Possible Clues:

• Approached for a raid
• Neared (with ''on'')
• Nearby row surrounded on all sides
• When that racket is so near, just shut up
• Claustrophobic
• Neared, with 'on'
• Row about deanery gradually got nearer
• Prepared for a raid
• About to drop racket that's got shorter
• Got ready to pounce