- At 1, Paul pushed his opponent (Ravanth) very hard and from corner to court corner, especially in the first 2 games, where Paul clinched a win in the second game. It could be seen that Paul’s concentration perhaps slightly ‘wavered’ after querying one (or two calls) from the referee. A very intense game was in evidence throughout. Although culminating in a 1-3 loss, a sterling effort was demonstrated from our home player. Having played the previous evening for the B team, this also showed the high level of fitness called upon. Ravanth was delighted with his visit to Bridgend, not only due to his win, but he was clearly spoilt rotten by Linda’s (Mikes Mum) Vegetarian offering of Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Shredded cheese and ‘Meat free’ Meat balls. Despite the rest of the team enjoying the magnificent delights of Chicken Curry, envious glances towards Ravanth’s feast were evident and some were even considering converting to Vegetarianism (albeit perhaps for the wrong reasons).
- At 2, Ben played Bertie (real name). Ben will be the first to admit nerves gets the better of him during team matches, this match being no exception. A 1-3 loss however belied the tremendous effort Ben put into this match. Whilst clinching the second game, Ben displayed exactly what he is capable of and gave ‘Bertie a Bashing’. The author refereed and whilst it was clear that Bertie was an extremely skilled and competent player, his knowledge of the rules left me wondering if it was a fluke that he could play the game of squash at all. After the first game, the author had to seek Bertie out, as, after a very, very long spell, he had not returned on court. He was eventually located, on the balcony, watching the other game in progress. A very strange event, which I can only put down to perhaps excessive pot noodle, or pot something, consumption, as can be that of a University students’ diet (disclaimer: not all students of course). Unlucky Ben, perhaps the greatest effort on display overall, this based on having to overcome the curse of the jitters.
- At 3, Chris (Beale) played Joe. At 21, Joe has 40 years of ‘less hardened’ arteries and ‘less worn’ joints, than Chris. As such, Joe continued to improve and saw off Chris in a demonstration of youth, coupled with the advantage of having low body mass. Chris also ran around like a man possessed and reflected the time and energy where Chris’s attendance at the Halo Gym and Pilates classes paid off. Note that Chris had also played for the B team the night before and won his match. The scores above showed Chris was a whisker away from beating Joe with a narrow loss at 2-3. Tremendous squash skills and deceptive shots, unlucky Chris. Joe intends to celebrate this win by purchasing his ever first shaving kit. Well played both players.
- At 4, Crispin (only one way to spell this correctly and I think/hope this it!) also narrowly lost 2-3. Crispin played Oli, a very fit and skilful squash player. You could tell that Crispin had Oli worried as players tend to blink ‘very rapidly’ just before receiving a serve from his opponent after a previously lost point – an observation recorded in the famous Squash Bible (‘How to Play squash and with the least amount of Effort’ Author: G Jones, 1922, Publisher: ‘Chilling, Houghton & Sorting’). A fantastic display of skill and prowess, as usual, from Crispin, who does like to get his monies worth by playing 5 setters (whenever possible). Close one Crispin, unlucky.
- At 5, What can we say that hasn’t already been said. Here are the facts: James (Musketeer) Ridd wins again – a 3-0 stuffing. James played Louis, a six foot four and lithe young Student, who looked perhaps a little new to the game, but showed great fighting spirit and was seen to throw in some canny (careful spelling!) shots. We think Louis has only now very recently recovered from his encounter from the formidable James. Tip: Watch James stroke his left ear lobe before he serves – a sure indicator (and an observed trait of James) that his next point will be a winner. Well done James.
As always, thanks to all Bar staff for looking after the Squash teams and to Jana for allowing us to use the club’s kitchen facilities. Thanks to Linda (Mikes Mum) for provided us with lovely home cooked food as always.
Games remaining this season include one more home game (Thursday 16th November) and three away games, last game being scheduled for 13th December
Author: Gareth Jones (Incumbent Bridgend C team Captain)
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