PSL Manager Throws Down the Gauntlet to Teams, Players and Spectators alike.
The Northern division seems to be shaping up into a 5 horse race after Oxford's thumping 5-0 win over Nottingham, Nottingham then beat Duffield and Oxford lose to Chapel 5-0. What's going on? This season is shaping up into a "any team can beat any other team on their day" type of season.
Sometimes the scorelines don't tell the whole story. Last Tuesday Oxford were well beaten in two ties, Scott Arnold and Steve Coppinger were well in control of their respective matches against Kristen Johnson and Scott Handley at numbers 3 and 2 respectively. Both results were hence 3-0. Madeline Perry seemed to be coming back the stronger player in the fourth against Jenny Duncalf only to lose 3-1 and Chris Ryder (v Ali Walker) and Tom Phipps (v Adam Murrills) both lost in five. Phipps will be the more disappointed with his defeat although Murrils deserved the win having been running the corners of the court for long stretches of the game but he kept in there till the end and looked strong in the fifth.
Chris Lewis (major sponsor and I) waxed lyrical about the results afterwards, agreeing that it was good to see the local players in action, despite the loss. We both enjoyed all the squash and the number ones always seem to bring an extra dimension to PSL match nights, raising the level from previous games. Walker and Ryder did that again in a fantastic final match that didn't disappoint. Probably the most entertaining and exciting part of these games is when one or both players seems to go into overdrive or another gear beyond their normal level. Either the pace of the game goes up, with the pace and accuracy of the shots or the sheer speed and athleticism of the players retrieving from "dead" ball situations. You can hear and sense the delight from the spectators who "Ooh and aah" (I don't mean like fireworks)
it's more like the noise you make when you can see a perfectly timed crunching defensive football tackle or a scorching 30 yard wonder goal.
In any case the number ones for me sum up why PSL can and should be marketed beyond our normal target audience for a very simple reason. The time to go and watch a sporting fixture isn't always high up the list of activities for even regular squash players BUT they need to know what they are missing out on. Those who have a vague idea of squash, some mild curiosity, or old school experience of the sport should be encouraged to watch at least one match. Ok at Oxford you have to stand rather than being seated but most clubs have decent seating. I have decided to make all our matches free for all spectators wherever they come from and I am determined to get plenty of juniors in to watch (although they might miss the later matches due to later finishes this season).
Those of you in Oxfordshire or neighbouring counties reading these reports should email me (jason.martin@esporta.com) before our next home game on 13th Jan. I challenge you to come and not be entertained.
To fellow PSL Managers and players, the challenge is out there in the Northern divison. I believe any two teams look good enough to qualify. Round four is almost upon us. Oxford travel to Duffield. Duffield, dominant for such a long period, two long years unbeaten in the league group games, appear they may have lost their stranglehold on Northern division after the Nottingham defeat this week. Maybe it's like the Manchester United effect - everyone wants to beat the top team hence trying to field their best team.
And so to our team this week. Allowing for Borja Golan's endeavours, winning
in his home town in the PSA event in Santiago (and safe arrival in the U.K.)our team will be:
Cameron Pilley
Borja Golan
Chris Ryder
Scott Handley
Madeline Perry
There should be some fantastic squash on offer again, and I am going to plump for a bullish 3/2 away win! Bring it on.
Jason Martin
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