Match Report
We went into the first match of the second half of the season with plenty of work to do to retain our status in Division 3. For Sonning we welcomed back James who was joined by John and Stephen. For SC&P Ian Davenport , Jeremy Willis, and acting captain Jim Warren.
First up Stephen faced Ian who was boasting an 80%win rate. However ,without doubt, Stephen his best table tennis of the season. Although Stephen did not win a game, it was pleasing to see how well he played.
Next was James up against Jim. With a new bat James settled down after taking the first game. Being down 7-5 to win the next 6 points. The second was tight as James was again behind 7-4 but came through to edge it 11-9. The third game was much more straight forward as James marched into a 7-0 lead before winning 11-2 to level the match.
Johns then took on Jeremy Willis with a win rate of 85% UnfortunatelyJohn succumbed in three games and although playing some good rallies lacked some inconsistency.
James was back to face Ian and made reasonably light work of his task winning 3 games to love to inflict Ian 4th defeat of the season. The match stood all square at 2-2.
Stephen faced Jeremy and again acquitted himself well. Stephen took a game off Jeremy which is all credit to him. In the first game Stephen was 8-2 down and got an edge. He remarked that ‘ he could do with a few more of those.’
John then faced Jim and was well in the set and must believe in himself. Johns played much more freely in the third game and perhaps in time will push such opponents a lot closer.
Next up the doubles, James was partnered by Cris. The only 5 setter of the evening. The Sonning pair combined well to take game one before SC &P struck back. Game three SC &P took the lead. In game 4 James and Cris were 8-9 down and Cris got the turning point of the set with a stunning backhand smash. Then we took the game 11-9. In game 5, James and Cris took a 5-0 lead and the lead 10-2. To take this set the pair were delighted! So 4-3 down.
The last round of singles. James took on Jeremy who in the first match of the season had beaten James in 4 games. No such repeat. James played much more tactically and again won in three close games.
In sets 9 and 10 we knew that Stephen and Johns faced uphill struggles. Stephen, I think was a little punch drunk as he faced Jim. Not sure which end to go. Etc..All 3 games were close and in game 3 Stephen led 7-2 but was unable to close the game out. Meanwhile Johns faced Ian and although given sound advice how to play, he suggested that he probably found it a bit harder to implement than James would!
All in all a good evening and a respectable result against a strong team.We think we have helped the B team with that scoreline and trust they will beat Tilehurst tonight to help the C team!
By Cris Reynolds
First up Stephen faced Ian who was boasting an 80%win rate. However ,without doubt, Stephen his best table tennis of the season. Although Stephen did not win a game, it was pleasing to see how well he played.
Next was James up against Jim. With a new bat James settled down after taking the first game. Being down 7-5 to win the next 6 points. The second was tight as James was again behind 7-4 but came through to edge it 11-9. The third game was much more straight forward as James marched into a 7-0 lead before winning 11-2 to level the match.
Johns then took on Jeremy Willis with a win rate of 85% UnfortunatelyJohn succumbed in three games and although playing some good rallies lacked some inconsistency.
James was back to face Ian and made reasonably light work of his task winning 3 games to love to inflict Ian 4th defeat of the season. The match stood all square at 2-2.
Stephen faced Jeremy and again acquitted himself well. Stephen took a game off Jeremy which is all credit to him. In the first game Stephen was 8-2 down and got an edge. He remarked that ‘ he could do with a few more of those.’
John then faced Jim and was well in the set and must believe in himself. Johns played much more freely in the third game and perhaps in time will push such opponents a lot closer.
Next up the doubles, James was partnered by Cris. The only 5 setter of the evening. The Sonning pair combined well to take game one before SC &P struck back. Game three SC &P took the lead. In game 4 James and Cris were 8-9 down and Cris got the turning point of the set with a stunning backhand smash. Then we took the game 11-9. In game 5, James and Cris took a 5-0 lead and the lead 10-2. To take this set the pair were delighted! So 4-3 down.
The last round of singles. James took on Jeremy who in the first match of the season had beaten James in 4 games. No such repeat. James played much more tactically and again won in three close games.
In sets 9 and 10 we knew that Stephen and Johns faced uphill struggles. Stephen, I think was a little punch drunk as he faced Jim. Not sure which end to go. Etc..All 3 games were close and in game 3 Stephen led 7-2 but was unable to close the game out. Meanwhile Johns faced Ian and although given sound advice how to play, he suggested that he probably found it a bit harder to implement than James would!
All in all a good evening and a respectable result against a strong team.We think we have helped the B team with that scoreline and trust they will beat Tilehurst tonight to help the C team!
By Cris Reynolds
Written by: Huzeyfe Borazan
