Report by Derek Tootill
C League
Habib European Bank Lions (199) v All About Gardens (204)
This exciting closely-fought match between two newly-established teams was ultimately decided in the second game of the very first match. Lucy Hamilton took control to win it 15-3 against George Griffiths, also winning the other two but by a closer margin.
Liam Quinn and Jonathan Pooley recorded narrow victories against Derek Tootill (45-43) and Mike Crosbie (45-41) respectively.
However, despite a fine 45-30 win for skilful Zaeem Jafri against born-again Simon Taylor. Gardens clinched the match when Lawrence Rea came from behind to beat Alex Cave 45-40.
Racketeers (48) v Apollo Consultants (225)
It was some welcome to team squash for the Racketeers - the only way is up from here! Nevertheless, they would like to thank Team Apollo for a good set of matches and, in the words of French renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, `There are some defeats more triumphant than victories.`
B League
SMP (172) v Roy’s Rockets (219)
SMP were glad to be back playing team squash and, despite losing overall to the Rockets, the matches were well fought. Jon Morley gave the home side their only win, powering his way past Stuart Highy.
Mark Henson proved too strong for Vix Watterson while Laura Smith played well in losing to Gareth Roome.
Mark Hotchkiss got a game off Tom Whiteway while John Watterson took the first against Pat Russell before forgetting how to serve and losing the next three.
Jewel Tech (222) v Onchan Juniors (149)
Jewel Tech got their season off to a good start with wins for Mark Stratford, Garret Du Toit, Gordon Beresford and Shaun Callow over Mason McLarney, Nathan Quilliam, Chris Cave and Tarek Gomaa respectively.
Jason Crease took the Juniors' only win in a a close five-setter against Carl Albright.
Verve Consultants (184) v Island Exhaust Systems (204)
Brian Cowley took the first game against Phil Shaw, who then came through the stronger to win 3-1.
Mark Grace eventually overcame Les Callow 3-1, while Charles Pimblett put up a brave fight but could not outwit Peter Sharples who won 3-0.
Andrew Walker took one game off an in-form Ian Sheard, while a certainly not in-form Phil Challenger had no answers for the accuracy of Dave Griffiths.
A League
Edgewater Associates B (110) v MAS Plc (135)
Carl Albright came in as a sub for Edgewater B and did a splendid job taking the first game from a surprised Roy Norman.
Norman then came back strongly to take the match 3-1. Steve Morley for MAS Plc caught Douglas Jacobsson napping, winning the first two games, it seemed, without having to lift the racket.
The Edgewater player managed to grab the 3rd game but Morley was too strong on the night. Playing for MAS, Malcolm Levy, who is new to the Island, claimed a well-deserved 3-1 win over Kevin Watterson.
Island Restorations (124) v Motorvation (118)
Restorations took an early lead thanks to Dave O’Neil, despite losing the first two games to Tom Whiteway.
Paul Barnett gave Mike Hayler no chance, winning comfortably while Island Restoration sponsor Colin Crawshaw took the first game before allowing Robert Smith to take the next three, finally winning 3 – 1.
Cains Advocates (106) v Stone Art (135)
It was a clean sweep for Stone Art, although Allister Crossley was made to work hardest for his five-set win over Steve Gaylor.
Steve Barker took a game off Lyndon Cheetham but Mark Grace couldn’t do the same against Chris Corrigan, despite being very close in the first.
For more information and full match reports, go to www.iomsra.com
