The tabloids would have called it a Thrilla or Pulsating or some such. The Squad fought toe to toe with Prested right up to 2-2 in the final set of the final match, but sadly fell just short of the ultimate prize. Here’s how it all panned out:
 
Match 1 – James Barlow vs Jonathan Conway
Hardly an away match for JC (MURTC member playing as a traitor!) but as I joined the dedans 15 minutes into the match he was 0-4 and looking more than a little bemused. JB was on fire and he had no response. First set 6-2 to the good guys. It hardly looked as if JB was giving away a good 30 years, but it was noted how hot the court was and slowly JC started to match our venerable #1. The second set saw some great rests and all around play worthy of a final, but one had the nagging feeling that the momentum was shifting. At 3-3 James needed a couple of good games and to close out the set, but sadly it went the other way. 3-6 to JC. In the last set JB rallied well to stay in it but couldn’t land the decisive blows. JC looked well relieved when he closed out for 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
 
Match 2 – Mark Heffernan vs Chris Vigrass
Very difficulty match to call in advance. Whilst James gave away years Mark was giving away reach! Chris is one of few people who serves down onto the Penthouse. Both players are consistent and effective, although CV left the consistent trait behind this time and MH never allowed him to settle and made sure he won all the big points. This was impressive as CV has had a good season. 6-3, 6-3 put us well and truly back in the match.
 
Match 3 - James LaTerriere vs Mike Norgrove
This was a ding-dong battle up until the middle of the third set. MN came into the match having been heavily beaten by his team mate CV a couple of days before. However in both his matches this season against James he has hardly missed a shot. First set was close but he sneaked ahead at the death. Second set was the mirror image. At 2-1 in the third the prize was beginning to hove into view. Two close games were sneaked by MN, and in doing so he found another gear. Now pulling off  stunning returns at every turn to put himself into the driving seat, the result unfortuantely went away from MURTC.
 
Twice beaten finalists. Next year…..