Galashiels 0-15 Watsonians 4
Ruaridh Kohler 0-3 Matthew Gibbs
Ruaridh was making his first appearance of the season for Gala after recovering from an injury and faced Matthew Gibbs who has played at Gala previously but never tasted victory. Gibbs was determined to get maiden victory at Gala and didn’t let up as some accurate shots and great anticipation seen him overcome Kohler 15-5, 15-7, 15-8. Kohler didn’t play too badly but didn’t match the determination of Gibbs and although Kohler enjoyed the tussle he was disappointed by the result.
Darren Quinn 0-3 Ross Taylor
Quinn, who normally filled in at no.5 when needed was promoted to no.4 for this match due to lack of available players. Again the Gala man gave a good encounter of himself and made for some cracking squash but the better player triumphed on the night 15-6, 15-6, 5-6.
Brian Magowan 0-3 Clive Shannon
Magowan was making his league bow for Gala and came up against Watsonians league veteran Shannon. Magowan had previously represented Gala in Friendlies found the step up to Competitive League squash too much to handle, lack of Competitive experience meant the edge was always with Shannon and the Watsonians Stalwart won a pretty straight forward 15-7, 15-3, 15-6.
Graham Bensted 0-3 Bobby McKinney
The first game started with Bensted pulling away as his powerful serves took McKinney by surprise, although it didn’t take McKinney long to adapt and as soon as they were passed the serve and returns McKinney always controlled the rallies, there was some good fast shots but Bensted relied on his serve too much and the Wats player took this one 15-11, 15-6, 15-6.
Del Sharratt 0-3 David Hutton
Hutton’s record against Gala in the Leagues is now played 3 won 3. Hutton, who is Watsonians regular top seed is probably used to playing higher quality opposition as Del is usually seeded at 3-4 for Gala. Gala’s top seed Tony Elliot – Unbeaten in the League was abroad and with other players pulling out due to holidays/work it meant Del had to make the step up.
The pair played some good squash and long rallies but it was always felt that Hutton could have stepped up a gear if he really needed to. Although Left-hander Del got close in the first game due to some uncharacteristic unforced errors from Hutton, the Edinburgh Man seemed to get the bounce of the ball and won 15-10, 15-9, 5-8.
This was a difficult match and pretty much an entire reserve team, Gala’s top seeds are ALL back next week and hopefully can steal a victory against Craigshill Xcite.