Corstorphine II

• David Hall 1
• Brian Fulton 2
• Derek Cranston 0

Murrayfield VI

• Charlie Ellis 2
• Alex Asyunkin 3
• Nazmi Okan 1

Team 6 went to the top of Div 2 at the mid-season point with a win in a tight match against an able Corstorphine side led by their star man (and former Murrayfield player) Brian Fulton.

Murrayfield began well taking the first 3 games. Firstly Charlie didn’t allow David to settle and took the 1st game it in three quick ends. Then Alex and Brian (both with 100 per cent records in Div 2) played out a superb match (worthy of two leagues higher), with several splendid rallies. Alex began very strongly with his topspins and despite a good comeback from Brian (taking the 3rd end with some fine play), Alex closed out the game-with a few moments of fortune- 11-9 in a tight 4th end. Naz then played a calm measured game in overcoming Derek’s steady defensive style.

The momentum then shifted to Corstorphine as Brian proved too strong and too consistent for Charlie; before Naz was unable to keep up his form against David who was impressive with his forehand. Then, after taking the 1st two ends with impressive fluency, Alex found himself drawn into a 5-setter against Derek-but recomposed himself to take the final end 11-7.
 
Naz then also succumbed to Brian in three, leaving the score 4-3.
Alex/Charlie and Brian/ David then played out 5 tight sets in the doubles. As against West Lothian, Charlie played some comically bad forehands at the crucial moments and the final set was lost 11-9. The game was now locked at 4-4.

In the final 2 matches Charlie breezed through in three against Derek before Alex overcame David also in three (though all three were close) to secure the points. As with the game versus West Lothian the closeness of the contest made for an enjoyable match-with Corstorphine’s spectators also contributing to the atmosphere.

Game played December 17th at Corstorphine.