Once again the new boys were in unchartered territory, with the handicap only to be revealed at the end of the match. Therefore all points would be valuable, the message being to keep doing your best, even in apparent defeat.
Match 1 saw our Derek (Greenwood) against their Derek (Briggs). This was fairly even until Briggs, playing a steady game, edged ahead to win 21-12, with our Derek missing some key smashes. He seemed to lose concentration in game 2 and could not master the Briggs serve, going down this time 21-5.
In match 2, John Taylor met the base-ball-hated Clive Sherratt, who demonstrated a careful approach to move ahead at the beginning, with John having a mini-rally to catch up at 14-12, but with Clive moving ahead to win 21-13. In G2, John missed a couple of smashes while Clive, providing a self-critical running commentary, moved smoothly ahead to win 21-9.
Match 3 saw Peter McMullan with a half-eaten fish design on his T shirt against Embassy’s Hughie Chambers. Peter played sensibly with a steady defence to creep into an early lead, but Chambers prevailed 21-16. A similar pattern emerged in G2, with some long defensive rallies played in a competitive spirit. Chambers moved into as lead which he kept to win 21-15, but Peter had demonstrated how to maximise performance in this type of game.
Match 4 saw Derek and Clive, not to be confused with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s obscene comedy tapes. Derek, perhaps impaired by a dodgy shoulder, showed his frustration by going for unrealistic winners and Clive won 21-6 in both games.
Match 5 saw Peter back in action, this time against Derek Briggs. Peter continued his steady approach, leading at first, staying with Briggs for half the game, but allowing Brigg’s steady play to creep ahead to win 21-10. Peter demonstrated some good smashes coupled with effective defensive play to get closer at 21-13, all valuable points.
John Taylor had a shaky start against Hughie Chambers in M6, messing up same smashes. Chambers played with steady consistency to win the first game 21-11, and despite a small recovery in G2, Chambers won that 21-13. Match 7 saw Embassy’s Clive Sheratt against Peter. Against the background of his opponent’s running commentary. Peter again showed a sensible approach, playing long patient rallies, with well-chosen attacks. It was level at 12-12, then Sherratt fluked a point to take him ahead. At 18-15, Peter was still in the game, but Sherratt eventually won at 21-16. However, Peter was unable to sustain his approach, had a bad start, missed a sitter and allowed Sherratt to win by 21-6.
Derek started well in M8 against Chambers, but some wild smashes helped steady Chambers to build up a lead, wining at 21-6. However, game 2 saw a transformed Derek, smashing more effectively, leading at first and being well in the match at 15-14. But Chambers steadied himself to win 21-14.
The final game between John and Derek Briggs saw more failed back hand flicks from John, a bit of a mid-game recovery and a winning score to Briggs of 21-9. G2 showed more consistency from John, some good smashes and at 12-12, level pegging. Both players fought hard, but Briggs eventually moved ahead to win 21-15.
After the match, the sealed envelope was opened (with excitement) to reveal a handicap to Popps of plus 189. This allowed us to win by just 6 points, showing that the handicapper has done a good job. I believe Popps benefited from this experience. Embassy is a Division 2 side and again demonstrated that consistency and steadiness are key factors at this level and they did not need to display world-shattering brilliance. With the handicap arrangement, our players generally kept concentrating to glean whatever points were on offer. Overall, the match was played in good spirits and humour, demonstrating good sportsmanship all round.