Smyth smashes squash legend as Masters team win

They edged out Windsor 8-7, thanks in part to Mark Smyth’s astounding victory over the most capped sportsman in Ireland, David Gotto.

That was a result that will go down in the annals of Lisburn Racquets history after he took a 2-1 success, rallying back from losing his first game. He certainly clinched the final point in style, with a 15-1 result.

That result was followed up by wins for Neil Copeland and Michael Graham in matches four and five to seal the narrow victory.

Neil had to play, once again, under protest against 71 year-old Clive Gilmour but managed to snatch the narrowest of wins, 15-13 in the final game.

David McClay and David Hamilton were beaten by Dicky Hedley and Gordon Addy respectively but their points were invaluable in sealing the win.

RESULTS ROUND-UP

The Racquets A team were due to play Windsor in the Premier League but for some reason, their opponents could not fireld a team and they were handed a 4-0 (13-0) points whitewash without hitting a ball.

The B team had no match in Division One.

The Lisburn C team faced Banbridge and returned with a creditable 3-1 (10-5) points win. Davy Hamilton, Neil Copeland and Mark Smyth bagged three points each, with a bonus point capping off a fine result.

RACQUETS D TEAM

The Lisburn D team beat Windsor 11-5 on the road.

First up was John Floyd against the handy Gordon Addy and in the first, Gordon stormed ahead to win 9-2.

The second was only a little better as John lost 4-9. Having started the third in similar fashion, he switched on his usual self and left Gordon behind 9-4.

Unfortunately for Lisburn, John couldn’t sustain this form in the fourth and lost 2-9.

Next up was Peter Robinson, otherwise known as either Gladiator or First Minister, against Patrick Sheridan.

Patrick lost the first 9-5 but, having received various coaching tips during the break, turned the tables and won the second 9-6.

He very nearly did it again in the third and came back from 3-7 down to get game point but Peter dug deep and went on to win 10/8.

Patrick seemed to turn off in the fourthand Peter quickly finished the match 9-1.

Next was Ciaran Devine against Alastair Aitken. After falling behind Ciaran took the first 9-4. He lagged a little at the start of the second too, but went on to win 9-2.

Encouraged by his performance in the first two games, he won easily 9-0 in the third, claiming it was the best he has played all season.

Last on were the two Moores, Ken against his long time Masters rival Olivia.

Ken controlled the first and won 9-2. He relaxed or became complacent in the second and lost 5-9.

However, he snapped back into action to won the third 9-2 and quickly snuffed out the fourth 9-0.