We are now about ¾ of the way through the season and the scene was set for the two top teams to play their return tie battle for the top slot. Market Harborough 2nd team were playing at home and were 2 points ahead of their opponents at the top of the league. So nothing in it, and all to play for.
 
Consistent as usual, Andy Frazer playing at number 5 beat Steve Chester in straight games although the second game was tight and went to 10-9.
 
Meanwhile Ian Shirley at 4 found the first game against Darren Laughton easy as they drove each other around the warm court. Ian then found himself at one game all after Darren took a bit of advise between games and Ian had tried to play the same in  the second. He then twigged that variation in pace and playing some squash instead forced his opponents errors and he went on to  win 3 games to 1.
 
Nick Crossley  filled the number 2 slot for the club and played Richard Smith. Nick initially dominated the, first game getting to 6-0 but Richard fought back doggedly to take it 8-10. Nick then gradually increased the pressure forcing, not only his opponents mistakes, but also Richards gradually increasing team fine for colourful language! The pressure gradually converted into points as Nick won the last 3 games without dropping many more points.
 
Next up was Peter Rhodes who also had a very tight first game with Kettering number 3 Wayne Kilborn which Peter just managed to win 10-8. This belied the promise of the next 2 games as Peter dominated both by playing excellent length down the walls  followed by some lovely drop shots and boasts and losing only 4 more points.
 
Meanwhile in the changing room Steve Isles was nursing his chest infection and prepositioning his teammates with his other excuses (not played enough, not match fit, too tired, too old, etc, etc) for his clash at number one with 14 year old Kettering prodigy and captain George Willis. After the warm up there was a brief interlude while Steve went out to die quietly with a coughing fit but he came back on court clearly intending to ensure this was not going to go on very long if he had anything to do with it. Steve then proceeded to clinically despatch George in the first game. The next two games were closer as Steve's pressure volley drives and tight boasts twisted and turned George whose youth and fitness kept him in the game with points but could not put enough pressure back on Steve.  Steve won 3-0.
 
So congratulation to the team on a magnificent effort this week with only 2 games dropped in the 5 rubbers and now a further 16 pints in the lead at the top of the table in front of Kettering Rugby 4.
 
Does the Second Division beckon?
 
Ian