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First round of the RBA Knock-Out Cup (aka Griffiths Cup) against John Lewis away and once again we received, what on paper, looked to be an unbelievably harsh handicap! Katie was able to step in for poorly Jane at the last minute. John Lewis had a handicap of +168, we had +64, which somehow equates to an adjusted handicap of +144 in John Lewis's favour! With a possible maximum of 240 points in the match, we had to win each game at least 15-6 on average to win! That's not alot of room for unforced error, particulary at an away venue. I don't think it was just me, I think Nigel made a comment as well, but the shuttle did seem a tad dead most of the time. I think it seems to be a trait of playing at the Uni!? It may have helped though, as I'm sure alot of my shots would have otherwise sailed out the back, but anyway. Everyone was well focused once on court, having to go all out to win by as much as was humanly possible! After Nigel and Marcus's first rubber in which they only dropped 3 points, it was evident that we were in with a chance. With over half the games being won to 0 and with only 3 opposition points going over the allowed average of 6, it was clear we had it in the bag, having gotten the better of that harsh handicap! A handicapped competition attempts to make for an even battle, however, it is rarely perfect. What at first looked like an incredible handicap against us, turned out to be not nearly enough! Despite the fact that we are playing John Lewis in both the Ladies and Reading Mixed matches this season. With the total match points being scored at 240-47, the final score, after adjusting for the handicap, becomes 240-191 points to us. It's all about the points, the games/rubbers don't really count as it would have been possible for John Lewis to have won the match without winning a single game. John Lewis are a very friendly side and were able to keep smiling despite our necessary efforts to slaughter! Having finished by 9:30pm, there was still an hour left of the extra club night back at Woodford Park. So most of us headed back to get a couple of extra games in, or take it easy in the pub. With only four club members down, we were a welcome return! |