HLTSC beat league leaders Phoenix in a gruelling high quality match in Huddersfield. This was Phoenix’s first defeat of the season and keeps HLTSC in touch with the league leaders. Mark Francis was this week’s star performer.
Francis was playing his first competitive match after a year out with injury. He played some magnificent racketball and whilst Phoenix’s number one Dan Colbeck was a match for Francis in their first game, Francis’ experience came through in games two and three. The retrieving and tightness of the shots was great from both players and both were clearly exhausted from their efforts.
A good crowd was there to watch the opening match of the night as James Smith held off the strong challenge from Gary Culverwell. Smith was excellent and his energy around the court was evident.
The closest match was the second game which featured Dan Lawton against James Bedford. With Lawton having game points in the first two matches you might have thought he’d go on to win it, but he failed to capitalise on his good start.
When he did pull a game back in the third, it looked like he could stage a comeback and was always ahead in the 4th game but a run of three points at the end for Bedford sealed the match for Phoenix.
Scores on the doors
No 3s. James Smith vs Gary Culverwell
12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-7
No 2s. Dan Lawton Vs James Bedford
10-12, 10-12, 11-9, 8-11
No 1s. Mark Francis vs Dan Colbeck
11- 9, 11-3, 11-5
Match Score 10-4 to HLTSC
The next match is a return fixture at Phoenix where the local courts will be in the favour of the home club. So there is all to play for.
