Mr Ian Fergusons’ latest protégé , Bernard Oliver , was once again the mainstay of Colebridge Eagles 7-3 success over club mates Colebridge Giants last night ( 12/02/13 ).
Bernards’ eigth hat trick of the current campaign, a statistic recorded painstakingly by his devoted wife Pat in a hand written red journal which records every match of his league career , came at the expense of Micky Bere , Mark Hadley and Chris Allen.
The score may appear to indicate a comfortable victory, as is so often the case, the reality of the win reveals a different narrative.
Giants took an early lead with Chris Allens’ victory over Mike Evetts , in straight sets , the accuracy of Allens backhand, combined consistently with a forehand attack of some substance , leaving the left hander flummoxed.
Bernard Oliver had a fierce engagement with pen holder Mark Hadley , coming from a two set deficit to win by the narrowest of margins.
Mick Beres win over John Swinburne , making a rare appearance for Eagles , ensured that The Giants were at parity before the matches fulcrum , the doubles, following Evetts win over Hadley.
After the Eagles doubles partnership of Oliver and Swinburne was successful , the match slowly swung in Eagles favour , with wins for John Swinburne over the unfortunate Hadley , and Evetts over Bere , to make the match safe at 6-3 , before , as seemed only fitting , Bernard Oliver concluded the evening with a straight sets win over Chris Allen.
Thanks to Roger Townson , who may consider a career in a blue blazer after scoring every match of the evening , and to Pat Oliver for sourcing the exquisite delicacies to accompany the half time tea break.