Marple IV 18  New Mills 05      It wasn’t cricket….Oh no!!

I guess we’d expected (and hoped for) an easy game to round off the season, but then Marple had other plans, and put out a team that was much stronger than expected. Dave started off the evening against Jonathan Crebbin, and seemed to be suffering from the cold courts, with completely white fingers. Although Dave always looked the better player on past form, he struggled to impose his game and, dropping the third, looked as if the match might go the whole way. Fortunately Dave managed to pick up again to close out the 4th and take the first rubber of the match (also putting Dave at no 2 in the Division overall – a very creditable result). Ian then went on at 5 against the young Russell Wickens, who has had a mixed season. Ian was out of the blocks like a greyhound and shot to a 6-0 lead before Russell was able to get into his stride and found some winning drop shots. Although Ian was able to hold on for the first game, the next two were dominated by Russell’s accurate volleys, intercepts and unbelievable flukes. Ian regrouped for the 4th, raised the pace, and was able to put Russell under pressure again, securing a game point but succumbing to a 10-8 loss through two more irretrievable flukes from Russell. If Ian had been able to enforce his game earlier, the outcome might have been different, but he had to concede to a better home player on the night. Jan then faced Anton Kleban again, having lost 3-1 to him in the first half. In the first set, Anton played the same style as Jan, with weighted lobs and accurate drops, and Jan was not able to get into her stride. As Anton tired, Jan was able to increase the pressure and put in some excellent rallies. At times, and after a number of characteristic rants with the marker to increase her adrenaline, she looked as if she might turn the tables, but Anton stuck to his plan and was able to eke out another 3-1 win.

Charlie was completely overwhelmed by Mark D’Souza, who looks to be playing well below his position in the 4th team. His court sense and ball play, presumably from previous racket sports, were refreshing, but difficult for Charlie to read, and with Charlie being somewhat off form, Mark was able to impress his game and run out an easy winner. This left Rick to salvage some pride for the team, and although he seemed suitably motivated, once on court, his game was lacklustre, full of errors with poor lengths and most of his trademark drop shots hitting the tin. Anthony Spring was quick to capitalise on what was surely one of Rick’s worst performances this year, and a shame for him to go out on this form when he has played so well throughout the season. So a disappointing night, but a friendly affair, rounded off by the usual soup, curry and banter and a fine pint or two of Black Sheep.

It’s been a long year, using only 8 players, so achieving  5th spot  against some quality competition is commendable. The season has seen an improvement in some team members, and willingness in others to try and compete at what is still a relatively high level. If we can encourage a few more people to pick up the baton, and if the league reforms for the next season, we may be able to consider fielding a regular second team. The rest is up to the players.
Thanks to our guest writer for an excellent report and accurate summery.

New Mills 07 Hyde CC IV 17           

Squash over the past few years has somewhat waned with clubs dropping teams at an alarming rate. New Mills were once able to field six teams with clubs such as Stockport fielding many more. Standards have undoubtedly dropped across the board so it came as a pleasant surprise to find Hyde Cricket Club still able to turn out their lowest side with a very strong line-up. Certainly too strong for what I feel was a decent enough New Mills team in their penultimate match. Only Dave Cartwright came up to the winning mark with a very creditable 3-1 win against "Dangerous" Dave Lloyd-Jones. DLJ's nick name is now undeserved and this relative newcomer is going to be a player to be reckoned with next season. Charlie Bishop gave Bill "The Glove" Ward a run for his money and was possibly unlucky to lose the fourth game after putting his opponent under great pressure. Jan Butler pushed Pete Davies all the way in a cracking five setter. In a typical Jan match we had the full repertoire from our lady player with all the shots, a bit of afters and a roasting or three for the marker to get her motivated. The only thing missing was a few more drop shots at appropriate times which could have reversed the result. Ian Johnson also had his moments against Nigel Howes but in spite of some superb winning shots that are Ian's trademark, Nigel always had the edge. It seems strange to see Nigel at the bottom of the team order but he insists his form is not at all to his liking, you could have fooled me. My own game was very disappointing and certainly not to my liking. I just couldn't cope with Peter Ward's short game and although I managed a third game win it only delayed the inevitable as Peter mopped up with consummate ease.
A very pleasant night's sport was topped off with an excellent Chinese supper with a good bunch of lads from the Hyde Club.
Next week brings the last fixture of the season with a trip to Marple and hopefully a return to winning ways.

Glossop II 05  New Mills 17      Rivals put in their place! 

\nd a subdued Jan struggled against Paul, who had the measure of Jan’s game, which isn’t the same when the lobs aren’t quite right & the serves not in the corner. 2-0 down, any hopes of a Jan comeback were scuppered, when a hamstring went early in the third.
Rick was up against Jon, who in the first half fixture, surprised everyone with his unusual style, non-stop running & ability to produce winners from nowhere. But here his timing was astray as Rick easily took the first 2 games 9-1, with an array of cracking drives, and delightfully soft backhand drops.
Did we see Rick pull up with a twinge in the back….maybe….maybe not ?
The 3^rd was a different story as Jon got going and running. Rick was under pressure at every stage. Jon crept ahead but he does tin a very high percentage. At 7 all Rick was holding his back …we hadn’t just imagined it…but at 8 all Jon tinned 1 too many and Rick played a trademark winner. Game over. But not just Jon was left thinking……….’what if …‘
Phil has been very solid of late and started steadily if unspectacularly, against Pat who was using all her women’s team experience. However after taking a close 10-8 first game, Phil grew in confidence to expand his repertoire with Pat fading, as he dominated the next 2 games 9-3 9-0. On this form Phil would’ve given their no. 2 a run for his money.
Finally Charlie was up against Ian. What happened to the script? as Ian cracked the ball all round the court, and recently in-form Charlie couldn’t find his timing. Despite a number of changes of handouts, Charlie couldn’t get off the mark, and Ian raced to a 8-0 lead. Cue another sort of script as Charlie got back into it, and, well, you give him a sniff at your peril……..as did Ian,  who under pressure tinned a good few, and Charlie snatched it 10-8 !
This however didn’t herald a collapse and although Charlie went 6-2 up, Ian came back strongly with more drives and cross-courts, to edge the second  9-7.Charlie came back in the third, continuing  to take the pace off the ball,  combined with some super returns of serve, taking  that easily, and going  into a strong lead in the fourth. Ian rallied to 7 all, but Charlie upped the pace to close out 3-1.
In summary, the Millers’ recent good form continued, and Glossop were put in their place, by a comprehensive defeat.

Thanks to our guest writer for the last two reports - much appreciated

New Mills 19  Village Hyde IV  05 

As comfortable a win as the score would suggest.
Both courts were available so a shorter than usual evening with spectators switching across the balcony to see the 2 matches.
Phil was at his best, playing powerful lengths with some smart drops. Much too good for his plucky opponent, taking the first 2 sets easily and a little casual in the third, pushing the ball around, but overall very sharp at 3-0.
Dave was the surprise of the evening – losing 3-2.
But the scoreline is deceptive. Dave took the first easily 9-2 against Scott, who plays in a unique style, no backhand but forehand from both hands, switching his racquet. Untroubled in the first, Dave let Scott’s style unnerve him in the second and his game fell away. The third saw Dave back into it, easily winning 9-2 again. Scott came back and took the fourth in a repeat of the second. What would the fifth bring ?
Lots of mistakes but at 8-5 to Dave, Scott in his own words, had almost given up. But not quite, and in an error-strewn finish, Dave missed 6 chances to close out the match and fell 10-9. A strange pattern to a match Dave should have won, perhaps some overconfidence from his outstanding season.
Jan took on youngster Dan, who’s had some good wins recently, which showed as he took the first 2 games easily with some cracking forehands mixed with drops & boasts from the rear court. Jan was out of sorts, not helped by a couple of contentious marker calls, but it was clear she had the class to win if she could concentrate. Eventually she heeded the advice to play more drops, and took the third as Dan continued to stand too far back. Dan was also getting caught too often out of position and Jan realised she had to call for many lets & strokes rather then try to play round the youngster as sportingly, she was doing earlier. The fifth was close as Jan reverted to playing the ball back to Dan who raised his game, but not enough as Jan closed out helped by some trademark winning serves.
Charlie played Naj- Dan’s dad, who unfortunately pulled a groin in the very first point. This made it fairly routine for Charlie who pushed the ball around to Dan who had to rely on outright winners, so there were few rallies. Charlie had a very comfortable 3-0.
Rick  played possibly his best squash of the season, mixing cracking forehands with delicate backhand drops. There were plenty of rallies but Rick had the class, if not the stamina. He was puffing a bit towards the end, but that doesn’t matter if you take the first three, as did Rick ! 

All in all another very solid win

Grove Park 5 New Mills 20 - Millers stroll in at the Grove

It was somewhat of a cake walk as New Mills won comfortably at bottom club Grove Park but not without incident. Phil Wheatcroft won a tricky encounter with the lovely Kate Oldale, the lass with the beaming smile. Phil started well but Kate gave him a scare along the way with some powerful rallies but lacked the killer punch enabling her more experienced  opponent to take advantage in the longer rallies. Although Kate deservedly took the third game Phil finished in style to win 3-1.
Dave Cartwright standing proudly at the top of the league rankings came up against Neil Afflick who was way down at number 84. For some reason Dave has hit a lull in the high standard of play he has set himself this season and luckily for him his opponent faded badly at the end of this disjointed 3-2 win for the New Mills man. A win is a win but Dave will want to put this one behind him as quickly as possible. I had no trouble beating my old mate Jim Farrington with a flurry of winning shots that mostly hit the mark in a return to form that certainly lifted my spirits after some pretty poor performances of late.
Following this game Charlie Bishop gave us all an exhibition of what the Bish is all about in the game of the night. In a closely fought start to the match Alan Rowat edged the first two games by the odd point but, Charlie came back with a 9-1 win. Alan again gathered himself and serving for the match in the fourth game at 8-4 looked to have Charlie's scalp in the bag. We know Charlie has been in this position before so braced ourselves for the comeback. Surviving another five match balls saw Charlie draw level at 8-8 with some typical Bishop style rallies including a couple of Bjorn Borg type diving winners thrown in. Nudging into a 9-8 lead it took Charlie three game balls before he secured the game with a neat drop into the front right hand corner to level the match. The Bish was back and we all knew Alan was a beaten man and indeed Charlie cruised to a 9-6 win and the match to cap an unforgettable performance.
The final paining brought together Jan Butler with Steve "The Greek" Lloyd, the much travelled ex New Mills player. Poor old Steve didn't know what hit him when Jan decided she needed to finish the game quickly and get home at a reasonable hour for her early 6:30 start in the morning. Jan played like a woman possessed and with uncanny accuracy lobbed and dropped her way to a 3-0 win dropping only one point. On another night this fine win would have been the highlight but Charlie's performance slightly overshadowed it but still a fine win for Jan which ever way you wish to look at it.

New Mills 15 West Heaton II  08   A win for the Millers

A thoroughly enjoyable evenings squash against West Heaton saw New Mills return to winning ways. Ian Johnson restored to the team after a long break needed to be at his best to beat the rising talent of young Phil Kemp, a 14 year old with a very bright future on tonight's evidence. As Ian tired in the third game the young boy put him under great pressure but Ian's experience saw him through without loss. Phil Wheatcroft put in one of his classic performances against Diane Wilson looking well in control one minute and all at sea the next. After a comfortable first game win Phil lost concentration and slipped to 2-1 down with a succession of errors. In the fourth game he upped the ante after Diane threatened to win 3-1. Slowly but surely Phil pulled his game together and after taking the fourth went on to win without conceding another point. After Jan Butler lost to a very strong Peter Robertson the game looked to be slipping from New Mills. Jan put up a decent effort but was beaten by a stronger player on the night. Next on was Charlie Bishop to face Nigel Geddis the West Heaton Captain. This looked to be a possible match decider and so it turned out as Charlie turned on one of his sharpest displays of the season to beat the plucky Nigel 3-0. Charlie hit some great winners which left his opponent with little chance of levelling the match and deservedly won the match for his team. With Geoff Hurst the West Heaton number one only losing two games this season, Rick Aldred was going to have to play out of his skin to get a result. It was a fine attempt by our regular number two but Geoff's superior fitness turned out to be the difference in the two players. Rick certainly made the West Heaton man work hard for his points and took the third game in fine style to earn his team a valuable point.
So a good all round showing by the team against one of friendliest squads in the division.
No game next week so it's Grove Park 10 next in a fortnight although we will probably have a knock between ourselves next week.

Marple III 17 New Mills 09         Back on song

An exciting match at Marple tonight with the team doing decidedly better than in recent games. Phil Wheatcroft opened with his best performance of the season beating the popular Eric Collins 3-1. A very confident looking Phil played the Marple veteran perfectly by competing with Eric in the rallies and taking the opportunities to play winners when they arose. This was only the third defeat Eric has tasted this season which illustrates the level of Phil's win. Jan Butler was next on to face Chris Pottage who again has a great record in this division losing only once. Jan started off slowly as her razor sharp opponent took control. After losing the first though Jan fought back narrowly missing the second game and after some exquisite drop shots got back into it by easily taking the third. A close fourth game could have gone either way but Jan was on the end of a couple of unfortunate decisions which inevitably distracted her at an crucial stage which allowed Chris to close out the match at 3-1. A very tidy effort though for Jan who always puts in a solid show. My own game against Paul Vincent was a one sided game in what I can only describe as a disappointing show on my part. I appreciate that Paul has only lost twice this season but I was not able to put him under any pressure whatsoever and that is unacceptable in my view at this level. Outstanding performance of the night and probably our season was Dave Cartwright's win at number one against Gary Carrington. Gary is unable to play all the matches but is a very competent team player and plays a similar game to David relying on fitness and agility round the court. With David not feeling too well on the day it looked like a defeat was on the cards but Dave lived up to his high ranking position in this division by winning a very exciting game on the last point, after both players had served for the match a couple of times. This left Rick with the chance to decide the match in the last rubber against  Rob Stanbridge a regular 2nd team player for Marple. Rob took the first game 9-6 after Rick had squandered three bad returns at 6-6 but came back with a vengeance in the second winning 9-0. Rob had no answer to Ricks quality drop shots and it looked like a win as a dejected Marple lad shaped up for the third. It was not to be though as Rob came back strongly with a classic reversal to leave Rick shell shocked as he cruised to a 9-0 of his own. How strange that Rick should again hit top gear to win the fourth 9-2 and look favourite to take the decider. After a cagy start Rob again turned on the power and his slight fitness advantage led him to a 9-2 win and the match. A fine attempt from Rick who is improving all the time but desperately needs more than a game a week if he wants to win these games. So a decent night for most of the team and hopefully a chance for me to take stock of my own game as Charlie returns to face West Heaton in a fortnights time. No game next week as it's the National Championships at Sports City. Hopefully we#ll have the courts for a club night next week and I like Rick need match practice and if I can regain some sort form may decide to squeeze one more season out of the tired old legs, otherwise it's the knackers yard....

New Mills 00 Hyde CC III 20         Millers take a Hydeing

After last weeks pasting at Poynton the team regrouped for another stiff test at home to the second placed Hyde Cricket Club. It ended with our heaviest defeat of the season, failing to win a single game. I think to be fait to the team we all lost to players of a higher ability. Dave Cartwright had the hardest task against Hyde's number one Andy Berry who hasn't dropped a single game in this division. Dave made Andy work hard and at times had the Hyde man stretching himself to keep the home player at bay but inevitably kept his record intact. As for Rick, Jan, myself and Phil, we all gave it a go but were unable to gain a foothold in any of the games.
So we had to swallow our pride and hand it to what for me was a defeat to the best team in the division. Next week I think we may have to put the same team out for another tough game at neighbours Marple.

Poynton 20 New Mills 2       Rare defeat at Poynton

It was sweet revenge for Poynton tonight as New Mills slipped to a heavy defeat at a club which normally is a happy hunting ground for them. Without going into too much detail, no one came away from this encounter with much to remember other than a spirited contribution from Charlie Bishop who was literally playing on one leg after last weeks injury. He pushed Dave Armstrong all the way and nearly turned the game in the third when he had two game balls. Jan Butler and myself did manage a couple of game wins between us but they were hardly anything to write home about. Without wishing to take anything from the opposition who all played extremely well, I think the courts were the main factor in our complete inability to make a fist of this match. The home team drove the ball with pace to the back corners with alarming regularity, dictating the pace and picking out their winners with ease. So we will have to concede to a better team on the night and live to fight another day.
Next week it's Hyde CC 3 at home and another chance for Dave Cartwright to play Andy Berry who has only dropped one game this season in all his matches.

New Mills 04  Village Hyde III  19 - Hyde too strong

Hyde proved again that they are worthy league leaders with a strong line up at the Leisure Centre tonight. I was apprehensive when I saw my opponent was Dave Grant the 62 year old Irish lad who is an incredibly difficult player to beat. Starting off well turned out to be a red herring as Dave destroyed me with a series of accurate drop shots that I could not cope with. My own performance was pretty dire but I had to hold my hands up to a far superior player on the night. Jan Butler was drawn against Martin Wyatt who Dave dispatched in the first half of the season. In fairness Jan was affected with breathing difficulties and on another night the result could have been different. A good effort by Jan who missed a great chance to win the third game missing a high volley when it seemed easier to dispatch it. Rick chose tonight for one of his more forgettable games as he was edged out by the hard hitting Scott Winston who has improved greatly since the first half. Rick was in with a shout for the first game but too many unforced errors were his downfall. Rick will be back though make no mistake. Charlie Bishop looked to have the measure of unbeaten Lee Rawsthorne until he injued his leg in a nasty looking fall during the second game. Charlie had deservedly won the first game in his usual non stop style but in going for another lost cause he ended up in a heap and had to concede defeat although he played to the bitter end through the pain. Let's hope he recovers in time for next week. Highlight of the night was Dave Cartwright's epic clash with Alan Addison the very experienced Hyde number one. Again a very hard hitting opponent with plenty of winning shots was worn down by Dave's ability to read and chase down most of his opponents shots. The improvement in Dave's play is there to see every week and his reward for tonight's victory was top spot in the NWCSL Div 5 SE rankings list. This is no mean feat and he joins Jan Butler, Malc Balls and Paul Hughes - previous New Mills players to reach this milestone. Dave simply would not allow Alan to boss the court and in a five set thriller was a deserved winner sportingly acknowledged by his opponent.
A little disappointed that we were unable to threaten the league leaders but they knew they had had a match all right. The evening ended with both teams enjoying an excellent meal prepared by Jan and plenty of banter to boot.
Next week it's Poynton away in a match that we need to win to keep our fourth spot in the table.

 Grove Park VIII 08  New Mills 18  -  Off to a flyer

The second half of the season got under way much as the first half did in September with a win against Grove Park, this time on their courts. After a number of withdrawals Phil Wheatcroft was good enough to turn out at late notice and a great job he made of it too. In his first game for the team in nearly two years Phil always had the edge on Alan McDonald Grove's number five. After a nervy start Phil slipped into the old routine and kept the ball in court with some very smooth match play and after going a game down, comfortably took the next three. I was next to enter the fray at four against Chas Hughes. The festive season had clearly made it's mark on Chas and myself but, Chas was always a shot ahead of me controlling the front of the court with a flurry of neat cross court shots that found me wanting. Although I managed to level the games at 1-1 Chas was never in danger of letting this one slip running out a 3-1 winner. Jan Butler's game (pictured below) against the very experienced Graham Gilbert was easily the game of the match. It started at a gentle pace with Jan moving her older opponent round the court with great success to take the first game. Then as Graham got more into Jan's style he moved quicker to ball taking shots early and playing some very tight winners. This pegged Jan back as she lost the next two games and had to up her game somewhat to draw level mainly through playing Graham to the back of the court and dropping the ball with great accuracy into the front corners. This set up a thrilling decider which looked to be going Grahams way at 6-3 but Jan again unleashed a flurry of superb winners to move into a 7-6 lead. At this point Graham lost his concentration after disputing a decision, made quite correctly by the marker and confirmed by the gallery. In the blink of an eye Jan picked up the next two points and that was that!! Graham apologised soon after the game had ended for his spat which was a reflection of the sporting manner this game was played in. Rick Aldred's game was a bit of a mis match at number two with Mike Bradford only picking up 5 points in a 3-0 defeat. Rick as usual played his full array of winning shots but will find next weeks opponents a much more testing experience. Finally Dave Cartwright made no mistakes at number one when his latest victim, John Holt, found his speed around the court too hot to handle. Dave played as well as he had to without ever getting into top gear and like Rick will have to work a lot harder next week when League leaders Village Hyde come to New Mills.  We will have a stronger team out for this return fixture and I'm looking to cause a shock against a team that have only lost one game so far this season.
So all round a good night for New Mills Squash Club and yet again a very pleasant evenings sport played in good company.

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