The visit of Tapton neighbours Oakbrook 2 for a combined match at
Ecclesfield saw a first outing of the season for Dave's new look
nominated 6, with Dave W back in place of Steve (still thought to be in
the pub discussing his lack of service errors with anyone passing by)
meaning the 3D experience was featured for the first time. This was
expected to be a tough contest with the opposition having joined us in
being promoted last season & having had 2 evenly matched contests
last year.As it proved the Oakbrook side was much changed from last year with a new group of ladies & a new number 3 man. Our ladies, lead by Cat, took their opponents on with vigour and easily won both matches with neither Cat/Jane or Cat/Lesley needing a 3rd end to settle the games. On the mens side the new pairing of Deepak & Dave W took a while to gel but managed to win their game in straight ends whilst Deepak & Dave H confused everyone by shaking hands at the conclusion of end 2 before turning around to play the 3rd end & coming out victorious.
With a 4-0 from the level doubles the mixed required 1 win to secure victory. Dave H & Lesley had already won their 1st game in straight ends as had Dave W & Jane whilst the level doubles were taking place giving us a 6-0 lead. With the last round of games we knew another clean sweep would mean the first 9-0 of Combined 2's short history. Deepak & Cat again managed to win their game in straight ends as did Dave H & Lesley & all looked good as Dave W & Jane also won their 1st end. At that point though it seemed that Dave's efforts the previous evening when filling in for Ravi with Combined 1 might have taken its toll, the opposition fighting back to take the 2nd end & racing into a 7-1 lead in the 3rd. A battling performance got the score back to 18-21 but alas 8-1 was the final margin of victory.
Next up a trip to Nomads on Wednesday night, a tough proposition against a side relegated from division 1 last year but one we look forward to with relish.