Hawks into grand final
In Baw Baw Squash semi-final night last Tuesday it was the Hawks who gained entry to the grand final by defeating the Crows 2-6-71 to 1-5-69.
The Crows will meet the Vultures in the preliminary final tonight. They put the Eagles out of contention with a 2-6-74 to 1-4-60 win.
The number three contests went as predicted with Peter Young and Steve Andrews each having convincing three-game wins over their opponents.
Although Barry Cain and Bruce Bowering tried valiantly to take control of their matches, Peter and Steve both played attacking squash with good placement that led to many outright winners. In the end Peter beat Barry 9/2, 9/1, 9/3 and Steve was too strong for Bruce 9/2, 9/5, 9/0.
At the number two level Charlie Hamilton and Björn Hestdal were at it again.
This time Björn took the early lead 9/5 after out-positioning Charlie. Charlie struck back immediately by reversing the roles to win the second game 9/3.
At this point, as often happens, Björn began to question his own mobility and why he continues to play the game in his advancing years. Although it may have given Charlie a psychological advantage, once play started again those sentiments were put aside. The third game was a do-or-die struggle which saw both players take the lead.
After a tie-break Björn gained the ascendancy with a 10/8 win. He also gained momentum that proved insurmountable for Charlie who finally succumbed 9/5.
Steve Mooney’s 9/5, 9/5, 9/6 win over Joe Cicala was not enough to get his team into the next round.
The match was highlighted by great movement from both players. Joe’s ability to pick up seeming winners was, unfortunately for him, not sufficient to counteract Steve’s greater variety of shots and his powerful drives to a good length.
In the other contest between number ones, the two top-graded players faced off.
Jason Tainton looked totally in command after a 9/0 demolition of Jim Wilkinson in the first game.
Jim looked sluggish which may have been caution after a recent injury. Stung into action he threw caution to the wind in the second game with a heightened desire to get to the ball. In doing so he was then able to utilise his vast array of strokes and strategies to put Jason under pressure, forcing uncharacteristic errors.
Jim won the game 9/6 and Jason had to find some answers. This he did by cutting out the mistakes, hitting tighter shots and getting a better depth. In the end he controlled the final two games to finish with scores of 9/2, 9/4.
Tonight’s preliminary final begins at 7.30pm with the order of play being 3-2-1.