SQUASH NOTES
As the crowd began to build the anticipation could be felt — number six pair Neroli Eddy and Sam Kelly walked on the court — Numurkah Squash Club’s grand final night had arrived.
Kelly showed how much he has learned about the game of squash in his short career, continually wrong-footing his opponent with his deft flicks.
Eddy also showed she is really starting to strengthen her fitness, allowing her to keep the ball away from her opposition.
Eddy was defeated by Kelly, but as her experience increases, she will be a force to be reckoned with.
The farming pair of Max Hall and Christine Poort marched onto the court with grim determination.
The petite Poort, a newcomer to line three, put up a great fight.
The match was close and played in good spirit but Hall proved too strong.
In a surprising development, Marco Franco declared he was unable to play due to injury.
After much debate, Jack Kelly — the Drover number five — stepped up to play against the Bulldog number four Nick Pettigrove in what proved to be a well-fought match.
Kelly began the match demonstrating strong drives and a huge reach taking out the first game.
Kelly’s relentless fast pace unsettled the strategic Pettigrove, with Kelly taking out the match in three games.
Will Watkins faced-off against Sam McPherson in a match that lived up to the hype with many hard-fought points and long rallies.
McPherson grabbed the early lead and the first and second game, putting Watkins under pressure.
The crowd hushed with shifting momentum as Watkins took out the third game with a never-saydie attitude.
Watkins reached into his bag of tricks to force the match to five games.
In a tantalising end to the match that saw both players on seven each for several minutes before McPherson closed out the match, bringing his team closer to premiership glory.
As the crowd adjourned to the Shamrock Hotel, the Bulldog premiers — David Poort, Sam McPherson, Max Hall, Nick Pettigrove, Eve Vandergeest and Sam Kelly — were congratulated by the Drover runners-up — Will Watkins, Christine Poort, Marco Franco, Jack Kelly and Neroli Eddy.
Line winners for the competition were Sam McPherson, Dave Kelly, Marco Franco, Jack Kelly and Sam Kelly.
Encouragement awards were given to promising juniors Eamon Storer and Hudson Storer.
The club person award, voted on by all members, for fair play and attitude was given to Will Watkins.
Members and prospective members are reminded it will be a grading hit-up night next Monday night, with the competition starting the following Monday. New members are always welcome. Phone David Kelly on 0417 93 045 for more information.