Squash: Franklin dominates the field for Bridport (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Squash: Franklin dominates the field for Bridport

8:49am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By Sport reporter

Bridport III 20 Dorchester IV 1

Bridport Thirds swept through an experienced Dorchester outfit to record another whitewash victory.

This win typifies how well the team have taken to league squash, and they should do very well in Dorset League Five.

First on court was Nigel Mallender up against a useful opponent in Dorch-ester’s Chris Ramsden. And it was Mallender’s court craft which was very apparent in this number one clash.

As well as Ramsden was allowed to play, it was Mallender’s overall range of coast, crops and volley shots which made it tough going for the county town ace.

This style of play was eventually too much for Ramsden and Mallender secured a 9-4, 9-4, 9-7 triumph.

Playing at two for Bridport was Steve Hodder and he was matched against a very experienced opponent in Steve Jeffery.

Hodder decided to play the simple game, relying on the very unorthodox Jeffery to make the mistakes.

And the simplicity employed by Hodder proved to be the ideal tactic as he recorded a 9-5, 9-7, 9-1 success.

Ed Mamanta at three was again in devastating form against Dorchester’s Colin England.

It was the determination and the improving ability of Mamanta which had England stretched throughout the match.

When Mamanta is on form he is a very formidable opponent, employing the backhand and volley shot at critical times.

This strategy proved conclusive for Mamanta as he powered through to record a 9-0, 9-0, 9-4 victory.

Promoted to the team at four was Tim Parkman, who went head-to-head with Jerry Trevorah.

Tenacious play from Parkman made life difficult for Trevorah. And it was Parkman’s ability to maintain the pressure, and hit a good length when it really mattered, that proved pivotal.

In the end, the Bridport player prevailed 9-6, 9-2, 9-2.

Bridport number five Paul Cross maintained his consistent form with a powerful performance in beating Dorchester’s John Christmas 5-9, 9-4, 9-0, 9-4.

The experience of match-play is certainly helping Cross to become a much improved player and he has impressed team manager Roger Lewis by becoming a very useful member of the squad.