The Waterside “H” squad of Dave, Colin & Jeff arrived in plenty of time for the match against Hedge End “B”, at their Social Club, and had to wait for a significant time for the home team to present themselves and set up the equipment. At least the surrounding were comfortable!

The warm-ups in no way reflected the playing styles once the matches got under way. Top-spin forehand-to-forehand and backhand-to-backhand shot in the warm-ups gave way to determined back-spun balls in the matches. There were some good attacking shots from both sides but players were generally trying to be really canny with their returns.

The man of the match was Martin Cheffy, who won all 3 of his games, but Dave Goodyer was the best and most consistent of the Waterside “H” team, winning 2 of his games, besides winning the doubles along with Colin. Dave’s unique style of out-of-sight, below-the-table returns cause problems for the opposition, because they cannot see what effect he is giving to the returned ball!

Colin & Jeff both out-played the “Barna bat” player Terry Mills, to secure a well-earned draw.

Jeff Davies

Tuesday night’s match at Cavendish Hall resulted in a 7 – 3 win for St Denys. Although 7 out of the 10 games only went to 3 sets, the result could/should have been more favourable as St Denys had an under-strength side and, although their substitute played well, we (Dave, Jeff and Colin) just needed a couple of games against the old stalwarts, Keith Hewitt and Barry Dobson, to obtain a draw. Keith played his usual mixed style of long/short services, with/without spin to a variety of places on the table, playing a very defensive game and waiting for his opponent to make the first mistake, which we invariably obliged! Barry played his unique style of early blocking, with angled bat, to move his opponent around the table. Waterside members each came close to getting the better of Barry, who is more vulnerable to more aggressive, attacking play, but he knew his equipment and venue better.

A late start (7.40pm) inevitably meant a late finish (10.40pm), even though the games were generally short. Of course there was the welcome brief refreshment break, mid-evening. Winning just one game each does not help the Waterside H team members’ averages. We cannot be faulted for our efforts though.

Jeff