The sheer weight of match reports have bogged me down. I’m going to have to give a very quick run through of the highlights I’m aware of and then post the league positions and my summary of the situation……..

This summary could of course be absolute nonsense as very little research has been undertaken…..

Ladies 1

Normal service has resumed with the jewel in the Cardross crown continuing to win matches and promotion is looking likely into the incredibly heady heights of Division 2. Division 2 is fabled ground where players have two rackets the same, know stuff about string tension and probably don’t chug down Prosecco by the bottle post match.

I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it girls. Prosecco it is……

I only received one picture and it was of Lorns & KT after an epic game where they won every set but needed 7 games in each one to prevail. 7-6 7-5 7-5

Ladies 2

Last time I wrote an update the Ladies had just got out of the blocks and now they have finished their season already. Jill, Ronald et al sit atop their league with the other teams doing a ‘run chase’ to see if they can catch them.

As far as I can see they are secured promotion and await to see if Kirkhill can scoop 15 sets from their last two games to overhaul our warrior princesses.

Time will tell.

The weather has been great and I did receive one photo of Jill and at home match.

Ladies 3

This looks like a very commendable mid / top half table finish. Still a few games to go and it does look as if there’s a few teams with a few more sets to come from their games in hand but I think our Ladies can be proud of this years play no matter how the cards fall.

And of course they have set the standards for the match tea to which we all aspire…..

Gents 1

This has been a tough season. Great games to watch but not any easy matches at this level. Looks likely our brave soldiers will be moonwalking back down to Div 4 this year but who knows that might re-energise the troops to bounce straight back up.

The one tragic tale which in typical style we have to raise a smile at is that after battling hard and taking Silver Medals all year our very own Keith was in pole position, one set up and 3-2 up when unfortunately he was dealt a savage blow and did his own version of ‘Devon Loch’.

When life gives you lemons guys………

Gents 2

Bawgate Jim’s trusty crew are battling on. After inflicting the first ever defeat on Kelvingrove, which went down fairly well after the guys initial shock, a couple of strong victories and promotion is a distinct possibility.

Willie is back from his overseas training camp, Harrison has finished his exams and the boys are ready for the run in.

We welcome the chase……

Gents 3

This has been a tough season as well. It looks like a relegation decider against local club Craighelen at the end of June could hold the key.

As always there’s been some great games and great entertainment all played in good spirit.

Well until Andrew pulled up lame, hobbled off court to inform Capt Wizzo he thinks he might be ok for the next game. Too late says Wiz. You’ve been replaced already. All before the sweat had dried on the bunnet.

The King is dead. Long live the King.

Gents 4

There’s a couple of stand out teams in this league who are barely dropping a set. A bit like Scottish football where we all battle to be the best of the rest our boys are currently in 3rd spot and doing well.

And before anyone else asks. Yes that tan of Graham’s is real. He’s retired man he’s just been out in the sun the whole time………honest

 

 

 

 

I think this task was easier when we had one or two teams………

Here’s my best attempt at bringing us up to date with the match reports.

Gents 1

Gents 1 hosted Titwood at Cardross last night and managed a great 5-4 victory. They have now got 13 sets from their first 3 games which is ahead of Capt Maclatchie’s budget forecast.

The main thing of note in this match was a previously unseen QUADRUPLE Rikki by young Felix in the last game. To mark this momentous occasion here’s 4 Rickys to cut out and keep……

 

• For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term ‘ Double Rikki’ or indeed now ‘Quadruple Rikki’ Iain Brown will be more than happy to educate you in the Cardross folklore next time you see him at Club Night….

Gents 2

Captain Jim finally got his merry gang out of hibernation to start their assault on Division 6B. With new recruits Willie, Max, Gazza and Harrison adding to the battle tested Stevo and Bawgate Jim.

The visitors from DL West End had a couple of games under their belt already but this didn’t stop the ‘Dross 2nds from flying out of the blocks.

Willie and Stevo being trusted to steer the ship at 1 and all was plain sailing until set 3

Still 6-3 6-3 3-6 was a fine start at first couple.

Gazza and Max were unleashed at second couple. They seem to complement each other with Gazza’s flamboyant net play being a fine side serving to Max’s heavy artillery from the baseline or anywhere else on the court.

They were playing an experienced pairing but managed to seal the deal 6-3 6-3 6-4 without too much cause for concern. Good start guys.

At third couple we had Captain Jim trying to mentor young Harrison. And young Harrison knowing he was actually tasked with mentoring Captain Jim.  After back to back double faults from Jim in the first service game, the roles were confirmed. Harrison the mentor. Jim the mentee.

They won the first two sets only losing one game with Harrison displaying some fine volleys and baseline tekkers. The third set was a bit closer but they managed to press the reset button and win 6-4. An 8-1 overall victory is a great start and hopefully a sign of things to come. Next up is Fort Matilda on Tuesday 22nd.

Gents 3

The tough season continues for Gents 3 but there was a ray of hope gain with Callum & Fraser stepping up a couple of Divisions and combining to win their rubber 2-1 away to Lenzie. Great news for the boys and the club in general. Well done both.

Gents 4

I think I might be up to date with these ones. Sitting second in league with 25 sets after 4 matches. Good solid start indeed…..

Ladies 1

Think I’m up to speed with these ones as well. Sitting second in league with 20 sets after 3 games. We still believe…..

Ladies 2

The Ladies 2nd team came out of hibernation as well. Rumours that they have been hibernating with Captain Jim’s team are completely unfounded.

What better way to shake off the rust from the winter than to have a pre match feast in the McDonalds in East Kilbride!?

Yes – Mrs Hogg – we are looking at you.

And your defence that you ‘were just having a coffee’ cuts no mustard with us here. We have photographic evidence.

So the big questions would soon be answered.

How would the team do after a long break during our bleak mid winter?

Would they cope without the talismanic youngster Mia who was injured playing Netball for our glorious nation? (Get well soon.)

Would Janet have room in the car for anyone else or just McDonalds boxes?

We didn’t have long to wait…..

Jill  & Ronald McDonald combined at first couple to ‘drive thru’ the opposition.

Both players were hitting strong McForehands, McVolleys and decent McServes.

No quarter (pounder) was asked or given and they simply filleted (o fish) the home team 6-1 6-2 6-3. At the end of the match both Jill & Ronald were extremely happy (meal). They were very keen not to make a hash (brown) of it and feel like a couple of (Mc) nuggets.

I’ll stop now……….

Second couple saw a strange game. When Catherine & Rona were easily dispatched 6-1 in the first set things looked bleak. Once again. What do I know…….

Our brave warriors fought back like Joan of Arc, Bodicca or indeed Xena, Warrior Princess.  Or her from the Hunger Games. Ironic given the feast consumed by Couple 1…….

A 6-1 4-6 4-6 victory set us up with 5 sets in the bag and one rubber still to be completed.

Lisa was playing up from the 3rd team to help out the 2nd team & partnering Mhairi at 3rd couple.
A very dominant start with the first two sets going Cardross’ way. The third set slipped away but by then the job was done. 3-6 2-6 6-3.

7-2. What a great start to the season.

Ladies 3 

The Ladies 3rd team have suffered a couple of very narrow 5-4 defeats in the last two matches. One away to Helensburgh and one at Fortress Cardross to the beautifully named ‘Anchor’.

Ever dependable Capt Gwen combined with Lesley Robertson to win 3 sets against Helensburgh in the local derby and then with Lisa Fowler to bounce back from a first set defeat to win 2-1 against Anchor.

Sara & Danielle at second got pipped 2-1 at Helensburgh and then won 2-1 at Cardross with two sets going their way on tiebreaks.

Elaine combined with Natasha at Helensburgh but met a very strong pair in a 3-0 reversal and then with new team member Patricia, ( Welcome Patricia ) but the outcome unfortunately was the same although our ladies put up very strong resistance in the 3rd set where it looked likely they may pinch the set. Ultimately it fell to the visitors in what was a very good match.

Cardross have played 4 matches and chalked up 21 sets so are in a strong position in their league.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ladies 3rd team have played 2 games already. Capt Gwen employing the ‘ you snooze you lose’ tactics and after a hard winter pre season our Ladies came out firing.

First up was a home match against the  Ladies from Uplawmoor.

After the obligatory ‘ Uplawmoor? Where even is that?’ questions from the players and supporters it was down to business.

( FYI – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uplawmoor)

Capt Gwen led the line along with Tracy at first couple. Turned out to be a very good quality match with some excellent serving and volleying from the Uplawmoor team that saw them take the first sets 6-3 6-2. The general feeling on the sidelines was that we weren’t going to get anything from this rubber.

What do we know? Gwen & Tracy dug deep.

They took the last set 6-3. A great turnaround by the ladies.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Every single set counts come August time so these are incredibly important. Well done

Second couple but aboard the ‘show court’ in a break from tradition were Lisa Fowler & Sara Sullivan. Lisa & Sara had too much firepower for the Uplawmoor duo and ran out 6-1 6-0 6-1 winners. Some great shots in this match and it did seem closer than the scoreline indicated.

Down on the darklands of Court 3 were Danielle & Elaine. They had formed a potent partnership last year and just picked up where they left off. A 6-3 6-1 6-1 victory was very efficient and business like. Great job.

There was also a lovely double rainbow but our Ladies didn’t ‘bungle’ the match.( See what I’ve done there? 😉 )

Next up was a road trip to the mean streets of Lenzie. Hopes were high of a delicate match tea in this part of the world. Bone china was a certainty.

At 1st couple Capt Gwen paired with Lisa this time and had too much cunning and tactics for the Lenzie partnership. 6-3 6-2 7-6 was a great start to the match with 3 sets in the bag. The last set was titanic but our Ladies held on…

At 2nd couple Sara & Danielle who were both victorious in different pairs last week looked a formidable force. They took the first set on a tie break but then the Lenzie team found their range and took the next sets 6-3 7-5. This felt like one ‘against the darts’ for the Cardross team but still ahead in the match 4-2 going to the last couple’s match.

The 3rd couple Elaine & Natasha didn’t do things the easy way thats for sure. A marathon first set they stole on a tie break before losing the second set 6-3 to set up a decider.

Another marathon for Natasha in what I believe to be her first match. The match tea quince jelly would be getting warm and the Celeriac emulsion losing its texture by the time this game finished.

But the team didn’t care about that when the result went their way 7-6 in the decider.

A strong 6-3 away win and the team are in great shape after two matches with 13 sets in the bag.

Great times…..