The Division 1 fixture - Oxhey vs Eagles match was a drab, jinxed affair that defies a match report even from the most imaginative of authors. The match was won by Eagles but very much harder than the score of 7-1 would suggest.
The match itself was ruined and over shadowed by external influences. First Ian arrived to slip and slide in mud and puddles in a pitch black car park and already reeling from a bereavement wanted even less to play table tennis ..but no reserve could be found.
Secondly in the aforementioned pitch black secluded car park half way through the evening, an unlucky member of the home team had his car smashed into and property stolen.
Thirdly in the only home success, Ian despite comfortable at 2 sets to 1 up, was so distracted by hoots and noise behind the partition from lager louts watching that nights Sky football that the intense concentration needed to defeat a grimly determined John Batiovsky was totally lost-not to return. next two sets lost to 4 and 2!
The doubles was then understandably conceded in order to speak to the police.
James Banfield played two entertaining matches. first to beat Gerry Loader in three dueces and then to beat John Batiovsky in a game where both players played neared their best.
Surely two issues must be addressed if this venue is to remain as a league fixture possibility
- lighting and a CCTV camera should be installed in the car park
- Loud bursts of noise from behind a thin wooden screen must be controlled in some shape or form.
Sorry Oxhey chaps - you are extremely nice friendly people but your venue leaves a lot to be desired!
Tips to visiting teams :-
- Park in the street under a lamp post.
- Wear wellies to negotiate the car park if its been raining.
- Take earplugs for use if its football night in the bar.
Only good to come from the evening was that Spurs won the football 3-0
Match report by : Ian Banfield
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