Friday 3 February 2012

'Jedward' Star for 4ths in Local Thriller

This weeks adventure was a local trip up the hill to Dean with both teams looking for points to pull them away from the relegation zone. Our crew consisted of Andy, Johnny M, Mike (me), Brian and Matt.

The evening began with a chilly 15 minute wait at the gates as Matt and I tried to get in. Eventually the tennis players came up and opened the gate - thanks guys. Funnily enough, when we went into the clubhouse, Dean were on court warming up wondering if we had forgotten - great tactic. Maybe we should try the same when we play top-of-the-table ESC4!!!

As we were first there, Matt and I went on. I started slowly against a far too fit opponent and was soon 0-6 before some improved serving brought me back into the game for a 9-6 win. The second was similar, except for the coming back bit, and it was 1-1. But normal service was restored and the rubber was closed out 9-1, 9-7. 1-0 Grange.

I came off court to find a cooled-down Matt off court with what looked like a straight forward 9-3, 9-7, 9-0 win. 2-0 Grange.

Johnny and Brian up next. Johnny had an excellent game with many outrageous points including a stunning frame shot winner in the first to help Johnny to a 9-6 lead. The second was tougher and no amount of running could stop a 4-9 to bring the rubber even. But Johnny's superior fitness took over and he closed it out 9-0, 9-3 for the win; 3-0 Grange.

Brian came up from the basement court shaking his head, which I have learned over the years is not a good sign. Suffice to say a long day in the office contributed to a 3-9, 3-9, 6-9 loss. 3-1 Grange.

Last up was Andy who quickly raced into a 8-3 lead before being pegged back to 8-8. Both players defended game points before Andy came out on top for a 10-9. Looking in need of energy conservation, Andy stepped up a level and soon had the second 9-1. A call to the balcony to ask if we had won the game was met with a 'none of your business, we need the points' response. The third was tighter, but Andy prevailed 9-7 for an excellent 3-0 victory.


Final result was 4-1 with 15 points (+2 ref points) puting some clear water between ourselves and Dean. Upstairs pizza was washed down with beer in a familiar Grange-style supper.

And Jedward? Well they were spotted on the balcony watching Andy's match. Who would have thought ? (Report: Mike D)

Teams:Grange 4 vs Dean 2


PosPlayerRubbersGamesPoints PlayerRubbersGamesPoints
1Andrew Whitelaw1328Craig Wallace0017
2Jonathan Major1331Chris Grier0118
3Mike Douglas1334Peter McCallum0123
4Brian Sloan0012Dougie McLaren1327
5Matt Pearson1327Michael Clarkson0013
Total4121321598
Competition Points155

2 comments:

Loob said...

Good to hear the ex-Prime Minister Jon Major has switched from chasing peas around a plate with a fork to chasing a ball around a court with a suash racket.

Anonymous said...

Any pizza delivery problems to report this week?