Rhythm & Blues continue their impressive form, whilst Mellow Yellows move into contention
Round two of Reigate Squash Club’s ultra competitive yet still friendly Internal Team League saw the Rhythm & Blues look to consolidate their early lead by taking on The Green Machine, whilst Mellow Yellows sought to continue their foray into the bright sunlit uplands by facing last year’s champs, the Rediculous 5. Forty members took to the courts, including twelve taking to the field of battle for the first time this season, and three all time ITL debutants, who did not quite know what was about to hit them.
The ever keen Trevor Ladd struck the first blow for the Yellows by defeating ITL stalwart Andy Catford in straight games. Ruth Lewis dished up an early straight games win for the Greens by defeating Caroline Linton, who found herself back in the Blue for the first time since March. Brandon Bratton, the ITL administrator of many colours, struck back for the Blue cause by inflicting a sore defeat on Andrew Loftus 3-1. And Blues Christian Harding took on fitness fiend Mike Pinggera Snr, snuffing him out in straight games, before Mike could get going.
In a curious twist (just how do these coincidences happen?) the fathers of the two ladies from the first round of matches now took on each other. In a really close game full of canny length shots and masterly drops from both men, Chris Lucas avenged the defeat of daughter Caroline by defeating ITL first timer Stephen Lewis three games to two; another win for the Blues. Meanwhile, James ‘Metal Macey’ delivered further momentum for the Yellows by defeating Richard Allum in three tight matches. Richard English took revenge on turncoat Tom Jenkins (forced to switch from Yellows to Reds this year by the evil organiser), defeating his erstwhile compatriot three games to one. On the showcourt, Blues Andy Laurillard, founder of the Giggling feast, showed no mercy to club Royalty Danny Lee, taking out the king in straight games. Long live the Squid.
Alfie Champion lived up to his name by making Colin Waite, taking this one for the Yellows in straight games. Dave Martell, playing his first ever ITL match, at the top of the order no less, took down his opponent Matt Jones in a tight match 3-2; precious points for the Reds here. Meanwhile the outer courts were witnessing a couple of classics. Guy Huddleston, initially tormented by the tight high serves and wicked drops of Maggie May, girded his loins and all other body parts (ooh matron) and came out an eventual 3-2 victor for the Yellows. And young and rapidly improving Freddie Jenkins, currently rocketing up the club leagues, cemented Yellow’s strong position by defeating Coleen Cloherty 3-2, 15-13 in the fifth! Dad Tom looked on proudly as his son achieved the victory that had earlier eluded the old man.
So roughly half way through the evening’s entertainment, and both the Blues and the Yellows were looking very strong. Paul McKay offered a glimmer of hope for the Reds by taking out James May in straight games. Blues Mike Parsons showed no mercy to the returning John Miles, taking him down in straight games in a quality racketball match. On the showcourt, Guy Stedman flew around court and despatched George Stoyle in clinical fashion three games to one – yet another Yellows win! And Peter Knee piled on the agony for the Reds by beating Leah Beglan in straight but extremely tight games.
The final full round of matches saw the ever entertaining racketball doubles feature, a match the Reds couldn’t really ever lose, with Paul McKay and John Miles dismantling Mike Parsons and Andy Catford 3-1. Julian Griffiths was hammering home Blues dominance by taking out Ed Chapman in straight games (about twelve of them in all…). Andrew Leaver scored another blow for the Blues by beating returning Green Machine cog Chris Cable three one. Joe Ales did the same, taking down Godfrey Jordan, also 3-1.
It was left to Alan Taffinder, the Green talisman, to salvage some pride for his team by defeating Wayne Beglan in straight games in a high quality encounter. Both players entertained the crowd with several high backhand crosscourt nick kill shots – oohs and aahs echoed through the building as the balls rolled across the court floor. Wayne put in a massive effort, breathing and steaming like a train, but could not quite haul Alan in.
Off to the bar for drinks and eats. As Wayne dripped into his Giggling Squid curry, the crowd reflected on what they had seen. A huge leap forward for the Rhythm & Blues team, consolidating their lead at the top of the ITL table, but who’s this coming up on the rails? It’s Mellow Yellows, fire in their bellies, just waiting for the chance to seriously burn the leaders in the next round. Meanwhile, The Green Machine and the Rediculous 5 are left to lick their wounds and plan their respective comebacks.
Make sure you are available for the famous festive ITL edition – Friday 13th December. You’ve got to see this one!
| Team | Matches Won | Ties Won | Points |
| Rhythm & Blues | 2 | 17.0 | 52.5 |
| Mellow Yellows | 1 | 13.0 | 44.0 |
| Green Machine | 1 | 7.5 | 32.5 |
| Rediculous 5 | 0 | 4.5 | 29.0 |
