Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Chapel A rocked by Oxford

Sally Merchant reports ...

Chapel A had to field a few subs tonight. This included David Duncalf replacing Mike Dickens and Neil Guirey playing at number 4.

The spectators were treated to 52 minutes of quality ladies squash but it was expected from world number 6 Jenny Duncalf facing world number 7 Madeline Perry. Jenny, who had just flown back into the country on her birthday, and Madeline's match started at a fierce pace. Madeline took the first 11-5 and then Jenny took the second 11-2, Madeline making too many unforced errors and Jenny putting in some fabulous drops. The third also went to Jenny (11-8) with the fourth to Madeline (11-2). In the fifth, it was 5 all and then 8 all but Madeline took the match 12-10.

At the same time, Neil Guirey took to the adjacent court against Scott Handley. The match was over in 3 but with a respectable score line of 11-4, 11-4, 11-5. Unfortunately for Chapel A, the number 3's match was also 3-0. Adam Murrills was beaten by Simon Rosner 11-4, 11-8, 11-4.

The Chris Truswell v Chris Ryder match was a little longer, both making accurate drives and playing many drops and lobs. But the victory went to Ryder 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 to made it 4 to Oxford.

The final game of the night had everything. There was quality squash played at incredible speed. Cameron Pilley took the first 11-6. The second was similar with Pilley keeping ahead and taking it 11-5. The third was all Ali Walker - taking it 11-4. One point in the forth saw Ali at full stretch and end up on the floor only to get to his feet to continue the rally. It got to 7 all but Cameron took the match with the final game at 11-9.

Hats off to Oxford, they travelled well!

Sally Merchant

No comments: