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04/02/2004
WOLVES MAKE IT TWO
In a fight to avoid last place a weakened Manchester side fought bravely but ultimately in vain.
Manchester Northern 1-4 Wolverhampton
Peter Billson lost to Alex Gough 7-9, 9-5, 3-9, 6-9
Phillip Barker lost to Mark Cairns 4-9, 2-9, 5-9
Daryl Selby lost to Liam Kenny 5-9, 7-9, 10-8, 9-7, 7-9
Masambo Selisho beat Jamie Haycocks 9-3, 9-5, 7-9, 9-7
Laura-Jane Lengthorn lost to Dominique Lloyd-Walter 6-9, 9-10, 8-10
Splashing up the M6 in some very heavy rain I had enough time to wonder whether our "favourite" score line would once again prevail or whether at last we would break through to the 4-1 level, preferably to us. Looking at the teams it was difficult to predict the final outcome as, if any player had an off day the result could have turned round. In the event a 4-1 win was achieved and perhaps heralds a successful run in to the end of the season. First two games featured the number 4 men and the ladies. There are only 2 ranking places between Dominique and Laura-Jane, and Laura has had some excellent recent results. Before their match Massambo and I had agreed that,if it finished by about 7:45 he would play a further 3 matches on that court rather than the usual 2. Dominique told me that she never has a short match against Laura and they both proved it on the night. The first game went reasonably easily to Dom who was moving well and driving the ball to the back using her backhand to good effect. Once or twice Laura looked distracted and conceded a couple of easy points, a pattern that followed into the next two games. The next two games were close at 10-9 and 10-8 respectively. Again Laura gifted a few points then got her concentration back to pick up 2 or 3 quickly. Dom ran for everything and saved several game balls in the third before finding the winner. A great match lasting 52 minutes with both under 23's giving their all. Jaynie Haycocks against Massambo on the adjoining court had a slow start, finding it difficult to get a good length and often hitting the ball to around half court allowing Massambo an easy kill. At 6-1 down in the third it seemed all over and I refocussed on the other match. Suddenly I hear 6 all! Jaymie had finally settled and was in command and took the third 9-7. The fourth could have gone either way but at 7 all Jaymie was denied a let and in the next ralley just clipped the tin to lose 9-7. Liam's match against Daryl started before the ladies finished and initially looked an easy win for Liam as he moved easily to a 6-0 lead in the first. Then the wheels sort of came off as Daryl raced after everthing and, with a good opening in front of him, Liam managed to take the wrong option too many times. Still the early lead helped and he took the first. The second was closer but again Liam sneaked it but you could see that he was not playing his best. Daryl saw it to and began to get more confidant aided by some outrageous winners, all of which worked. In no time we were at 2 all. Definitely not in the script. Liam then got it together and raced to a 7-1 lead only to see it slip away once again. At 7 all an error by Daryl gave us match point and seconds later the match, when for once a futher spectactular attempted overhead kill failed. There had to be one but it was a bit unkind at match point. Bit of a relief really. Mark Cairns had what can only be described as an enjoyable match against Phil Barker but for some reason decided not to include any drop shots in the match until the third game. When questioned afterwards he said that it was a bit hot on court for drop shots. I think he just forgot until Alex Gough pointed it out at the end of the second. Anyway that gave us a 3-1 lead and I could relax. A few people drifted off before the last game and so didn't see an fighting display by Peter Billson against Alex Gough. Alex controlled the game but was frequently surprised by Peter's retrieving and conceded the second game to a number of excellent drop shots. (the court must have cooled down). However there was only ever going to be one winner and after 35 minutes it was all over. So we move off bottom spot and our aim is now to try for 4th place. Nottingham at home in two weeks time will be a good match. Anthony Ricketts is still injured and I believe that John White is unavailable for Nottinham so the two teams could be fairly close. Should make for a great night.
Contributor: Stephen Russell
Club: Wolverhampton
Link: http://www.wltsc.com
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