Stratford stay top despite defeat

With the injury seeming to affect his play, Milles desperately tried to keep up with the pace of the game. However, Milles’ opponent realised he was struggling and took his opportunity to take control and seal a convincing 3-0 victory.

The unbeaten Rolf Wilson, gave a fantastically assured performance at fifth string to see off his younger opponent with ease. Wilson won the first two games despite some extremely tight squash. He then coasted through the third game to take the match and level the tie.

Stratford’s most consistent performer, George Owen, looked to continue his fine run of form by winning his opening game in convincing style.

Unfortunately for Owen, his opponent upped his performance in the second game and played his way back into the match, winning some decisive points in the next three games. The Solihull Arden player played a strong and precise game to eventually beat Owen, 3-1.

Hoping to avoid a team defeat, Stratford’s second string, Simon Kemp, played an opponent who he had beaten last season. Unfortunately for the Stratford player, he could not repeat his exploits this time around.

The first game could have gone either way, with the game stretching to 19-17 in favour of the Solihull Arden player. The opening game had a tiring effect on both players but Kemp’s opponent managed to edge ahead to secure the second game.

Although Kemp gained an early lead in the third game, his opponent’s determination and excellent ball retrieval resulted in a 3-0 win for Solihull Arden.

With the overall match already lost, Simon Johns at first string was instructed to try to claw back some vital points. Despite many long, tiring rallies, Johns managed to sneak into a 2-0 lead. The Solihull top seed then turned things around in the third, to take the game and put pressure on Johns.

With Johns finding himself 9-4 down in the fourth game and clearly extremely tired, it looked as though the match would go to a fifth game decider. However, Johns somehow managed to dig in to take the next seven points and snatch the fourth game and a 3-1 victory.

Although Stratford suffered their third loss of the season, they remain top of the division by a small margin.

Hoping to get back to winning ways next week, Stratford entertain Warwick University at home.