Surrey v St George's ... the SOBO report

The celebrations of last seasons victory lasted well into October…punctuated by Vicky’s retirement (sort of) from squash, Davide’s anger management courses, the odd victory or two against David Palmer by Peter and Wael going about his business winning the Petrosport Open, albeit in his back garden …

That said and done, onto the main event. The St. George’s crew have a young look and feel to them and Manager, Danny Lee should be congratulated for fielding such a team in the PSL; Rachel Wilmott, Joe Lee, Tom Richards, Mark Krajcsak and led by Daryl Selby.

First up on the main court, Vicky vs. Rachel.

In truth, the result here was never in doubt but Rachel acquitted herself well in the first and third before succumbing to a 3-0 defeat. The most amusing part of this match was watching the two ladies attempt to depart the court at 9-6 only to be ordered back by the (most scary) ref who advised them that scoring was to 11 for the ladies as well as the men this season!

Vicky in particular looked somewhat puzzled before duly winning the next two points anyway. Still, most amusing.

Surrey 1 – 0 St George’s

On the adjacent court, Ben Ford was half asleep against young Joe Lee. Truth be told, I don’t think Joe did anything amazing on there. He was solid, error free and hit some pretty decent stuff but Ben by comparison seemed to be trying to kill the points early and unfortunately, it wasn’t working. Joe picked up most things with interest and deservedly took a 2-0 lead.

Of all our team, Ben Ford has the game I personally, most admire and whilst logic would suggest that at 2-0 down and looking pretty knackered against a young and fit opponent, it would be all over pretty quickly, it was all change in the third.

His shots were tighter which gave him more time on the ball and he deservedly took the third game. However, despite a monumental effort in the fourth, Joe kept his discipline to sneak the fourth on a tie break for a well earned 3-1 win. Well played mate!

Surrey 1 – 1 St George’s (grrr…)

Davide vs. Mark
This was another that turned out to be pretty straightforward. Davide looked comfortably throughout but the match was most notable for an incident in the second. The ref made a decision; not massively controversial by any stretch but with enough doubt for Davide to get somewhat upset.

BUT HE DIDN’T!

Instead, his anger management trainer (Vicky Botwright) was seen making finger-on-lips gestures at her Italian “patient” and despite an obvious struggle, he adhered. Imagine if you can, Davide with all the gesticulation but the mouth remaining firmly shut. Most amusing.

Anyway, that aside, a good, solid 3-0 win earnt without too much drama. Well done Vicky.

Surrey 2 – 1 St George’s (Happy days…)

Tim Garner vs. Tom

I apologise but I didn’t see any of this one but I’m told that Captain Tim put in a valiant effort and even had the audacity to burgle a game from Tom RichardsJ All said and done though and despite a quality effort by our captain, a 3-1 victory for St George’s in this one.

Surrey 2 – 2 St George’s (grrr…)

Peter vs. Daryl
And so, with the tie poised at two matches apiece, the number one strings took to the court. Peter Barker, having recently returned from a jaunt to the US where he beat David Palmer not once but twice in Chicago and Baltimore must have been full of confidence. Daryl Selby on the other hand hasn’t been making the same waves as Peter but, (and I say this with a begrudging respect for the opposition…) he has an uncanny knack of beating quality opposition when it matters; just ask both Peter and Stewart Boswell. Daryl is annoyingly GOOD if you get my drift.

So good in fact that despite some monster rallies and superb retrieval from both players, Daryl took a 2-0 lead and looked on course for an almost shock result. Peter duly came good though and after almost two hours and the odd questionable call from the ref, Peter and the Surrey Health & Racquets team emerged 3-2 victors.

Surrey 3 – 2 St George’s (Never in doubt!)

Much closer than we might have hoped but the TWP sponsored St. Georges outfit in truth, deserved every point they got. Their next match is against Bristol. If Daryl plays Adrian, I wouldn’t plan on anything other than a room at a local hotel as I guarantee that it’ll go the full distance!

Talking of distance…as for the champions, I believe our next fixture has us on an Israelites journey down to Exeter. Anyone know what the time difference is down there?

As you were…

David Sobo