Bats V Dolphins on 03/03/2010

First off was Ricky Tarani against Neil Seaholme. Ricky started well with his usual unstoppable loop working well. It looked like he would sail through the first match. But Neil kept a positive attitude and turned the tables in the second game. (We suspect after some good tactical advice from Stuart).
Almost inevitably it became a 5-setter with Neil showing the better consistency to win through.
 
Next Stuart Seaholme against Ralph Taylor, Ralph was using his usual tactic, throwing in every variation of serve he could think of. This did win a few points but not enough to cancel out the winners from Stuarts deadly backhand flick. Maybe in a momentary laps in concentration Ralph took 1 game, but the outcome was not in dispute. Ralph left the table muttering something about developing a forehand loop.....
 
David Warren v Kevin Williams. Kevin's nice smooth Forehand loop was working well. Though the first game was close, Kevin never looked troubled and took it 3 straight.
 
Stuart Seaholme v against Ricky Tarani. Was a good tactical match, with Ricky trying to select the right shot to hit and Stuart keeping the ball nice and low. Ricky was getting a reasonable percentage of loops on the table with Stuart returning some (much to Ricky's surprise!). Stuart won 3 straight.
 
Neil Seaholme v  Kevin Williams. Close well fought match, with Kevin winning one or two extra points each game. Kevin won 3 straight.
 
David Warren v Ralph Taylor. Ralph started solidly, getting a good advantage from his serve. David seemed rather nervous and was struggling to get his attacking shots going. Ralph took the first two sets but in the third set David started to play more freely. The fourth set was a nail-biter with Ralph winning with rather a lucky serve that seemed to hit the side edge on both sides of the table (Pheeeww!).
 
Stuart Seaholme v Kevin Williams. Stuart won 3 straight but match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Stuart using his experience and guile to win the important points.
 
Doubles: David Warren/ Neil Seaholme v Ricky Tarani / Ralph Taylor. David and Neil ran away with the doubles using good offensive tactics. Rick and Ralph started to get a handle on the game in the third set but it was too late.
 
Match report by : Ralph Taylor