LIFE WITHOUT TERRY

A Team meeting decided that we ought not take advantage of our Div 1 opponent’s youth and inexperience.

So when Peter Mc started the proceedings and found himself 2-1 up and leading 10-6 in the 4th the embarassment was too much, and it was hastily decided to lift their moral a little.

So with Phil Parry’s and John Korner’s assistance it was decided to ‘throw’ this game (and the next 8 in a row !).

We did try to disguise this a little by winning games in 3 of the sets and Dave Bowers (a likeable, lucky larker), Alan Veal (a lanky lad of zeal) and Matthew Stephens (the poker faced ringer,brought in at the last minute to bolster their team) fully appreciated this.

RESULT
Popps A 0 Panthers (Just keeping their heads above
water) 9.
“Bring back Captain Terry Allington 2″, was the cry.

Popps A were put off their guard from the off when Embassy chose to play us on our home table.
Again without Captn Terry, who is demonstrating to others his skill with balls, our motley crew got off to a fine start. 2 wins by Peter Mc and 1 by John Korner gave them an early 3 – 1 lead.
However clever tactics ensued from their captain Clive Sharratt, who rejuggled the order of play.
Popps were so bemused by this they did not win another game. (A fine excuse !! ?? ).
RESULT
Embassy 6 Popps A 3

A day to celebrate. Terry Allington’s faith in his underlings is finally justified !
Peter Mc started the proceedings with a good win over Denise Scott.
Although Phillip Parry then lost to her husband Ken he made up by winning against Denise and Kristian Fearnley.
John Korner added to our score by beating Kristian but just came out on the wrong side in epic battle against Ken, loosing at juice in the 5th after a 2 hour fight.
Peter Mc managed to get his hat-trick and so Popps finished with a hard fought victory against some very tough opponents.
RESULT — Popps A 6 Dolphins 3. (Celebrations on Wednesday Night, when our captain will no doubt be providing the champagne, so don’t miss it down at the Olde Shears !)

For this top of the table clash terry rested (or was he in hiding ?).
However a close encounter ensued with a result much closer than the final score depicted.
Several sets went against Popps at juice and Central admitted they had had a tough match.
Our 2 winners were Phil P and Pete Mc whilst John K was beaten at juice in the 5th against Brian Chapman.
Their 2 winners with 3 each were Dave Blackburn and Derek Harwood.
Thank you Central 2 for being so apologetic in victory !
Result
Central 7 Popps 2

Excitement had built up to a frenzy for this long awaited battle between the A’s and the B’s.
In fact Terry A had got himself so excited that he felt he could not perform on the night (not the TT you’ll be pleased to know).
However I am sure he did not let the fair lady down !
Phil and Gwyn started the proceedings with Phil managing to stay ahead despite some very tricky serving from Gwyn, hitting edges at all sides of the table.
John K and Peter Mc carried on with wins against John T (a 5 setter) and Peter (B’s).
The match carried on at the same high level with John T winning a fine last game of the night against Phil P to save B’s being ‘dry rubbed’.
Result
Popps A (who had home advantage) 8 Popps B 1

Evergreens v Popps A
Two great wins by Terry A. against Mick & Michael and a controlled blitz from Phil P. over Michael.
But thanks to a lethargic performance from Peter Mc (no wins – but wait till he gives up the day job) – we lulled them into a (false !!??) sense of security for the more important matches to follow in the second div of the winter league.
Although David, their top player, might argue with this, winning all 3 of his games in straight sets.
Result.
Evergreens 6 Popps A 3.

13 June 2011 Popps A v Panther
Captain Allerington rested himself this match Messrs Korner, McMullen and Parry took on the might of First Div Panthers.
Peter Mc lead the charge winning the first game 15-13.
Coincidentally Phil Parry and John Korner also took up the banner winning one each in their sets.
However we then sat back on our laurels (A…s !) and decided it was not on to belittle First Div opponents, so just let them squeeze ahead in the match. (Oh, the result, (9-0)).

21 June 2011 Popps A v Marsh Con Club.
Coming back from his rest Captn Allerington had a mighty task against Adrian Normanton but was just pipped at the post.
Adrian, a First Div player in many leagues, duly won his 2 other sets.
However this inspired Terry and John Korner to win their other 2 sets and leave Peter Mc to clinch the match with his one contribution.
Match result Popps 5 Marsh 4 — an excellent result for us.