The highlights of this match were wins by John Taylor and Derek Greenwood, and a welcoming cup of tea and a kit kat provided by our hosts. After venturing out in the bitter night to the frozen wastes of Northowram, our team took time to warm up and adjust.

John Taylor took one game off John Wasilewski, and ran him close on two, but eventually lost 3-1, against a player showing more consistency. Derek Greenwood made a good start against Rob Gee, winning the first game, but began to falter as Gee improved, taking the next three games to win 3-1. Martin Halliday cruised ahead of Robin Thomas, to win 3-1, Thomas making many mistakes and not dealing with spin.

Taylor against Gee saw a good start by Taylor winning  at 11-7, but by steady play, Gee reeled off the next two 11-5, 11-4. However, Taylor fought bravely to go down 12-10, to lose 3-1, the last game having some good smashes and fight backs. Against Wasilewski, Thomas showed some promising touches of attack and more points than usual on the board, but went out 11-8, 11-1, 11-7.

Greenwood showed a mix of good safe play and well-timed attacks against Halliday  to win this one for POPPS, 13-11, 11-7 and 11-2, showing real confidence as he forged ahead in the final game.  However, Thomas went down to Gee’s overall more effective game by 3-0.  Taylor registered our second win against Halliday, by 3-0, confusing his opponent with his serves, playing a more steady game and by delivering some good smashes.

In the final game, Wasilewski wore down Greenwood, who was being caught out of position and was failing to achieve an effective balance of defence and aggression. In the final game, it was level pegging for a while as Greenwood varied his game, but eventually  Wasilewski edged ahead to win 11-8.

Overall, the match still demonstrated weaknesses in the POPPS team, but two wins and some better performances showed that progress is being made.
Bring on the Olympics!