Manweb  4  v  Crosby High ‘A’  5

 This turned out to be another highly competitive Final with an unexpected twist.

Manwebs team of Dave Harse (capt.) Roy Adams and Paul Evans against table toppers Crosby High ‘A’ Rob Wylie, Dave Evans (capt.) and Gemma Lloyd, Crosby won the toss and chose Rob to play Dave, Rob’s high powered hitting game was too much for Dave and polished off the first set in 3 straight 6,5,&7.

Manweb called Roy v Gemma, Roy playing more relaxed than Gemma won the first 11-7, and was leading the second up to 10-8, but Gemma pulled back to 10all, Roy serves off, Gemma clinches the next to steal it. Third game Roy settled and won fairly easily11-5, but that was it, Gemma controlled the next two to win 11-6 & 11-8.

2 – 0 to Crosby

Next call to Crosby Dave v Paul, with Paul settling first to take the first two games 8 & 9, and trying so hard to get that illusive third, but Dave was the winner, and the fourth game to set up another fifth game battle of spinny services and tension returns, both players on edge, game finally going to Paul.

2-1 to Crosby

 Crosby call Paul back to the table to take on Gemma, Paul again playing well, But Gemma is playing more relaxed now wins 3games to 1, but Paul pushed her, losing 11-13 in the third and 17-19 in the fourth

3-1 to Crosby

Manweb call Rob to play Roy to get back into the match, but Rob’s still on top form winning first game 11-9, the next 17-15 and the third 11-9.

4-1 to Crosby

Next game, the two captains Dave H. v Dave E., Crosby’s Dave went into a 2 game lead, and all looked over for Manweb, but Dave H. found that missing extra gear and surprised all by winning the next two, and being in a 5-2 lead at the turn round in the 5^th, with a change in luck to get two nets / edges to clinch the 5^th game.

4-2 to Crosby

Crosby call Paul to play Rob, Rob’s on top form and expected to win this one, but starts by winning the first, Rob the next Paul the 3^rd , Rob the 4^th., Paul’s determination showing now, leading 5-1 at the turn round, at 5-9 down, Rob serves, but Paul picks up both points.

4-3 to Crosby

8^th set Manweb call Roy and Dave E. Dave must have still been suffering from his loss to Dave H. in the 6^th set and soon succumbed to Roy in 3 straight, 3, 8 & 9.

4 all

So to the last and unexpected set, Dave H. v Gemma, Dave set about to keep the pressure on Crosby by winning the first game 11-8, Gemma unable to settle and missing too many shots, but after a few words from her corner, she started forcing the play, rather than defending, winning the next two with her fast looping. The fourth game saw Gemma take a 6-2 lead only for Dave to pull it back, level at 9 all, Gemma serves to win both points, the game, set and Match to Crosby High ‘A’, a great match.

The match was played at Wavertree Labour

Match Official -:  Arthur Knowlson

Refreshments by Roly Wright and Stan Clarke