Matches enthrall despite absences

Due to injury, illness, family and work commitments, attendance was significantly depleted for Round 12 of Baw Baw Squash last Tuesday.

However, there were two enthralling matches played between evenly-matched contestants.

Both matches were long affairs that went to five sets, providing great entertainment for the small band of spectators.

The first of these encounters was between Lynton McPhail and Joe Cicala.

In the first game neither player could gain an advantage with the serve swapping regularly from numerous hand-outs. In the end it boiled down to a tie-breaker that Joe won 10/8.

The second game was quite a contrast to the rest of the match. Joe took the first four points and looked to be in control, but Lynton came back strongly to take out the game 9/4 denying Joe any further points.

Unlike the other games this one was punctuated by numerous unforced errors from both players.

With the match level the next two games were hard slog, both going to tie-breaks. Lynton got the third 10/8 and Joe responded by winning the fourth, also 10/8.

In the final game Joe got off to a good start but Lynton proved the steadier, finally running out the winner 9/5.

Lynton played a different style of game to his usual, forcing his opponent back at every opportunity and putting him on the defensive. This proved to be the winning difference. Many of his shots were of such good length that Joe had great difficulty digging them out.

It was his first win for the season and to do it in such fine style has earnt him this week’s player of the round award.

In the other five-set match Björn Hestdal prevailed over Charlie Hamilton.

Björn won the first game comfortably 9/4. After the break Charlie stormed back into contention with his fast-paced game and strong drives that left his opponent out of position and vulnerable to his drop shots.

The result was 9/3 in Charlie’s favour. The third set was tight with both players on their game. Charlie eventually prevailed 9/7 to take a 2-1 lead.

Björn’s greatest weapon, his consistent and extraordinarily difficult to return serve, proved to be the difference in the remainder of the match which concluded 9/5, 9/5 in his favour.

With three rounds to go the Hawks and Crows look to have the top two spots sewn up and the Swans are still a chance to unseat the Eagles for a place in the finals.

Order of play tonight is 3-2-1 for a 7.30pm start.