19/05/10….Second National title for Steve

A MEMBER of Raquets squash club, Steve Bateman, last week became the the National Clubs over 45s racketball
champion – just a week after winning another national over 45’s title.

In the National Club Champions, Racquets Over 45s team defeated Boston during a tense final in Nottingham last week-end (15/16 May).

Racquet’s manager, Simon Martin, described the game: “First on for Racquets was Steve Bateman who took the 1st game 9/1. Steve’s opponent hit back in the second, moving Steve to the front a lot more, but could not keep the pressure up with Steve winning 9/5.
“The 3rd was over quite quickly Steve victorious 9/2 to send us 1-0 up.

“Next on was Darren Withey. Darren a notoriously slow starter, didn’t get into the 1st game losing 9/3. The 2nd was much better – a much faster pace and Darren won that 9/3. All change, unfortunately, in the next two, Darren going down 9/1. Match score 1-1 with 1 to play!

“Bring on Mr ‘steady’ Eddie, Nigel Pattison. Nigel was also a bit sluggish starting, but managed to take the 1st game 10/8. The 2nd he raced through 9/3 to take a 2-0 lead. The 3rd his opponent hit back winning it
9/5 after Nigel had taken an early lead. The 4th looked a lost cause as Nigel went 6-1 down but he rallied to win the game 9/6 and the match 3-1.

“Racquets was victorious over Boston 2-1.”

PHOTO: Steve Bateman on the left