KP1 vs Sydenham1 10/12/2013

Hi readers.

The last match this half, for the warriors of Knole 1 last tuesday 10th,unfortunely finished with a 4/1 loss.

This cannot however be deemed a disappointment since James remains indisposed with his sore paw and Neill was out on the raz somewhere. Had we fielded our full complement (as did the opposition) we would almost certainly have pipped it i think..

Mike S played up from the seconds and was well on his way to reeling in his oppo but ran out of games. With a fully fit shoulder and a bit more match practice I would fancy him to have pulled this one off. Thanks for filling in Mike.

Pete had a messy game against an in and out oppo who seemed a little uncertain about whether to commit fully to the task before him. His evident  discomfort was manifestly expressed latterly in the match by a forcible re-design of his racket and a distinct challenge to the integrity of the  wall plaster on court. Pete took full advantage of the drama and nailed it in 5.

Chris --" what has losing the last game 9/0 got to do with it" -- SB, could not quite re-capture the heroics of his recent endeavours and by his own judjement, played rubbish to go down 3/0. It didnt look like rubbish to myself or the rest of the team, and groupies, who routinely ponder what diet stokes his formidable grunt and "never say die effort".

Maestro Mike W looked destined to wear down his fast , skilful but willowy opponent but even a full on 5 sets did not knock him off track and the match slipped away in the fifth. Mikes speed on occasions seems to defy gravity and "dead" balls often prove to be available for continued rallying. When this raw speed and enviable fitness is more closely mated to more technically efficient movement the combination will be unassailable.

Last, but not least, by a very long shot, was "Socks" Faulkner playing at one, who should be doing some Gillette ads for christmas he was so sharp. This was again a thrilling match which should not have produced a loser such was the work rate and skill.  This was a match from which to draw great satisfaction and confidence and certainly to look forward optimistically to the return game next year at home. These days the balcony is packed and the adoring fans are very vociferous so members would enjoy a great night out supporting the knole team(s) -- and you might even wangle a spot of fluid sustenance and fodder at the pub with a small donation to team funds if you are lucky , as Messrs Skiller, Pople and Willis and others have done in the past..

It only remains for me  to re-iterate how successful the Wilderness/ Knole integration has proceeded and particularly in respect of the two club teams. We look forward to a successful second half with,hopefully , a full team. I wish everybody a happy Christmas and new year and hope everybody can remain fit and healthy and that those who are at present not playing will shortly find themselves able to participate..

Best wishes to all . MJ

KP2 vs Bromley Cricket Club 4 10/12/2013

Knole briefly had a whiff of their first win of the season; quickly dispelled.

It was a night for old men to triumph and returning wounded to show glimpses of their former glories. Gareth rolled back the years to bamboozle Paul; and then Mark made light of the 40 something year age gap to perplex a talented Ryan. Mark's cuts were ideally suited to the cold court and he managed to frustrate the orthodox Ryan in five entertaining games.

That was the end of Knole's joy, though. Stefan stormed to the first against seasoned Alastair, who then found his own brand of flicks and tricks to ease through the next three.

Jerry in his first game back after his Easter skiing accident, found a few touches to give Scott a few anxious moments. But Scott managed to power through his own pain from his bruised biking ribs. Then Tim failed to deal with the Pusey returns - particularly tight on the backhand side. A pity that most of the match was a discussion with the marker, but honours even on the complaints front.

Bromley scraped over the line to deny Knole a pre Christmas present. The Anchor Christmas dinner afterwards was some consolation.

Mark prepares to cut

Christmas at The Anchor

KP1 vs Bexley 4 03/12/2013

Hi gladiators!
 
Such has been the comment generated from last nights game that my job may appear to have been done but no he says loudly..

We have already had one dedicated Berkowitz memorial match but last night surpassed that by a stretch. This was not so much a win nicked from the possibility of a close loss as a majestic do or die victory positively ripped from the jaws of almost inevitable defeat.

I was absolutely knackered by the end of the evening and I was only marking !!!!.
David got his moneys worth (as did everybody) by dropping the first two then steaming back to level. Victory looked set, particularly since his oppo was calling for the lucozade very early in the match and was definitely looking sluggish going into the fifth where he promptly perked up and ran out to 8/0 before David rallied and took 6 straight points. The daunting score line was too much to make up
and a most entertaining and good natured game ran out 3/2 to Bexley..

Niall had an in and out game dropping the first from a great 6/0 start. Recovery in the  third (9/0) and fourth looked set to give a straightforward victory. Having witnessed a LOB then winning DROP combination (the amazement on the balcony was palpable !!) to win this fourth everything looked rosy.. BUT again the opposition had different ideas and came back to take the fifth very confidently ..(3/2 loss)
Two down did not feel atall right for the squash we had been watching but there was much more to come.

The maestro (Mike), who has not just been burning the candle at both ends, but a shed load of candles, and some, did his Duracel bunny impersonation 
and chased EVERYTHING down for another famous five set win. It has to be noted that in the course of this feast a very good STRAIGHT DROP was inserted at the very beginning of the match and i am sure i saw another one later as well. So what is going on here ?? lob/drop from Niall TWO straight drops from Mike all in one match-- one positively salivates for future technical and tactical possibilities.,.

Chris was a boring ****** and just bashed Lee with no mercy -- very impressive domination of a handy oppo..

AND last but not least , the match at two all, and enough excitment to keep us going for weeks already, Pete steps up..You guessed, Pete goes two up looking very handy against Andy (!!).  7/1 up in the third -- no sweat. lose the third 9/7  ho hum. Lose the fourth 9/6 -- ho bloody hum my ..... !!. 6/5 in the fifth and nothing in it. This is a six pointer -- no pressure methinks. Andy has straps on both knees and
is carrying some extra ballast around his midrift but he is still going and moving surprisingly well . But all night Pete had been killing the hard flat 
cross court forhand and finally nails it for another famous 3/2 win.
Match win 3/2 -- 18 points ,, unbelievable.

This was the longest match I can remember for years but Barry dished us up a worthy feast much enjoyed by all. The balcony again was packed with messrs Hall / Pople/ myself / Creek (pub) and all the players and we may well remember this one for some time..
 
Brilliant match guys , great team result . This is why we love playing and watching our sport..  

MJ

KP2 vs Poultwood2 03/12/2013

Match report – Poultwood 2 v Knole 2 on  3/12/13

Having gained - and then lost – Chris Skiller the previous week due to a recurrence of a long term knee injury, Knole 2nd team again had to call on all the available resources for the trip to Poultwood.

They met a team that would have been largely composed of Wiltons, were it not for the injury to father Bruce.  

Poult’s captain Peter Lewis had too much skill for visiting skip John Creek in spite of a second game lapse.  Gary Mitchell showed much of his old art in beating fellow vet John McCue.  Both these matches showed the benefit of straight and accurate play with a cold and unresponsive front wall.

Stefan had a ding-dong first game against the younger Wilton, who unfortunately pulled up lame with a sore throat after narrowly losing it – first blood in the battle of the southpaws to KP.  Then young leftie Alex almost did the same to Gareth, proving too quick and strong for Knole stalwart.

Finally Mark succumbed to the graceful power of Wilton mum Candy.  To quote Mark, ‘if I had been ten years younger’. 

So another low points loss for Knole, who may now be reduced to propping up the base of Division 6 for a while, while acting as a feeder squad for the high-flying 1st team.    Still, relegation is not an option (in the bottom league).

http://kent-squash.countyleagues.co.uk/

26/11/2013 KP1 vs Cobdown

Unfortunately Cobdown only managed to bring three players due to a bad run of injuries. Well, at 6:45 we had 1. The other 4 (and supporters) were stranded by a fire at London Bridge. Anyway, the match started at 8.20 as David had arrived. Niall turned up a bit later and Chris S-B by just after 9. In the end it was a fairly overwhelming victory with 20 points in the bag by 9:40.

Same team next week - plus Pete and one. League update below:

http://kent-squash.countyleagues.co.uk/

Best

JC

12/11/2013 KP1 vs The Park Club

As he headed off into the sunset, Mark did mumble something about a match report.  So here, for one time only is the Spectator’s view.

On the positive side, there was a good turn-out of support for Knole’s depleted warriors.  And with the absence of the Park Club’s #1 George Fray announced, a sniff of a result was sensed.

David demolished a far from fit John Hogwood (a talented player, but one who clearly knew he was limited by weight and hams) in 3 quick games.  Didn’t have time even to coach David in between games.

Pete was despatched equally smartly 3-0 by Andy Lewin who moved deceptively quickly and hit the ball hard with his left hand.  He rather bullied Pete off the court, although if Pete could have hung on for another few games, he might have got back in.

Niall held his own for two games against a similar styled Mike Watson (whom we haven’t seen before).  After 1-1, a few too many errors from Niall and Mike found his range and touch.  1-3.

Meanwhile Chris S-B – rapidly assuming the smash mantle – smashed Carlos hard for a game and a half.  Carlos gave him the rest of the 2nd game 0/9 after an apparently bad call, but then reversed the score 9/0 in the 3rd as Chris eased up. Maybe the attempted drop shot (or was it two?) and a few more errors in the 4th, while Chris tried to get some momentum back made it 2-2.  Then a bit more smashing wore Carlos down by the middle of the 5th  and he surrendered meekly at the end.  So 2-2 in rubbers and expectations of the usual grandstand finish.

Mike was up against George Fray’s brother Phil (looked more like his dad, I thought).  They were evenly matched for most of the early exchanges.  Again Phil seemed to have the home court edge as Mike faded and showed surprising stamina and speed.  Sadly the threepeat miracle was not to be this week. 1-3 and 2-3 overall.  8 points picked up in the battle for 3rd place in the league.  It will take a storming second half season to rise.

A first for me during this match – I’ve never seen as big a sidewall nick than the one which trapped the ball and sent it back towards the front of the court.  No let given  (same for both players, I guess).  I hope the mice didn’t get a headache.

A fine spread of pub fried fare afterwards – much better than the old takeaways we used to get.  During supper:

MrJimHall told us about his foot and shoe implants – I think.  That has to be good news, doesn’t it. 

MrSleepers reminded us that he will be coming back taut and trained after a couple of weeks r&r – and looking to displace any aspiring 5th stringers.

Mike confirmed his absence for the next two fixtures, also for a much deserved foreign jaunt. 

Vice Match Reporter John

05/11/2013 KP1 vs Sundridge Park2

This should be entitled the HULK SMASH SLAM DUNK memorial game on account of how much Gary berkowitz would have enjoyed it.
 
Phew, what a week! Monday in Manchester with James to see Nick Matthew move forward to winning the world crown by beating Ramy (albeit due to injury
retirement)  then later Greg Gaultier in the final. Well done Nick --- fortuitous maybe, but you can only play what is put in front of you!!
 
Wed at the O2 to see Rafa do a number on Wawrinka and return to top spot on the tour (and probably to win the whole tournament ??) Also Roger got THREE separate awards for humanitarian work and good sportsmanship (13th consecutive!!) The very close nature of Rafas game just highlighted how small the margins are and explains why just a small drop off by Feds is impacting
so hard on his ability to dominate..
 
And sandwiched in the middle a memorable Knole 1 match !!!..
 
David was at his imperious best and made Jim look flat ordinary , which is some achievement since all the number 1.s i this league have a pretty good idea which end of the bat to hold. The all court game variety and early takes and kills just left Jim standing most of the time and the writing was on the wall well before half time..
 
Niall and Mark were disappointed with their efforts but will live to fight another day and tantalizingly set up what was to follow ( both 3/0 losses)

Very soon the gloom was descending on the possibility of a 4/1 thrashing with the overall score at 2/1 down and Chris s b down 2/0. Chris however had different ideas and carved out a brilliant 3/2 win. Richard had Chris on a string all over the court but his do-or die retrieving and chasing of lost  causes just negated Richards tactical and technical experience and he just ran out of ideas and puff..(3/2 win)
 
Pete entered the fray with uncertainty about his sore paw but it stood up to a thoroughly compelling and rigorous match. Many match balls were 
reached and lost and it went the full distance with no obvious indication of who would finally prevail. A fine all court game (3/2 win). Such was the interest that Chris was literally hanging from the rafters being unable to secure a decent spot on the gallery.

With no away game for the second team the groupie count was most impressive and the protagonists were enthusiastically encouraged by both teams 
as well as Messrs Skiller/Willis/Creek/Hall/Myself all of whom enjoyed the following social.
 
This was a blinding result in the absence of the maestro -- business in Singapore -- pah ! what a pitifull excuse. James has finally had to bail out and let his toes heal properly and clearly the doubt about Pete,s possible durability with his wrist problem was lurking -- hope there has been no adverse reaction since !!??.
 
To mangle a notable soccer term this was definitely a match of (approx) three thirds.
To lift another perennial favourite -- you cannot win the league in the first half but you sure can lose the opportunity to do so-- this kept us in the hunt.
This was "hanging -in" at its very best, well played ALL .. Niall and maybe Mark will no doubt have the opportunity at some later date to be the "heros"
 
Well done all ,and keep up the training !!  Mark Johnson
 
(PS --Gary -- hope you have managed to get yourself involved in some squash fun at home -- best wishes from all)

29/10/2013 KP1 vs Waterfront 1

Welcome result 3/2 win last night with a packed gallery.

Unfortunately we now have two warriors with saw paws. James continues to have toe problems but valiantly pitched up again to push everyone
down the order and we needed that assistance to win . The slow thoughtful game with more attempted kills is working well and almost nailed the third game. A fully fit Mr hall will certainly be able to mix it with all these guys. (3/0 loss)

Didn't see any of Petes game but the wrist was a real hindrance I believe -- hope its good for next week pete..(3/1 loss)

David had a rather unexpected marathon v Simon who played his socks off and put in the best performance i have seen from him. I have had some tussles with simon and am well aware how difficult it is to play all those short winners, particularly off service. Great one to win David and you showed great control to nail it in the fifth (3/2 win)

Both Niall and Mike put in sterling mid order wins  ( both 3/0) but had to put in committed effort . A good run was had by all -- well played everybody.
 
See you all next week  hoping the walking wounded feel a lot more capable ..

Best wishes Mark Johnson.

22/10/2013 KP1 vs Blackheath2

Narrow loss last night  v very good Blackheath side. (l 3/2)

John nicked a valuable point against their capable captain but the low percentage attack game rendered too many errors to prevail. (l 3/1)

Pete had a scrappy battle with Shawn who looks difficult to get around on court..

By his own judgement Pete can do better ,, so next week looks tempting ??.(l 3/1)

Mike had a humdinger with Nico and only nicked it in a close 5th -- both players thoroughly enjoying the run out having a somewhat similar game -- good to watch for the groupie onlookers , James and myself.(w 3/2)

Niall played a new guy who could have been a one. Tom was basically a bit too good all round but I didn't see a great deal of the game.(l 3/0)

David gave us an exhibition in taking the ball very early and using the whole court with subtle pace/ direction changes.. -- a joy to watch vs a difficult young player to contain -- a longer match would have been very interesting ! ( w 3/0)
 
Very well played all but we look forward to James getting properly back on the saddle to make a real impression on this league.

Best wishes MJ

15/10/2013 KP1 vs Old Elthamians 1 (Home)

A very good start with 18 points.

James did a valiant  job under toe pressure and apparently (i didnt see much of his game) slowed it right down to take the match to a close fourth set having also
taken the second set to 10/8 from an 8/7 gameball! ( 3/1 loss). Hanay beat Keith a couple of months ago so he is certainly no mug and the way he buried the first few shots was awsome. Thanks for playing champ.

David is just a cheat !!?? -- he obviously has a string attached surreptitiously to the ball such was his close ball control. Of course it does help if you can move
like an athletic (mature) cheetah. Ash can be a bit of a handful I am told, however such was the dominance of David's play that he obviously could not
see the point in getting agitated and managed to garner only 7 points in the whole match !!!. ( 3/0 win)

Niall sorted out Keith with very little drama. It appears that Neal Murphy marked the game like a brain dead donkey (according to his own guys) so maybe that 
provided a little bit of entertainment !!?? (shame -- I did not see this one either) (3/0 win)

Mike at 4 -- we jest surely -- Baz was always onto a bit of a hiding but a good sweat was worked up by all. Job well done Mikey boy !.(3/0 win)

I marked Petes game which ended up being a longer affair than it should have been and i missed most of the other action. The match was litered with chunks of point runs and hand in hand out sequences. It looked rather as if many good kill opportunities were spurned and the front court drops were very shaky
but i would give my left arm to move around like that..(3/1 win)

Well played all , would be great to put out this team all season but we all know that is a bit of a dream..