By Philip Barrass
So, to general surprise, the second week of cup games saw the
Fallopians still going strong. After a thrilling and exhausting
encounter that went right to the wire in the last round, the OFs
felt they could raise their game and take 2nd seeds Tower Ravens out
of the tournament.
Expert analyst Bert Vandermark agreed: "You've got a real chance
against this lot - you'll only need 350 to make a game of it."
The Ravens weren't listening, and pounded down deliveries from both
ends with fearsome pace, accuracy and disguise. Early promise and
some big hitting was snuffed out by loose stroke play and line calls
based more on confusion than clarity of vision - no hawkeye here to
change decisions for the unlucky player.
The Fallopians served up a decent enough series of balls themselves,
and two Ravens were neatly plucked and drawn. But in vain. The
Ravens put such top spin on their drives that they sped past lunging
and diving Fallopians too often - "Ridiculous!", they were heard to
cry.
No fervour from the crowd, just silent resignation, predictable
departure. Not even children left at the end to clamour for
autographs, but the barman in the Royal remembered my name, which is
something.
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Contortionist: AK faces the boot
Photo: Philip Barrass |