Match Report  (Courtesy of Nick Denney)

  Flamstead 1st   3 - 7   Adeyfield 1st

The absence of Dave Wackrill at least meant there would be no debate as to who would compose tonight's match report. I would gladly have relinquished the duty for an always great read from Dave. 

Two strong teams tonight with Mark York (my vote for player of the season, so far) kicking things off against myself. This match almost always goes the distance, with tonight being no exception, with the ’non stage’ end being more favourable as the first four games were shared. Mark, however, got off to a very fast start in the decider, leading 5-1 at the change, and managed to see the victory through. Great game between Marc Brent and Mike Boardman next up, with Marc taking the first but then Mike got into his stride with strong attacks from both wings taking the next three games 7, 4, and 9. Nigel Finn (fresh from recent wins against Ken Stonebridge and Gary Keers) opted to leave the pimpled bat in his bag this evening, and got off to a great start against Angela Smith, taking the first game 12-10, but then fell away somewhat in the following two losing them to 4, and 2 respectively. He almost took it to a deciding leg but Angela hung on to take the 4th 12-10. Mark recorded a very comfortable win against Marc who never really got into the game and I managed to overcome Nigel. Angela vs Mike always provides a great match up, with tonight being no exception, however Mike was just that little bit better on this occasion, taking three very closely contested games. I then had the pleasure of umpiring the ‘marathon’ game of the evening with Nigel taking the first two legs only for Marc to come back to level at 2-2. Momentum was with Marc however Nigel tightened up his attacking strokes with Marc trying to force him back with some very deep (but sometimes wayward) pushes and Nigel claimed the decider 11-7. Angela then recorded a 3-0 win against Mark, which I’m sure she was very pleased with having lost to him earlier in the season from being 2-0 up. Once again I couldn’t quite get on top of Mike, losing the first leg 11-7 and then annoyingly losing the second from having a 6-2 lead. I gave myself a chance by winning the next, but once again Mike was too strong, taking the 4th leg 11-6. A 7-3 win for Adeyfield was wrapped up with some amazing counter hitting smashes from Mark York in the doubles.

Our pet spider thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening!