The fixture computer looked kindly on Topspin when giving us an early visit into the countryside. We made the most of the journey too with a comprehensive win over last year’s Division 2 runners-up which puts up top of the League. And so keen were both sides to get the new season underway that we started the match at 7.19 pm. It’s great to see Chackmore, an ex Premier club, back in a higher division though the fast table took little spin and was a hitter’s paradise (so Andy Smith, beware).

The home side’s star player Andrew ‘Bub’ Burman was a Spinner team-mate of Alan Cherry but missed out on the team’s glory days, leaving in 2008 before the Wilkins era heralded a period of League domination. I remember back then that Bub’s forehand was a firecesome weapon, but a lower standard of competition since has diminished it’s effectiveness and he was a long way off the form of his Premier days. Andy and Chris Whitehead completed the Hasbeens line-up.

What impressed me most tonight was Mervyn’s calm and intense focus. He was really in the zone, a point best illustrated by his control against Bub. He led 10-7 in the 4th (and 2 games to 1) when Bub got an edge and went on to level at deuce. Mervyn kept his cool and won the game 13-11 to clinch the set. When you consider that Mervyn suffered the injustice of losing 4 times last season when his opponent got a let or edge on Mervyn’s match point I was worried that ‘the curse’ was going to strike again. But no, the new self assured approach was in place and the victory was duly taken. I can see Mervyn having a great season ahead.

Shame though that Russell and I lost the doubles in a tight 5-gamer to spoil a possible ‘whitewash’.