Bollington put up a great fight for their home fans.

 

Lewis Doughty played some nice squash to take the first game from his considerably higher ranked opponent. The second was controlled by Rui, but then the crazily hot courts started to have an effect on the Portuguese superstar. He began to feel a bit dizzy, but certainly didn't show it as his demeanour on court is always calm and un-flustered. Rui kept his 'cool' and just edged the next two games on tie-breaks, to give Warrington a 1-0 lead (Top and Below).

 

 

 

Rob Taylor made relatively quick work of George Lomas on the adjacent court (Below), as did Brett Schille against me.

 

 

Charlie's looking pretty sharp in this second half of the season and beat home coach Chris Ogden 3-0 (Below).

 

 

 

Last on was the Bollington entertainer, Simon Herbert against Adrian Waller. This match constantly swayed, with one player looking in control, before the other would fight back a few points later. I'd say the fluctuations were generally down to Simon, either playing brilliant squash with brilliant winners, or Simon losing focus ever-so-slightly to let Adrian back in. Adrian seemed to get a muscle niggle in the third but continued to fight, and anytime he felt Simon ease off the slightest bit, he was there to take advantage. Simon started the fifth game strongly for a few points, then Adrian scored 5 in a row, before being pegged back by some more great winners, and then Simon generally looked like he'd prove to be victorious, which he was (Below). This was a good match to watch and a good win for Simon - this was also the first time Adrian has ever lost for Warrington. He's now in his 3^rd or 4^th season with us - so we can't be too mad!

 

 

 

All 5 matches played in the NWCSL last night finished 3-2. It would be interesting to know if that has happened before. Probably I'd guess, but not too often....?!

 

Simon Herbert bt Adrian Waller 3-2

Lewis Doughty lost to Rui Soares 1-3

Brett Schille bt Andy Whipp 3-0

Chris Ogden lost to Charlie Cowie 3-0

George Lomas lost to Rob Taylor 3-0

 

There's no match next week - so everyone can enjoy their valentines day! We are up against Wigan next on 21^st February. I think both Joel Makin and Patrick Rooney are available for that clash....

 

 

Andy Whipp

Photos: Richard Bradbury