EPCC Squash: Match Report

Linguistics, 14th March 1997

Match Report provided by: Ironman

Score: EPCC 16 - Linguistics 9

Team:

• Alistair -JR- Ewing (3-1)
• Thomas -Ironman- Schreiber (1-3)
• Thomas -Why me?- Zurek (3-2)
• Vivek -The Gent- Gore (3-2)
• Gordon -Bananaman- Lang (3-1)

A tremendous finish for the EPCC team. Excited spectators saw a 150 minutes marathon of squash as the EPCC team, led by their confident captain JR, made it clear that they are the number 1 team in division 3. Before the first game, our database expert Why me? had predicted that even a disastrous 0-18 could not prevent us from being promoted to division 3. But clearly, our objective had been a clear victory over the then number 1 team Linguistics.

• Linguistics were a good team alright and JR had to concede the first set. Incidently, his opponent had some reputation. At a previous game, he viciously broke his opponent's nose. Anyway, in his confident manner, JR refused to give in. The Linguistics number 1 was devastated to learn that JR would simply return any ball no matter how difficult. Some observers speculated that this had been yet another game that JR should never have won.
• Meanwhile, Bananaman put in yet another impressive performance. In the first set, it seemed as there would be little hope for us to get a point out of this game. However, Bananaman was really in charge in the remaining three sets. In his thoughtful and precise manner, he left not even the faintest hope for his opponent. Bananaman is looking forward to division 3. This term has been far too easy for him.
• Why me? was in full control. Sheer determination provided a 2-0 lead. At this point, Why me?'s very own tactic came into play. As usual, he made sure his opponent would loose any remaining fitness in the following two sets, before coldly ending the game with 3-2. Well done!
• Next was the Ironman. His opponent clearly had the upper hand in the first set. Having lost the second set with 8-10, our man pulled himself together and controlled the third set leading to a 1-2 score. Would he have enough energy to turn around the game? Sadly not. Far too early in the fourth set, he was out of breath. A disappointing season for the Ironman.
• A difficult game for the Gent. In a match between David and Goliath, there was little point for the Gent to attempt to weaken his Schwarzenegger opponent in long rallies. Never mind that Goliath had some nasty killer returns, the Gent secured a 2-0 lead. However, his opponent did not give in so easily. After another two close sets and 9:45pm approaching, doubts began to emerge whether this game would ever come to an end. Undisturbed by such mortal considerations, the gent continued to play very calmly. Eventually, Goliath couldn't resist a couple of nervous risky shots. Just in time before being kicked out, the Gent finished with a well deserved 3-2 victory.

Player of the Term Award: Bananaman, for an outstanding performance in all games this term