Neil Le Milliere wrote:

A match that looked as though it was going to be a runaway win for Comets was in the end just a quite good win. With two five setters in the first four going to Comets and also two four leggers it took a great performance by Mike to get Castaways on the plus side of the scorecard. 

Unfortunately, Neil could keep the momentum going losing three straight to Laikram, an all too familiar scoreline recently between these two. Mike came back to the table to complete the double over the Father and Son Fagans. Johnny then took inspirations from Mike and won three straight against Laikram, 

Unfortunately, again, Neil couldn’t respond to keep the hopes of a draw alive though he did manage to get to nine all in the fifth when in a an unbelievable moment the ball broke as Neil was about to go 10-9 up, let called and Cain took the next two points to ensure Neil had an egg on the night and first of the season. 

The doubles was another cracking match and it looked as though the strange partnership of Johnny and Mike would overcome Cain and Laikram but it was not to be and the latter ran out winners in five, 

So, an unusual match where four players won two (all three of Comets plus Mike) and the player of the match was on the losing side. A significant result in the race for the title and leaves Comets in a good position but with Nat West still to play its not done and dusted yet. 

All players went down to the Speaker to clink glasses and, as always, conduct a fundamental analysis of the match whilst sharing beers.

Neil

####################################################################

Winston Wong wrote:

Both teams were undefeated prior to tonight, so it was all to play for.
Castaways team were: Johnny Bispham, Neil Le Milliere, and Mike Loveder, whilst Comets A team were: Cain Fagan, Steve Fagan, and Laikram Persaud.

The first four games went to Comets.
However, Castaways showed Comets that they were no 'push-overs' and thing's started to change when Mike Loveder beat Cain Fagan 3-1.
Game on!
In the 6th game between Laikram and Neil, these two players met so many times in the past and they knew each other's game so well. In the end, Laikram came on top by beating Neil 3-0.
Then came Mike to the rescue  by beating Steve 3-0, followed by Johnny thrashing Laikram 3-0. At this point, Castaways were 5-3 down and they needed to win the next 2 games in order to get a draw.
In the 9th game between Cain and Neil, it was like watching a boxing match!
The turning point was at 9-9 in the final set when the ball broke and a new ball was used. Neil lost the next two points after that! Unlucky Neil.
Finally, in the doubles, it was Cain/Laikram v Johnny/Mike, there were a lot of "twists & turns" in this match, which resulted in another five setter. In the end, the Comets pair came back from 2-1 down to beat the Castaways pair 3-2.
Overall, it was a very good performance by both teams and everyone contributed their part to make it an entertaining evening.

Well done to Mike for getting the "player of the match" award.

Afterwards, both teams headed towards the Speakers and had a few drinks while discussing the post match results.
I am sure that Richard will add more detailed report in his bulletin later.

Kind regards,
Winstion