Monday competition Team Two versus Team Four Lachie versus Holly: Holly is improving week by week, but so is Lachie. Both have come a long way since the beginning of this season, but Lachie’s powerful drives placed him at a great advantage, and he cruised to victory, 87-34. Will (fill-in) versus Laura: A close game that was entertaining to watch. Will took the first three games by narrow margins. Laura fought back to win the final game; a valiant effort but not enough to overcome Will’s lead. Will wins 60-52. Stuart versus Chris: An enthralling point for point battle in which the final result came down to the final point at the final second. Stuart was winning points with perfect serve placement and clever front court boasts. Chris was returning shots that he shouldn’t have been able to reach with amazing backhand flicks and winning points with deft, soft touch. Chris took the prize 60-59. Andrew versus Daniel: This match was emblematic of the ongoing rivalry between these two players. Extended and desperate rallies throughout the four games, the lead changing back and forth regularly. On this occasion it was Andrew just ahead at the end; 54-52. Team One versus Team Five Eric versus Bec: A great battle throughout and another match that demonstrated the progress players are making in their squash skills. Bec battled boldly but Eric edged her out in each game and claimed an 11-point win 62-51. Randy versus Jessica: An entertaining spectacle for spectators. Randy appeared to be forging a victory, winning each of the first three games. Then Jessica fought back. A strong final game enabled her to sneak past Randy by the narrowest possible margin. Final score 62-61. Simon versus Mick: Despite some hard hitting from Mick, Simon played with the finesse we’ve come to expect from him and won each of the four games and ultimately the match. 77-45. Wednesday competition Team One versus Team Five Nicole versus Jordan: Nicole employed an effective strategy of placing the ball in the back corners of the court, but Jordan seized upon any mishits, driving past his opponent and then dropping shots short. Jordan’s technique worked well for him, taking him to a 67-52 victory. Jess versus Matt: Matt is playing some good squash. Jess worked hard and drew the third game. There were some hard-fought rallies throughout the match, but it was Matt who enjoyed the win, 64-49. Michael M versus Michael H: 15 points all at the end of the first game. Then Michael H moved ahead by tightening his shot placement until a lovely drive by Michael M brought the crowd to their feet. Lovely forehand drives from Michael H in the third game. Some amazing rallies in the fourth. Michael H kept edging ahead to finish with a 64-48 win. Team Two versus Team Four Nicole (fill-in) versus Beth: Playing her second game in a row didn’t slow Nicole down. This was an entertaining contest, with the lead changing each game and the rallies getting longer the longer the match went on. At its conclusion there was only one point separating the contestants. Beth’s victory 57-56. Liane versus Nathan: Sunday night practice sessions are paying off for Nathan, demonstrated by good ball placement, particularly along the wall. Liane fought back in the final game but by then Nathan’s victory had been secured. 73-40.
