Popps A:    Terry Allington, John Korner, Trevor Kershaw

Dolphins:    Ken Scott, Denise Scott, Alan Cowburn

The opening set between Terry Allington and Ken Scott was between two players who practice together, Terry taking the opening game to seven. The wily Ken then started to change his tactics by pushing the ball back and using his high kicking topspin ball to counter Terry’s defence. It worked well as Ken ran through the next three games to give Dolphins a 1-0 lead.

The next set between John Korner and Alan Cowburn was a battle between John’s consistent topspin and Alan’s fast attack. John won comfortably to level the score at 1-1.

The third set featured Denise Scott. She faced the awkward Trevor Kershaw with his high topspin defence. Denise was caught in two minds whether to attack or defend and made too many mistakes against the confident Trevor, to give Popps 1-2 lead.

John Korner again played well to defeat Ken Scott in 4 games, Ken’s famous backhand flick letting him down at times.

Terry Allington used his tight defence to see him though against Alan Cowburn, to make the score 1-4 to Popps.

In the sixth set Trevor Kershaw had a fine win over Ken Scott who he had never beaten before. It went to 5 games with Trevor just edging the final game.

John Korner capped a great evening with a fine win over Denise Scott to make the score 1-6 to Popps.

Trevor Kershaw proved too strong for Alan Cowburn who had struggled all night to find some form.

The ninth set between Terry Allington and Denise Scott was very close, going to 5 games. Denise found Terry’s defensive strategy much more to her liking and showed a great fighting spirit. In a tense final game Terry’s nerve and concentration saw him through.

The final score was Dolphins 1, Popps A 8.