Sonning welcomed OLOP C for our return league match. For Sonning Grant, Harry and Brett. For our opponents,  Binit, Pradeep and Shawnik.

Grant kicked off the match against Pradeep and took the first game. At 9-9 in the second we thought Grant might clinch the second game. However Pradeep managed to get advantage and Grant found the net with a forehand smash. So all square. Grant took the third game and in the fourth game was 4-2 to turn it around to 7-4. It was nip and tuck with Pradeep working hard to get back on level terms. Grant had Mach points at 11-10 and 12-11. Grant could not quite get over the line and lost the crucial fourth 15-13. Pradeep then built up an early lead in the decider and won in a comfortable manner. A great effort by Grant who admitted he ‘should have the won the fourth game.’

Brett was up against Binit. Another close set. In game one Brett led 9-6 before Binit came back to win 14-12. In game two Brett was 6-2 down before coming back to 10-8 down. Brett levelled to 10-10 before again Binit won the game 14-12! Brett won the third game but Binit took the set in the fourth game. Some great rallies and Binit was hitting his top spin smashes with good effect!

In set 3 Harry faced Shawnik. We know the number of times Harry ends up playing 5 games and this was another example. Harry lost the first game before coming back to win the next two. Shawnik levelled to make it all square after 4 games before Harry saw out the match in the fifth game.  So 2-1 down.

The second set of singles saw Brett face Pradeep and some great rallies followed with smashes by each player being returned.A great watch but unfortunately Brett did not get the better of the edges or net cords and lost in three games.

Grant then played Shawnik and won comfortably in three games.

Then in set 6 Harry opposed Binit and this set went to four games. Harry played well to take the first game but Binit took the next three games to win the set.

In set 7 the doubles match. Grant and Brett against Binit and Pradeep. We did not put the names on the scorecard! Unfortunately OLOP won in three games.

Then in the last round of singles the games were stupendous. Brett played Shawnik and the game went to five games. it was a regret that Sonning lost it 11-9 in the decider!

Harry played Pradeep and it was best match of the night. I said to Harry he was ‘rolling back of the years’ as he played superbly. However he lost 11-9 in the fifth game. Pradeep was playing well as well. Grant umpired this set and said that was by far the best match of the evening. So well done Harry.

The final set was Grant and Binit. Grant did not manage to test Binit too much and the skipper of OLOP maintained his 90% average in the Division of wins.

It was fun evening with a ball landing in a pint! Two members struggled with injuries but carried on playing.

Cris Reynolds