Tuesday 5 February 2013

First Ladies V ESC 1

To set the scene: ESC have scored top marks in their previous 4 games, they have won all of their matches so far this season. We aren't far behind - we have only lost once, to them, before Xmas. So, it was the clash of the top two teams and nae low ceilings to get in the way this time. Fate (illness) and a jolly to South Africa ruined some perfect plans but there was still hope.

Donna was flattened by flu and Georgie was off on a work trip so both Karen and Anna were pulled up to the first team. Karen played at 5 and was slightly out-whacked by her opponent but there were some fine rallies so I don't feel so bad. Still lost 3:0 though. Anna played someone who had flown from London to Edinburgh today and her head was still recovering from the turbulence. Still, Anna polished her off in 3 games so excellent result.

Aoife played at 3, two up from usual, and had a great game against Moira. Thankfully youth triumphed in the end - 3:1 to us. Sadly youth triumphed for Lottie as well (I don't get to write that very often) as a 15 year old with no off switch bounced around the court. Jnr nearly came undone in the 3rd - Lottie had game point, but a badly timed out ball gave Jnr the chance to zoom back in and win 3:0.

So, 2 matches each as the firsts prepared to do battle. Catherine was out whacked in the first game but her fitness and determination meant she clawed her way back in the second game and was very unlucky to lose it 10:9. The 3rd game was a disaster - Kirsty had match point on 8:0! She then stepped off the gas and Catherine (now aka Lazarus) inched back to take the 3rd game 10:8. Kirsty was a bit bemused at this and spent the 4th game in a bit of a daze, Catherine winning that 9:0!

So, 2 matches each and now 2 games each in the final match. Any predictions for the final score?? Us neither. Which Kirsty would start the 5th game? Would Catherine falter at the final hurdle?

Catherine won the first 5 rallies, ESC were looking very worried. Lots of encouragement from the balcony, usually unheard of in the ladies leagues. But then, Catherine hit the tin on a winner and Kirsty started her comback. Shame we don't have a speedometer on court as there were some amazing smashes from here on in. Kirsty made a few more mistakes but sadly not two in a row and eventually won 9:5 to win the bonus points. It was a great sporting game to watch, one that many Jnrs could learn from.

Final scores on the night were 13:8 to ESC with both teams picking up the bonus ref points (at least I contributed something to the scoreline). It was an excellent evening of good squash from two very sporting teams. The baked potatoes were fab too.
Pos Player Rubbers Games Points Player Rubbers Games Points
1 Catherine John 0 2 36 Kirsty Craig 1 3 36
2 Lottie Fulton 0 0 15 Carrie Hallam 1 3 28
3 Aoife Kerrin 1 3 35 Moira Atkinson 0 1 20
4 Anna Gaskell 1 3 27 Claire Thomson 0 0 15
5 Karen Kennedy 0 0 11 Julie Barr 1 3 27
Total 2 8 124 3 10 126
Competition Points 8 13

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