Match Report
The "Big Match" between the top 2 teams in Division 3 was played at the Village Hall last night!!
Both teams arrived early, the match started before 7pm and finished at 10.20 with a repeat of the scoreline from the first half a 5-5 draw. Taverners and Vikings continue to have an identical playing record with 96 points and each with a final match to play.
What of the match itself? Well, it was quickly apparent that the Viking players were up for the "fight" and had arrived like a "coiled spring" ready to be unleashed on the Taverners! As a result ,the evening was pretty tetchy at times and not one I would like to experience too often. Being competitive is one thing but one must always try to respect the opposition and not go overboard with poor behaviour.
Having said all this, the evening, as it should be, was very competitive with only 1 set settled in 3 games, 6 in 4 games and 2 in 5.
Player of the Match for the ninth time this season was Martin who is playing better than ever! Fortified by his powerful forehand and excellent use of his bat rubbers which seems to intimidate some of his opponents, Martin is unstoppable at present and is sure to grace Division 2 again next season. Taverners are lucky to have him!
Colin beat Bill but then faltered against Chris and Charun which was a bit of a surprise to him but, as we know, there are often small margins between winning and losing. I again failed to pick up a valuable point but it was not for the lack of trying. I took both Chris and Bill to 5 but not for the first time lost out narrowly in the final leg. What I really need is a Martin Dilkes forehand!!
Taverners secured the draw with another win in the doubles (now no loss in all 13 matches so far this season) with Martin and Colin doing the business this time.
Just some final comments on Torre Vikings. With both Chris and Charun playing together for only the second? time this season and with Bill playing instead of Captain Steve R, Vikings fielded their strongest team, all in the leading averages, and Taverners needed Martin to be on top form to gain a draw. With this team playing regularly, a Division 2 slot should be considered more than viable in season 2024/25.
Finally, a mention for Steve R who came along to support his team and did nearly all the scoring. Thank you Steve.
Geoff
Written by: Geoff Read
