Sandbach 2 Season 2009-2010
NWCSL Division 5 South
It was an historic night last Thursday for Sandbach 2 as they clinched promotion to Division 3 of the NWCSL for the first time ever in their long history. Despite legal protests pending by their nearest rivals Knutsford 2, Sandbach 2 knew that a maximum of 20 points would guarantee them of clinching 2nd place in Div. 4 South.
Opponents on the night were new comers Monton who have had an up and down season but who were capable of fielding a strong line-up. It did not help anyone's nerves as Monton informed the team that they would be late arriving and it was not until 7.40 that the match actually started - by which time Ren had already had a 50 minute warm up!!
First on for Sandbach was John (Arabia) Lawrence against John Connolly son of Monton's No.2 Paul Connolly and who looked a lot younger than the 17 years he proclaimed to be - however Arabia was not keen to add his name to the list of No.5 players to lose to young whipper snappers and got Sandbach off to a tremendous start winning 9-4, 9-3, 9-4 - just 17 points more required.
Meanwhile on Court 2 Sandbach's own whipper snapper Rich Innocent was in action against Monton's No.2 Paul Connolly. Rich, fresh from his first team debut last week, looked the more accomplished player and things looked good as he soon got into his stride in the first game - however, despite being well in front Rich only just managed to win the 1st game 10-8. Rich's dad Dave was not too impressed with Rich that he immediately went down stairs to give his son some fatherly advice which obviously had an effect as Rich lost the 2nd game 8-10! The 3rd game was another tight affair with Rich just coming out on top 9-7. The home crowd who were then expecting Rich to go on to finish the match off had a shock as Rich slumped to lost the game 9-5. 2-2. At this time, with Rich looking 2nd best, the Captain decided to do what he does best - disappearing from the scene with a tin of Stella as his nerves got the better of him. On his return 15 minutes later he found Rich slumped outside the court, sweating profusely a nd looking knackered - surely he didn't lose? No, of course he didn't - Rich got his game together to win 9-3 - 6 points to the good, 14 more needed.
Meanwhile on Court 1, Ren was in a titanic battle with Monton's No.1 Wally Beech. It was a typical Rennie match, hard hitting, lots of tins and mistakes but Ren giving 100% effort for the cause. Ren took the 1st game 9-5, lost the 2nd 6-9, regained the lead 9-6 in the 3rd and then had match ball in the 4th but he failed to take it and the game went to a decider - both players looked absolutely knackered and Ren quickly went 2-0 down - time for the Captain to disappear again with another tin of Stella to watch some fat bird swimming in the pool - not a pretty sight and when she made eye contact it was time for a quick exit to see if Ren had capitulated. However, Ren had a massive smile on his face and the Captain knew that he had won - unfortunately his opponent had to retire and concede the match with a damaged hammy - cue another tin of Stella!! 9 points plus a guaranteed bonus of 5 points - just 6 more required.
Next up for Sandbach was Mr. Dependable Steve Coppard affectionately known as "118 118" but he's not aware of this! Steve was playing Roy Wright who had given Steve a tough time earlier in the season, with Steve just coming out on top 3-2. However there was to be no chance of his opponent being allowed to come anywhere close to causing an upset as Steve romped to a 9-7, 9-6, 9-4 victory, playing some great squash and back on top form. 17 points, just 3 needed to guarantee promotion.
The last game of the season and probably the most important and it was down to Pengers to do the business. Could the Penguin bring home the . . . er, kippers!! YES HE COULD!!! He absolutely destroyed Monton's No.4 Al Reede 9-5, 9-6, 9-0 - and the crown went wild!! Well, not quite but it was time for the celebrations to begin, bottle of bubbly opened (plus another Stella) and time for a photo shoot of the famous five.
Thanks must go to all who have participated throughout the season - as well as the five who played on the night, there has been valuable contributions from Mr. Madders, Cilla, the President (Mulls), the Captain, the Chairman, Mike Allen and Gareth Jones.
We have also had great support from Colin and Dan Bradley, Rich Henshall, Uwe Koch and Dave Innocent and last but not least, the 1st team who have given us every opportunity to play our best team, especially towards the end of the season when promotion was a possibility and it was great to see the majority of them make it back from Grove Park to join in the celebrations at the Wheaty!
Next season will see the 2nd team in Div. 3 of the NWCSL for the first time (and probably the last!) and they are likely to get their arses kicked in every game - but at least we can say that we got there and that we deserved it - in fact we were only 2 points of the winners of the Division - Prestbury.
Good luck to both teams next season - it will be a great night when the firsts play the seconds. Best of luck to the new Captain (whoever he may be) as I have decided that I have taken this team as far as I am able. Many thanks to all concerned.
Captain. COYS!
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