Difficult conditions for squash

Last Tuesday at Baw Baw Squash was a hot evening, and with the ball rebounding faster and higher, it was difficult for all players to make winning shots.

The first match, on court two, was between Steve Mooney and Lynton McPhail, with Steve prevailing in three games, 9/4, 9/3, and 9/1. Lynton’s shot placement let him down, allowing Steve to gain control of the play.

Next up was Bjorn Hestdal and Oscar Braaksma, with Oscar taking the first game with his power drives, 10/8, but after that Oscar began to tire, allowing Bjorn to win the next three games 9/4, 9/7, 9/3.

Oscar was returning from a few weeks off following the arrival of his fifth child, so a few sleep deprived nights may have been a factor too.

The last match on court two saw Peter Young and Barry Cain face off, but with Peter being a strong three, Barry had an uphill battle. Peter won in three, but Barry put up a great fight and nearly won the third game. Scores 9/1, 9/3, and 9/8.

Peter’s win gave his team, the Swans, one rubber for the night with his opponents, the Eagles, having a rare win, but sufficient to lift them off the bottom of the ladder.

Meanwhile, on court one there was only one match, as the Vultures number one player Chris Cameron was on his honeymoon. The Association congratulates Chris and his beautiful wife.

The match that was played on court one, saw a return bout between Bruce Bowering and Russell Jackson, who have a long history of epic battles.

Again their match went to five games, Bruce winning the first, Russell, always a slow starter, winning the next two, but Bruce came home the strongest. Scores: 9/3, 9/10, 7/9, 9/6, 9/7. An entertaining match to watch.

Order for play for round nine of the summer competition next week is 1, 3, 2. Baw Baw Squash will then break for ChristmasNew Year, and resume on January 16.