Round 2, May 14, Hampton Unitng home: Winners 4 zip!

Winning side, Sat 14^th May. Ugly but effective. Pick the Soviet spy….

Well the boys were sent out with high expectations and they delivered immensely. A maximum 8 points were deposited in the bank!

The Team arrived at our courts at 12:30 to standing water, and spent the next hour mopping, sweeping, rolling the courts into shape. Thanks to everyone for the hard work. Although still quite damp, Hampton Uniting (a friendly bunch of guys) thankfully agreed to play, otherwise it would have been only 4 points to us. The sun came out and we had only the briefest of showers for the rest of the afternoon.

Tactically Nick & Yuri were made the 2^nd pair, leading them to be visibly taken aback and therefore try extra hard to show their worth; the ploy worked magnificently and they won 10-4, 10-3. Nick, our own Black Caviar, was, as usual, superb. Yuri, battle-hardened from the previous week, adopted a Soviet attitude to the occasion and turned the net into an Iron Curtain; nothing was allowed to pass. Unflinching even when fired at, he made Nick’s job all the more easy.

Vic & Mark took a more measured approach and unlike the 2^ND PAIR were a little more gentlemanly in their dealing with the opposition, as they had been gracious enough to play in the conditions. 10-7, 10-9, never in doubt. Vic was on fire showing some great form in baseline rallies and serve & volley moves. Mark selflessly made the rest of the team look good and cleverly drew the opposition into a fall sense of confidence.

A special thanks to the attending crowd who spurred us on, Alan, Kevin and the WAGs Lucy (& Levi) and Annabel (& Lara & Arabella).

The question of adequate Captaincy was again raised, and it appears this will be an ongoing issue all season. As Mark showed a smidgen of planning ability as the only player who managed to arrange afternoon tea before the match (without having to make a mad rush down to Baker’s Delight), his stay of execution was put off for at least another week.

THIS SATURDAY we’re travelling to Hampton with Alan & Neale (having recovered from his bout of S(h)ingles, hopefully it hasn’t affected his doubles) and/or Dennis and/or Dean if they are not injured, with Mark & Yuri (as regular team members) stepping in as backups. Emergencies Bruce & Brian have also kindly offered to also fill-in if required, so we’re well covered.

Surface is DecoTurf (same as US Open) which suits the good old serve and volley (fast & low bounce). Should be a hoot.

Pressure is on Neale to perform as he has been spruiking up his own game for weeks….

THURSDAY PRACTICE is on again; 7pm start.

Mark now has his first taste of success as Captain -like his first taste of virgin blood many years ago.