First team match report
Southgate - 28/11/2006
Verdict
We got humped by our local rivals, bit of a disaster really. Still top of the league though now level on points with Hazelwood.
Nick Buckley
Result: Lost 0-3.
Plus's: Some nice nicks, good use of the ar*e.
Minus's: Couldn't hack the pace.
Verdict: Harry the Hacker proved too fit and strong for young Buckley as he was quite literally blown away in the first couple of games by the strong assured hacking that we have come to expect from the Scotland No1. Looked better in the 3rd with some lovely counter attacks, nicks and blocks which seemed to antagonise the big jock, however it was all too little too late.
Rating: 2/5
Ally McGill
Result: Lost 0-3.
Plus's: Kept running, some nice squash.
Minus's: Length of drive, fitness.
Verdict: McGill put in a better performance against the human pinball machine Jago, though ultimately couldn't hack the pace either. Blew a 6-2 lead in the 2nd after unsettling the Southgate man, unfortunately was too much of a pansy to close the deal (verified by his last date) though went down in the knowledge that if he had trained for the last 10 years he might have been able to sneak a game.
Rating: 2.5/5
Peter Baird
Result: Lost 0-3
Plus's: Didn't get completely mullered unlike some.
Minus's: Mistakes.
Verdict: Playing a very accomplished player Jason Dodd, Baird was always going to struggle with this one and duely did. Played like a gentleman throughout though the crowd were too busy laughing at McGill on the other court to pay much attention.
Rating: 2.5/5
Damian Smith
Result: Lost 0-3
Plus's: None.
Minus's: Where do I start?
Verdict: Oh dear, poor Smithy started badly giving away strokes in the first 4 rallies, then got worse. Got completely thumped by his Arsenal supporting junior opponent with diamond stud earring. A perennial slow starter, this time he didn't even get started and went down without as much as a whimper and 2 points to his name.
Rating: 0/5
Richard Gourlay
Result: Won 3-1
Plus's: Lengths, some good hacking.
Minus's: Hacking.
Verdict: A straight forward win for a very trim looking Gourlay saving the teams blushes and restoring some pride to the boys from Crouch End. Playing his old nemesis Steve 'roadrunner' Illingworth, Gourlay at times looked comfortable and would have had a 3-0 had he not given up on a clear stroke at match ball then hacked the ball into the tin on the next shot. Needless to say the crowd were entertained. Playing in the 2nd team is working wonders for the old marvel.
Rating: 3/5