WE WON THE CUP - BY ONE POINT

(Picture Credit - The Nextweb com)

(From my personal TT Journal)

WE WON THE CUP: BY ONE POINT. (The Grimsby Handicap Cup - against Clee Sports D). Yes, just like our semi. Over to Colin Woodford (Organiser):

“The knockout final between Nemesis & Clee Sports D (+45) held last evening produced another amazing finish.

After 6 rubbers Nemesis were only 2 behind but then Dave Woods played out of his skin to defeat Brian Lomas 21-12, 21-14. Bob Coppock then shared with Paul Butters 13-21, 21-17 to leave Clee Sports 14 ahead going into the final rubber. Phil Sharpe won the 1st set 21-8 against Steve Lea to leave Nemesis 1 behind going into the last set, as they were against Ashbridge Roofing in the semi-final when Phil defeated Vince Whatley 21-19. Steve then upped his game and the 2nd set was to and fro all the way through until at 20-19 down Steve missed the ball completely on his serve.

Final score Nemesis 347 Clee Sports D 346.

A tremendous match, where every point was fought for, played in a good spirit and another victory for the Handicap Committee.”

And the stats from our Captain Brian:

“Your scores were -

Dave W - 17-21, 21-11 = +6
Bob C     - 21-13, 17-21 = +4
Steve L   - 21-17, 20-21 = +3

Well Done Everybody!!

The totals were -

You - 117 v 104 = +13
Me  (Brian) - 110 v 107 = +3
Phil - 120 v 90   = +30 (Brilliant)

Dave W - 106 v 106 = 0
Bob C    - 101 v 116 = -15
Steve L  - 94  v 125 = -31

I think I was a bit tired by the time
I played Dave, though he did play
very well all night. Phil dug us out,
though. Steve might practice his
serving!!! Brian.”

It was an extremely tough match. Lots of nets and edges both ways (about even). Some controversy when we caught Steve changing his bat after his first game against Phil (which the umpires allowed as our rules need updating).

To be perfectly frank I had been their worst nightmare in the league, beating someone 11-1 once. But they turned it around against me with a vengeance last night. Dave was especially awesome. When Phil eventually got ahead of Steve in that final game by a few points our win looked inevitable, but then Steve hit back with some great attacking – apart from that last serve.

PS Brian is in his mid seventies so we can excuse his "tiredness". Overall, it was the "Phil Sharpe Final".

Paul Butters 23\4\2015