-3.

Big Robin Steel back in the fold! Previous matches this season had not been too pleasant for old Robin. Hopefully now in the 2s he would find his stride! Stuart Tennent was having now of it though and quickly went on to grab the first 2. I missed the rest but was glad to hear Robin grabbed one to go down 1-3. I decent result against a tidy player.

Myself got fairly well battered at one against lefty Barry Masson. Kept myself in it for as long as possible but was fairly out gunned. 0-3

Great scran afterwards however (prob best of the season so far if anyone really cares!!). Good craic with the boys as well over a few beers. All good!


Monday 28 November 2011

Grange Girls on top

A 5-0 clean-out of table-topping Watsonians - the first time this season a team has scored maximum points. The first time in years that Grange has won away to Watsonians' lovely but cold courts. Thank you rain for keeping the temperature in double figures.

Donna Cruickshank bt Alexis Manson 3-0. Very close game with two games going to 10. Both players were experts at drop shots but Donna was more hungry. Lots of wheezing on court... Catherine John bt Christina Graham 3-0. Great game to watch, some excellent squash on display but young legs outshone very experienced ones. Lottie Fulton bt Christine Cochrane 3-0. Tentative start to the game, bit of a lapse but then back on track to close the match. Anna Gaskell bt Margaret Clarke 3-1. Demon Anna strikes again.
Karen Kennedy bt Suzie Laughland 3-1. Cat and mouse game, but the mouse was more agile this time....looking forward to the next encounter.

Supper was lovely - baked potatoes with veggie ratatuille and cheese followed by some very nice Crimbles. There was also some tortilla chips but bit of confusion as to where the dips had gone.
------------------------
Overall the score was 20-4 which overturns a 12-point lead and puts Grange 1 in first place, for now. We have a bye next week but we are in danger of being top of the division at the end of this league... Bit dizzy up here but I'm sure we could get used to it.(KK)
EAST DIV 1 Ladies
TeamRound 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bonus
Points
Total














Grange 1 Comp Points88913
81420

1492
Watsonians 1
Comp Points
9
16
10
15
11 144

1489
Waverley 1 Comp Points
5151215
8


1065














C.L.A.S.S. 88 Comp Points12
159512



1063














Edinburgh Sports Club 1 Comp Points13125
4148


460















Friday 25 November 2011

Grange 4 Reach Mid-Table Heights

The fourths were perhaps a little fortunate to catch CCS 5 with 4 call-offs this week. But as we thought about it, two of our team played for the fifths last year and two were reserves for the fifths. This weeks intrepid heroes were Mike (myself), Brian, Matt, Neil and David Gibson (don't confuse the initials on the matrix with our very own Sicknote).

First up was David whose opponent had the oddest receive of serve from the forehand court - he was standing IN the service box. Most unusual. However, Dave got off to a great start taking the first with ease before his opponent began to get to grips with the running down of every ball and David lost the second 1-9. But normal service was quickly restored, and David won 3-1, a great start.

Over on court 2 (or was it 27 - can't remember, they have so many to choose from) 'Neil Love Love' was restoring pride with a confident display. The first was over to 4 in a game where Neil lived on the 'T' and at 8-5 in the second all was well. But just to prove we can take the Barbarian spirit anywhere, Neil proceeded to go 8-9 down before saving 2 game points and rescuing it 10-9. The third was over quickly to 5 and we were 2-0 up.

Matt's game was a battle of styles with Matt's 'whack it and run' game up against his opponent's 'how did he hit a drop from there' game. The first game was tight and Matt just lost out 6-9. As he got a drink, he was heard to mutter "It's just like playing bl**dy Harvey". But Matt soon got the measure and after edging the second 9-6, he ran out 9-0, 9-1.

Brian was in masterful form and really gave his poor opponent no chance and was quickly 9-2, 9-1 up. A minor rally by his opponent saw a tighter third game, but still a victory at 9-7.

Last up was me playing an opponent I now realise is third ranked in the division. The first was tight to 5-5, but was lost 5-9 to some cheap points. The second was better with fewer errors and a 9-6 brought the game level. But his better length began to tell and the third was gone 3-9. The fourth was tight to 4-4 before more cheap points brought up 4-8. Some brave defending and good luck saw several match points saved, but two 'out of court serves' didn't help and the game was lost 7-9.

All in all an 18 points well deserved - and showed the depth of talent the club has in the Division 4 - 5 standard.

Up in the bar for pie and beans. As someone left early there was an extra one. Who ate all the pies? I don't know, best ask David Gibson.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Threes at Watsonians 2's(Wed, Nov 23,'11)

After the maiden win last week hopes were high that the thirds could topple the Watsonians 2nds and it looked very much on the cards after the first two rubbers were won in fine style by Christy Looby and Stuart Moffat. But then reality struck and ..well…read on…

Christy Looby was first up at No 1 against top-performing Chris Weare and it has to be said that a routine win would have been anticipated by the Watsonians man given historic performance data. Christy however had other ideas and simply outplayed him in all departments to run out a very comfortable 9-2, 9-1, 9-4 winner. Christy's best performance of the season and two in a row for him now.

Fresh back from his Bahamas rugby trip, Stuart Moffat got quickly into his stride in his no5 match with Derek Davidson. Stuart has only recently resumed squash after quite a while out and he's been getting in a lot of matches lately and it's definitely showing. A very confident performance with power and touch in equal measure. A close 9-5, 9-5 tussle in the first two but Stuart always looked the more likely to move away with it and so it proved with a strong 9-0 last game.

Mark Dutton then went on at No2 against the very capable Graeme Murray. Graeme was simply too good with the volleys and drops and Mark was unable to move him from the middle of the court other than for a few brief hopeful periods. 2-9, 6-9, 5-9.

Richard Nisbet at no4 is playing better squash every week that he turns out for the thirds but on the night had a very difficult assignment against the very wily and unorthodox Peter Wilson. It was always very difficult to be sure what sort of shot Peter would conjure up out of thin air but Richard did a superb job of matching him virtually all the way. The first game went 7-9 and the second was a monster struggle that stayed 7-8 for what seemed like dozens of handouts till Peter grabbed it 7-9. The final game was similar and went the wrong way 6-9. A 0-3 loss was certainly not a fair reflection on the state of the match, but nonetheless that was the story.

It all depended on club stalwart Dougie Brown in his No3 match against Mike Robson. Nothing was given away by either player in a very cagey match where both players were content with protacted periods of percentage play each waiting their opportunities to strike. The only real difference in the end was the slightly higher success rate that Mike had when he chose his moments to go for it and maybe a tiny bit more fuel in the tank towards the end of a very long match. The final result was 8-10, 7-9, 5-9 and once again the 0-3 match result was a little unfair on paper to the Grange player.

The evening was completed in very fine style in the Watsonians bar with the usual monster servings of lasagne and salad and some fine beer and conversation. (Report: MD)

PosPlayerRubbersGamesPoints PlayerRubbersGamesPoints
1Christy Looby1327

Chris Weare007
2Mark Dutton0013

Graeme Murray1327
3Dougie Brown0020

Mike Robson1327
4Richard Nisbet0020

Peter Wilson1327
5Stuart Moffat1327

Derek Davidson008
Total26107

3996
Competition Points6

12

Wednesday 23 November 2011

GRG2 Vs Waverly 2 (23/11/11)

On a roll now .....sort of!

Second win for the 2s. Bottom of the table tester, came through with flying colours! Great result!

Home Team: Grange 2Away Team: Waverley 2
PosPlayerRubbersGamesPoints PlayerRubbersGamesPoints
1Pete Cockburn1330Mike Read0128
2Alan Stokes1329Stephen Gullan0023
3Allan Wallace1327Richard Nettleton0019
4Gordon Sloan1343Dave Ferguson0236
5Mike Gore1327Donald Shearer0014
Total51515603120

Santa Spied Playing for 4ths


As we head into the festive season, the 4ths turned up to play CCS6 with an interesting team of Mike (me), Matt, Doug, Dave (sicknote) and Catherine. Changed days from last season when only two of that team were regulars for the Barbarians.

Doug got us started at number 3 as he needed an early departure. But we didn't realise quite how early he meant, as he struggled to haul his Santa paunch (from his hols) around the court. Whilst he battled bravely, he just couldn't turn the rallies into points scoring just 9 points from 32 serves on his way to a 4-9, 2-9, 3-9 defeat.

Next up Catherine took to court at 5 and showed us scramblers what the game is all about. Like a playful lioness she ran her opponent around the court before ruthlessly dispatching him 9-6, 9-1 and 9-4.

Meanwhile, Sicknote was making a game of it on the other court. Having trailed for most of the first game, Dave put in a late spurt to close it out 9-7. The second game began tightly and with 15 rallies played the score was an exciting 1-1 before Dave pulled away for a 9-4. Dave was now completely in control and was soon 7-0 up before DISASTER STRUCK. Sicknote came down with man-flu in the middle of the game. Now obviously this impaired his movement and it is completely understandable that his opponent should claw back point after point to win 7-9 and give Colinton some hope. But, luckily, the man-flu left as mysteriously as it arrived and Dave edged the 4th game 9-4 to bring it up to 2-1.

Matt was next on court. Now Matt's game has come on leaps and bounds in the past year under the tutelage of Mr Hall. But this comes at a price. When told he was playing number 2 for the 4th team he went into a state of shock from which he didn't really recover. The last time I saw that look was when he discovered that his svelte frame and youthful years would give him a handicap of -5 in the BMI Cup! The first game started well enough and Matt was soon 6-1 up. But as his opponent began to get his measure, the game began to slip and it was soon over 6-9, 1-9, 3-9. 2-2 and into the deciding rubber.

Last up was yours truly ready to lead from the front to victory. The first three points were excellent and I was soon 3-0 when all of a sudden a little Santa's Elf appeared from behind the ventilation grill and just like Scrooge, I knew what Christmas was all about. As the game wore on, my top began to turn red and had this irresistable urge go give out presents. before I knew it I had put a couple in the tin and boasted from everywhere and the first was gone 3-9. The second followed the same path and by now my white beard was impairing my vision; 4-9. By the third, play was almost impossible with bushy eyebrows covering my eyes, I couldn't see, and the sound of jingling bells was most distracting. The presents continued amongst the most shocking shot selection and the game was lost 0-9 and an overall 2-3 defeat.

As has been so often this season we have been strong at the bottom of the order and struggled a bit at the top.

Anyone for coaching?

Yo ho ho.

(and the picture? It's Santa and squash of course...)

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Ladies seconds record FV... good points too

Teams:Grange 2 vs Tyne
PosPlayerRubbersGamesPoints PlayerRubbersGamesPoints
1Fiona McLaren005

Katie Craig1327
2Jo Petty1333

Julie Pearman0220
3Dawn MacBrayne1331

Fiona MacKenzie0130
4Alex Stewart1327

Caroline Wright0011
5Jennie Guise0232

Susan Pirie1334
Total311128

29122
Competition Points14

9

Friday 18 November 2011

Thirds get their FV(First Victory) @ Bank of Scotland

Date:17/11/2011
Teams:Grange 3 vs Bank of Scotland
PosPlayerRubbersGamesPoints PlayerRubbersGamesPoints
1Mike Gore004

Ralph Bain1327
2Christy Looby1331

Rob Norris0129
3Mark Dutton1332

Robin Nisbet0231
4Richard Nisbet0227

Phil Brown1343
5David Gibson1327

Stuart Macdonald008
Total311121

29138
Competition Points14

9

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Grange 2 @ Home Vs Linlithgow 2s (16/11/11)

After getting bagelled out at Linlithgow last week against their first team we were keen to put that behind us and get back in the chase for the elusive first win of the season.

Number 1 string was on first. Michael Grinton against LIN's Craig Mitchell. I clearly remember the stuffing Craig gave me last season so I was keen for Mike to go out and get me some pay back! first game easy! 9-1. Craig then seemed to remember the horsing he dished out last time he faced the Grange started hitting some great attacking boasts, lengths, widths, drops and kitchen sinks! 8-7 up in the 4th and serving for the match - Mike looked beat!! A long rally commenced with Craig stopping and asking for "just a let"!! I was ready to call a stroke but did not argue and bowed to his request. More back and fourth, more match balls but Mike dug deep and fought back to take it. 2-2 could we pinch the 1st string match?? Nah. Craig had enough of this back and fourth carry on and went on a 6 point role in the 5th to clinch it. A tough cookie!

Meanwhile Stokesy was battling Drew Purdie on court 1. Stokesy playing down at four feeling much more at home. 3-1 to the stokes. Still in the game.

Ian Forbes back in the fold at 3 against Ross Haston. Cruising after going 9-2, then 8-1 up. Looking good. Nabbed it 10-8 only to loose the third 2-9. Come on Ian!! Got the heid down and closed it 3-1 Great to have him back!

Dougie got off to a flyer at 5 against Alex Allan. Easy in the first 9-1. Alex got back in though to set up a stormer. Dougie had many a match ball in the fourth to clinch our first win of the season. Willed on by the growing crowd myself very much included could he do it?. Alex wanted more and claimed the fourth as i went on last against Sean Graham. Luckily Dougie sealed the deal before I kicked off. A young opponent who I easily beat a few years back. No chance these days 3-1 to Sean.

15-10. first win. I'll take it!

Event: East Open 2011/12, Round: 6, Division: 2, Match Date: 16/11/2011
Last Modified:
17/11/2011, By MyMatrix Logon: Pete Cockburn

Home Team: Grange 2

Away Team: Linlithgow 2

Pos

Player

Rubbers

Games

Points

Player

Rubbers

Games

Points

1

Michael Grinton

0

2

33

Craig Mitchell

1

3

37

2

Pete Cockburn

0

1

22

Sean Graham

1

3

34

3

Ian Forbes

1

3

30

Ross Haston

0

1

26

4

Alan Stokes

1

3

33

Drew Purdie

0

1

27

5

Dougie Brown

1

3

41

Alex Allan

0

2

27

Total

3

12

159

2

10

151

Monday 14 November 2011

Grange 4s v DLL 1s (Thu 9th Nov)

With a reasonably strong side this week the 4s went to David Lloyd with high expectations of getting a good result. Unfortunately we were sent home with our tails between our legs! However, we were certainly in this match and there was not a great deal between each opponent.. On another night the result of this match could have been quite different.

Pete Young got us off to the perfect start with a 3-0 win over Paul and treated us to some beautiful striking of the ball that we all know Pete can do. Meanwhile Matt on the other court was just not able to get into his stride against Bob who was stunned at the amount of running Matt could do! You really felt that if Matt could have clinched the 4th game he would have taken the match as fitness was beginning to show however well done to Bob for closing it out. I think the less written about my own match and Mike’s the better. Both of us were not on best form and certainly on another night playing somewhere near our potential we would have had much closer matches! Well done to Callum and Andy. The final game looked to be Richard’s after taking an excellent 2-0 lead however in true Richard form at no 1 he let his opponent back in. An excellent match ensued which could have gone either way but unfortunately for us it went in the favour of Andrew.

Good banter afterwards mainly around both teams trying to avoid relegation!!

Pos

Player

Rubbers

Games

Points

Player

Rubbers

Games

Points

1

Richard Nisbet

0

2

32

Andrew Brady

1

3

42

2

Mike Douglas

0

0

16

Andy Gabe

1

3

27

3

Brian Sloan

0

0

14

Callum Lyle

1

3

27

4

Matt Pearson

0

1

29

Bob Clarke

1

3

35

5

Peter Young

1

3

28

Paul Blair

0

0

16

Total

1

6

119

4

12

147

Competition Points

6

15

Report (Brian Sloan)