Last week we (Nemesis) played two 3rd Division matches. On Monday we beat DC Plastering 8-2. Wednesday saw us lose 3-7 to Urban Juice.
DC Plastering finished second in Division 4 last year and were promoted. They have found the going tough at this higher level, but recently gained a draw against Colbrook Roofing. Technically they are a sound team, with both Ray Corke and Howard Mills having played at a higher level. I recall playing a cup match against Ray in the 1980s (for NALGO), when he was with “Grimsby Valuation” alongside Steve Carter. Valuation played down Bargate, Grimsby and we were given a “start” against them.
On Monday Ray beat Dennis Burgoyne quite convincingly. He only lost 12-14 in the fifth to Brian. But it was Howard who did best against me, taking the first game. Ray’s son Danny produced some big forehand winners against us all but without much reward. In the end they took the doubles (I was rested) to make it 2-8.
Against Urban Juice, the boot was on the other foot. We grabbed just a point by winning the doubles. With one or two better shots and more luck we might have stolen a draw.
My match against Billy Wong was incredible: I lost 11-3, 5-11, 4-11, 11-5, 10-12. In that final game I came back from 2-8 down to lead 9-8, then missed two smashes at the end.
Brian lost to Leo 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-13, 8-11. I watched that one from afar: it was a marathon! Brian complained of unlucky edges...
The solid, big hitting Dave Hanks, who named his team after his graphic design firm, did his bit by beating Dennis convincingly. Urban Juice seem to be champions elect, so I think we stood up quite well against them.
While we played Urban Juice, just behind us in the hall, “Grimsby Mariners” were beating Market Rasen 6-4. Lesley Keast did her best to spoil the Mariners’ fun, by winning all three. She beat Sean 14-12 in the fifth to avenge a defeat last season. Girl Power! The Mariners won the match though. Craig Kendall updated Facebook for the team. Well, sort of for the team. Nuff Said.
PS - Have been making a lot of comebacks this season. Against Danny (above) I came back from 0-6 down to win the third game 11-9! Earlier I recovered from about 1-6 down to beat Alan Walton 12-10 in the fifth.
Paul Butters
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