Premier Squash League Blog

Team Chichester – v – Exeter Diamonds

2011-03-16T00:01:00.003Z

In the penultimate round of the PSL, Team Chichester (currently 4th) - looking for its third win on the trot, and 5th for the season - played Exeter Diamonds (currently in 3rd place). According to the PSL’s Crystal Ball, only a 5.0 win could keep Chichester in with a shout of the play-offs. A 3.2. win either way could knock the other out of contention by the end of the night.

Making her home debut for Chichester, Nicolette Fernandes (World No.45), wasted no time in delighting the home crowd with a routine 3.0. win over Victoria Temple-Murray. The Exeter player competed well in many of the rallies but lacked the experience at the cutting edge and as the match wore on Victoria hit the tin more frequently. Nicolette won comfortably 11/6, 11/4, 11/2.

Meanwhile on the glass-back court Chichester’s Tim Vail played Exeter’s Peter Creed who, in January this year defended and retained his Welsh National Championship title. Vail looked generally in command throughout the match, with Creed retrieving but not taking control. The 3 games were tight but Vail had the variety and edge in most departments to run out a 3.0 winner.

2.0. to Chichester

The Chichester machine continued to roll on. Alex Gough, revitalised from his brilliant win over Joe Lee last week and, with another week’s training, gave another sterling performance. Gough had far too much experience for Exeter’s, Mike Gregory. Gregory competed well in many of the rallies and hit several of his trademark nicks but Gough’s superior anticipation and movement proved a bridge too far. Gough did not waver and his 3.0 victory gave Team Chichester a winning margin.

3.0 and the match to Chichester.

Next on court the number one strings Max Lee (Chichester) and Campbell Grayson (Exeter) had a ‘battle royale’. The match was very tight throughout with little to separate the players. Lee took the first game 11/7 before Grayson dug in and worked hard to take the next 2 games. Both players moved the ball to all quarters of the court and in the fourth Grayson built up a lead but Lee began to run down and retrieve everything to clinch it 11/8. It was now down to the wire and was nip and tuck all the way with Lee building an 8/7 lead before 2 unforced errors let Grayson back in. Grayson hung on and took the fifth 9/11 thus saving Exeter from a whitewash defeat.

Finally the number 2 strings got underway. Chichester’s Olly Pett was looking to avenge his 3.0 defeat to Jonny Harford at Exeter at the beginning of the season. This time Pett was determined to get out quickly and pile on the pressure and subsequently he took Harford by surprise. Pett dominated from the outset and with very few unforced errors he came through a good 3.0 winner to give Chichester a 4.1 victory; a third win on the bounce and five wins out of nine this season.

The squad’s final match is away to Bristol and Robbie Temple, who has done extremely well in the last 2 matches, will be replacing Alex Gough and Lauren Briggs is also set to return. Team Chichester will be looking for a final 3rd place position in the PSL southern division which, in recent seasons, is a major achievement.

Mike Phillips

Team Manager

Two in a row for Ponte

2011-02-17T09:06:00.002Z

Malcolm Willstrop reports

With both teams almost at full strength - Oxford lacked Borja Golan, Pontefract were without Vanessa Atkinson - the line-up promised a great deal and in the event delivered.

Madeline Perry, looking as fit as ever, proved too pacy for Kirsty Mcphee, whose racket skills kept her in the games, and she gave Oxford a start, winning 3-0. Meanwhile two relative veterans, Simon Parke and Scott Handley, both of whose enthusiasm for the game remains undiminished, were battling it out and at one all it was anybody's match. Parke though, proved the stronger and gradually pulled away to win 3-1, levelling the matches.

Lee Beachill began slowly, losing the first game quickly to Jamie Haycocks, but working his way in to contention he led 2-1; Haycocks, however, as might be expected, finished the stronger and won 3-2.

Indian No 1 Saurav Ghosal, in good form, always had control against the persistent Chris Ryder and although the three games were close, ghosal's finishing ability and speed around court gave him the decisive edge.

So the match was level at 2 all, the outcome depending on the top string match between James Willstrop, perhaps vulnerable after Manchester, and Cameron Pilley, certainly capable of taking advantage if the world number 4 was not somewhere near his best.The first game was fiercely contested, high pace and aided by three unforced errors in a row from Willstop, Pilley forced a tiebreak . Willstrop would have won the game 13-11 if a backhand drop had not found the tin, but it was the Australian who took the game 14-12.

From then on Willstrop produced a bewildering display of shotmaking and finishing. Unplayable, winning the second 11-1 he took the third 11-3 and the fourth 11-5. Pilley powerless, to give Pontefract a 3-2 win.

The packed house left more than happy and home supporters well pleased with a second consecutive win.

Duffield back on track at Nottingham

2011-02-16T11:50:00.002Z

Chris Nutley reports

It was always going to be tough for Nottingham as they played host to Duffield who were keen to get the second half of the season off to a flier and move into second spot in the league. Testament to Nottingham’s commitment to the PSL they had a full house for what looked on paper a probable 5-0 drubbing.

Nottingham’s team manager and compere for the evening Dave Coghlan set the scene for the evening – as he introduced the teams onto court and then briefly interviewed all 10 players – hardly John Inverdale, more Alan Partridge, but very entertaining all the same.

First on the showcourt was Emma Beddoes against Jaclyn Hawkes: Emma got off to a flier and duly took the first 11-5 before seeming to turn off and lose the next and quickly finding herself 10-4 down in the third. Something then triggered a resurgence and she fought back to 9-10 before a tinned drop handed the game to Jaclyn. Emma continued her revival and levelled things by taking the 4^th and quickly taking a 7-3 lead in the decider. However errors suddenly started to creep in and Jaclyn fought back to sneak it 9-7. An entertaining start to the evening but Emma was ultimately undone by too many unforced errors that denied her a good scalp. 1-0 to Duffield.

On the second court flatmates Chris Truswell and Joel Hinds locked familiar horns. There were some long rallies in the first game, with the training partners anticipating each others shots, but Joel’s speed and accuracy was telling and he took it 11-8, and eventually ran out a comfortable 3-0 winner. Duffield 2-0

There was no belated valentines love shown on the same court in the next match, as brothers Chris and Mark Fuller engaged in an intriguing battle. Chris, five years younger was expected to win, but knew a tough battle was in store. A great first game swung one way then the next with Chris nicking it 11-8. He then took the next 11-7 to go 2 up and looked in control. However Mark was determined not to let his kid brother have things his own way in the third winning 11-4. Chris finally settled the sibling spat 3-1 as he took the fourth 11-7 and the match 3-1. Match secured for Duffield 3-0

Back on the showcourt Lewis Walters was looking to get Nottingham back into the match against World No41 Steve Coppinger. Again a shock looked on the cards as Lewis matched his higher ranked opponent and deservedly took the first 12-10. The second was just as competitive with the home crowd getting right behind Lewis, but Steve started to exert his authority to level things with with a tight 11-8. This seemed to drain the energy out of Lewis and Steve went on to ease to victory 3-1. Duffield looking good for a 5-0 whitewash.

The final match on court was the one the packed house had come to see – World Champion Nick Matthew against home favourite Eddie Charlton. It was never going to be a classic with Nick far too strong for any upset to be a realistic prospect. However Eddie played his part, and was a little cheeky at times to the World No1, which delighted the crowd. Eddie dug deep and got involved in some great rallies but Nick’s unrelenting pressure was simply too much and a 11-2, 11-6, 11-3 victory ensued. A good professional performance by Duffield that puts them firmly in the hunt for a semi-final berth.

Whilst Nottingham were on the wrong end of a hiding the home crowd were excellent and appreciated a great PSL night.

Team Chichester – v – Surrey Health & Racquets Club

2011-02-16T09:37:00.003Z

Team Chichester welcomed Surrey Health & Racquets Club to Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club for its second home match of the Premier Squash League this half of the season. A formidable Surrey line-up included 4 men inside the World top 55 and the World No. 3 lady player, Alison Waters; a tough task lay ahead for the home side.

Hannah Wright-Davies from Chichester, and making her debut, battled bravely throughout the match and indeed gave a very good account of herself. Backed by a very vocal Chichester crowd Hannah made a nervous start against the World No.3, Alison Waters. Hannah, however, dug in and certainly made Alison work hard for her 2/11, 5/11, 5/11 victory.

0.1

On the adjoining glass-back Chichester’s Tim Vail found World No. 53 Adrian Waller a very tough opponent. Over the years they have played each other many times with Waller improving in recent clashes. This time he was moving well clear of Vail and proved to be too strong on the night to clinch a 7/11, 5/11, 8/11 victory for Surrey

0.2

Next on the glass-back Olly Pett, who last month won his first PSA title in Chicago, faced Surrey’s Simon Roesner (German No.1 and World No. 33). Roesner started off dictating proceedings, taking the ball very early and keeping Pett on the back foot and raced to a 0/9 lead before closing it out 2/11. The second game continued in the same vein, with Pett looking too hard to hit winners and he found the tin too often. Roesner maintained the pressure and took the second 4/11.

In the 3^rd Pett settled down and became more patient – looking for the working shot instead of the winning shot. He began to grow in confidence and found his length of shot and began to force errors from the German to take the 3^rd game 11/5. The 4^th started evenly, shot for shot, before Roesner eased away and began to dominate with a fast attacking game and, once again, Pett began to find the tin. Roesner closed the match 5/11 to give Surrey an unassailable 0.3. lead.

Next on court Chichester’s Robbie Temple, currently World ranked No.73, took on World No.18, Adrian Grant. Temple came out of the blocks very quickly and kept Grant under pressure for the first 2 games and despite Grant getting his game together towards the end of the 2^nd Temple took them 11/8, 11/9. At the beginning of the 3^rd Grant took advantage of a decision which upset Temple and Grant moved away, giving himself daylight to take the third 6/11. The fourth was neck and neck until the latter stages when Temple hit some outrageous nicks to close out the match 11/6 to put Chichester on the score sheet.

Finally on the glass-back Mo Azlan Iskandar (World No.13) made his welcome return to the Chichester squad. He played World No.8 and England No.4, Peter Barker in a much anticipated match. Both players started at a furious pace, with nothing to choose between them. Barker was moving well and nudged ahead with error free squash to snatch the 1^st game. Iskandar battled back by employing some deft drop shots. Both continued to move around the court with admirable speed with Iskandar eventually taking the second. Iskandar maintained the pressure and a few errors began to creep into Barker’s game and a few hit tin shots from Barker gave Iskandar the game for a 2.1 lead. In the fourth game it was nip and tuck all the way until midway, when an extremely hard rally had Iskandar being dragged around the court to the point of exhaustion. Barker then pulled away to level the match and take it to a decider.

In the final game Barker edged to a 1/3. lead before another lengthy hard rally ensued which Barker won to increase his lead to 1/4. He extended the lead to 2/9 but Iskandar was not finished. He threw everything he had left to gain another 2 points before Barker took control and wrapped up the game and match 5/11 after 1 hour 23 mins.

1.4 to Surrey

The next match for Chichester is away to Winchester on March 1^st.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

1st February: Team Chichester – v – UWE Bristol

2011-02-01T23:45:00.002Z

Team Chichester welcomed UWE Bristol to Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club for its first home match of Premier Squash League this year. Both teams were fielding below top strength squads but a competitive fixture, however, looked on the cards.

Lauren Briggs opened the proceedings. She has proved to be a very reliable player for Team Chichester this season and once again she did not disappoint. Briggs stormed through to a straight sets victory; dropping only a few points on the way.

1.0.

On the adjoining glass-back Chichester’s Pete Genever, making a welcome return to the squad, had his hands full against Bristol’s, Dan West. Genever stormed to a 10/5 lead in the first game but after a fightback from his opponent he only just closed out the game 12/10. In the second game he once again took a commanding 10/5 lead, only to lose concentration, find the tin regularly and then lose the game 10/12. From then on both players battled evenly with Genever just coming through to win the next 2 games and edge out a 3.1. winner.

2.0 to Chichester

Next on the hard back court Brandon Hanley made his debut for Chichester. On the night he was in full flow and, aided by some outrageous nicks, convincingly closed out a 3.0 win to give Chichester an unassailable 3.0 lead.

On the glass-back court Chichester’s Nic Birt built up a 10/0 lead against Theo Anderson before being hauled back to eventually take the game 11/7. Anderson, thereafter, grew in confidence and ground out a scrappy, hard fought 1.3 victory to put Bristol on the score sheet.

Finally, the dead rubber match between Chichester’s Tim Vail and Bristol’s proved to be the match of the night, and the longest at 68 minutes. A close 1^st game went to Bristol as Serme’s speed around the court enabled him to claw back an early deficit and win it 8/11. He carried on in the same vein in the second to comfortably win 2/11. In the 3^rd Vail started hitting more strong and straight shots to give Serme little to attack. The game swung to and fro; Vail struggled to keep his straight game in check before he finally got it back on track to win through 13/11. A similar pattern in the 4^th but an exhausted Vail started and finished strongly with a lapse of concentration during the middle period. Nonetheless he battled well to take it 12/10 to take the match to the deciding 5^th game. By now Serme sensed that Vail was increasingly tiring and took advantage by making him work harder for every point. He closed out the match 5/11.

Chichester won 3.2.

The next match is at home on Tuesday 15 February against Surrey Health and Racquets Club. Team Chichester will field its strongest men’s squad and Hannah Wright-Davies (a Member of Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club) makes her debut.

Mike Phillips - Team Chichester Team Manager

World Squash returns to Winchester

2010-11-25T21:12:00.000Z

World Squash has returned to the Winchester Tennis and Squash Club in the form of the Premier Squash League. The format involves 5 players, of which one must be under 21 and one female.

IGT Winchester had played 2 matches prior to this showdown with unbeaten Exeter Diamonds and needed a victory to rejuvenate their season.

200 spectators crowded the Winchester gallery in anticipation of a great match and they were not to be disappointed. The evening started with 26 year old Lauren Selby out playing her younger opponent, Emma Chorley, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. This lead was extended by the ever improving Marwan El Shorbagy who’s array of winning shots and excellent retrieving was too much for the world number 91 and local Exeter player, James Snell.

Next on court spectators welcomed local Hampshire player, Rob Downer, who performed well above expectation to beat Chris Tasker-Grindley taking the match 3-1 and sealing a Winchester victory.

The last 2 matches involved 4 players all ranked within the World top 50.

The second string match was an Antipodean battle between World number 50 and New Zealand number 1, Campbell Grayson for Exeter against Winchesters Ryan Cuskelly who holds a current world ranking of 41.

The match was a true battle lasting over 115 minutes with both players being pushed to their maximum. The ever consistent Campbell eventually won the match 3-1 with Cuskelly ultimately being out played and having to cope with bout of cramp on the fourth game. Cuskelly’s effort and commitment was not lost on the home crowd who appreciated both players attitude and enjoyed the match of the night.

With the result now decided, Joey Barrington representing Winchester, came onto court relishing the chance to compete against World number 11 Laurens Jan Anjema. Although ranked 20 places below Anjema, Joey, son of 6 times British Open winner, Jonah Barrington, competed in all aspects of the game but could not break down the Dutchman eventually losing out 3-0.

With over 3 hours of play the crowd were treated to an outstanding display of world class squash played at the highest level in great spirit. IGT Winchester now look forward to the new year travelling to UWE Bristol on 25/01/11 and hosting Surrey Health and Rackets on 01/02/11.

To watch IGT Winchester at their next home match please contact the Club reception on 01962 854028.

Aussie makes it tough for Games hero Matthew but Duffield cruise to victory

2010-11-24T22:04:00.000Z

If this was meant to be the celebration of Nick Matthew's double gold medal success, someone forgot to tell Cameron Pilley.

World number two Matthew, playing his first Premier Squash League match for Benz-Bavarian Duffield since his Commonwealth Games triumph in Delhi, was given a tough old night by the Australian.

It was the Derbyshire club that took the honours on the night, winning 4-1 against Oxford to avenge their defeat in the final round of matches last season that cost them a place in the play-offs.

The victory was already in the bag before the number one players were even halfway through their first game but that didn't make it any less of an exhilarating contest.

If the forthcoming Ashes series is as keenly fought and as exciting to watch, we will all be in for a treat. The same result will also be welcome as the Englishman Matthew finally came through.

Pilley settled the quickest, going 7-1 up in the first game. Matthew had to save game ball twice at 10-8 and again at 12-11 but made his own second game ball count at 15-13.

But if Matthew thought he was over the worst of it, he was mistaken as he took a painful whack on the knuckle at 4-4 in the second and then saw the Oxford player come back from 8-6 down to level the match 11-9.

That was as close as Pilley was to get to an upset. He did well to save three game balls in the third but ran out of steam in the fourth against the relentless Matthew in the fourth.

"He made it a really tough match for me but that was just what I needed, especially with the World Open coming up," said Matthew. "It was a good workout."

Millie Tomlinson, back in the country at the end of her first term studying at Yale University in the USA, made very swift work of scoring her first PSL victory when she outplayed and demoralised her long-time junior rival Katie Quartermaine 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 in only 17 minutes.

At the same time, Steve Coppinger was having a more testing match against Scott Handley. The Oxford veteran showed plenty of deft touches but was unable to find the speed in his legs to take him to all the places Coppinger dragged him around court and the first two games went to the home side 11-7, 11-3.

Handley, to his credit, did not give up the contest and threatened to take it into a fourth game at 10-8 but the South African took the next four points and the match.

There was very little to choose between Andy Whipp and Andrew Birks in the opening two games.

Birks saved game ball twice before succumbing 13-11 in the first and Whipp had to survive two game balls in the second before making his own second opportunity pay 14-12.

That second game was settled on a stroke call that greatly annoyed Birks, though he did not dispute it, and he was not the same player as Whipp tore through the third 11-6.

The only blot on the night came at number two, when Jon Kemp's return to Duffield ended in an 11-6, 11-6, 11-2 defeat by Borja Golan.

But the overall victory against a side that had won their opening two PSL matches was a sweet one and put Duffield in a solid position with two wins to take into the new year.

Felix Frixou
Benz-Bavarian

Chapel Allerton make it Two out of Two

2010-11-24T15:53:00.001Z

Chapel Allerton vs. Nottingham, 23rd November ‘10

After starting the season with a fantastic 5-0 away win at Pontefract, Chapel Allerton’s PSL Team were looking to continue their winning ways in their first home fixture over visitors Nottingham. In front of a packed and vocal home crowd both sets of supporters were treated to an entertaining night of squash, with Chapel Allerton emerging victorious in a 4-1 win, having the advantage of fielding a stronger team for the fixture.

Carrie Ramsey vs. Emily Whitlock 9/11 0/5 ret.

What promised to be a close encounter between two closely ranked teenagers was unfortunately cut short with an injury to Carrie towards the end of the first game just as the scores were level and the match was starting to fulfil its potential.

Shaun Le Roux vs. Declan James 6-11 / 9-11 / 11-1 / 11-3 / 11-4

A clash of experience vs. youth started with Declan looking the more energetic, and perhaps Shaun feeling the effects of his recent return from America. After finding himself with a two game deficit, Shaun seemed to find another gear to close out the next three games comfortably to level the match 1-1.

Chris Simpson v Mark Fuller 11-1 / 11-8 / 11-4

After a successful stint in Canada, Chris looked very confident and free in his squash. This was reflected in the score line which, with the exception of an early lead in the second for Mark, Chris cruised home to a comfortable 3-0 win which saw Chapel A take a 2-1 lead overall.

Aaron Frankcomb vs. Chris Truswell 11-5 / 11-8 / 11-7

After a season in exile crowd favourite Aaron has returned to the Team’s PSL squad, much to the delight of the watching clubs members. Aaron wasted no time in stamping his authority on the match, looking to strong and having too much variety for Chris, also an ex Chapel A PSL member. 3-1 to the home club.

Alister Walker vs. Lewis Walters 11-6 / 11-9 / 11-2

With the match having potential to be tighter than the world rankings would suggest (20 for Ali, 112 for Lewis) both players started at a frantic tempo, with the intensity rarely dropping throughout. Knowing that Chapel A had already secured the match, but with every point being crucial in the league Alister used his superior experience to take an entertaining but ultimately comfortable 3-0 win for himself and 4-1 win for the team.

Another great win for the team that sees them settle into joint second in the league with Duffield just four points behind Oxford who have a game in hand. The team now look forwards to a festive break before resuming their campaign in January.

Neil Guirey
Chapel Allerton Team Manager

Crystal Ball bounces back

2010-11-24T10:13:00.000Z

After taking a break for the widely-spaced first two rounds, Crystal Ball bounced back with a bang for Round Three, naming all five winners, and had Olly Pett not humbled world #13 Daryl Selby, all five scores too.

Flushed by this success the top tipster is inclined to use this blog to announce future predictions and invite comment or ridicule from interested parties. So get your teams in early and watch this space ... see you in the New Year ...

Chichester’s Olly Pett wins the match of his life!

2010-11-24T00:10:00.005Z

The 3^rd round of the Premier Squash League Group B was staged at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club this week with Team Chichester playing top of the table TWP St. George’s Hill Weybridge and indeed it was a ‘top of the table’ team that visited the Club. Team Chichester remained unchanged from last week’s victorious squad but this week faced an extremely tough challenge against a very strong St. George’s Hill; a team comprising 4 players in the World’s top 50.

Alex Gough, third string for Chichester, played Nicolas Mueller, World No.39. A gallant Gough once again battled hard and was very competitive in the first game but thereafter faded; he was giving away almost 20 years and this began to tell as the match progressed. Mueller won comfortably 8/11, 5/11, 4/11

St George’s 1 up.

Meanwhile, on the adjacent court, Lauren Briggs (Chi.) played Sussex player, Rachel Willmott. Lauren was doing her best to keep Chichester in the match and controlled the ‘T’ superbly to run out a 11/7, 11/5, 11/9 winner.

1-all

Following on, Nic Birt (Chi.), took on World No.48, Mark Krajcsak. This proved to be a tough match but the difference in rankings was evident once again. Birt steadfastly fought well throughout and gave 100% effort, and was generally in most of the rallies, but Krajcsak always seemed to have the last say. As the score suggests, Krajcsak dominated all the way through the match for his 11/5, 11/4, 11/5 win.

Winchester 1.2 up on the night.

On the glass-back show court Tim Vail (Chi) took on Tom Richards, the World No.32. Inspired play by Vail, including a series of his trademark nicks, helped him take a close first game. More of the same by both players followed in the second. Richards speed around the court put Vail under increasing pressure and Richards snatched a close second to level the score. Richards upped his game in the third and increased the pressure; mistakes began to creep into Vail’s game. Richards won the game with ease 2/11. In the fourth Richards was always slightly ahead with Vail increasingly tiring. Richards’ speed and consistency proved too much for Vail and Richards won the game 7/11 to give St. George’s Hill an unassailable lead.

1.3 and the match to St. George’s Hill.

The final match was between Olly Pett (World No.145, a former International Junior and Chichester’s U23 player for the season) and Daryl Selby (currently World No.13 and 6 times National Racketball Champion) proved to be an enthralling classic. Pett played superlative squash against a man 132 places above him in the PSA ranking list. Pett continually attacked, combined with superb deft touches and, together with Selby’s retrieving, the match was utterly spellbinding. Pett took the first game on a tie-break 12/10. Selby then battled back to take the next 2 games 9/11, 9/11 before the momentum swung back to Pett who gallantly won the 4^th 11/5 to force a decider.

An unbelievable 5^th game followed and the atmosphere could only be described as electric. Was another major upset on the cards? Pett reached match point at 10/8, Selby saved one before Pett converted it to win the match of his life! The headline “World No. 145 beats World No. 13” will reverberate around the squash world for a while to come.

2.3. to St. George’s Hill

Olly said after the match “It’s the best win I’ve had and together with my win last week against Joey Barrington I’m feeling brilliant.”

Team Chichester’s next match is away to Exeter on 25 January 2011.

Mike Phillips

Team Manager.

Pett seals home win for Chichester

2010-11-17T07:00:00.003Z

Team Chichester played IGT Winchester at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club this week; the squad’s first home fixture of this season’s Premier Squash League.

Lauren Briggs, making her home debut for Chichester, faced Catherine Finlayson (also making her debut for Winchester). Briggs did not disappoint and started strongly. She dominated to win 11/3 in the first. Finlayson fought back well in the next 2 games; experience, however, held Briggs’ game together. Greater control and domination of the ‘T’ saw her through to win the match 11/7, 11/6.

Chichester 1 up.

Meanwhile, on the show court, Alex Gough (Chi.) played Jesse Engelbrecht (World No.55). The first 2 games were evenly matched. Gough, although short of match practice, battled well but still found himself 2 close games down. Engelbrecht employed the straight forehand drop to great effect. Clearly the efforts of the first 2 games had taken their toll but nonetheless Gough continued to give it his all. Despite his valiant effort Gough finally lost the 3^rd game 5/11.

1-all

Mark Cairns, former World No.6 played Nic Birt (Welsh International player), also making his debut for Chichester. This proved to be a tough 3-game match which lasted 50 minutes. Birt steadfastly fought well throughout but Cairn’s length of shot and total lack of unforced errors or mistakes in general took his steady, no frills match to a 9/11, 6/11, 3/11 victory. As the score suggests, Cairns dominated more and more as the match progressed and his win put Winchester 1.2 up.

On the glass-back show court Tim Vail (Chi) took on Marwan El Shorbagy, the World No.2 Junior. Vail lost the first game but made a big push in the 2^nd to narrowly win it 11/9. In the 3^rd Vail held several game balls and some contentious decisions ensued before he narrowly lost an energy sapping game to go 1.2 down. Vail then turned it around in the 4^th to win the game and force a decider. The two men were neck and neck with Vail taking an 8/7 lead. El Shorbagy received 2 points against him – one of which was a conduct point which gave Vail match point; he converted this to finally win 11/7.

2-all and down to the wire.

The final match was between Olly Pett (World No.145, a former International Junior and Chichester’s U23 player for the season) and Joey Barrington (currently World No.31). Pett was quickly out of the block with fast playing, precise squash, particularly in the front of the court and Barrington was just not equal in moving forward. 1.0. became 2.0 with Pett dictating the game. Was there a huge shock in store for Winchester and Chichester’s first win of the season only moments away?

Pett continued in the same vein to take an insurmountable 10/4 lead in the 3^rd before finally clinching an outstanding win for himself and victory for Chichester on his 5^th match point.

Team Chichester will play their next home fixture, against St George’s Hill, next Tuesday 23^rd November. For tickets and more information tel: 01243 785664

Mike Phillips

Team Manager.

Esporta off to a good start

2010-10-11T11:52:00.003+01:00

Ross Gore reports

Following a nice summer break the club its supporters and sponsors were ready for another action packed season of PSL with the long term goal to one step further than last year.

We welcomed visitors Pontefact who like ourselves had some of the big guns missing due to being in commonwealth games action.

First up was Katherine Quarterman against Kirsty Mcphee. Katherine is a local Oxfordshire girl who now studies and trains out of Birmingham University. The match was very competitive with both players playing at a good pace. Kirsty showed her experience though capitalising on any openings particularly effective were her drops.

Next on came Scott Handley against Sam Wileman. The opening game was very competitive with both players showing great attacking skills when chances came their way. Scott however dominated more of the exchanges and Sam had to work exceptionally hard to keep in the rallies. Scott took the first and second 11-6, 11-5. In the third it was visible the work rate Sam had had to put in with Scott taking the final game 11-2.

The next game was between Chris Ryder another local favourite and squash legend Lee Beachill. Lee came out flying in the first game perhaps in the knowledge that his fitness might not last the full distance. Lee showed why he was a former world number one with exquisite touch and masterful use of the racket. Chris had to be on full alert to the ever present treat and we were treated to some awesome retrieval and counter attacking by Chris. Chris closed out the game by a narrow 12-10. In the second it was clear that Lee was getting tired as he started to have some great banter with the refs and the crowd. Chris still had to be on top form though and managed to close the next two games out 11-5, 11-4 much to the delight of the Oxford crowd.

We next welcomed Ben Coleman against George Wileman. Ben is a new addition to our side and it was great to see him in action for the first time. Both guys started at a great pace with some excellent retrieval and attacking shots.

Ben took a competitive first game 11-6, the next was a similar affair with Ben making fever mistakes and showing some super quick agility to pick up some seemingly impossible balls. Ben took that game 11-4 and in the third George looked like he was trying to find some divine inspiration on how he could beat his opponent losing the final game 11-3. So a great debut win and 3-1 up we knew we had our first win of the season secured.

Next on came Borja Golan and Simon Parke on what was the game of the night and in the view of many one of the best games we have ever seen at Oxford. On paper it looked like Borja would be the strong favourite but following his major injury last year we were anxious to see how his comeback was going. We also knew that Simon would be fit as he recently took part in a master event with squash legends Jonathan Power, Peter Nicol, Alex Gough, John White so we knew he would have been training hard for that.

Both players started strongly with Simon picking up simply everything and Borja applying pressure from all over the court. In a number of the exchanges Simon looked out of the rally but when he gets a half chance blimey he knows what to do with the ball. Borja then hit a patch of making a few errors and seemed to lose his way somewhat. The second started at a ferocious pace with Borja reducing the number of errors he had made in the previous game and in turn made Simon work extra hard. Borja took the game 11-6 and looking at the physical effects the game had had on Simon we expected Borja to take the next two. Simon however had very different ideas pushing Borja all the way to a tie breaker with Borja squeezing that 12-10. Simon just wouldn’t give up in the forth and scrambled and scrapped everything back even when it looked seemingly impossible.

One of the most memorable rallies saw Borja work Simon in every corner of the court and just when you thought Borja had the rally won hitting an extremely hard cross court Simon somehow did a 180 spin hitting the ball from behind his back to get back into the rally. Simon dug deep to take the forth 11-6. The Esporta Oxford crowd now were in for a real treat and no one could call which way it would go. Both players went point for point and with the score around 9 a piece came two incredible rallies with both players going absolutely flat out to the amazement of the crowd.

Luckily for Esporta it went Borja’s 11-9 way but what a game our spectators and sponsors had been treated to a simply sublime game of squash.

Ross Gore

MB Nottingham Show Their Hand

2010-10-08T09:11:00.003+01:00

The UK’s most prestigious squash league is back! Nottingham Squash Rackets Club and long term partner MB Nottingham will once again be competing for National glory, bringing the world’s finest squash players to the Nottingham faithful.

Following our massively successful season last year, which saw MB Nottingham make the semi final play off, missing out on a final place against eventual winners Esporta Croydon by the narrowest of margins, this season see’s a change to the line up and a change in how the Premier League team fits into Nottingham Squash Club.

For three years, Nottingham Squash Club has been holding thrice weekly free coaching sessions with level 4 head coach and former international Richard O’Connor exclusively for the pro’s and talented junior athletes based at Nottingham Squash Club. Supported by Dunlop UK, The Dunlop Nottingham Academy is providing a clear pathway for elite level squash players to train, play and develop into world class players here at Nottingham Squash Club. Over the last few years our younger professional players have been given the opportunity to play occasional Premier League Squash. This summer however, the decision was made to further commit to the talent we have nurtured, giving our entire home grown and Nottingham based players exclusive opportunities to play for our Premier League team.

It was this fresh faced, talented group of players that made the trip, along with a bus full of Nottingham supporters, across the border to local rivals Duffield.

First on court was the number 1 string match, Steve Coppinger now ranked 45 in the world, looked as strong and rangy as usual, Lewis Walters although ranked 107 in the world is playing to a standard much more equal to Coppinger.

Walters started slowly, long attritional rallies that Coppinger always seemed to get the better of, unbelievable recovery and court coverage from both players, however Coppinger looked the more comfortable taking the first 11/3. As predicted this wasn’t going to be a quick match, both players dug in for the second and Walters extended a narrow lead for game ball at 10/9, after numerous lets and some tooing and froing Coppinger was able to contain Walters and sneak back taking the game 12/10. The third continued in the same theme, neither players giving an inch but Coppinger was again the player that was able to play the final ball and minimise his opponent’s options taking the game 11/8 and the match 3-0.

On the back court former England top 20 Paul Hargreave took on U17 National champion Oliver Holland. Holland is improving so quickly, he started the match hard and fast, volleying well and attacking at every opportunity. Hargreaves has exceptional racket skills, however, they were no match for the speed of Holland who chased down everything, counter attacking superbly to close out the first 11/6. Holland couldn’t maintain the high pace of the first and with time on the ball Hargreaves is devastating, he closed out the second 11/4. The third was tighter, Holland forcing the pace, trying to extend the rallies and keep it away from the Hargreave fore hand. Under pressure, Hargreave sucked his young opponent into short sharp exchanges that suited his game down to the ground. With a series of outstanding winners Hargreave snuck the third and a 2-1 lead. The momentum now all with the home player Hargreave extended an early lead that the frustrated Holland couldn’t claw back, going down 11/5 to give Duffield a 2-0 match lead.

Following on the back court another of Nottingham’s England Junior international’s Declan James, met the exceptionally quick Australian Matthew Karwalski. Ranked 76 in the world Karwalski was ultimately too consistent for his young opponent, Karwalski’s retrieval skills forcing error’s from his young opponent who had to keep going lower and lower to stop his winners from coming back. The resulting clipped tins a predictable result. James never looked outclassed however and kept his opponent honest throughout, narrowly losing the first two 11/9, 11/9 before a series of stunning winners gave him game point in the 3^rd at 10/8. He couldn’t convert however as Karwalski put up the shutters and retrieved himself to death, taking the third 12/10 much to Declan’s frustration.

The Ladies were on the show court and what a match the packed crowd were given. Home hero Laura Hill took on yet another England Junior International Emily Whitlock. These two players met last season and Laura won resoundingly, 6 months is a long time when you’re 16 however and this match literally couldn’t have been tighter. The first was back and fore throughout, neither player giving an inch trading blow for blow until Laura sneaked an advantage at 10/9. Whitlock levelled before Hill once again sneaked a lead only to be levelled once again. This continued, Whitlock took the initiative for game ball at 15/14, saved by Hill before Hill finally managed to close out the first game in an epic 19/17 to rapturous applause.

The physical and mental toughness shown by both players was exceptional and anybody expecting any change for the second was totally wrong. Again both players went at it hammer and tongs, good length, few errors, great winners and traded back and fore. Again we reached a tense tie break, neither player gave an inch but the experience of Hill shone through who was able to focus and get across the line dramatically 12/10. So with Whitlock clearly frustrated at being 2-0 down, she came back for the third with renewed vigour keeping the pace high, both players still working hard but Whitlock seemed to have the edge gaining game ball at 10/8. Alas Hill would not concede, one rushed error by Whitlock trying to get over the line and a winner from Hill and we’re back all square for yet another tie break. Rueing the missed opportunity Whitlock needed to regroup but Hill now sensing weakness kept the pressure and after a breathless final rally took the match with a great faded length, cue huge applause for two players that gave absolutely everything they had.

So with the match lost Mark Fuller playing for pride took on the experienced Andy Whipp. In front of the Duffield faithful Whippy has an enviable win ratio, tonight was no different. Fuller threw everything at Whippy in the first, retrieving like a madman, Whippy was equal to it and soaked up the pressure narrowly taking the first 11/9. Fuller struggled in the second and with Whippy gaining in confidence closed out the match 11/2 11/4 to consolidate a great result for Duffield.

Points wise, a disappointing night for MB Nottingham, performance wise we couldn’t ask for more from our young team. They all played to their level, considerably higher than rankings would have you believe, the score line didn’t do them justice they narrowly missed out on giving Duffield a scare. This team of home grown and young talent draws a line in the sand for how Nottingham is looking to engage with professional squash players, it’s an exciting time to be involved with Nottingham Squash Club and we hope our formula will continue for many years to come. Keep your eye on this team, another 6 months and we’ll be competing well, next year... who knows!

Dave Coghlan

Surrey Health & Racquets Club v Chichester

2010-10-07T12:50:00.007+01:00

Well the new season is here and much anticipation as we try to defend our 2010 title. We had a good crowd, looking forward to a great night of squash...and what a night they got??

Here is how the night unfolded!!

Camille Serme v Lauren Briggs

This was a good game of squash with the 1st rally being well over a 100 shots. 1st game was point for point with both players moving each other around the court and creating openings to the front of the court, camille edged the 1st 11-8. Camille came out fast in the 2nd game and really working Lauren and taking the ball very early to take the game 11-5. Lauren came out well in the 3rd taking a lead but was having to work hard for every point, Camille then took a run of 6 points to take the game and match 3-0. Really quality match appreciated by the crowd.

Surrey H&RC 1 Chichester 0

Ben Ford v Leo AU

This match was going on the court next to the ladies and ended up being a real battle for both players. Ben started well working Leo around the court to take the 1st 11-7. Leo came out hard in the 2nd and 3rd working Ben hard around the court and took the games 11-3 11-4. In the 4th Ben gained some control back and with both players tiring came out with some strong winners to take it 11-8. The 5th was point for point all the way but Leo was retrieving well and forcing Ben into a few mistakes and Leo edged it 11-8. A great game of squash!

Surrey H&RC 1 Chichester 1

Davide Bianchetti v Robbie Temple

This number 1 string was always going to be tight and it turned out to be that way. Davide started very steadily working his opponent to the corners and being very disciplined to take it 11-6. Robbie fought back in the 2nd coming out quicker and more attacking to take the 2nd game 11-6. Robbie continued the pressure in the 3rd to take a 5-0 lead but Davide got his length and discipline back to pull back and take the game 11-8. The 4th game was point for point with both players playing high quality squash with hard long rallies but Davide from 4-7 down pushed through to take the 4th game 11-8 and the match 3-1.

Surrey H&RC 2 Chichester 1

Adrian Waller v Tim Vail

This match was always going to be tough for Adrian with all of Tim's racket skills. Adrian started well with an excellent length and width and creating openings at the front to take the 1st 11-7. In the 2nd back came Tim with some devastating nicks and tight squash to win 11-9. In the 3rd Adrian settled down and gained control of the match with some steady and controlled squash taking the 3rd 11-6 and then the 4th 11-6. Well played Adrian and Tim, was a superb entertaining match.

Surrey H&RC 3 Chichester 1

Peter Nicol v Max Lee

This was going to be an exciting match with the legend of squash taking on the young very fit guy from Hong Kong. This turned out to be the match of the night with Peter showing superb court movement and racket skills and working his opponent all round the court, Max was playing well aswell with some incredible retrieving but Peter staying ahead of the game and in control. After 55 minutes of unbelievable squash and a standing ovation from the supporters for both players Pater took the match 3-0, 11-6 11-9 12-10

Surrey H&RC 4 Chichester 1

This is a great start to the season for us and it was a really great night with both teams competing hard. I wish Mike Phillips and his Chichester all the best for their upcoming matches.

Pete Smith - Manager

Duffield start with a win ...

2010-10-07T12:49:00.004+01:00

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all who attended our first PSL encounter of the 2010 /2011 season against MB Nottingham on Tuesday evening.

I am sure you will all agree that there was on view Squash of the highest standard, and a 5-0 victory against our local rivals got us off to the best possible start for the current campaign. Bearing in mind we were lacking the fire power off our top strings, I thought every member of the team were magnificent and this bodes very well for future matches.

We really are privileged to have such a wonderful squad of Players who have committed their services this season, and personally I cannot wait for the forth coming games which I am sure will produce some world class performances.

The atmosphere last evening was tremendous and in no small way added to the performance given by each and every Player.
Mark Kowalski, our new signing,who made his debut for us last evening, commented on what a fantastic club it was and how he had been approached by several members congratulating him on his performance and how touched he had been by the reception given.

Our Players travel the World entertaining thousands of fans, and it is very gratifying that they all comment on what a brilliant club we have and how they all feel very at home. This is in no small way is due to our wonderful club members and support from Derbyshire Squash Club members in general.

I again would like to thank each and every one of you all for your generous support and to all the "background "staff, to many to mention, who make each and every game so successful.

Our next match is a home game on November 23rd 2010 against Esporta Oxford, start time 7.00 pm.
This promises again to be a great spectacle and your support would be most welcomed.

Yours sincerely

Felix Frixou

Duffield Team Manager

Welcome Back Winchester

2010-10-06T15:55:00.008+01:00

IGT Winchester V TWP St George’s Hill
Chris Nutley reports

As Winchester set off on their Premier Squash League adventure the club welcomed back a hero and unearthed a new one.

After an absence of about 15 years PSL or National League as it was then known returned to Winchester with a full house and a great evening of squash.

The club have been looking at entering a team for a number of years and since the withdrawal of Guildford at the end of last season they seized the opportunity of bringing world class squash back to the venue. The hard work and dedication of Gary Hinton, Kirby Sinclair and Gary Harris, supported by General Manager Billy Kerr made it all possible and last night the members and local squash fans got behind the venture and filled the club with energy, enthusiasm and fantastic support.

There must have been nearly 150 people in attendance on the two show courts as Winchester took on St George’s Hill in Round 1. The setup at the club is ideal for the PSL format, with two side by side glass backs with plenty of seating which enables both courts to be watched from either side helping to create a real atmosphere and a definite home advantage.

With their top two players unavailable Winchester were lead out by New Zealand’s World No62 Kashif Shuja with the Egyptian youngster Marwan El Shorbagy, Stacy Ross, Mark Cairns and Lauren Selby completing the team. STG were also without their big guns with Daryl Selby and Laura Massaro both on Commonwealth Games duty.

Hence their side consisted of Tom Richards, Nicolas Mueller, Joe Lee, Stephen Meads and Rachel Willmott.

First two matches on court saw Stacey Ross tackle the youthful and rising Joe Lee while Mark Cairns did battle with old rival Stephen Meads – and the two matches couldn’t have been more different. On the one court Joe Lee came out firing and stormed past Stacey Ross who seemed to be unable to compete with Joe’s speed and agility. The match had hardly got going before Joe was off court admiring a fine 11/4 11/4 11/4 victory in just 23 minutes – not the start Winchester had been looking for – 1 down!

Meanwhile on the adjacent court former Winchester club manager and hero Cairns was settling in to a long and hard fought 49 minute tussle with Meads. Although the elder statesman in their respective teams the squash on display was wonderful to watch and well contested – good banter as well which amused both the spectators and the referee. Mark was always in control and delighted the crowd with drop after drop and great changes in pace. A great match to watch and the 11/4 11/4 11/6 score line did an injustice to Stephen who had played his part in a great match. Winchester taking their first league point and levelling the tie at 1-1.

Back to the other court where Winchester’s Marwan El Shorbagy, younger brother of the former double World Junior Champion Mohammed was up against Nicolas Mueller (who had earlier been announced as German or Austrian before the evenings compere had finally decided he was in fact Italian!!!!) [he's actually Swiss, Ed.].

On paper I had this down as an exciting encounter but one where I expected the experience of Mueller to tell and probably win in 4. No chance – the first two games were shared 11/7 before Mueller stepped up a level and took advantage of some unforced errors to take control of the match and secure the third 11/5.

For those who haven’t seen Marwan play his movement, athleticism and determination were a breath of fresh air. The crowd instantly warmed to him and he seemed to feed of it and raise his game and play to the support - back he came to level once again at 2 games apiece. It was point for point in the fifth until Mueller took the initiative and with it a 7-4 lead. Had Shorbagy missed his chance – no way – and with three unnecessary tins on the bounce from Mueller, Shorbagy sensed victory and quickly took it 11/8. 54 minutes of entertainment and Winchester had found its new hero – if he doesn’t get them back through the turnstiles for more I’m not sure what will. Winchester 2-1 up.

Meanwhile the women’s match was well underway and you could be forgiven for thinking Winchester were now favourites for the match as Lauren Selby took on Rachel Willmott. However Lauren suffered an early blow to the bridge of her nose and a short blood injury break followed. She came back on court to snatch the first 14/12 but then lost her way a little and Rachel took control and out battled Lauren to take the next three games 11/8 11/7 11/6 – a good solid win for the former multiple National Junior Champion to take the overall match to 2 all and into the decider.

The balance had now shifted and St George’s were definitely the favourites with Tom Richards facing Winchesters Kashif Shuja. Tom took the first comfortably before he seemed to relax and allow Kashif to force his way back into proceedings and level it at 1-1. However this was the wakeup call Tom needed and he refocused and ran out a comfortable 3-1 winner to seal the match and the overall points for St George’s Hill.

It was a disappointing end to the match for Winchester who had sensed victory but the evening as a whole had been a great success and I’m sure they will bounce back and surprise a few teams throughout the season.

On this evidence Winchester are a great addition to PSL and everyone involved should be congratulated for putting on a memorable evening – Welcome back Winchester.

Chris Nutley

PCL Whitehall Surrey Health & RC v Probuild Bristol

2010-03-03T14:42:00.000Z

Match 9 was all to play for to get a semi-final place. Both teams had players unavailable so here's what happened ...

Lauren Selby v Sarah Jane-Perry
This turned out to be a tight match with Sarah-Jane coming out the blocks quicker and kept ahead in the 1st to take it 11-9. lauren came out in the 2nd hitting a much better length and width and took her opportunities to go short well to take it 11-8. The 3rd was tight again but good power and length from Sarah-Jane who took it 11-7. Lauren re-focused in the break and came out much quicker and started taking the ball much earlier to take control of the match and win the 4th and 5th games 11-2 11-7. An excellent game enjoyed by the crowd.Surrey H &RC 1 Bristol 0

Tim Garner v Theo Anderson
On the adjoining court Tim was playing some excellent squash, moving his opponent to every part of the court to take a 3-0 win 11-4 11-9 11-9.
Surrey H & RC 2 Probuild Bristol 0

Adrian Waller v Ben Rogers
Adrian is in good form at the moment and he was in no mood to hang around and he stormed to a 3-0 win 11-4 11-7 11-6.
Surrey H & RC 3 Probuild Bristol 0

Peter Nicol v Peter Marshall
This was the match of the night with the former World Num 1 and World Num 2 in the clash of the Legends. In the 1st game Peter Nicol came out firing and stormed into a 5-1 lead but Pete Marshall then starting to find an excellent length to edge back and take the 1st game 11-8. The 2nd game was tight to about 6 all and point for point but Peter Nicol then seemed to up the pace a bit and working Pete Marshall much harder and he took the 2nd 11-8.

Now to the 3rd which again was very tight at 7 all but Pete Marshall then took a run of points to have 3 game balls at 10-7, but this is where Peter is so good playing the big points so well and coming back to take the 3rd 13-11. Peter Nicol continued in the 4th to up the pace and move Pete Marshall to all parts of the court and stormed through to take the game 11-6 and the match 3-1.

It was a fantastic game of squash and the crowd enjoyed it very much. Peter Nicol was presented with the Player of the Match Award for his performance.
Surrey H&RC 4 Probuild Bristol 0

Davide Bianchetti v Hadrian Stiff
Davide was at 1 tonight and hoping to finish the job and give us a 5-0 win. This was a tight game but Davide always seemed in control with excellent length and width but Hadrian was counteracting with some excellent drops and kills to the front. Davide ended up taking the match 3-0 11-9 12-10 11-9 and gave us a maximum points win.
Surrey H&RC 5 Probuild Bristol 0

An excellent evening of squash which now secures us a semi-final spot, but before that we play TWP St Georges Hill away on the 16th March.

Pete Smith

Semi Final Calling

2010-03-02T23:46:00.002Z

A big match for MB Nottingham, the last home match of the season facing bottom of the league Pontefract, a big win would guarantee play off action.

First on the show court Emma Beddoes faced the in form World No. 12 Vanessa Atkinson. Beddoes fought well, looked to volley and push the pace, Atkinson however was equal to it. She extended a lead 10/6 in the first before Beddoes fought back to 9/10 and with the home crowd cheering her on looked hot for an exciting comeback. PAR scoring leaves no margin for error however and one tin gave a relieved Atkinson the first 11/9. In the second and third Beddoes couldn’t contain Atkinson, who was now finishing anything loose clinically. She snatched the second 11/7 and stormed away in the third to take it 11/5 and wrap the first match up in favour of the visitors.

On the back court, Nottingham born and bred Lewis Walters was faring better with a strong and composed display against the young Indian Karen Malik. Too strong for Malik in all areas, Walters moved his opponent well, forcing opening after opening with good length and deft touch at the front. Sealing victory to level the match 11/5, 11/4, 11/6 Walters’ third season in the PSL team for MB Nottingham and he’s really starting to show the maturity and deliver results that are expected from a top 100 player.

Arthur Gaskin followed Walters on the back court and despatched his opponent Neil Cordell in a similar ruthless fashion. Carrying a slight shoulder injury, Gaskin was stil too strong for Cordell, far to many attacking options at the front of the court that Cordell couldn’t answer. Gaskin wrapped up the match and gave the home team a healthy 2-1 lead 11/7, 11/5, 11/3.

Following the girls on the show court we had the masters(!) Former world No. 1 Lee Beachill facing Nottingham’s former world No. 3 Simon Parke. An Interesting trivia point, both players sealed the National league title as team mates the last time Nottingham won the trophy 10 years ago in 1999! 10 years later but still an interesting and enthralling match. Parke started brightly, chasing absolutely everything as you would expect and opening up a 7/1 lead. Beachill clearly struggling for with movement, couldn’t contain Parke who forced a high pace, created winners as well as errors from his opponent. However, Beachill still maintains some formidable racket skills and kept firing the ball in for Parke to chase, a couple of errors from Parke and Beachill clawed back to 5/7 before the pendulum swung again and Parke closed the game out 11/5. The second was one way traffic, Parke stormed it, Beachill struggled to turn quickly or move forward onto the ball with any purpose Parke capitalised and took a 2-0 lead 11/2. Beachill it seemed was just warming up, his movement was vastly improved, he could ping the ball in and follow up the short game Parke was subjecting him too. The result, Parke did some serious mileage, getting the ball back relentlessly, of course Beachill was more than happy to let him carry on. Epic rallies, the crowd jumping up and down and all done in great spirit. 10/10 Parke fires in a cross court nick for match ball, two tins and its game ball Beachill, another nick and its all level at 12/12. Two winners from Beachill and he snatches the game 14/12. Beachill has broken Nottingham hearts before from similar situations so the crowd sat uncomfortably for the 90 second break. The fourth was tight until 6/6, Beachill jarred his arm trying to get the ball off the back wall and struggled from then on, tinning out as Parke sealed the deal 11/6 and confirmed a home win for MB Nottingham.

The No. 1 string and playing for pride and more importantly points on the board. John Rooney faced Canadian Andrew McDougall and started rather sluggishly. McDougall pushed the pace, extending the rallies with Rooney simply to loose to wrestle control of the T. McDougall made the game plan work up to 10/8, experience it seems kicked in. Rooney settled, tightened up his game and minimised his opponents options, McDougal on the other hand tried to force the issue and started getting ragged. Rooney soaked up the Canadian’s frantic retrieval and pushed the ball into the target areas awaiting an error or opportunity. Of course they quickly followed and Rooney closed the game out 12/10 with a McDougall tin. The tone was set and Rooney followed up with a comfortable result 11/5 in the second, while the third was 11/7.

Another sell out night, another win for MB Nottingham, a multitude of mathematical options for the playoffs but we are very much in the box seats as we travel to Chapel Allerton in two weeks time.

Dave Coghlan

Duffield stay in the hunt

2010-02-17T16:36:00.000Z

As always,it was a pleasure to welcome Chapel Allerton, and with them fielding a full strength team, we were assured of a very hard fought encounter coupled with the prospect of some fantastic Squash, and so it proved to be.

Match 1 - Tania Bailey (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Jenny Duncalf (Chapel Allerton)

On paper, this was going to be a very tough match for Tania, with Jenny playing as well as she is.

The first game was hard fought, with Tania putting in a dogged fight. Jenny eventually prevailing to take the game 11 / 6.

The second game continued as the first, with Jenny taking it 11 / 5. It was evident to see how she had reached her current National and World Rankings, playing some majestic shots to which Tania had no reply.

In the third, Tania showed what a great competitor she is, taking the game to Jenny and coming away with an 11 / 7 victory.

This seemed to spur Jenny on, who took the 4th 11 / 5.

A great game hard fought. We would like to take this opportunity from all at Duffield of wishing Tania all the very best for her Wedding this week.

Match 2 - Joel Hinds (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Laurence Delasaux (Chapel Allerton)

A real mouth watering encounter, with both Players on excellent current form.Laurence is well known to the Duffield fraternity, representing Duffield for a number of seasons.Knowing what he is capable of, we knew Joel was in for a real fight.

Joel settled quickly into his game, taking the first by 11 points to 7. This spurred Laurence into action, producing a fine second game and coming away with an 11 / 7 victory. Joel then produced some fantastic squash, confirming what a fine player he is. His command of the court was superb, and he took the next 2 games 11 / 5, 11/5.

Match 3 - Andy Whipp (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Chris Simpson (Chapel Allerton)

A crucial game for the home side. Whippy, as we all know, can upset the rankings very easily, and we all had high hopes for his encounter with Chris.

The Chapel Allerton player stamped his authority on the game from the offset, taking the first game with relative ease 11 / 5. This inspired "The Whippertron" into action,playing some excellent shots and taking the second game in commanding style 11 / 4.

Chris then settled into his game and demonstrated what a fine and consistent player he is, and took the next two games with relative ease, 11 / 4, 11 / 9.

Match 4 - Nick Matthew (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Thierry Lincou (Chapel Allerton)

It was wonderful to have Nick back after his recent victory in the British Nationals. In Thierry, he faced an opponent who is still a formidable force in Squash, and who, on his day, is still one of the finest exponents on the circuit.

The first match was a bruising encounter, with Nick possibly still feeling the effects of his recent hectic schedule. Thierry was hitting some fine shots, forcing Nick into a string of uncharacteristic errors, and taking the opener 11 / 9.

We then saw why Nick Matthew is ranked England number 1 and World 2. Dominating the court with his never say die aptitude, Nick took the next 3 games with relative ease with scores of 11 / 6, 11 / 8, and 11 / 6. A wonderful encounter between 2 of the best in the game.

Match 5 - Steve Coppinger (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Alister Walker (Chapel Allerton)

Based purely on current National and World rankings, this on paper would have appeared to be a sure fire victory for the on form Alister, but we all know rankings count for nothing when potentially so much is at stake.

Steve started very strong, forcing Alister into a string of errors and taking the first 11 points to 4. Alister responded in his usual way with a fine second game, and highlighting what a fine player he is, taking it 11 / 6.

From this point on, rarely have we seen a display from a player so determined to succeed. With the crowd right behind him, Steve really dug in and produced a fantastic performance. Alister was getting more and more frustrated with his game, and was clearly unsettled by the ferocity of Steves game. A magnanimous performance saw Steve clinching the next 2 games 11 / 9, 11 / 9.

A wonderful evening's entertainment enjoyed by all who attended, and credit to all Players who produced Squash of the highest standard.

Felix Frixou

Team Manager - Benz Bavarian Duffield

Chichester fall short against Surrey

2010-02-16T23:10:00.000Z

Tonight Covers Team Chichester welcomed Surrey Health & Rackets Club for the last home game of the PSL season.

The first match featured Dominique Lloyd-Walter (Chichester) against the recently crowned British Champion, Alison Waters. Lloyd-Walter, who has just returned from injury, was up against a player very much in form. Lloyd-Walter, however, lost the first game by the narrowest of margins (11/13). Waters proceeded to take firmer control and using her all-round game took the next 2 games to put Surrey 1-up on the night.

On the adjoining championship court the Covers Team stalwart player, Tim Vail, started lethargically against Adrian Waller and lost the first game 2/11. Vail thereafter pressed forward, displaying some trademark ‘nicks’ to win the second. Vail took an early lead in the 3^rd but the lassitude returned and Waller snatched the game 9/11 and continued in the same vein in the 4^th to give Surrey a 0.2 lead.

Next on court Robbie Temple prepared to battle against Surrey’s Alan Clyne. Clyne left Temple in the blocks, storming to an early lead, 2/11 in the first. Temple was more involved in the second but crucial mistakes cost him dearly and he lost the game 9/11. In the 3^rd, Temple dug in and began to turn the match around. He made fewer errors and clinched the next 2 games to set up the decider which was neck and neck until 7-all. Temple then pulled out 3 audacious crosscourt ‘nicks’ to win the game and match.

1.2.

Minutes later Chichester’s Olly Pett and Ben Ford played a dramatic game. Pett was 1/2 down and behind in the 4^th but in a fantastic nail biting finish he finally managed to take it 11/9 and take their match down to the wire. Ford saved several match points in the 5^th but Pett stubbornly refused to give in and took it 13/11.

2-all and it was down to the No.1 strings, Mo Iskandar (World 11) and Surrey’s World No.6 Peter Barker to decide the final outcome. Could the Covers Team pull off an amazing upset against the Top of the League, Surrey? The match proved to be a fantastic finale to the evening. Barker took the first game 4/11 with Iskandar making too many errors. Iskandar’s play, however, became more consistent in the 2^nd and with little to choose between them the game was won on a tie-break, 12/10 to Iskandar. With Barker always the odd point up he then received a dead-leg towards the end of the game but rallied well to take it 9/11. The packed gallery was treated to some masterful and entertaining squash in the 4^th, played in great spirit but Barker just managed to hang on to win the game and match 7/11.

2.3 on the night to the League leaders; a fantastic night’s squash with Covers Team Chichester coming just short again. The next, and penultimate, match of the season is on March 2^nd against Guildford – and the chance of a double victory over them.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

Duffield stay in touch

2010-01-28T09:59:00.000Z

With both Clubs top strings in action in New York (and doing very well) tonight's encounter promised to be very close.'

Past matches have proved to be gargantuan battles and have produced Squash of the very highest level, especially between Benz Bavarian Duffields Nick Matthew and Pontefracts James Willstrop.
With the season approaching a critical point in regard to qualification for the Finals, this was an important match for both teams,especially Duffield who are eager to reach the Finals.

Match 1 Tania Bailey (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Kirsty McPhee (Pontefract)
Tania looked sharp in this encounter as she continued on her road to full match fitness. With the support of an enthusiastic crowd, she took the game to Kirsty who,despite dogged resistance, found her opponent to strong on the night, Tania coming away with an 11/9 - 11/3 - 11/6 victory.

Match 2 Siddharth Suchde (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Sam Wileman (Pontefract)
Making his home debut for Duffield, Sidd quickly established himself as a home favourite with a display of some fine Squash.It was agreed by all that he is a fine aquasition for the Benz Bavarian Duffield team and adds depth to the existing squad.

Sam is an up and coming player who demonstrated that he has vast potential, but Sid dominated from the off set, giving Duffield an 11/3 - 11/3 - 11/7 win.

Match 3 Joel Hinds(Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Neil Cordell (Pontefract)
Based on current National Rankings, this promised to be a close fought match, but Joel just seems to be getting stronger and stronger with every encounter.

We questioned after the match if turning professional recently had given him extra drive, or whether, judging by his new hair do, he had plugged himself into the National Grid prior to the match !!! Either way, he proved to good on the night against a very good player in Neil Cordell. 11/3 - 11/4 - 11/9.

Match 4 Andy Whipp (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Harinder Pal Sandhu (Pontefract)
During the warm up for this match, you could tell both players were really up for this, hitting the ball with such ferocity.

Harinder is an extremely accomplished player and is one to watch in the future. Again, as is often the case, he came up against "The Whippertron" who produced some fantastic Squash. Very much a Duffield favourite, Andy on his day is very much a force to be reckoned with and prevailed 11/9 - 11/6 - 11/9

Match 5 Steve Coppinger (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Saurav Ghosal (Pontefract)
From past experience, we all knew this was going to be a very tough game for Steve, up against a player who never stop running. Saurav is a fine player and produced some exhilarating Squash. Steve battled extremely hard, taking the first game, but this appeared to spur Saurav on, who took both the second and third game. Steve managed to level in the fourth,but the Pontefract player was just to strong, taking the match 11/3 - 6/11 - 7/11 - 11/9 - 4/11.

Overall, a great night for Benz Bavarian Duffield and we very much look forward to the next match against Chapel Allerton on the 16th February. This promises to be a fantastic night of Squash with both teams at full strength. It would be a pleasure to see all who are able to attend.

Felix Frixou

The Wait is Over for Surrey Storm

2010-01-28T09:54:00.002Z

Last Night saw Surrey Storm entertain Bristol Probuild in their first home game since the beginning of the season. Having narrowly lost out 3-2 in the first half we were hoping that we could go one step closer and clinch our first win of the season. Making his debut after a long lay of with injury was Sammy Chambers form Cambridge and he was first on against Ben Rodgers. These two have gone through the junior ranks together so know a lot about each others game. On the other court Victoria Lust was looking to build on her win last week against Sarah Jane Perry.

Vicky got off to a bad start in both the first and second games having to fight back to take the first 11,9 and the second 13.11. In the third she managed to get her tactics right and avoid a lot of the interference that hampered the first two games taking the game and match 11,4.

Meanwhile Sammy and Ben were battling hard to gain the initiative. Both players were creating opportunities but perhaps were struggling to make real use of the lower tin. Sammy managed to pull away in the first 2 games taking them 11,6 11,7. Ben was far from finished though and as Sammy made a few unforced errors at the start of the third he raced into a 7,2 lead. Sammy fought hard but Ben closed out the game 11,8. The fourth was more like the first two games although Sammy was beginning to find his range at the front and was still retrieving everything thrown at him. He pulled away to 10,6 but Ben saved 2 match points before clipping the tin and handing Sammy his first PSL win in his first appearance.

2-0 up but we had been here before!!

Captain Marvell Steve Meades followed Sammy on in the knowledge that he could carry the team to that elusive first victory. He was up against Mike Harris who attacked whenever possible but Steve played excellent controlled squash to take the match in 3 games 11,7 11,6 11,8 and hand Surrey Storm their first win!!

Stacey Ross was next on the show court against Hadrian Stiff. Both players like to attack and the game was a great example of attacking squash. There was lots of subtlety too with holds, flicks and changes of pace. Hadrian won the first 11,5 before Stacey levelled with the next game 11,6. The next was tight all the way with Stacey winning it 11,8. Hadrian was not to lie down and he levelled the match 11,8 and setting up a decider.

In the fifth Stacey managed to control the rallies much better and stay in front and control the middle closing out the match 11,5

After a short break Jesse Englebrecht went on at number one to face Mohammed El Shorbagy. Mohammed was clearly up for some revenge and to ensure that Bristol went home without a win. From the first rally he made life uncomfortable for Jesse who just could not find any rhythm and he raced into a 1-0 lead. Jesse kept trying to get a foot hold in the rallies and impose himself but Mohammed was just too good on the night and he won comfortably in 3.

A big thank you to all the players’ who have worked so hard and always give their all. This win has been a long time coming but hopefully like buses, a second will be here soon!!

Crystal Ball on a roll

2010-01-27T11:05:00.001Z

2010 has been a spectacular success so far for the PSL's resident tipster Crystal Ball, with 12 correct results out of 12 so far, and only a couple of minor errors in scoreline.

There's bound to be a fall coming though, so might as well get the gloating in while the going's good ...

Chichester fall to Exeter

2010-01-19T23:25:00.003Z

Covers Team Chichester tonight played Exeter Diamonds in the first round of the second half of the PSL season. The order of play was switched at the last moment; Exeter’s Joey Barrington was stuck in traffic! Top strings Stewart Boswell and Chichester’s Azlan Iskandar therefore started the proceedings on the glass back court.

Iskandar and Boswell had an even first 2 games (12/10, 8/11) on what seemed like a cold court. The third game was crucial with Boswell having trouble keeping a tight line with his backhand. Iskandar came from behind to take the game and go 2.1 up. In the fourth Iskandar stormed ahead, of a visibly tiring Boswell, to a 9/1 lead. Despite a valiant effort from Boswell, Iskandar maintained control, closed the game and took the match 11/4.

1 – 0 to chichester

On the adjoining court Annabelle Collins-Ballands, making her first start of the season for Chichester, faced Emma Chorley. Collins-Ballands gave an admirable performance and had chances to close the second game with some nice drop shots from mid-court. Chorley’s experience and pace, however, saw her come through to win 5/11, 9/11, 6/11.

One-all

Next on court, 4^th string Pete Genever played James Snell (Exeter). On previous encounters Genever has always come out on top. This time Snell took his revenge; although all the games were extremely close. Snell’s length outshone Genever’s and, coupled with his good long drop on the back hand side, Snell took the match 10/12, 11/8. 11/13, 11/13 to put Exeter ahead 2.1.

Next on the glass-back court Chichester’s Alex Gough had the tough task of taking on Jon Kemp (world No.24); a repeat of the away fixture in the first half of the season. Overall Kemp controlled the match but Gough battled well and came close to taking the second game. Kemp, however, won the match in 3 straight games, 5/11, 9/11, 7/11, to give Exeter an unassailable 3.1. lead.

The dead rubber match proved to be the match of the night; Chichester’s Tim Vail played World No.28 Joey Barrington.

Vail got off to a flying start, hitting shots a plenty and, although Barrington began to find his rhythm towards the end of the game, the lead which Vail had opened was just too much and Vail won it 11/6.

Vail continued in the same strong manner and despite Barrington eating away at Vail’s game and lengthening the rallies Vail managed to hang on to take the second 12/10.

The third game started badly for Vail allowing Barrington to get into his stride and win it 5/11. In the 4^th it appeared that Vail was feeling tired and he looked as if he was losing his way, with no patience or game plan and Barrington was well into his stride to take the game 6/11.

2-all and Barrington continued to control the game in the 5^th. Despite Vail playing with more patience he found himself 5/10 down. Then in inspirational fashion Vail, with more patience and perseverance to rally, threw everything into the game to claw back and hold a match point at 11/10. Barrington stood strong, held his nerve and rallied well to snatch the game, and match, 11/13.

1.4 to Exeter.

The next match in 2 weeks time is away to St George’s Hill when Covers Team Chichester will field a full strength men’s squad, with Annabelle playing her second match of the season. The squad will need to improve on the 1.4 loss in the first half….. we shall see.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

2009-12-07T14:29:00.003Z

The First Bump on the Journey...

It was with a depleted squad that MB Nottingham welcomed an equally under strength Chapel Allerton in the last Premier Squash League fixture before Christmas. As yet unbeaten, a victory would consolidate our position at the top of group A and extend our advantage by some margin. On paper we looked to be in a tough position, however with all the players fired up and a real determination demonstrated by everybody so far this season, a couple of big results weren’t a million miles away.

Oliver Holland lost Chris Hall 8/11, 11/9, 3/11, 2/11

First up for his debut was recent U17 national junior champion Oliver Holland against full time coach and former Sheffield Hallam University student Chris Hall. Both players started cagily, sizing each other up waiting for opportunities to attack. A couple of costly errors from Holland gave Hall the edge who managed to close out the first 11/9. Following a chat from team captain Simon Parke, Holland looked more focussed and relaxed, tightening his game up, minimising options for his opponent and extended a 6/0 lead. Hall managed to close the gap somewhat, but couldn’t quite reel Holland in who took a deserved second 11/8. The third and fourth were one way traffic as a visibly tired Holland couldn’t maintain the intensity and consistency of the second. Sensing weakness Hall closed out the match with steady squash, waiting for the errors he knew would come from a frustrated Holland. Oliver did himself proud in what must have been quite a daunting match, a real star of the future and no doubt a member of our PSL squad for many years to come.

Sarah Kippax lost Jenny Duncalf 6/11, 3/11, 8/11

On the show court Nottingham’s Sarah Kippax had the unenviable task of taking on new world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf, who on the back of three consecutive WISPA tour title’s is in the form of her life. Sarah is never one to throw in the towel and gave as good as she got, sticking in the rallies, moving Jenny around and firing some top quality drops into the front of the court. A string of points for Duncalf snuffed out the first 11/6 who maintained her incredible court coverage and blistering performance into the second quickly wrapping it up 11/3. A change of tack from Kippax in the third paid dividends, slowing the ball to the back, attacking quickly on the volley rattled Duncalf but she still had some in the tank and after keeping level to 8/8 managed to keep her cool and finish off the match 3/0.

Simon Parke beat Steve Siviter 11/6, 2/11, 11/6, 5/11, 11/8

Second on the back court Simon Parke, recovering from a throat infection took on the unrelenting Steve Siviter, known to me as a player that can upset the established order in the squash world. Parke started well, dominating the T extending the rallies and moving Siviter around the court taking the first a comfortable 11/6. The second went all wrong, Siviter seemingly hitting winners from everywhere. Parke chased everything down as expected, but Siviter always had an answer, dictating the pace and volleying short and tight. The third swung back towards Parkey who upped the tempo, reduced Siviter’s time and dictated the pace closing out the game 11/6 and taking a 2/1 lead. The fourth was a repeat of the second, Parkey let his foot off the pace and Siviter seized the opportunity. Parke struggled to maintain the necessary pace, a possible sign of the remnants of infection but all credit to Siviter he placed the ball in all the right places and didn’t give Parke any freebies. So 2/2, the balcony is packed and nervous. A clearly drained Parke used all of his guile and match experience to keep his hopes alive. Trying to dominate the T and force the pace Parke was up against it but knew what he had to do and fought through the clearly obvious pain to pull a lead. An unfortunate and out of character frame into the tin from Siviter was all that was needed to give Parke a hard fought match and 3 points for MB Nottingham.

John Rooney Lost Laurence Delaseux 11/9, 7/11, 8/11, 2/11

We had identified this match as a pivotal to the tie, so it was with some relief that we watched Rooney establish a 10/4 lead in the first. Delaseux was sluggish, he miss hit a couple of balls in the back hand corner which was surely due to his mental state having just flown in from the US. Great, we thought. It was at this point that Delaseux started to play the squash which has seen him rise 100 places in two months and also why he has won the last three events he’s entered. He clawed back with a combination of winners and errors from Rooneybut couldn’t quite catch the Irishman who eventually emerged a relieved victor 11/9. It was all downhill from then on though, Delaseux had clearly blown the cobwebs away and was flowing freely. Rooney battled hard extending the rallies and forcing his opponent to work but he couldn’t get the killer shot or extend any sort of advantage. Delaseux fought to a 2/1 lead 11/7, 11/8 and then blew through the fourth as a clearly demoralised Rooney succumbed to an 11/2 loss and confirmed MB Nottingham’s first defeat of the season.

Renan Lavigne beat Alisatair Walker 12/14, 12/10, 11/2, 8/11, 13/11

So with nothing to play for it was a battle of pride at the No. 1 string, but if there is one player you want in your corner its Renan Lavigne. Unbeaten so far this PSL season and having already won two epic encounters 3-2 in front of the home crowd, everybody hoped for another outrageous display and that is exactly what they got!

The first was played at a frantic pace, Walker moving effortlessly and controlling the T, Renan chasing everything, working so hard to move Walker from teh T and gain the upper hand. Of course it went to a tie break with Lavigne losing out narrowly 12/14, we feared given the amount of work he had done it would be a downward spiral for the next two. No chance. Renan came back still flying, forcing the pace, disrupting Walkers rhythm, looking to volley at every opportunity and force errors. Walker battled but couldn’t deal with Lavignes relentless retrieval, going lower and lower with drop shots that could beat the French man, errors crept in and Walker became frustrated. Lavigne snatched teh third 12/10 then romped to the third 11/2 thanks to error after error from Walker. The fourth was tight, a double bounce wasn’t called at 4/4 which frustrated Walker allowing Lavigne a 6/4 lead before settling into disciplined line and length waiting for the opportunity to attack. This paid off as Lavigne fired up, caught a few errors levelling the match at 2/2.

The fifth was epic. Lavigne focused and patient, opened up a 5/1 lead then 6/2 before a battling Walker came back point by point with ultra disciplined squash to have the first match ball 10/9. After a ridiculous rally with full stretch retrieval from both players, Walker was out of position, Lavigne hit a great length but Walker gave it a full length dive just missing a flying boast and an unsuccessful appeal for a let. 10/10, back and for a tin from Walker levelled the game at 11/11. Lavigne dug in, ground out every shot with stunning determination, one winner ,another and 130 Nottingham supporters on their feet. An incredible result, Lavigne is easily the darling of Nottingham Squash Club at the moment and after a match like that we didn’t really feel like we had lost!!

David Coghlan

Newport get a win at last

2009-12-03T08:48:00.000Z

Peter Creed reports

It was a dark wet Tuesday night, in the well-supported squash club that Newport’s PSL team were seeking their first win. With a slightly weaker side that usual the Pontefract players made the long treacherous drive to the Welsh team for a bottom of the league clash. With players like James Willstrop, Lee Beachill and Saurav Ghosal missing from their starting line up, Greg Tippings picked a worthy side to gain that crucial win that could take the Port off the bottom. 6:45 approached, and still no away side was present. Was the first win really going to be a walk over? No, the young Pontefract team arrived and within 20 mins the teams were announced and the first matches were starting.

Stacey Preece vs Anna Santa-Maria were the 1st match on court 2. Both players started off very tentative, with rallies being won quite quickly due to nerves of their first appearance being very evident. Stacey began to take control around the middle parts of the each game, and broke away playing the important points better than her opponent. Anna has a good variety of shots, but errors at crucial times cost her the match, as Stacey continued to apply good pressure to win 3/0 (11-7 11-7 11-6). A good performance, and it’s a shame Stacey doesn’t get the chance to play more Wispa events due to other commitments, as the effort and quality is there.

David Haley Vs George Wileman was a battle of the youngsters on court 3 “Sam Williams Court”. Dave began well and took an early slender lead of 6-3 producing some good control around the middle of the court, followed by some quality finishing shots. A minor lack of concentration allowed George to take advantage of a few errors from Dave, as he began to react instead of taking the initiative. George’s confidence began to grow, and Dave’s movement and confidence started deteriorating. The Pontefract youngster seemed to notice this, and took his opponent in short when possible, which paid big dividends as he took the match 3/2 (11/13 11/9 11/4 9/11 11/6).

Number 3 String was between myself Peter Creed and George’s older brother, Sam Wileman on court 2 the “K Newall court”. The first game was a well-fought affair, where although the score was close, Peter didn’t deserve to even take the game to tie break. After a few minor adjustments and some stern words from C.Robertson, Peter started to hit better length and applied more pressure on his opponent. Peter continued to take more control after this and the errors for Sam began to grow. A few scrappy rallies, rugby tackle from Sam on match ball gave the crowd some joy, before Peter Closed out the match 3/1 (12/14 11/7 11/3 11/6).

Rob Sutherland Vs Karen Malik was a very quick encounter as Rob minced the opposition in 16 mins. I didn’t get to see most of the match but the points I did catch Karen wasn’t the most energetic and gutsy player I’ve seen. After watching quite a few Indian PSA players who play with their heart and run everything down, I was quite surprised to see a lack of effort from the 17 year old, maybe he wasn’t 100%? Bob took the match 3/0 (112 11/4 11/3).

Last on court was Campbell Grayson “GB” our adopted Welsh Kiwi who has been living at the WIS for the last few months, against an out of sorts Harinder Pal Sindu. This was a very fast paced match where both players attacked at will. Campbell’s quick hands got him out of ferocious rallies many times, and although Harinder hit a lot of accurate kills and volley drops, his error count was also to high to compete with the Kiwi looking to put a good performance on his last match for Newport’s PSL team. As Campbell said “ay I was on fire then ay”, and came out with the win 3/0 (11/3 11/5 11/8).

This concluded the night and Newport’s first win in their debut PSL season, which took them above their opposition and off the bottom of the north group. Thanks to everyone who came to support and all the sponsors and organisers for a good night.

A long Old Night for Surrey Storm

2009-12-02T14:20:00.002Z

Surrey Storm made the long trip to Exeter in search of their first win in the last fixture of 2009. On arrival hopes were boosted by the news that Joey Barrington had withdrawn at number 2 for Exeter meaning they had to hand a late call up to Marwan el Shorbagy and the rest of the side all moving up a place.

First up was Marwan vs. Alex Ingham at number 5. Alex snuck the first 11/9 moving the ball around comfortably and attacking with conviction when the chance arrived. The second followed a similar pattern with Marwan taking the final few points to level 11/9. A bad start in the next saw Alex playing catch up for the rest of the game and the young Egyptian closed it out 11/5 moving to within one game of his second win on the bounce. Alex was unable to interrupt Marwan’s momentum in the fourth who impressively took the game 11/7 and with it the match.

Stacey Ross was back at number 3 where he is unbeaten this season and he was up against James Snell. Stacey won in 3 tight games, 2 of which went to tie breaks but Stacey played the big points better and levelled things up for the Storm.

In the girls match Victoria Lust was struggling to find her rhythm against Emma Chorley who was moving well and seemed intent on causing an upset. Emma took the first 2 games on a tie break before Vicky responded by winning the 3rd 11/9. We were looking forward to a comeback before Emma slammed the door shut by regaining her dominance taking the fourth 11/5 and with it our hopes of victory.

Jesse recently back from injury was fighting hard against fellow South African Clinton Leeuw. The first 2 games were shared 11/9 and looked like it might go all the way but at the end of the 3rd and 4th Jesse short of court time ran out of steam and Clinton took them 11/6, 11/8 respectively guaranteeing Exeter the match.
The last match on saw Julian Illingworth Surrey storm’s number 1 making his debut against the inform Jonathan Kemp. There was not a lot between them in the first 2 with some great attacking squash and at 1 game all the crowed hoped it may go to 5. Jonathan came out flying in the 3rd and Julian was always behind eventually losing it 11/5. It was role reversal again in the 4h as Julian aided by some great winners took the game by the scruff of the neck before Jonathan clawed his way back to 9-9 before eventually winning it 11/9.

This was a great advert for the PSL as the game was played in a great manner with both players respecting each other and the referees showing squash at its entertaining best.

Massive thanks to Tony, Adam and all the staff at Devon & Exeter for their hospitality and running a great evening. We look forward to seeing you in March.

Graeme Williams

Surrey Health & Racquets Club v TWP St Georges Hill

2009-12-02T13:08:00.000Z

Pete Smith reports

This was an important match for both teams with us trying to recover from our loss at Bristol and St Georges Hill trying to keep their unbeaten run going. All was set for a well contested night with 2 strong teams out!

Here we go and it didn't disappoint!!

Alison Waters v Rachel Willmot

First up on the main court was Alison who was in no mood to hang around and determined to get us off to a flyer. Alison was on top form and out did Rachel in every department to record a convincing 3-0 win, 11/2 11/2 11/4.

Surrey Health & RC 1 St Georges 0

Alan Clyne v Joe Lee

This was a fantastic game of squash enjoyed by the crowd and had everything. Joe started the quickest and settled well into his game and Alan struggled at first to get the length and width required so Joe took the 1st 11-7. Joe came out in the 2nd firing into an 8-3 lead but Alan suddenly started mixing it up with boasts and taking the ball early in short with more variation and clawed back to take the 2nd 11-9.

This was now a top class game of squash with both players going for it, retrieving well, but Alan started to get on top with his continued variation and managed to take the 3rd 11-4 and the 4th 11-7. Well played to both players who received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Surrey Health & RC 2 - Ste Georges Hill 0

Davide Bianchetti v Tom Richards

Whilst Alan and Joe were fighting it out on the other court Davide and Tom started to battle. Tom came out firing and Davide struggled with the pace and changes of direction to take the first 2 games 11/2 11/4. In the 3rd Davide started to get into the game and took a 6-3 lead but Tom came racing back to take the game 11-6 and the match 3-0. Well played Tom!

Surrey Health & RC 2 - St Georges Hill 1

Peter Nicol v Nicolas Mueller

This was experience against youth and what a match it turned out to be. Nicolas started well with pace as was determined not to let Peter settle and took the 1st 11-5. In the 2nd Peter came out mixing the rallies up with lobs, drops, late flicks and this put Nicolas under pressure and force mistakes so Peter levelled it at 1-1. 11-7. This was turning into a fantastic game of squash with excellent retrieving and lots of variations of play and the 3rd turned out to be the crucial game and Nicolas edging it 12-10 and go 2-1 up. I think Nicolas thought Peter was tired but Peter came out in the 4th and played a perfect game of squash which had Nicolas all over the place to take the 4th 11-4.

Now into the 5th and the crowd were just loving it, Nicolas came out quicker and raced into a 6-0 lead but Peter was fighting all the way but just got edged out 11-5 in the 5th. Well played to both players and it was 50 minutes of pure entertainment and a top effort, a standing ovation again from the crowd!

Surrey Health & RC 2 - St Georges Hill 2

Peter Barker v Daryl Selby

We'll down to the decider and this was going to be tight with the World Num 7 and 11 in action. Peter was very focused and started the 1st game well with excellent variations of pace and control and took the 1st 11-9. The 2nd was again point for point with both players playing excellent controlled squash and waiting for opportunities to take the advantage, It was tight all the way until Daryl conceded a couple of strokes at the end of the 2nd which meant Peter went onto take the game 11-8. Daryl came out fighting in the 3rd and upped the pace as he knew he had to get back into it for his team and went into an 8-6 lead but Peter kept to his game plan of variations of pace and made a push late in the 3rd to take it 11-9 and the match 3-0. Again an excellent high quality game of squash enjoyed by the crowd.#

Surrey Health &RC 3 - St Georges Hill 2

This was a really high quality night of squash and demonstrated everything that the PSL is and the crowd had a ball.

Thanks to Danny and his team and we look forward now to the 2nd half.

Next home game Tues 19th January 2010 v Surrey Storm - See you there??

Chichester welcome Bristol

2009-12-02T07:39:00.002Z

This Tuesday Covers Team Chichester welcomed a very strong Probuild Bristol Squad for Round 5 of the Premier Squash League and the 3rd home fixture of the season. The Bristol team’s top 2 players are ranked in the World’s top 15.

First on the glass-back court was Chichester’s Dominique Lloyd-Walter who played World No.8 Laura Massaro. The first 2 games were shared; both score lines the same - 5/11, 11/5. In the third, Lloyd-Walter stormed to a 7/2 lead before Massaro clawed her way back, using her effective boast to maximum effect and eventually she clinched the game 11/13.   In the 4th Massaro, with her generally tidy game, continued to dominate the match in the same vein. Lloyd-Walter, however, struggled to find a consistent length and Massaro took advantage and won through 2/11 to put Bristol 1-up on the night.

On the adjoining court Chichester’s No.4 and team stalwart, Peter Genever, played the ‘Squash Legend’ and former World no. 2, Peter Marshall. A truly great match ensued. Marshall got off to a great start, wrapping up the first 2 games 7/11, 8/11 before a titanic 3rd game, in which Genever saved 4 match balls before clinching it 12/10. The rallying and movement displayed by both O35 players was immense.   Genever, renowned for his fitness, ground his opponent down taking the 4th, 11/7. After over an hour’s play Genever eventually won the 5th, 11/7, completing a memorable match between 2 great rivals.

1-    all

Next on the championship court Chichester’s Alex Gough was up against the World Junior Champion, Mohammed El Shorbagy. Giving away 20 years, Gough equipped himself well in the first game and had numerous chances to take the game before losing it 9/11. Shorbagy moved the ball around the court well and used great shot selection throughout the match. Gough continued to battle gamely and was competitive in all 3 games but the age difference took its toll. Shorbagy’s speed and ability to cover everything proved too much for Gough and he went on to win 7/11, 8/11 to put Bristol in a 2.1 lead.

Next on was Tim Vail, another Chichester stalwart player, playing David Evans, former World No.3 and 2000 British Open Champion. Evans dominated the first 2 games, cutting the ball off well with Vail struggling to get forward. In the third Vail found his length and started to feed off this and taking control of the front, aided by a few uncharacteristic tins from Evans, Vail took the third. In the 4th Evans regained domination of the court, despite Vail’s valiant efforts. Evans proved too strong on the day and won the match 1.3 to give Bristol an unassailable lead.

Last match was between the No.1 strings, Adrian Grant [World no.10] and Chichester’s Robbie Temple. The match was an entertaining one with the 50 ranking place difference being very much apparent at the business end of all 3 games. Temple battled well and certainly had many chances to take a game but Grant’s experience at the next level helped him to win the match. Nonetheless, the 12/10 and 13/11 score lines in the second and third games showed just how close the games were.

1.4 to Bristol

A Christmas break follows and time for Chichester to regroup in readiness for the second half of the season. Iskandar returns to the squad but Lloyd-Walter will be missing for the first 2 fixtures so it really will be down to the men to provide the spoils. With a bit of luck on the Covers Team Chichester’s side a mid table position at the end of the season would be a great accomplishment.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

Duffield take full points

2009-11-11T18:07:00.000Z

Felix Frixou reports

It was a pleasure to welcome League newcomers Newport to Duffield on Tuesday evening for what promised to be an entertaining evening of very high class Squash.

The support by a loyal band of Welsh fans who had made the long round trip added to the atmosphere, and on paper,there anticipation of some fine encounters was well justified.

Match 1 - Tania Bailey (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs. Donna Urquhart (Newport)

Bearing in mind both current World and National rankings, this promised to be a very hard fought match, and so it proved.

Tania took the early advantage with a 13-11 win in the opening game, followed by a victory in the second to the same score. Donna was producing some fine squash which was being doggedly resisted by Tania, but as the scores suggest, both very close games.

The 3rd saw Donna produce some squash of the highest level to win 7-11, her fine stroke play forcing Tania into a number of errors.

The Duffield player regained her composure in the 4th game to claim the game 11-7 and secured the first rubber of the evening in favour of the home team.

Match 2 - Paul Hargrave (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs David Haley (Newport)

This match saw the very welcomed return to the Premier League of resident Duffield Squash Club professional, Paul Hargrave, a former England # 12 and World ranked # 52. The old saying " you never forget how to ride a bike" sprang to mind as Paul, much to the delight of the Duffield faithful, majestically overcame David in straight games 11-3,11-3,11-6.

Match 3 - Andy Whipp (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Nick Birt (Newport)

This on paper looked an interesting encounter with Nick Birt playing some fine Squash of late. Unfortunately for Nick, he came up against " The Whippertron", who, as all fans of Duffield and the Squash fraternity know, on his day, is formidable against any opponent, and so it proved on the night. In an encounter lasting all of 15 minutes, Andy produced some fantastic Squash to take the match 11-7,11-6,11-6.

Match 4 - Steve Coppinger (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Rob Sutherland (Newport)

Based on current rankings, this again promised to be a close encounter. Steve, a very popular addition and crowd favourite with Duffield,took the first game 11-3,quickly followed by an 11-5 victory in the second.This appeared to spur Rob into action, and he came back very strong to take the third 3-11. The Welsh player then consolidated his position by taking the fourth game 5-11. With all evenly poised, the crowd anticipated a tremendous final game, with Rob very much in the ascendancy.Steve took the game to Rob, and produced some fine Squash to take the final game 11-4. a tremendous encounter with both players very much on their game.

Match 5 - Nick Matthew (Benz Bavarian Duffield) vs Aaron Francomb (Newport)

Having recently returned from Kuwait with a viral infection and not fully fit, Nick was going to have a real battle with Aaron, a very fine player in his own right.

Nick did not appear to be suffering to much in the opening encounter, punishing brutally shots from Aaron that were not inch perfect.As the game progressed, the Newport player produced some fine Squash, narrowly missing out 13-11. Nick continued to take the second game 11-5, producing along the way some wonderful shots which confirm his ranking of England #1 and recently promoted World #4.In the third, Aaron appeared to be getting in full swing, winning 6-11 against a tiring Nick.

We sensed Nick wanted to finish the game as soon as to recuparate further, but Aaron proved what a strong opponent he is with Nick narrowly prevailing 11-9.

A great team performance from Benz Bavarian Duffield, and credit to Newport who, in the first season in the PSL, proved worthy opponents.

Felix Frixou
Team Manager

Stress Less... Nottingham @ Pontefract

2009-11-11T14:56:00.003Z

After the unbelievable tension of the last two home matches, MB Nottingham made the journey North to Pontefract for what was predicted to be a comfortable victory. The day started badly however, as Emma Beddoes was forced to retire after injuring her arm. The fact the injury arose from her hauling her suitcase home from recent tournament action in New York is unusual and sparked more than its fair share of speculation as to the contents of said suitcase. Over filled with hotel bath towels and bath robes? Duty free? I’ll let you ask her when you next see her...

Super sub for the evening then was Ria Kennerley, happily finishing work early to trek north and face Indian international and World No. 48 Dipika Pallikal. Ria started well, ambassadors of unorthodox and ‘tricky’ squash will rejoice as Ria mixed up her shots, played lobs, reverse angle boasts and drops that visibly troubled her young opponent, used to the orthodox length and line game. Dipika is not ranked inside the top 50 without merit, so although made to work, managed to dig in and was relieved to take the first game 11/8. Following a talking to, and told to continue ‘playing ugly’, Ria couldn’t contain her opponent who had figured out the game plan and patiently picked up ball after ball and hitting some deft winners to close out the match 11/4, 11/4.

On the court next door it was a battle of age versus youth as former world No. 3 Simon Parke faced 16 year old England U17 No. 1 James Earles. Earles is a huge talent and without doubt one to watch for the future, however the guile and court craft of Parke was too much for the junior. Earles battled and fought hard but a few errors allowed Parke to extend leads in the second half of each game running out in 3 games 11/7, 11/7, 11/8

Following the girls on court, Irish international Arthur Gaskin facing former Pontefract junior and now England Squash development coach Sam Wileman. Arthur started strongly not showing any of the signs of the illness that had dogged him in the week leading up to the match, taking the first 11/6 and speeding through the second 11/2. Sam dug in during the third but couldn’t contain the rampant Irish man closing out the match 11/7 to give MB Nottingham a 2-1 lead.

Ong Beng Hee faced a new addition to the Pontefract squad and another member of the growing Indian contingent, Karen Malik. The 363 place difference in ranking was quickly apparent as Beng Hee floated around the court, volleying everything and pushing the ball beyond the end of Karen’s racket. At just 18 Karen can be pleased with his performance and with training partners of the calibre that frequent Pontefract, a rapid rise up the rankings can be expected. Beng hee closed out the match and wrapped up the tie for Nottingham convincingly 11/5, 11/7, 11/7.
Last but certainly not least, Dutch No. 1 Laurens Jan Anjema faced former world No.1 Lee Beachill. Rumours abound of Lee’s lack of movement due to injury, however i can attest to the fact that while hampered on occasion, Lee is still able to cut it with the big boys.

LJ started well dominating the T and keeping Beachill contained to take the first 11/6. The second was back and fore as Beachill kept the ball tight and straight, minimising LJ’s options punctuating the rallies with some fierce winners that had LJ rattled on more than one occasion. Beachill sneaked ahead and crashed the ball into the nick to take the second 11/9. After regrouping, LJ came out fighting, trying to keep Beachill changing direction and stretching for the ball. This had the desired effect but Beachill still hits the ball so crisply and accurately that LJ had to work for everything. At 8/7 down a few errors from Beachill gave LJ a gap who needed little encouragement to battle across the line to take a 2-1 lead 11/8. The fourth was still tight, even though Beachill could be seen to slow, his ability to hit winners kept him in the game and kept a frustrated LJ on court longer than he would have hoped. Lj eventually emerged the relieved winner 11/7 to give MB Nottingham 17 points, a fourth win on the bounce and maintain our position at the top of the Northern league.

A good result for the team however an even better result for Oxford, a 5-0 win over Chapel Allerton means Oxford are now just 1 point behind us in second place with Duffield a further 15 points behind in 3rd. The next match is home on 1st December against Chapel Allerton, another crucial match that will consolidate our place at the top if we win, especially as Oxford face former champions Duffield on the same night.

David Coghlan

Another White Wash for inexperienced Surrey Storm line up

2009-11-11T12:47:00.000Z

Graeme Williams reports

For the second time in as many matches Surrey Storm travelled back to Guildford on the back of a 5-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Covers Chichester. There were a few more positives to take from this defeat in the shape of the performances from our younger players two of which were making their debuts. On paper we always looked like we would struggle given the withdrawal of our top two players but we decided to use this as an opportunity to blood some of our younger players.

First up was David Wardle against the experienced and skilful Tim Vail. After a few Early nerves David found his feet and gave a good account of himself and fought well in going down 11/5 11/4 12/10.

Victoria Lust was welcomed back and was up against Dominique Lloyd- Walter. Dominique is in good form at the moment so this was another stiff test for Vicky. A tight first game saw Dominique play the big points better and take it 11/9. The second saw Dominique impose herself and Vicky struggled to get to grips with her accuracy and retrieving skills losing 11/2 and staring down the barrel 2-0 down. In the third Dominique slowed a little and Vicky’s confidence grew as she fought back with good attacking squash reducing the deficit 11/9 to set up a forth and a faint hope of squaring the match. Both girls enjoyed spells of dominance as Vicky raced into a 7/1 lead before Dominique clawed her way back and indeed went past Victoria taking the game and the match 11/8 putting Chichester 2-0 up.

Anthony Brindle was next on against Alex Gough and he had his chances in 3 close games but maybe did not quite believe he could win losing 11/9 12/10 11/8. With a bit more belief he could have easily nicked one of the first two but he should be pleased with his night's work.

Stacey Ross lost 3-1 to Robbie Temple 7/11 11/9 11/7 11/7 Both players like to go for their shots so this was an entertaining match for the spectators but perhaps more mistakes than both players would of liked. 4-0 to Chichester and just the number ones left to go on.

Jesse played well against Azlan who was in inspired form hitting winners from all over the court. Jesse attacked well himself but Azlan was moving well and hitting the ball with such control that he never looked likely to slip up taking the match 11/6 11/7 11/6 and handing Chichester their first win of the season 5-0.

Chapel A rocked by Oxford

2009-11-11T09:01:00.000Z

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

Chichester get off the mark

2009-11-10T22:25:00.000Z

With both teams looking for their first win of this year’s PSL, Covers Team Chichester welcomed Surrey-Storm Guildford for the third home match of the season.

The number 4 strings played first on the show court. Chichester stalwart, Tim Vail faced David Wardle, making his debut for Guildford. Vail’s experience was a telling factor from the outset; his overall ability demonstrated that he had enough time to make choices on the ball and generally dominate the proceedings. Wardle battled well and the third game went to a tie break but Vail clinched it 12/10.

1.0. to Chichester

On the adjoining court Dominique Lloyd-Walter (World No.22) played World No. 52, Victoria Lust of Guildford. Lloyd–Walter stormed to a 6/2 lead in the first before being overtaken and finding herself 6/9 down. She immediately took stock, tightened up her game and cut out the errors to turn it around and win the game 11/9. The second game continued in the same vein and Lloyd –Walter went on to win it 11/1, relatively unchallenged. The third was a different matter and both players battled out an evenly competitive game. Lust took the upper hand and won it 9/11. The fourth was an equally competitive encounter but this time Lloyd-Walter forged ahead to nick the game and match 11/8.

2.0. to Chichester.

Next, on the championship court, Chichester’s No.3 and former World No.5, Alex Gough, played against Gibraltar’s No.1, Anthony Brindle. Gough seemed to be playing well within himself and comfortably took the first 11/9. In the second Brindle dug in and began to retrieve well to force a tie break. Gough’s experience, however, ensured that he won through 12/10. In the third Gough’s skill always gave him the advantage and although Brindle ran well the result was inevitable.

3.0. to Chichester to give the team their first victory of the season.

In what was anticipated to be the closest match of the evening, Chichester’s Robbie Temple took on Stacey Ross, a former World top 50 player. The first 2 games were shared with very little to separate the players. After winning the second game Temple’s confidence grew and although it was once again close Temple snatched the third, 11/9. The match was building in tempo and there was the prospect of more exciting squash to follow in the 4th. During this game Temple always had the edge and maintained a cushion of a couple of points throughout. He managed to hold his game together to run out a winner 11/8 and give the Chichester squad a 4.0. lead.

With an anticipated 5.0 whitewash in sight Azlan Iskandar went on court determined to fulfil the squad’s expectations. The first was an entertaining game with Guildford’s Jesse Englebrecht playing his part well but Iskandar (World No. 13) always had matters in hand and took it 11/6. The second followed, in some parts, the same way with Englebrecht matching Iskandar in some of the rallies. The ranking gap, nonetheless, became all too evident and Iskandar ran through an 11/7 winner. More of the same in the third and Iskandar successfully completed the 5.0 whitewash 11/6.

The next home match is scheduled for Tuesday December 1st against Bristol.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

Now then ... the Sobo report on Surrey v Chichester

2009-10-29T15:48:00.001Z

Now then…

Back to the PSL and we welcomed the COVERS sponsored Chichester for a good hiding on our home courts in Croydon. Jokes aside, on paper this looked a fairly close encounter. For the home team Peter Barker at the top of the order followed by Wa-Airmiles El Hindi (just in from NYC), Peter (Who?) Nicol, Adrian Waller and thanks to a (er herm!) mix up in dates, a debut Camille Serme.

For the away side, Azlan Iskander at 1, Robbie Temple, Alex Gough, Captain Vail and Dominique Lloyd-Water (http://www.domlloydwalter.co.uk/ shameless plug).

First up, the ladies and this was always going to be a tight affair pitting World nos 18 vs 20. I told Dominique before she stepped on court that she was under strict instructions to lose gracefully but alas, she was having none of it! That said, the home girl started well on what must have been a pretty nervous occasion. The rallies were decent, Camille favouring the backhand volley dropshot. Dominique stayed strong though very much holding her own so it was with much relief that Camille closed out the first 11-8. All going to plan so far….

Next door, Adrian was doing battle with Tim. I’ll never tire of singing Tim’s praises. For us “normal” people, he is an inspiration and living proof that you do not have to be super fit etc.. to play squash at a decent level. That said, Adrian’s no fool with a racket either. Bing, bang, bosh..Adrian goes 1 up.

The evening is looking most rosy. And then…..

Back to the ladies and with Dominique exerting more pressure, Camille has started tinning those backhand drops and Dominique moves into a 4-0 lead in the 2^nd game. Camille regroups to 4-6 but some quality play by the away keeps her just in front to 9-7. Two further tins from Camille and we’re all square.

Next door, Tim is out and firing. Adrian didn’t play badly but perhaps lost a little patience which was enough for Tim to level up at 1-1. Grrr…..

The third for the ladies was looking like a crucial game. Both working really hard now. The rallies were long with good winners from both. Never more than a point or two between them, Camille was first to game ball at 10-9 but Dominique dug in to save it. Then, in my humble opinion, it seemed to me that the home girl went for a bit too much too soon tinning twice to gift her opponent the 3^rd game. Somebody ‘ave a word!

Mista Nicol (or was it El Hindi…) duly did and the fourth saw Camille re-assert some authority on the game. The drops were going in again (hoorah!) and whilst Dominique didn’t really do much wrong, Camille did just enough to take the fourth to cries of Allez!, Allez Camille! from certain factions of the home support; none of whom I can confirm, speak any French! J

Next door, Adrian has snuck the 3^rd, 12-10 but… Tim has taken the 4^th, 11-4 so 2-2 and all to play for on both courts….

More of the same from the ladies; a really good game of squash this. Camille stayed strong to the end for a good 11-6 win in the 5^th. Well played Camille. Never in doubt! Dominique was disappointed with herself and commented that she felt she could and should have done better. I thought she played well to be honest AND lost gracefully so well done on both counts J

Next door was a different story though. According to the script, Tim should have been reaching for the oxygen at this point but was unfortunately having none of it. I didn’t see much of this one but an 11-7 score in favour of the away player suggests a good final game probably deservedly won by the victor. Both courts now vacated Surrey Team Captain, Pete Smith seen pacing along the corridors muttering to himself, “why can’t these Chichester folk just lose gracefully?!?!?”… or maybe that was me….

Next up, Nicol vs Gough and on the main court, El Hindi vs Temple.

In truth both of these did not necessarily live up to their billing. Peter and Alex had a good tussle in the first; eventually won by the home player 11-9 but not before the crowd were treated to an excellent exhibition of how to hit a squash ball to good length and width from both players.

After that, either Alex got tired or injured…or a bit of both. Either way, Peter retrieved as he always does and when you add to that some excellent dying length, it was soon all over for the loss of not many more points. Good stuff.

On the main court, Robbie played ok I guess but el Hindi was rapid with his movement and got to most things thrown his way. The away player didn’t have the best of days and spent time engaged in debate with the referees.

When all was said and done, the home player strolled off court after a 3-0 win having performed his duties for the evening and more importantly, with the Surrey team having taken an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Last but not least, Peter and Azlan stepped on court. The story of this game was that Azlan played very, very well. The first was tight; very tight with no more than a point separating both players. Peter seemed to be the one making all the moves but Azlan just stuck with him playing some excellent tight squash. It was good to watch.

The home player seemed to be getting frustrated at his inability to pull away score wise from the Malaysian but Azlan stuck to his for his first game ball at 10 -9. A long rally ensued and ended with Peter appealing to the referees that Azlan had blocked his path to the ball. A no-let was awarded much to Peter’s frustration.

The second saw Peter getting more and more frustrated and his head seemed to “drop” just a little. Enough for Azlan to sniff out the opportunity and take the game 11-3 for a 2-0 lead. Oh dear.

To his credit, Peter came out for a fight in the third and managed to get his nose ahead for most of the game. However, possibly a slight injury or Azlan’s dogged determination and excellent play…probably all of the above actually allowed the Chichester No 1 to claw his way back and eventually take the game and match 11-8. A very well deserved win.

And so once the dust settled, the home team came away with the result, Squashsite’s dodgy crystal ball proved to be correct in its score prediction but….. Daryl Selby and his mates down the road hammered Guildford 5-0!

So…10^th Nov has us on a sojourn down to Bristol also hoping Exeter take points of the St Georges crew and then…the (hopefully still!) top of the table clash to look forward to.

It’s getting interesting….

David Sobo

Chichester fall short at Surrey

2009-10-29T12:12:00.000Z

Covers Team Chichester made the trip to Croydon, for Round 3 of the PSL, to play 2008 Champions, Surrey Health and Rackets Club.

On paper it looked an interesting tie and Covers Team Chichester was determined to erase the 0.5 whitewash at the same venue last season.

First on court Dominique Lloyd-Walter, world 22, faced world 18, Carmille Serme, who was making her debut for the Surrey side.

A fascinating match ensued. Lloyd-Walter struggled to find a length in the first game and Serme’s volley drops, particularly on the back hand, won her several points to ensure an 11/8 win. Lloyd-Walter fought back in the second; her length of shot slightly better and, aided by a few mistakes from Serme, she went on to win it 7/11. The 3rd game was nip and tuck all the way. Serme’s front court game was superb whilst Lloyd-Walter hustled to stay in the contention. Lloyd-Walter found herself 8/10 down but she rallied well to force errors from her opponent and eventually won it 10/12. Serme always had a slight upper hand in the 4th and played good squash – floating the ball around the court and going in short well, to take it 11/6.

The 5^th followed in the same manner. Serme had, by now, cut out her mistakes. Lloyd-Walter’s ‘plan B’ game of just gritting it out and running everything down began to falter. Her shot length had never been consistent throughout the match and Serme ran out an 11/6 winner to give the Surrey side first blood.

On the adjoining court Chichester’s Tim Vail, playing at 4, took on Adrian Walker. The first 2 games were shared. Vail took an early lead in the 3rd but squandered opportunities and eventually lost it 10/12. “As all good ‘voles’ do, Vail managed to dig himself out of a hole!” His experience and skill proved too much for Walker and Vail took the next 2 games 4/11, 7/11 to kick-start his winning PSL campaign. 1-all

The eagerly awaited next match was between the over 35s, Alex Gough and the squash legend that is Peter Nicol. For those who witnessed the match, it was a joy to watch. Mike Phillips, Team Manager, said after the match, “I was hoping that Alex could pull something out of the bag but Nicol’s general all-round play was awesome.”

The tempo, pace, speed shot-making and accuracy were all on display from the great man. Although Gough competed well in the first game, Nicol got stronger and stronger as the match progressed. Gough suffered a minor hamstring injury in the 3rd but by then the writing was on the wall and Nicol won 11/9, 11/4, 11/1. 2.1 to Surrey

Surrey’s Wael El Hindi, world 13, must be the strongest No. 2 string in the PSL and Chichester’s Robbie Temple, world 65, had a tough task ahead. Although Temple competed well in the first 2 games he found himself 0.2 down. In the 3rd Temple struggled and El Hindi comfortably took it 11/2 to give the Surrey side a winning 3.1 margin.

The last match between the No.1 strings, Mo Azlan Iskandar (world 20) and Surrey’s Peter Barker (world 9) proved to be an exciting battle with Iskandar giving a superb performance and playing one of his best matches. Iskandar, after the match, said,” The 0.3 defeat last season, on the same court in last season’s fixture, was still fresh in my mind and I intended to make amends.” Make amends he did. After a close opening game, which he took 9/11, Azlan took control and displayed the world-class squash which, in recent months, gave him victories over Thierry Lincou (world 8) and David Palmer (world 6). Azlan continued to pile on the pressure and took the next 2 games and match 3/11 and 8/11.

3.2 to Surrey; an excellent evening’s entertainment all round but still no win for Chichester. Surely on November 10^th, at home to Guildford and fielding the same squad, fortunes will change. We shall see!

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

Chapel A 2 Duffield 3

2009-10-28T15:40:00.002Z

As the preview said Duffield were out for revenge after last season’s final defeat. The crystal ball was spot on but Chapel A gave Duffield one hell of a fight.Once again the music and lights were in place and the crowd packed in.

At 5 making her debut Fiona Moverley took on England Team player Tania Bailey. Fiona was a bit slow to start, maybe debut nerves, losing the first. Then she came out in the second and really acquitted herself to the task and played some great squash and tried her heart out. At one all the crowd were willing Fiona on, however the experience of Tania counted in the end and she took the match 3-1. The crowd were impressed with Fiona’s efforts.

At the same time Shaun Le Roux was having a physical battle with Joel Hinds. Both have big frames and there was not much room given but still some fantastic attacking squash was played. Joel took a break in the first game with a blood injury after being hit in the nose. This made Joel look a bit meaner but didn’t help in the first game as Shaun pushed through 11-6. The second was very similar Shaun winning 11-7 Joel pushed hard in the third but Shaun pulled out some outrageous shots to take the third 12-10.

One all.

Laurence Delasaux then went on against Whippy at 3 and Chris Simpson took on ex Chapel A player Steve Coppinger on the other court.

Dela and Whippy were trading shots and were locked in a fierce battle. There were some dubious decisions for both players causing a few shrieks of despair. Whippy took the first. Dela stemmed the attacking shots by Whipp in the second and levelled the game. Whipp then went 2-1 up again commanding the T and going berserk with constant attacking volleys. Dela looked to be feeling the pace after arriving back in the UK from Canada the same afternoon but again controlled the tempo in the fourth to level 2-2. Whipp again came flying out the blocks in the fifth and took it convincingly.

On the other court it was essential for Simpo to win to keep the match alive. He did not disappoint. In recent head to heads with Coppinger it is 1-1. Chris played superb squash defending and attacking at the right time. His excellent 3-1 win did not go un-noticed by his “groupies” that he brought with him. This made the match 2-2 and Ali vs Nick to go.

Ali was feeling under the weather but had nothing to lose as many of the crowd did expect Nick to win. However the crowd turned the volume up and really got behind the local favourite and he put everything into the match. Ali went 1-0 up, the crowd were getting edgy. Nick came back strong and took a 2-1 lead, it all looked over. Ali didn’t give in and played fantastic squash and with the crowd boiling over he levelled at 2-2. Fifth game all to play for, Nick 10-9 match ball, Ali comes back with a monster rally, crowd again going wild. Nick, British Open Champion, just had that bit extra to finish the match 12-10. Another thrilling night at Chapel A.

Thank you to Aegon Scottish Equitable for sponsoring the night and their staff for cheering throughout the night, and also that a major tennis sponsor is sponsoring squash!!!!

Mike Dickens

Surrey Storm get blown away!!

2009-10-28T13:05:00.002Z

Graeme Williams reports

Last night saw Surrey Storm suffer there heaviest defeat of the season by top of the league TWP St Georges Hill. The result highlighted where Storm need to be and showcased St Georges Hill’s faith in youth.

Harriet Ingham Making her first appearance if the season against Rachel Willmott started well losing a tight first before losing her way in the second losing it 11/2 and staring down the barrel 2-0 down. Harriet showed great pride and ability in clawing her way back into the match taking the next two with strong attacking squash. Momentum was with her and the decider went point for point before Harriet tried to force the issue to much making 3 mistakes given Rachel a hard earned win 3-2.

Sibling Alex was up against close friend and in form Joe Lee. The first saw Alex happy to rally with Joe and react to his tactics meaning Joe looked comfortable before a few errors let Alex back in and gave him the belief that perhaps he could cause an upset. Joe composed himself and closed out the game 11/9. The second saw Alex hitting with more purpose and playing a more attacking game but Joe was moving well and producing some great attacking shots of his own winning it 11/6 before taking the third and putting St Georges 2-0 up.

Steve Meads was back playing at number 3 against Hungary number 1 Mark Krajscak. Mark looked strong and hungry against the unbeaten Steve and although as always Steve made Mark work for every single point he was unable to really push on and Mark won in 3 making the score on the night 3-0.

Another unbeaten record was put on the line as Stacey Ross was up against Tom Richards. Tom was moving and playing well where as Stacey after a hectic week of squash, travel and climbing out of ditches was slightly off the pace. Stacey got off to a flyer in the first but after that it was one way traffic as Tom controlled the rallies, and ran out a comfortable 3-0 winner.

Last up was Jesse Englebrecht against Daryl Selby. This was an entertaining encounter played in a fantastic spirit with both players opening up the court at every opportunity. Daryl won the first but the second saw Jesse earn 3 match balls which Daryl duly saved before concerting his first and opening up a 2-0 lead. The third was just as competitive but Daryl always had the edge and he closed the match out 3-0 sealing a comfortable 5-0 win for TWP St Georges Hill.

Again thanks to Danny and St Georges for their hospitality and also for showing us what is needed to be a top side in this competitive league. We will be back!

Diamonds dent Bristol's hopes

2009-10-28T12:05:00.001Z

Adam Ling reports

Temple Murray 3-2 Ellie Epke 6/11 11/6 11/7 9/11 11/3 30 mins

The opening match was a fantastic display of up and coming squash. Both girls played out of their skin. The 170 strong crowd supported both players but in the end Temple Murray's superior power proved too much for the 11 year old, who flagged a little at the end. Both players should be proud of their performance and they are both names to watch for the future.

Clinton 2-3 Hardian Stiff 12/14 11/8 8/11 11/5 15/17 97mins

One of the epic battles of the psl season, you could not ask for more from the players, it was played in a great fair spirit. The crowd were in two minds, should they cheer for the Devon legend or should they support their new boy. A supportive crowd watched a great match which Hadrian pip Stiff won in the end.

Jonathan Kemp 1-3 Mohamed El Shorbagy 11/5 9/11 4/11 10/12

Joey Barrington 3-0 David Evans 11/6 11/7 11/7 32 mins

A great match, David showed moments of magic but Joey was too consistent and and was the better player. Joey stuck to his task well and didn’t try to be too clever. He worked hard and deserved the 3-0 win

Stewart Boswell 3-1 Adrian Grant 11/4 7/11 11/8 11/6 64 mins

Boswell proved once again he is one of the best league players, after last year's disappointment with Grant spioling Exeter’s party with a defeat of Palmer, the Devon side did not want it to happen again. With the support of a 160 strong crowd, Boswell was too strong in the front corners and time after time punished Grant with the straight drop.

Exeter Happy 3-2 winners… and the crystal ball was good for once!!

Adam Lings

Bristol Schoolgirl to make Premier League history

2009-10-24T21:30:00.000+01:00

Bristol schoolgirl Eleanor Epke will make history next Tuesday when she represents Probuild Bristol in the Premier Squash League to become the youngest player ever to compete in the 26-year history of the world's most prestigious squash league.

The 11-year-old, who heads the England U13 rankings, will face Devon's England's U17 No7 Victoria Temple-Murray in the club's 3rd round fixture against Exeter Diamonds, in Exeter.

The five-player teams in the PSL comprise four men and one woman. The Exeter tie's top string clash will see Bristol's world No10 Adrian Grant take on the home side's Australian No3 Stewart Boswell, ranked 16 in the world.

"This initiative by Exeter Diamonds and Probuild Bristol demonstrates that, whilst showcasing top professional players from around the world, the PSL can also give opportunities to junior players to further their development and gain invaluable experience," said Chris Nutley, Head of Competitions and Events at England Squash & Racketball.

"The decision taken by the two managers in selecting Eleanor and Victoria can only aid the broader development of girls' squash, particularly in the South West."

Epke is coached by Probuild Bristol team captain Hadrian Stiff at the city's Elite Squash Academy.

"I think Ellie is the best all-round young player I have coached and seen in this country," said Stiff. "She has the makings of a world number one - but she is still so young we can only wait and see, and hope she fulfils her potential."

Court Drama... MB Nottingham Vs. Oxford

2009-10-23T23:23:00.000+01:00

Court Drama... David Coghlan

Before the match started I knew that this could be one of the tightest matches of the year. Having informed the expectant Nottingham crowd that every match was 50/50, it was a hugely exciting / heart wrenching / thrilling / rollercoaster of a night that has in all likelihood advanced my inevitable journey towards grey hair.

Emma Beddoes lost Madeleine Perry 7/11, 10/12, 7/11

First up on the show court, Emma Beddoes faced Irish international and World Number 7 Madeleine Perry. A tough match on paper for the home player but she gave it everything she had and deserved more from the match than she got. Perry took the first 11/7, her high tempo game and movement in the first impressive, limiting Beddoes attacking opportunities and keeping her constantly reaching into the corners. The second was better for the home crowd. Beddoes slowed the game, disrupting the rhythm of Perry who allowed a few errors to creep in to her own game. Combine this with some stunningly gutsy winners from Beddoes and with a backhand nick she achieved game point at 10/8. Perry simplified her game and dug in to creep back to 10/10 before two errors from Beddoes gave Perry the second game 12/10. The third game swayed between both players as first Beddoes gained a slight lead following a few unforced errors from Perry, before errors of her own and a renewed determination from Perry, allowed her to edge ahead and close out the game and match 11/7.

Eddie Charlton beat Piedro Schweetrman 11/7, 7/11, 11/6, 11/6

Meanwhile on the back court former club junior Eddie Charlton faced Dutch man Piedro Schweetrman ranked just five places apart. This was a tight match with both players moving the ball well and extending the rallies. The first was shot for shot to 7/7 before Schweetrman hit four tins to hand the first game to Charlton 11/7. Impatience shown in the first didn’t materialise in the second, Charlton hit too many short cross courts to the Dutchman’s vicious forehand who happily buried the ball taking the second 11/7. Charlton clearly recognised that avoidance of the Schweetrman fore hand was key and varied the pace well in both the third and fourth, dominating the T, minimising his opponents options and taking a well deserved victory 11/6, 11/6.

Let the pain begin...

At one match apiece, Simon Parke took the first game against Scott Handley, while on the show court a massively dominant Renan lavigne took a comfortable 2-0 lead over Chris Ryder. Then the whispering started. “Dave, this could be your year” one notable NSRC member told me. “This will be a great result tonight” said another. That was all that was needed to condemn MB Nottingham to possibly the most tense 45 minutes I’ve experienced during my 4 years running our PSL team.

Parke was dominated in the second losing 11/4. But that wasn’t the end of the world because Lavigne had just hit an outrageous volley nick winner to reach match ball at 10/7.

“Do you remember Renan’s match last year against Lee Beachill? When he lost 3-2 from 2-0 and match ball up?” asked one NSRC member. I did and i didn’t want to comprehend it, however Ryder came back fighting with three, back to the wall, no holds barred winners 8/10, 9/10, 10/10. Renan took another match ball 11/10. Pegged back 11/11. Another at 12/11, the shouting from the crowd getting hoarser. 12/12, an error, Ryder was game point up and a desperate looking Lavigne succumbed to the inevitable comeback 14/12.

Still, it wasn’t all over yet, a blip surely? Renan came back and continued playing the good fast squash that had won him the first two. The difference now was that Ryder smelt a chance and didn’t let anything go. At all. Long, hard rallies, physically draining for the players mentally draining for spectators. Neither established a lead so we reached 10/10. No matter how much we shouted or jumped up and down Ryder was on form now and again managed to play some top draw winners at the crucial moment taking the fourth 12/10 to set up a nightmare (for us) deciding fifth game.

On the back court Parke was doing everything he could to contain Handley who it seems had the brief of giving Simon a heart attack. Huge rallies, particularly hard on the legs as the ball was continually fired in short by both players. Parkey ran and ran some more narrowly losing the fourth 11/9 and then with Renan / Ryder at 2/2, Handley sneaked another hugely physical 4th game 12/10 to have the whole match hanging on the one final game between Lavigne and Ryder.

Needless to say i was now having kittens on the gallery of the show court and the tension and atmosphere around Court 10 was electric. Lavigne feeds on a crowd’s energy and having mentally regrouped looked the more hungry in the fifth. Having established another 10/7 match ball lead everybody was ready to jump up and down. Tin. Tin. Tin. 10/10. This was agony and the Nottingham crowd now joined me in the kitten birthing stakes. A tin from Ryder and Lavigne had an 11th match ball 11/10. It was the one he needed, a forehand drop winner. Lavigne flat out on the court floor, me and 100 Nottingham fans on our feet screaming! We were still in it.

Laurens Jan Anjema beat Cameron Pilley 4/11, 11/5, 11/9, 11/9

This was the first outing at home for LJ and with the tension of the previous game still gnawing at the stomach, everybody hoped for a smooth and stress free final match. Pilley had other ideas. I haven’t seen a player hit the ball so viciously or so accurately for years. Reminiscent of former Nottingham player John White, Pilley simply picked any nick on the court, hit the ball as hard as he could and it would roll. LJ could do nothing, and with a final cross court volley nick Pilley wrapped up the first 11/4 to the dismay of a stunned audience. Luckily Renan lavigne had a word and as the master of changing a match’s fortune i left them to it. LJ came back and slow balled Pilley, disrupting his rhythm and playing some beautifully deft un-returnable drops. Everything was now going the Dutch mans way and wrapped the game up 11/5 with a cross court volley nick of his own.

Parity then, the crowd where now sitting more comfortably although i had finally reached for the bottle. Pilley frustrated by the lack of pace in the game and the minimising nature of LJ’s game made error after error to hand LJ a 10/3 lead. Now unencumbered by trying to win the game Pilley went for his shots. A nick for 10/4, winner, winner, and another cross court volley nick to reach 10/7. The relaxed crowd, now being made to sit up straighter as Pilley ground out every rally with clean and error free squash, he got all the way to 9/10 before an unfortunate loose ball and an obvious stroke gave LJ the game and generated a collective sigh of relief. The fourth was tight all the way; with Pilley taking an 8/9 lead. LJ came back however and had looked the more likely winner throughout, a tin from Pilley gave LJ a 10/9 lead before finally closing the match out 10/9 and a second victory for MB Nottingham who now go joint top with Chapel Allerton.

A great night for everybody present and a fantastic advert for the league. All the players gave 110% and the crowd were well and truly put through the wringer. Newport next week so we are already looking forward to another great match.

Surrey Storm narrowly lose out again.

2009-10-22T15:19:00.001+01:00

Graeme Williams reports

For the second time this month Surrey Storm fought valiantly but were unable to take the spoils on the road at Bristol. Making his debut in the PSL was Mohammed Ali Anwar Reda to add a bit of spice to the top of our order. He came in with Gilly Lane unavailable so we looked stronger than before.

First up was a more relaxed Victoria Lust who had another tough match against Laura Lengthorne Massaro. Victoria fought well against Laura’s class and in all the game was competing until Laura pulled away to take the first two games 11/6, 11/7. In the third Victoria stayed with her for longer creating a game ball at 10/9 but Laura came back well to win 12/10.

On the show court Stacey Ross was getting the better of David Evans although both players were feeling a little of the base but Stacey won the big points to take a 2-0 lead. In the third Stacey looked to be moving the better and reading David’s game to pull off some stunning winners and took the third 11/6 to level the match 1-1.

Surreys very own Peter Pan, Steve Meads was grinding down Hadrian Stiff 12/10, 12/10 before Hadrian had to withdraw due to feeling faint. Again Surrey Storm had managed to move 2-1 ahead with the dogged determination and quality form the elder statesman of the team. Next up was Jesse Englebrecht against the inform Mohammed El Shorbagy. The first game was played at a high pace which suited the Egyptian as he reeled of exquisite winners from all areas as Jesse struggled to move him around as he would like. In the second Jesse improved slowing the pace down and finding his range but at 8 all Mohammed pulled away to take a 2-0 lead.

In the third Shorbagy returned to the brilliance of the first and closed out the match 11/2 setting up a decider between the new boy Reda and the experienced Adrian Grant.

In the first Reda was too lose and had no answer to the control of Grant. The second saw Mohammed tighten up and get in front a little more and he took it 11/8. We were getting excited and dreaming of a first Victoria of the season but Adrian showed his experience taking the next two to seal the match for Bristol.

The nigh was a fantastic advert for the PSL with competitive games and played in a great spirit. Bristol put on a great show with a fantastic crowed so we thank them and look forward to returning the favour next half.

Finally good luck to Stacey up in Manchester and hopefully our first win is not far away!

Guirey arrives home

2009-10-22T09:47:00.002+01:00

Neil Guirey arrived for his morning coffee at Chapel Allerton at 9.30am. My first question to him was, “what time did you get in?”. “Three” was the reply and I left him to his coffee.

So after the long journey Chapel A returned home with a 3-2 victory. This was the score-line predicted by the team Managers and puts Chapel Allerton to the top of the table.

A special thank you goes to Peter & Sally Merchant and their son Ben Merchant for travelling to Newport to support the Chapel A side. Ben Merchant at 9 years old has recently won the Yorkshire u11 Championships (Lee and James have won this in the past).

He is coached by Neil and is a huge fan of the Premier Squash League. The Merchants were trying their best to drown out the Welsh support last night.

Next match is against Duffield at Chapel A on the 27th October.

Mike Dickens

Newport still seeking first win

2009-10-21T06:46:00.000+01:00

Jethro Binns reports

Chapel Allerton made the long journey south to Newport this evening for Newport’s first home match of their debut season in the PSL. After receiving a text from Shaun Le Roux telling me they had left this morning chapel A arrive this evening bemused to find that Newport was actually south of the M4 and still in the Northern Division.

On paper this evening was always going to be a bit of a tough ask for Newport who were missing Rob “I don’t want to let the ball bounce” Sutherland who is away playing the Austrian open. This meant that as suspected Greg Tippings came out of retirement to show the young ones how to do it……

Greg went on first and as it transpired he did show the youngsters how to play both opponent and referee. Greg reached 69 in the world when he was full time and used all his experience to win the match 3-0. His young opponent described Greg as being “awkward” to play which I think is putting in nicely as anyone who has had the joy of playing tips will testify.

Deon Saffery knew that it was always going to be tough playing world number 6 Jenny Duncalf and found herself 9-0 down in the first. From this point on the match became a little more contested as Deon began to cope with the pace a little better but the outcome wasn’t really ever in doubt as Jenny ran out a winner in 3.

I went on against Shaun with the match stood at 1-1. Having lost all four of our previous meetings I was hoping to turn things around but it wasn’t to be. Feeling slightly under the weather and half a yard off the pace Shaun gave me a guided tour of the back corners as he hit “joke length after joke length in it”. I didn’t really make any impression on the match as he hit the ball to the back with such severe pace and accuracy that I wasn’t able to compete around the middle and he hit picked me off as and when he liked.

The Crystal Ball had us down for a 4-1 defeat but I though that it would 3-2 and felt that Campbell Grayson stood a very good chance against Chris Simpson. Having only flown back form Hong Kong on Saturday Campbell looked in control during the first two games as he took them 11-9 11-7. Hitting some outrageous winners on the volley Campbell hit what he described as “the best shot I have ever hit” as he slammed the ball in to the nick with a cross court volley. I thought it was something to do with the fact that his string broke as he hacked at the ball forcing it to come off weird and bounce a bit funny but he maintained that it was deliberate. Simpo fought back to take the third as campbell got a bit excited and tried to play everything in front of the short line. The fourth saw Campbell get a good lead only for Chris to pull it back to 7-7, at which point Chris played a drop, didn’t clear too well, Campbell ran through and knocked Chris’ racket out of his hand before hitting a crosscourt drive. The point was disputed with Chris suggesting that his New Zealand opponent was perhaps getting a little too excited about the forthcoming Autumn rugby internationals. However the referee felt it was Chris who had caused the interference and the point went to the All Black. The crowd were very vocal and got behind Campbell in a big way. He gave them what they wanted as he took the game 12-10 and tied the match at 2-2.

The deciding match came down to Ali Walker and Aaron Frankcomb who regularly train together in Leeds. Aaron keen to impress his home fans got off to a great start hitting some fabulous winners as Ali found the tin too may times and won the first game 11-9. The crowd sensed an upset and a first win for the PSL newcomers but it wasn’t to be. Ali decided he would volley everything and try and play at 276mph which unfortunately for Aaron he succeeded in doing With pacey length after pacey length and volley winners from anything that wasn’t skinned Ali took the last three games fairly comfortably.

So Newport left still seeking their first win in the League whilst Chapel A left with the prospect of a 4 hour drive “back t’ north” . The crowd went home slightly disappointed but impressed to have watched such high quality squash. The players commented on how good the fans were and all look forward to future matches at Wales’s premier club……

Jethro Binns

St George's take the spoils

2009-10-20T23:37:00.001+01:00

Mike Phillips reports

Last night Covers Team Chichester played St George’s Hill, Weybridge in the first home tie of the Premier Squash League season.

First up Chichester’s Dominique Lloyd-Walter (No. 6 England and World No 22) played St George’s Hill’s new signing, Lauren Briggs who is a world top 20 player. The first 2 games were evenly shared, 11/7, 5/11. The 3rd game was nip and tuck all the way which Lloyd-Walter narrowly took 12/10, having previously saved several game balls.

The momentum was now with the Chichester player and she confidently started the fourth game with some good cross court drops to send her opponent the wrong way on several occasions. Lloyd-Walter ran out a comfortable 11/3 winner to put Chichester 1.0 up.

On the glass-back championships court, Chichester’s No 3 string, Tim Vail, played Hungarian No.1, Mark Krajcsak. During the first game the capacity crowd enjoyed good all court squash from both players. Vail hit several of his renowned, trade-mark nicks but unfortunately, towards the end, he twisted his ankle and narrowly lost the game he much needed, 14/16. Krajcsak forged ahead in the second to take a 2.0 lead. Vail showed spirit and valiantly fought back to take the next game 11/7. In the fourth Vail battled to stay in contention and despite a tremendous effort saving a couple of match points he eventually was defeated 9/11.

1.all on the night.

Next on court Robert Downer, making his debut for Chichester, played former British Junior Champion, Joe Lee. Downer battled well throughout but Lee’s shot selection, ability and experience, on the professional circuit, ensured he always had the upper hand. Lee won 6/11, 3/11, 7/11

2.1 to St. George’s Hill

Chichester’s Robbie Temple played Tom Richards (St. George’s Hill). Temple faced a tough task with approximately 30 world ranking places between him and Richards. Richards showed he was more consistent in the rallies when it mattered most and took the match 7/11, 8/11. 8/11. Temple, however, was involved right to the end; the only difference was that he hit too many tins.

3.1 and the match to St George’s Hill

Last match on court, in what was a dead rubber, the No.1 strings Mo Azlan Iskandar (World No.20) battled against Daryl Selby (World No.21). In a scrappy first 2 games Selby could have been 2.0. up but in some ways Iskandar was fortunate to be at 1-all. Both games were the same score line; in the first Iskandar lost it 10/12 after being at 10-all and in the second he managed to hold on and win 12/10. Iskandar then gained some momentum and took the third 11/4 to put Chichester 2.1 up. At this point the Chichester man seemed to tire quickly. Selby’s game of moving the ball around well matched with his good physical and mental strength proved too much for the Malaysian and Selby went on to win the match 5/11, 3/11 to give St. George’s a 1.4 win on the night.

With two 1.4 defeats so far Chichester will be at full strength at the next round which takes place next Tuesday. Covers Team Chichester will be taking on the might of Surrey Health & Rackets and a win is desperately needed.

Mike Phillips - Team Manager

Chapel A on the Road

2009-10-20T13:14:00.006+01:00

Mike Dickens sends his team off to Newport

Co-Manager Neil Guirey has embarked on the long trip to Wales for tonight’s game against newcomers Newport. Looking closely at the squads and fixtures this year there are strong challengers from all teams.

The crystal ball has us as 4-1 winners tonight but we feel it may well be closer.

Alister Walker returning from Hong Kong faces ex Chapel Allerton player Aaron Frankcomb. As these two have trained many times together they will know each others games very well.

Making his first start for Chapel A this season Chris Simpson has a tricky tie and again has been travelling over the past weeks.

They will be backed up by Shaun Leroux, Adam Murrills and Jenny Duncalf. Lets hope the crystal ball is right as this will be a great start to the season.

Good luck with the journey!!

Mike Dickens

Duffield go down to Nottingham

2009-10-08T15:27:00.002+01:00

It was with some trepidation that we welcomed our near neighbours from Nottingham on Tuesday evening. With a full strength Duffield squad, Nottingham are always formidable rivals,but with the recent unfortunate injury to Nick Matthew which negated his selection, the task was going to be even harder. This said, we had confidence with the team selection, and our new signings of Martin Knight and Steve Copping did us proud on the evening.

Match 1 - Tania Bailey vs Sarah Kippax

This was always going to be a difficult match for Tania, desperately striving for recovery from an operation at the end of last season.Sarah is always a formidable opponent and her recent form suggested that this would be a very tough match, and so it proved to be.The opening game saw Sarah take the advantage and her current form was emphasised when she went 2 games up.It was clear Tania was struggling with fitness and indeed, this was confirmed when,sadly,she had to retire.

Match 2 - Joel Hinds vs Eddie Charlton

Eddie came away with the first game in comfortable fashion, but we sensed Joel, who has recently turned professional and who, as a local lad and a great favourite with the home supporters, was just getting into his stride. This was confirmed as Joel prevailed to a fairly comfortable 3-1 win.

Match 3 - Steve Coppinger vs Ong Beng Hee

On his debut for Duffield, Steve produced some Squash of the highest order which, at times, was breath taking. On the night, Ong came through with a 3-1 win, demonstrating what a fine player he is.

Match 4 - Andy Whipp vs John Rooney

On paper,this was going to be a great match, with John in excellent current form, and the "Whippertron" as difficult to beat as ever, and so it proved. John took the early incentive taking a 2-0 lead. This only seemed to spur on Whippy, who, after a titanic struggle,came out as victor with a 3-2 win. A wonderful spectacle which had the home support in raptures of appreciation for both players.

Match 5 - Martin Knight vs Laurens Jan Anjema

This was a gargantuan ask of Martin on his debut, facing a very in form Laurens. On his debut for Duffield,Martin put up a brave fight and showed great potential for the forthcoming campaign.In the end, Laurens proved to strong on the night and demonstrated why he is leaping up the rankings table and came away with a 3-0 victory.

Well done to Nottingham. As always, it was a pleasure to welcome them to Duffield and we all eagerly await the return match.

Felix Frixou

Surrey H&R win opener against Surrey Storm

2009-10-08T13:05:00.000+01:00

The first game of the season is always a nervy one and up against a much stronger Surrey Storm team this year under the guidance of Graeme Williams this turned out very nervy and tight.

Vicky Lust v Alison Waters

This was Alisons debut for us after moving to us from Guildford and she played a very comprehensive clinical match to win 3-0, 11/5, 11/6, 11/3.Her length the whole match was very good especially into the backhand corner and Vicky was just under constant pressure and couldn't keep with the pace.

Surrey Storm 0 Surrey Health & RC 1

Stacey Ross v Adrian Waller

This was an incredible hard fought game of squash with both players giving it everything. Adrian settled the quickest hitting a good length and keeping the pace up to take the 1st game 11/8. Stacey slowed it down in the 2nd and gained control of the rallies to take it 11/5. The 3rd game was point for point all the way through with some excellent retrieving from both players which Adrian sneaked 12/10. Onto the 4th and Stacey won back the control with some excellent length and width to take it 11/5. The game was now well over the hour and both players now feeling it physically the 5th just kept going point for point. Adrian saved 3 match balls and then had 1 himself which Stacey saved to go onto win 15-13 in the 5th.90 minutes of excellent squash and entertainment and it was a shame someone had to lose.

Surrey Storm 1 - Surrey Heath RC 1

Steve Meads v Ben Ford

Ben started the quickest in this game and went into a 2-0 lead 12/10, 11/9. As always Steve will always dig in and dig in he did and he took games 3 and 4 11/5, 11/9. So down to a 5th game with Steve taking an early lead with both players working so hard for every point, Ben then came back to within 1 point but Steve then had a last big effort to take the 5th 11/7. It was a great hard fought game of squash with some fantastic rallies and retrieving.

Surrey Storm 2 - Surrey Health RC 1

Gilly Lane v Alan Clyne

This turned out to be a crunch game for us and this was Alan's debut for us so he was keen to get off to a good start. Alan started very quickly and raced to the 1st game 11/6. Gilly then stepped it up a bit in the 2nd and hit a much better length and took the 2nd 11/4. Alan then came out in the 3rd and took control of the match, taking the ball early and moving his opponent to all corners to take the game 11/7 and then the 4th game 11/2. A fantastic debut for Alan and well played to get us back level.

Surrey Storm 2 - Surrey Helath RC 2

Jesse Engelbrecht v Peter Barker

This turned out to be the decider and with Peter back from the World Teams he was in the mood to finish the match quickly. He settled into a fast game, taking the ball early and hitting an excellent length to take the match 3-0 11/6, 116, 11/8. Jesse just couldn't keep up with his pace and accuracy but fought well.

Well played Peter and for completeing a 3-2 win for Surrey Health & RC

This was a fantastic evening of PSL squash and thanks to Graeme and Guildford for your hospitality. We look forward to round 2 at Home to Exeter on 20th October.

Pete Smith

OXFORD GO TOP!

2009-10-08T13:00:00.000+01:00

Newport's debut appearance in the PSL last night ended in disappointment for the welsh wizards beaten comprehensively by the Oxford side 4-1. Esporta Oxford's debut in the competition 4 years ago ended in an away 0-5 defeat at the hands of Birmingham University.

That season like every other since has seen fortunes of teams change from match to match with the eventual winners and runners-up from each division not obvious until the latter stages of the competition. 3 players previously squad members of Oxford were in the Newport line up last night (Francomb, Sutherland and Saffery), but despite improved world rankings by each they all lost last night! Some fantastic squash was watched by a modest crowd last night with arguably more vocal support for the away team than the home.

The crystal ball was correct last night and after these initial encounters it would appear that Newport might struggle and Oxford might challenge for the play-offs. The crystal ball has been wrong on many occasions but if I we had to vote now (maybe controversially) I would bet on Oxford finishing 3rd and Newport finishing 5th.

First on in the evenings play was Madeline Perry against Deon Saffrey ranked some 45 places lower to Madeline. On paper it look like being a one sided affair but Deon certainly had other idea's. Whilst Madeline took control of the early exchanges Deon simply wouldn't go away playing some superb attacking shots especially down the backhand. Madeline scrapped through the first game 14/12 and we all thought that after the punishing retrieval Deon had had to put in the next game would surely be more comfortable for Madeline. Deon dug in really well though and narrowly lost the next 11/8. In the third Deon continued attacking and mixing up the pace really well to take the third 9/11. In the final game Madeline proved a bit too strong for a tiring Deon who had one of the best games of her life.

On the other court we had a fairly new addition to the Esporta Oxford line up in Anthony Graham (British Closed & European Junior Champion). The first game was played at a really high pace with both players looking to take control and push forward. Anthony stepped in really well with some great volleying and with Jethro Binns making a few unforced errors took the game 11/6. Jethro showed his experience in the second by cutting out the mistakes and focusing on making Anthony work extra hard for each point. Jethro took the game 11/6 and continued in the same vain in the third and the forth taking the game 11/5, 11/4

One of the games of the night was Simon Rösner wr 40 and Newport local Rob Sutherland wr 71. On paper it looked like a home win would in materialise. Simon took the first game 11/4 with some excellent drop work and a few errors coming from Rob. We all thought it might be over in three but Rob really dug in and found his range and rhythm playing some exceptional stuff (particularly forehand volley drops). Rob took the game 12/10 on the tie break. The next game followed the same pattern with both players cancelling each other Rob eventually taking the game 17/15. Simon had to really dig deep in the next two and somehow managed to stem the flow of Rob's attacking squash taking them 11/8, 11/7. What a match though Rob simply played a blinder and Simon had to dig deep to come up with a fantastic win in his first match for Esporta Oxford.

Next on saw Chris Ryder wr 35 and Campbell Grayson. The opening exchanges were simply breathtaking with sharp angles being hit from all over the court and some superb retrieval work. Campbell made a few costly errors in the first and Chris took advantage to take the game 11/7. Campbell really came out firing in the second attacking the ball at every opportunity. Chris though was not not going to let the game go that easily coming through to take the second 12/10. The third was similar to the first with Grayson making a few unforced errors and it was match 11/5.

The all Australian affair was the final match of the evening between Cameron Pilley wr 17 and Aaron Frankcomb wr 39. Aaron seemed distracted by some tight refereeing calls which probably did not affect the overall result on the night but which broke down the natural flow of the game. Cameron has been a stalwart in the Oxford line up in his 3 seasons with the club, featuring in most of the matches each year. It is rare that Cameron has been beaten by a lower ranked player in the PSL and the difference in world rankings showed the edge beaten the players. Cameron moves gracefully and efficiently for a big man and with reach and great touch this gave him a distinct advantage in this match. Aaron fought a good game and each game was well contested but he succumbed 11/8 11/8 11/6

Nottingham away next for Oxford with a result to build on and Newport must rebuild at home to last year's winners Chapel Allerton which looks like a tough task.

Jason Martin and Ross Gore

Chichester travel to Exeter in hope

2009-10-07T21:59:00.004+01:00

Covers Team Chichester travelled to Exeter last night for the first tie of the 2009/2010 PSL season. The campaign started with a tough draw against a side fielding 3 players inside the World top 30.

First up for Chichester, Dominique Lloyd-Walter (No. 6 England and World No 22) played Emma Chorley who is ranked inside the world’s top 80. The first game was even until the half way point when Lloyd-Walter started to get in front and hold the ball well. The West Country girl Chorley did not like the sudden change of direction and lost 7/11. In the second game Lloyd-Walter stopped playing in the same vein and rallied more from the back of the court. This suited Chorley and a close game ensued; Lloyd-Walter eventually won it 9/11.

In the third, normal service was resumed and Lloyd-Walter started moving her opponent around the court more which, in turn, forced tin after tin errors. Lloyd Walter forged a 0/8 lead. Despite faltering slightly to allow Chorley back into the game the lead was too great to claw back and Lloyd-Walter closed the match 5/11.

0.1 to Chichester

On the adjoining court Chichester’s Tim Vail played World No.28, Joey Barrington. The fitness of the Chichester man was always going to be called into question and after big efforts in the first and third games (with game balls in the latter) he was finally defeated 3.0.
1-all
Alex Gough was next on court against World No.24, Jon Kemp. Kemp is playing at the top of his game at the moment and made the former World No 5 work very hard from the outset. Gough battled extremely gamely but the result was never in doubt and Kemp took the match 3.0.

2-1 to Exeter ... then 3-1

On the adjoining court Peter Genever, Chichester’s number 4 string, played Tom Pashley; both Sussex players. Genever worked hard to lead 1.2. Unfortunately a slippery court meant they had to change to a different court and use the higher tin. Coupled with the fatigue he was feeling, Genever never really got going again and lost the 4th and 5th games 11/4, 11/3 – giving Exeter an unassailable 3.1 lead on the night.

The dead rubber match was between Robbie Temple (World 71) and Exeter’s Stewart Boswell (World 16). Boswell’s pace and movement was superb in the first game, hitting better lengths than Temple, and he ran away with it 11/4. In the second game Temple dug in and made it competitive before losing it 11/8. The 3rd saw Boswell stumble early on and lose his concentration. The momentum suddenly swung in Temple’s favour and he took the opportunity and grabbed the game 3/11.

In the 4th, normal service was resumed and Boswell’s tempo, length and movement returned to wrap up the match 3.1 to give Exeter a 4.1 win on the night.

In 2 weeks' time Chichester entertain St. George’s, Weybridge. The return of Mo Azlan Iskandar means that Chichester will be a stronger squad. Winning can be a habit; conversely losing can quickly become the same and Chichester needs to change the habit before the season gets too far underway.

Mike Phillips

Oxford give Newport a tough debut

2009-10-07T21:20:00.002+01:00

Jethro Binns reports

Esporta Oxford sent PSL debutants Newport back to Wales with an 18-6 defeat last night after welcoming Newport's players and supporters with great hospitality. The Newport supporters traveled up in a minibus and were very vocal in their support of their team during the course of the evening.

First on court were myself and Anthony Graham playing alongside Deon Saffery and Madeline Perry.

I got off to a bit of a slow start which Anthony took advantage of with good effect, He punished my over hit length and worked the ball in to the right areas displaying the qualities that won him the European Junior t itle earlier in the year. After a regroup with coach Greg Tippings I began the second with a better length, found a bit more confidence with my short game and pulled the match back to 1-1 taking the game 11-6 despite some dubious refereeing decisions.

The 3rd followed a similar pattern as I discovered a backhand drop shot that I never knew I had as I won the game 11-5. It was during this game that the most interesting refereeing decision was given following a counter drop exchange in the front backhand. I asked for a let, was told by the referee was unsighted and that we would have to make up our own minds as to what decision we wanted to be made. Obviously I wanted a stroke, Anthony wanted a no let so in the end we eventually got around to playing a let.

In the 4th Anthony began to get a bit tired, stopped retrieving quite so effectively and I ran out the winner 11-4.

On the other court Madeline and Deon were having a proper battle, which on paper going tinto the match looked like it could have been quite one sided. Deon played very well by all accounts and deserved to take one of the first two games. Sh e did manage to win the 3rd 11-9 before losing the 4th 11-3. If she could have sneaked a game earlier on who knows how it could have panned out.

Following my match Rob Sutherland took on Simon Rosner. Both having had tough weeks playing at one for their countries in the Worlds last week they both seemed quite relieved to have a dead ball which encouraged attacking squash and short rallies. Simon ran away with the first game 11-4, Rob came back on with a new game plan of trying to hit every ball in to the nick which seemed to work. He began stepping into lines very early and volleying anything that wasn't “joke tight”. He took the game 12-10.

The third followed a very similar pattern as both players took the ball in short at every opportunity playing fast frenetic squash, the rallies were short but the shot making and inventiveness were first class. Both players held game balls but it was Rob who snuck the game 17-15 with some outrageous volley drops. The fourth and fifth saw Simon out maneuver rob at the front with both players determined not to see the ball bounce off the back wall. The pace was frantic w ith great drops and kills from both players but ultimately it was Simon who won the shoot out in front of an entertained audience.

Campbell Grayson faced Chris Ryder in a rematch of last year's Australian open where Campbell ran out the winner in 5. This was always going to be a tough ask for Campbell following his week in the worlds where he played 6 matches. He earned himself a 7-4 lead in the first but was pegged back as he made some unforced errors and lost the game 11-7. The second was nip and tuck with Campbell leading 9-8 following a flat roller off a good serve but again it was Chris who held his nerve to take the game 12-10.

The third saw Chris get on top as Campbell’s effort from the previous week caught up with him and Chris took the game 11-5. When asked about making his PSL debut, Campbell said that “his first time was special”.

The final match of the evening was between the two Aussies, Cameron Pilley and Aaron Frankcomb, fresh from winning Bronze at the Worlds at the weekend. Both20players were evenly matched during the first game as they stood at 8-8 but perhaps a little tired following their performances on Saturday in Denmark. However it was Pilley who took the game as he went on to take the next two 11-6 11-6.

The Crowd left entertained and Newport went home a little disappointed not to have made a little more impact on their debut but will look forward to their first home match of the season in 2 weeks where team manager Greg Tippings is considering bringing himself out of retirement “to show the boys how it is done.”

Jethro Binns

A tight squeeze for MB Nottingham

2009-10-07T21:15:00.003+01:00

It was with confidence that MB Nottingham made the short trip across the Derbyshire border to face local rivals and multiple champions Duffield.

Nottingham looked strong on paper, with the unfortunate withdrawal of No. 1 Nick Matthew; this was exacerbated when Tania Bailey had to withdraw at 2-0 down.

Struggling with a multitude of injuries and recovering from hip surgery, 2009 has been a torrid time for the Lincolnshire world No. 19 which was only compounded when at a game down but 9/2 up in the 2nd she hit what appeared to be the hardest of walls, going down 11/9 then retiring injured. A terrible shame for Tania, who was jinxed from the moment the compere stated that she had a 100% unbeaten run for Duffield...

On the back court, Malaysian No. 1 Ong Beng Hee, playing two for Nottingham, was also struggling, clearly showing the effects of the recent world team championships. His opponent, South African Steve Coppinger seemed to have no ill effects from his own exploits in Denmark. The first was tight, quite how Beng Hee managed to scrape it I still can’t quite work out; Coppinger’s movement in the front of the court was awesome, making the normally sprightly Beng Hee look lead footed. A talking to from area manager, Pete Goodings, and a quick sugary drink and the expected service from Beng Hee began. Stepping up the court, forcing the pace. Beng Hee dominated and wrapped up the second 11/4.

As a team manager, I always try to juggle between the two matches on court it was at this point that I took leave of Beng Hee confident that his result would be a formality. No chance. When I next look over the balcony, a weary looking Malaysian is thrashing the ball into the tin to give Coppinger the third game 11/8. The fourth was pretty much the same, Beng Hee was struggling to go forward and instead of pushing the ball in short and winning points, Coppinger would leap in with a sharp counter drop to which Beng Hee had no reply. A string of errors from Coppinger at 8/8 gave Beng Hee an unlikely match ball but that was quickly clawed back before another error gave Beng Hee a second chance to wrap it up.

The rally that followed was probably the best of the match. It was clear that Beng Hee was going to go all out for this one, clearly not looking to remain on court any longer. After a swift volley exchange, one loose ball from Coppinger was buried with a back hand nick much to the relief of Beng Hee and the Nottingham faithful.

On the show court following the ladies was one half of Nottingham’s Irish contingent, John Rooney, facing local hero Andy Whipp. With the drama on the back court, I dipped in and out of this and with a strong 2/0 lead 11/9, 11/2 complacency was again my undoing. Whipp fought back to take the third 11/7 and a quick fourth 11/6. Rooney seemed to be struggling with a few refereeing decisions but it was probably the loose width that he should have been worrying about! Always quick to the ball and with vicious power, Whipp dominated the final game, not allowing Rooney any time to recover and forcing error after error.

After such a strong start, it was almost inevitable that the fifth would go to the resurgent Whipp who duly wrapped up the match 11/4 much to the delight of the Duffield ns.

Eddie Charlton followed Beng Hee on the back court like his Nottingham team mates thus far, he stormed away to a comfortable 11/5 first game victory, however, from then on Joel’s attritional game started to bear fruit. The second was hard fought with Eddie making most of the play, just not able to hit the killer shot to end the rally, with Hinds constantly making recovery after recovery.

The third and fourth followed suit, Charlton struggling to find a way to stop the irrepressible Hinds from getting the ball back in play. With smaller margins the error rate crept up from Charlton and Hinds wrapped up a tougher match than the score line may suggest.

So all down to the final No. 1 string. First time out for Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema, representing MB Nottingham after a 6 year absence from the league, his opponent, New Zealand’s Martin Knight, ranked 34 places below Anjema looked on paper like an outsider. Given the previous performance of Nottingham players I was less than confident however I was quickly assured.

LJ was dominant from the start, demonstrating the skills that have taken him up the rankings in such meteoric style. Knight gave it his all but had no answer for the tall Dutch man’s range of shots and accuracy. LJ wrapped up the match 11/3, 11/4, 11/5 and we were all ensconced in the bar eating Massarella lemon meringue pie by 10:30pm.

So a good start for MB Nottingham, a slightly odd match that swung back and for and with a result slightly skewed by the absence / injury of Nick and Tania. Given past experience however and in particular when it’s against local rivals Duffield; we’ll happily take any victory we can get!

Dave Coghlan

Chapel A off to a winning start

2009-10-07T15:26:00.004+01:00

LEBC Group Chapel Allerton 4-1 Pontefract

It was fitting that after winning the title last season that this season should start off with a home tie against local rivals Pontefract. The crystal ball predictions had Ponte to win 3-2, which spurred our team on even more.

Team Managers Mike Dickens and Neil Guirey put on the Christmas light show and laptops and projectors beaming images onto the front walls. The dance tracks were turned up and the scene was set for a great battle.

The huge crowd were treated to:
Jenny Duncalf vs Vanessa Atkinson – sporting the new Tecnifibre outfit Jenny was looking the part but Vanessa came out of the blocks at a ferocious pace taking an 8-3 lead, Jenny soon focused and willed on by the full house clawed her way back in the game to 9-10. A winner by Vanessa snatched the first which had the champions slightly nervous. However, Jenny regrouped and soon took command of the T moving Vanessa from corner to corner. Jenny didn’t look back taking the next three games in style 11-5, 11-4, 11-2.

On the opposite court was a home debut for Adam Murrills (19) taking on 17 year old Karan Malik from India. The squash was fair and entertaining but Adam seemed to be doing a lot of running which showed. After taking the first game Karan just scraped the second 11-13. The third was again tight throughout with Adam showing some double handed back-hand skills at the front of the court reminiscent of Robbie Temple. Adam won the game 14-12 with one of the worst framed volleys ever seen, to the delight of the Chapel A supporters and jeers of “lucky boy” from the Ponte followers. Adam pushed through in the fourth 11-8 to take a great win on his home debut.

At 3 was an ex Ponte boy Shaun Leroux also making his Chapel A debut playing against Neil Cordell. Neil looked keen from the word go and Shaun seemed slightly slower to start, maybe the nerves on his debut? Neil took the first 11-6. A fired up Leroux went 5-0 up in the second with some superb kills. The deficit was too much for Neil to pull back and Leroux finished the game off in style with a disguised back hand drive 11-5. The third and fourth were a similar outcome with Leroux starting to impose himself on the rallies with heavy hitting sending Neil scrambling in the back then pulling him to the front with accurate drops. Neil made some tremendous dives which pleased the crowd. Shaun proved too strong winning 5-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6.

Number 2’s pitted Laurence Delasaux against Lee Beachill. Dela had trained with Lee when he was a youngster at Ponte and was looking forward to getting on court with the former World Number 1. The match was a display on how to hold your opponent, Lee the master still pulling out some outrageous shots and Dela the apprentice making his opponent work as hard as possible all the time. Dela took a 2-0 lead reasonably quickly. Again the match was very fair and played in good spirits. Lee turned it up a notch in the 3rd and the cries from the balcony of “come on beach” were growing louder. Lee took the third 11-5. The Chapel A supporters cheered Dela on in the fourth and again he was making Lee do the work. Dela won 3-1 (the apprentice wins this time), the match was filed with high level shots, skill and accuracy. Lee smiled throughout and looked like he enjoyed the game.

Number 1’s was a battle of the England team mates, Alister Walker and James Willstrop. In the first game it looked like James meant business and was in no mood for Chapel A to chalk up a 5-0 victory. Ali was solid and competed well with the first two games being 10/12, 9/11. Alister is now ranked 12 in the world and looks as if he can certainly hold his own against the top ten boys. James however continued his form and won the 3rd 11-7.

Good start for Chapel Allerton 4-1. The beef sandwiches were fantastic and the comment of the night went to the Ponte supporter who won an England shirt signed by Alister Walker in the raffle, “if I wash it enough will the Chapel A players name come off ???”

Mike Dickens

Battling loss for Surrey Storm in season opener

2009-10-07T15:21:00.005+01:00

Surrey Storm Guildford 2-3 Surrey H&R

Surrey Storm got the new season underway with a battling 3-2 loss against 2007/08 champions Surrey Health and Rackets. On paper the result always looked close but with World number 9 Peter Barker and World no. 5 Alison Walters in their side Surrey Health and Rackets looked the slight favourites.

First match of the night saw Victoria Lust making her Surrey Storm debut against the impressive Alison Walters. Alison started strongly, taking the ball early, hitting with real intent and moved her younger opponent around the court with ease, taking the first game 11/5. In the second Victoria managed to take Alison away from the middle and created a few openings of her own. Alison however was always going to be a tough match for Victoria and she won that game 11/6 before taking the final game 11/3 to give first blood to the visitors.

Meanwhile on the glass court Stacey Ross was battling against the youthful and in form Adrian Waller. This match was a fantastic exhibition for the watching crowed. The first game was neck and neck to 8 all before Adrian won 3 un answered points to take a 1-0 lead. In the second Stacey game out all guns blazing creating winners from all around the court and managing to get in front of Adrian much more regularly and levelled the match 11/5. The third was another tight affair with both players looking to attack and the retrieving was top class. The game went to a tie break after Stacey had a game ball and Adrian closed it out 10/12. Again in the fourth Stacey got his tactics spot on moving Adrian around the court well and then finding exquisite winners setting up a deciding fifth much to the crowds delight.

In the deciding game Stacey weathered the inevitable early storm from Adrian and continued to find his outstanding winning shots. Again both players traded points up to eight all before Stacey pulled away ten eight and two match balls. Adrian saved both before Stacey brought up another match point. Again Adrian fought back and this time brought up his own match point. The crowed feared the home side were about to be 2-0 down on the night but they needn’t of worried as Stacey fought back, retrieving everything Adrian through at him and bringing up another match ball at 14/13. This time he made no mistake and brought Surrey Storm back level at 1-1.

In the fourth string tie the crowed were treated to another fantastic game of squash between Ben Ford and Surrey Storm’s own captain marvel Steve Meads. The match was one of high quality and both players were looking to move each other around, looking to get in front and take the ball early into the front. Ben got the better of Steve in the first winning it on tie break 12/10. Both players were working really hard and continued to construct the rallies really well.

Mistakes were at a minimum and in another close finish Ben took the second 11/9. These two tough games had taken a lot out of both players and in the third Steve managed to dictate things and attacking more regularly reducing the deficit 11/5. The fourth saw both players’ trade blows desperate not to give any easy points away the quality was still high and it was hard to see who was going to pull through. Fortunately for Surrey Storm Steve dug deep and snatched it 11/9 setting up another decider!

In the fifth both players were digging deep and the game was a real old fashioned game of squash, up and down the walls, straight drops making each other cover all four corners. Steve looked focused and managed to pull away to take the game and match 11/7 and Surrey Storm were 2-1 up on the night.

Back on the show court American Gilly Lane was taking Scotland’s Alan Clyne with the home crowed now daring to imagine a dream start to the new season. Alan settled quickly in the first game taking it 11/6. In the second Gilly started to impose himself more on the game and started to move Alan around and finding his range with his short game levelling things up again 11/4. Gilly started strongly in the third before Alan clawed his way back taking the game 11/7. In the fourth Alan got off to a great start and Gilly made a couple of errors.

Unfortunately there was to be no fairytale end for the home support as Alan took the game 11/2 and the match 3-1.

The final match saw Jesse Eglebrecht up against Peter Barker. This was always a tough proposition for Jesse and Peter looked in good form in the first taking it 11/6. The second was a similar story with Jesse always willing to work hard and look for openings but with Peter moving well Jesse was always under pressure looking for winners. In the third Peter looked to be running away with it until a debated line call. Perhaps Peter’s concentration dropped but Jesse took full advantage levelling the scores at 8-8.

However Peter regained his focus and closed out the game 11/8 giving Surrey Health and Rackets a 3-2 victory on the opening night.

Graeme Williams

Welcome to the 2009/10 Season

2009-10-03T10:06:00.003+01:00

We're ready for the off for another season, with a full complement of 12 teams this time.

Hopefully most of those teams will be contributing to this blog with previews, reports and anything else of interest.

If you want to get involved, get in touch with Steve Cubbins (steve@cubbins.com) and we'll set you up for PSL blogging ...

Steve Cubbins

THE FINAL - TUE 5th MAY 2009

2009-05-05T22:32:00.003+01:00

Benz-Bavarian Duffield 2 Chapel Allerton 3

Nick Matthew bt Thierry Lincou 11-7, 5-11, 13-11, 11-6 (55m)
Joey Barrington lost to Alister Walker 5-6 ret. (ankle injury)
Andrew Whipp lost to Aaron Frankcomb 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 12-14 (70m)
Joel Hinds lost to Chris Simpson 11-6, 11-2, 8-11, 2-11, 5-11 (72m)
Tania Bailey bt Carrie Ramsey 11-2, 11-1, 11-3 (22m)

Here we are at Nottingham ... preview from Arthur Curran

Well here we are at Nottingham Squash Club for the PSL League Final, all eagerly anticipating a great match to come. Just half an hour to go to the start and the club is filling up very nicely- it will certainly be a full house here tonight, considering that both teams are from not too far away.

Unfortunately for Chapel Allerton they are without their No1 Ladies player Jenny Duncalf, so they have brought in the 18 year old Leeds player Carrie Ramsey to make her league debut in what will surely be a baptism of fire, against former National Champion Tania Bailey, who has a winning run in the PSL League going back a couple of seasons, giving Duffield a slight advantage at the beginning.

The fourth string match will be a repeat of last week’s National Under 19’s Championship Final, which was won by Chris Simpson, so can Joel Hinds gain revenge. Chapel Allerton do seem to have a slight advantage in the middle order, but I am that everybody in the club will be hoping it is 2 games each when it comes to the last game – what a cracker that promises to be, especially after England’s win over France at the weekend!
..

WHAT A NIGHT - DUFFIELD DO IT!

2009-04-01T21:34:00.000+01:00

The Whipp report ...

TANIA GETS THE BALL ROLLING

Tania was first on against Manchester legend Vicky. A match up between possibly the two nicest people in the world, and an intriguing one at that. Vicky has obviously been playing very well in recent months, obviously highlighted by getting to the final of the Worlds, an outrageous feat considering she's retired! And Tania, arrived home from the other side of the world on monday after winning a her first WISPA tour title in years, so battling tiredness but on a high from her awe inspiring form. I didn't watch much of this but news kept on filtering through to the adjacent court that Tania was doing the business, but we'd already guessed that as there were several high pitched screams coming from Vicky which I assume is not usually a good sign (or is it Bozza?!). The third game was tense with both girls leading at different stages but luckily for us a tiring Tania just did enough to win the last 11-9 and put Duffield one up. A great effort, love it Tania.

JOEL BOTTLES IT - BIG TIME!

I know Joel will agree with this as unfortunate as it is. Joel was a definite favourite in this match and Duffield were banking on wins from Joel, Nick and Tania. It all looked to be going swimmingly when Joel was 2-0 up. He wasn't playing his best squash (as he can play wicked when he's on and creaming the ball all over the show) but he was keeping the pace just high enough to maintain the lead. Now Tim may well be in his mid 50's (?) but he's a damn good match player. He knows what he's doing and is clever with it. He really tried to slow it down and it was working. The slower the pace became the more and more edgy Joel became. So edgy in fact it was painful to watch. The third was massive, with both players squandering a few game balls before Tim finally took it. The next two games were equally as tense with half court cross-courts and many a boast landing around the service line. It was extremely horrible to watch for a Duffield fan as Tim reeled in Joel, making him slower and slower until finally he grabbed a huge win for his team. One home fan next to me was getting so excited that he was running out of things to scream to encourage Tim, and then he popped up with "Come on Big Man!". Now Tim, like myself, is not the biggest, and also given that he's a good foot smaller that his opponent it provided Tim and I with much amusement after the match when I made him aware of such a impulsive chant. This was a brilliant effort considering Tim had been working 27 hour days last week to make Canary Wharf the rip roaring success it was (not for Nick!!).

PETE SIMPLY TOO GOOD

Whoever was playing 2 tonight, whether it was me or Joey, was gonna lose, it was that simple. Pete is far too good at 2. Joey put up a fair display but in the end it was a thankless task. But for Joey to play was the difference that Duffield needed. Joey arriving back from t'egypt literally 3 hours before the match and playing actually won us the match in the end

ENTER WHIPPY

Duffield fans were now gutted, thinking all was probably lost, obviously hoping I could win but knew it would be an up hill battle. Davide is a class player, and I'm sure most people will have seen him get results against all the top players for about a decade now. He is well known for his fiery Italian nature however. This was always going to be an interesting match up. I managed to take the first game reasonably comfortably, but from then on there was nothing comfortable about any of the other games. The match was tense and exciting riddled with tins and winners from the Whippatrons racket. I didn't want Davide to get in to too much of a rhythm, but at 1 game all and 10-6 to Davide my play seemed to be going horribly awry. Arrh, that was merely just a plan! I effortlessly clawed it back to 10 all (hmmm, effortlessly?) and then followed what seemed like 70 or 80 nail biting rallies with both of us having game balls and losing them. Eventually after some angry outbursts from The Bearded One, I pinched the game 17-15. The fourth was the same, with me going all out attack, living and dying by short shots. Again Davide reached 10 first, and after a few more disgruntled rants at the ref from "The Angry Man" I'd gone and snuck the fourth aswell. So with a few good winners at the and and a very uncharacteristic fist pump, I'd kept Duffield still in it. While I was off in my own excited fist pumping world Davide was feeling different emotion and snapped his racket over his thigh. I think it's out and out impressive and testament to the man that someone with such skinny legs can snap a racket in half with such ease! When I got home and told my wife of this her reply was "I like the sound of that guy!".

TRICKY NICKY FINISHES THE JOB

When I was going on court for my fourth game I asked Joel how Nick was going on and his reply was "You don't need to know". Very tactful Joel, but I'd figured all was not going well. But, if there's anyone in the world you'd want on your team going on in this massive situation it'd be Nick. Not only is he pretty much the best player in the world but he's bloody mint in a tight situation. El Hindi was playing pretty well and Nick wasn't at his best, but as soon as the news from my court filtered through Nick went from 4-1 down in the second to winning the next three games fairly comfortably with Wael doing some serious finger pointing at the ref along the way. So Nick did the business and were were all absolutely over the moon (not literally, that would be absurd). I'm not sure our manager Felix will ever recover, not even his snazzy shirt could detract from his tension and delight along the course of the evening.

A BRILLIANT NIGHT FOR THE DUFFIELD TRAVELLING FAITHFUL (who as ever were magnificent travelling so far. Thanks.)
.

Sobo with a Heavy Heart

2009-04-01T21:33:00.000+01:00

It is with a heavy heart……

The Semi Finals (one of them anyway) pitted the current champions, Surrey H&RC against the might of the Benz Bavarian sponsored Duffield team. The latter didn’t make it to the semis last year, in no small measure because their numero uno, Nick Matthew got himself injured. Nick was back for this one and there were rumours that his presence would be the deciding factor in this nail biter. Whatever!

The line up for the home side was, in reverse order, Vicky Botwright, Captain Garner (a late replacement for Ben Ford), Davide Bianchetti, Peter Barker and Wael El Hindi.

For the visitors, Tania Bailey, Joel Hinds, Andy Whipp, Joey Barrington and Nick Matthew.

First up, the ladies put on a very decent show. I’ve never seen Tania play live before but guessed on reputation and a recent win against a strong field in KL that our Vicky would be in for a tough one here. And so it proved…. Vicky, despite extricating herself from the rigours of the WISPA tour last year, is still very fit, very mobile and a very good player. I was impressed with Tania though. She appeared to do all the right things keeping Vicky almost constantly under pressure and making the home girl work hard for every point she lost and twice as hard for every point she won.

A close 3-0 (7, 7 and 9) but nevertheless, the home team were one nil down.

On the “other” main court, the youth of Joel Hinds appeared to be telling against Captain Garner. At two love down in this crucial tie, it appeared quite possibly all over. A tie break in the 3rd that just went the way of the home player told the story of just how close this one was. With a sniff of a chance, Tim came out for the fourth and dug in…and dug in….and kept on digging in. He gave away virtually nothing free picking up the majority of Joel’s very good attacking shorts and returning them with interest to take the fourth 11-9.

And so to the decider and a monumental effort from Tim kept the scores pretty much on par through the latter stages of this game. Not to take anything away from Joel; he did all he could to force this one pushing Tim all over the court but the home player just wouldn’t lie down and ……..eventually….ran out a deserved winner 11-9 to much clapping, stamping of feet and general heckling form the sizeable home support.

One game all in matches and Surrey now strong favourites to go through to the final…..

…….that is, until Andy Whipp turned up….grrrrr…. J

I didn’t see any of the 3rd string match between Davide and Andy Whipp. On rankings at least, the home player was expected to win this one but at one game all, it sounded like Davide got most frustrated with the marking and lost a very tight tie break 15-17 in the 3rd to go 1-2 down.

The fourth was another tight affair with much frustration with the marking, from BOTH players. The away player stayed strong though to close it, and the match out on another tie break, 10-12. Well played Andy Whipp.

The pendulum swings back in a northerly direction………

The 2nd string tie between home player, Peter Barker and Joey Barrington didn’t take very long at all. Joey, just back from Egypt did well to extend the rallies and attacked with purpose and a fair amount of success in the first but once the home player had taken the first 11-7, authority was exerted and the tie was soon wrapped up 11-6, 11-4.

At the time that one finished, Messrs El Hindi and Matthew had already been engaged in battle with the first game deservedly going the way of the home player, 11-4. Could a shock result be on the cards?

No.

Nick showed some real class in this one. Wael played extremely well in my opinion; he was forced to just to stay with Nick but the away player gave very little away. The result was a fantastic display of controlled squash that got tighter and tighter with each point won by whomever could keep up the pressure or play an ungettable winner (frequently, both were needed to win a solitary point!)

All told, the away player ran out a deserved 3-1 winner and with the victory, the Duffield team took the spoils and a place in the final.

On a personal note, even though we lost and are compelled to hand back the trophy now, this was the best PSL tie I’ve ever had the privilege of watching. All the matches were excellent exhibitions of squash player who deserved it the most. Well played to all and good luck to Duffield in the final.

You better win it now!

David Sobo

SEMI-FINALS, Tue 31st March

2009-03-30T19:50:00.019+01:00

Live updates from the semi-finals ...

Chapel Allerton bt Probuild Bristol 3/2
Thierry Lincou lost to Adrian Grant 11-7, 10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 12-14
Alister Walker bt David Evans 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6
Aaron Frankcomb bt Hadrian Stiff 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 12-14, 11-8
Chris Simpson bt Lewys Hurst 11-2, 11-3, 11-6
Jenna Gates lost to Sarah-Jane Perry 6-11, 6-11, 5-11

PCL Whitehall Security Surrey H&RC LOST TO Benz-Bavarian Duffield 2/3
Wael El Hindi lost to Nick Matthew 11-4, 6-11, 6-11, 6-11
Peter Barker bt Joey Barrington 11-7, 11-6, 11-4
Davide Bianchetti lost to Andrew Whipp 8-11, 11-9, 15-17, 10-12
Tim Garner bt Joel Hinds 6-11, 8-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-9 (saving match ball at 9-10 in 3rd!)
Vicky Botwright lost to Tania Bailey 7-11, 7-11, 9-11

5 May Final:
Chapel Allerton v Benz-Bavarian Duffield

Chichester finish with a win

2009-03-25T08:48:00.000Z

In the final match of the PSL season, pnh Properties Team Chichester welcomed local rivals Unisport Guldford, in the bottom of the table clash, reports Mike Phillips.

Chichester’s Annabelle Collins-Ballands, making her home debut, played Emma Wardle. Both are Junior players and a fantastic match ensued. Wardle played good confident squash whereas Collins-Ballands looked fraught with nerves and in no time at all found herself 0.2 down. She needed a game to gain self-assurance. Her confidence was boosted when she narrowly took the third and fourth soon after. She raced to a 9/3 lead in the decider before she slightly faltered allowing Wardle to claw back 3 points with some excellent positive play. Collins-Ballands kept her composure and closed the game and match 11/6.

On the adjoining championship court, Olly Pett (Chichester), undefeated thus far this season, took on Phil Rushworth from Guildford. After a very tight first game, Rushworth finally won it 10/12 and a close match looked to be on the cards. Unfortunately Pett’s next 2 games were strewn with errors and Rushworth [all credit to him] took full advantage and played a solid, no frills match, to wrap up 0.3 victory.

1 match all.

Next on court 4, Neil Frankland was making his debut for Chichester against Mick Biggs. The match was very much a ‘to & fro’ affair with Biggs leading 1.2 before Frankland’s patience, composure and experience enabled him to fight back to take the 4th and 5th games – making Chichester 2.1 up.

On the glass back court Tim Vail played Steve Meads. For the most part Vail controlled the first two games, winning 11/9, 11/8 and although Meads had his chances Vail’s shot making was winning through. Meads then rallied well and pulled back to take the third game 6/11. Vail stormed to a 5/0 lead in the 4th only to be pegged back to 5/5 by Meads’ persistence. At this stage there was a small collision and an exchange of words which appeared to unsettle Meads. Vail took advantage and threw in a few of his trademark nicks to seal the match 11/6.

3.1 and the match to Chichester

So to the final match of the evening and what amounted to a dead rubber but nonetheless involved the silky skills of Stacey Ross (Guildford) and Chichester’s Alex Gough. The rallies in the first game were evenly contested to 5 all until a rally ensued didn’t move forward at all and his resistance faded; 11/5 to Chichester. After a slow start by Ross in the second game, Gough built up a healthy lead and some superb winning lengths brought Ross back into this game. The lead which Gough had created proved too much although a closer game than the first with Gough winning it 11/7. The third game had both players involved form the start using some great angles and all parts of the court. Gough had 2 match points but Ross held on to take the tie break 13/15. The fourth game saw Ross continue in the same vein with Gough looking like he had lost the impetus from the first 2 games. Ross took the game 5/11 to set up a 5th and deciding game.

The momentum was now with Ross and Gough was really struggling to regain control and the match slipped away 7/11 to make the overall score 3.2 on the night

Team Chichester will now need to take stock, regroup and apply themselves for the next campaign and hopefully a better season.

Mike Phillips
.

Fourth for Guildford

2009-03-25T08:47:00.001Z

PNH Properties 3 beat UniSport Guildford 2

Alex Gough 2 lost to Stacey Ross 3
11 - 5, 11 - 7, 13 - 15, 5 - 11, 7 - 11
Tim Vail 3 beat Steve Meads 1
11 - 9, 11 - 8, 6 - 11, 11 - 7
Ollie Pett 0 lost to Phil Rushworth 3
10 - 12, 3 - 11, 9 - 11
Neil Frankland 3 beat Mick Biggs 2
11 - 5, 7 - 11, 9 - 11, 11 - 5, 11 - 5
Annabelle Collins-Ballands 3 beat Emma Wardle 2
8 - 11, 9 - 11, 11 - 7, 12 - 10, 11 - 6

Guildford finish fourth - Ian Robinson reports

UniSport Guildford travelled to the south coast with points uppermost in their minds for the last match of the Premier Squash League season. At the start of play UniSport were 9 points ahead of Chichester at the foot of the table and 9 points behind St Georges Hill in fourth place. So a win would see a fourth place finish ahead of St Georges Hill but a loss would make a points calculation inevitable with PNH Chichester chasing hard to lose the wooden spoon position. Both teams had absentees with Alison Waters and Dominique Lloyd-Walter away as well as UniSport team no 1 Jesse Engelbrecht and Chichester without ever present veteran Peter Genever and their number 1 Azlan Iskander. Nonetheless the matches were intriguing and made it difficult to predict the outcome with home advantage going to PNH Chichester.

The first match was between two young ladies of the future, Emma Wardle for UniSport Guildford and Annabelle Collins-Ballands of PNH Properties Chichester. Nerves were going to play a big part in this match and so it proved. Premier League Squash is all new to both these promising players who have been notable in their junior exploits. Predicting the outcome was akin to Saturday night lottery selection - much in hope but little certainty - and likely success would fall to the one who managed the occasion best. The first two games were claimed by Wardle who dictated terms from the middle of the court and hit the ball crisply with some clever placements. No doubt Collins-Ballands was showing early signs of nerves, making mistakes in situations where she would not normally. After building good leads Wardle proceeded to show her opponent enough daylight to encourage her keen participation, which was probably to cost in the long run. After looking the likely winner to the later stages of the third game Wardle lost her control and ceased her strong hitting to the back corners which allowed the Chichester youngster enough room to work her way to the middle of the court and start exercising more control over proceedings. It was the Guildford player who started to make mistakes, but there was no certainty either way. The tie break in the fourth game was the last time that Wardle had a chance to claim victory. Collins-Ballands came back from a 2 - 0 deficit, worked hard and at the same time reduced her errors to claim a hard fought victory. Both players will have been encouraged by this outing in the big time and will learn from the experience. But first blood went with home advantage, 1 - 0 to PNH Properties Chichester.

Phil Rushworth is in a rich vein of form at the moment and looking to add to his recent scalps found himself opposed to another upcoming youngster in Ollie Pett of Sussex. UniSport needed this tie to get back on equal terms and Rushworth was up for the challenge. The first game was particularly hard fought but in the end recent successes meant that Rushworth had the confidence to nose in front at the crucial time and claim a hard working first game success 12 - 10. This only served to increase his confidence even more and he came out firing at the start of the second and dominated the game with his relentless driving forcing loose balls to finish clinically to the front corners. In the third game matters were more even and Pett tried desperately to force his way back in, but in the end Rushworth was not to be denied and he happily put UniSport Guildford's first points on the board. 1 - 1 in match score and at this stage on games count back Guildford with 2 games from Wardle's match and 3 points from Rushworth's match had scored 5 points with a points tally of 10 being necessary to overtake St Georges Hill.

Mick Biggs found himself opposed to Neil Frankland, once of UniSport Guildford fame and now spending his twilight years as a super-sub for PNH Properties Chichester. As is the case in these situations it came back to haunt Guildford. Frankland did what he has done many times before in Guildford colours and that is won the first game with his brand of quality controlled squash. He worked his opponent out of position and hit some tasty winners to the front corners of the court. But credit to Biggs, he started to adjust to the Chichester courts and hit more accurately taking Frankland away from the middle of the court and making him work harder for his opportunities. Biggs even managed to venture some controlled placement winners of his own to steel the second and third games. Both these games were hard won and the closeness of the score suggested that Biggs was not really making his advantage pay as effectively as he should. When 2 - 1 down, Frankland applied himself to the task and increased his work rate and grabbed control of the play back from Biggs and ran out the winner using his experience to make it count at the key stages of the fourth and fifth games. Biggs will rue the missed opportunity here - the last time they played he took a 3 - 0 beating but here he was definitely in with a great chance. The fact that it went begging only says that it is a matter of time before he wins at this level and then there will be a suitable boost to his confidence with the attendant benefits. PNH Properties Chichester 2 - 1. However a further 2 valuable points were added to the UniSport cause in the League table.

Home team player manager, the ever popular Tim Vail greeted Steve Meads with a volley of attacking shots from the outset. So nothing new there then. Meads was pitting his reliable containing game against the outright and forthright attack of Vail. Always a fascinating contest made more so by the hint of niggle taking place on court, which the referee did little to allay. It was really an end of season struggle with the quality of squash sufficient but both players are probably looking forward to some summer sun or if they are not then they probably should be. Clearly the the result and the points were all that mattered. Both players are such good professionals that they wanted to deliver the goods for their team on the night. There was some interesting cat and mouse and by and large it was in the balance. But it was a straight battle as to whether Vail would find enough winners to keep him out of too much physical trouble against Meads trying to suck him into working as hard he could to reduce the attacking capability. The result went again with home advantage when, despite dropping the third game, Vail was able to find enough control to keep Meads at bay and raise the cheer of the night as Chichester won the match 3 - 1 and the tie 3 - 1 as well. But another valuable point in the league table for UniSport Guildford - now a promising 8 points with a further 2 needed to overtake St Georges Hill.

So with 2 points needed Ross was faced by the PSA's new Chief Executive Alex Gough, who, more importantly used to be a world top 5 player himself. Gough was immediately into his stride giving no hint of his retirement to take up more pressing executive matters. No question the ball was pinging around the court with little or no accuracy except that applied by Gough which was enough to win him the first game with Ross seemingly not at the races. The second game went a similar way with Gough far more in control and finding the right shot at the right time to claim the second game, however not by such a clear margin. Now Ross was beginning to show signs of getting his game together. The third game was closer but still Gough arrived at match ball before Ross started to come to life. Stung into action after the frustration of the first two games, Ross was timing the ball better and hitting some clean winners - always a good indicator. After saving himself in the third, Ross started to hit with precision, which conveniently co-incided with Gough getting tired and slowing his relentless speed around court just enough. Showing great accuracy and hitting some disconcerting winners Ross played particularly well in the fourth to level the scores and take it into fifth and deciding set without having to become embroiled in too many lengthy rallies. The fifth was an intriguing struggle with Gough trying to contain the attacking game of Ross hitting tight and deep, but Ross showing just enough patience to wait for his moment to hit the winner and stretch his opponent and make him work harder than he wanted to. After tough early exchanges in the deciding set, Ross moved clear and claimed a hard working victory in a strangely fascinating and entertaining match at the end of a long season. UniSport Guildford had lost the match overall 3 - 2, but had put 11 points on the board which was enough to finish 4th in the Premier Squash League table for the season.

This has been another successful campaign in the Premier Squash League by UniSport Guildford who have worked hard to make the most of their playing resources. A very special mention must go to all those that have supported the team as sponsors, the University of Surrey Sports Department (UniSport) Colbornes VW and R A Robertsons & Sons. We would also like to thank all those travelling spectators,drivers and general camp followers too numerous to mention but you know who you are - you have all added to the spirit of the team. We look forward to next season, which we hope will be adorned by the move to the new Surrey Sports Park facility with 8 brand new glass backed squash courts. Can't wait. See you next season.

Ian Robinson
.

Chapel A grab top spot at Duffield

2009-03-18T08:21:00.003Z

Arthur Curran reports

Here at Duffield tonight we see the top of the Group A battle between Benz Bavarian Duffield and league newcomers Chapel Allerton, to decide who wins the group and is therefore entitled to a home tie in the semi final. Chapel A are obviously weakened by the loss of Thierry Lincou their No 1, who is playing the final of the Super Series at Queens tonight, so not a good start for them. However Duffield are without their No 1 Ladies player Tania Bailey, so Laura Hill comes in and she says she will do her very best against British Champion and World # 5 Jenny Duncalf.

First match up was the ladies, and good hard work by Laura in the first game kept her level up to 9/9 but then Jenny struck out and took the game 11/9. Jenny started the second very much in control and despite Laura battling bravely as she always does, Jenny took the game 11/5. Jenny took control again in the third, despite battling hard again, levelling at 7/7, Jenny took four straight points to take the game 11/7 and the match 3 -0.

Meanwhile on the glassback court, the No 3 strings were playing, Andy Whipp for Duffield and Australian Scott Arnold for Chapel A. The first game went very evenly up to 8/8,Scott took the next point but Andy won out with two great shots and took the game 11/9. Scott got slightly in front in the second game, Andy could not quite find the shots to pull back and Scott took the game 11/5 – 1 game each. Whippy took control early in the third with his usual all action game and took the score to 9/5, but Scott fought back tenaciously and, although Andy had a game ball at 10/9, Scott levelled up and took the tie break to win 12/10.

Andy started off well again in the fourth, helped by five straight bad shots from Scott, then a lovely drop shot and a deep volley helped him take the game 11/3. 2 games all. The final game was a battle royal, the home crowd cheering madly every point won by Andy, with long rallies and great shots, the score moved to 7/7, after a couple of “discussions” with the referee Scott went to 9/7, Andy levelled at 9/9 with a sizzling drop shot but then tinned one to give Scott match ball. But Andy was not quite finished – he took the next point to go to a tie break, but unfortunately Scott took the next two points to take the game 12/10 and the match 3 games to 2 to rapturous applause from the audience after 61 minutes on court.

Andy must have been very tired, he must have had some sleepless nights the last couple of weeks since his lovely wife gave birth to a baby girl two weeks ago. Congratulations to Andy and his family!.

Meanwhile, on the adjoining court the 4th string players had started their match. Joel Hinds for Duffield and South African Steve Coppinger for Chapel A started off very quietly with a cat and mouse game, which went level up to 9/9. After a very long rally Joel got game point then with a lovely long drop shot took the game11/9.

The second game was again very close with both players battling hard. The game went to a tie break at 10/10 and was decided eventually in Joel’s favour 15/13. 2 games to nil. Steve took an early few points lead in the third and just managed to keep in front to take the game 11/7and stay in the match. Steve again took an early lead 4/0then went to 7/1and 8/3 with Joel fighting hard, but then took the game 11/3. This final game was all important – a win for Chapel A would give them the tie 3 games to nil with two matches to play. With a very tense crowd looking on, Steve took the first point, but then gave Joel 2 with two tins. After 7 lets at 2/1, the score went to 2/2, 3/3 (another 3 lets here), but then Steve moved slowly up to 8/3, however Joel had not given in.

He pulled the score back to 8/6 after a beautiful crosscourt shot got him back in the scoring, but then the much more experienced South African eased out to take the game 11/6, after 15 minutes, and the match 3 games to 2 after 71 minutes..

This meant of course that Chapel Allerton had taken first place in Group A in their first season in the league and Duffield were runners up.

However there were two matches still to be played, and they were certainly played competitively. First, Joey Barrington (Duffield) took 75 minutes to beat Chris Simpson (Chapel A) 10/12, 13/11, 11/8, 11/5. Then Nick Matthew came on court against Alister Walker, who has moved up to #16 in the World Rankings, but despite putting up a great fight Alister lost out 11/9, 11/3, 11/5 in 37 minutes.

The results we have had from the other matches means that Duffield will travel to Surrey H&RC, Croydon, and Chapel A host Bristol in the semi finals two weeks tonight on the 31st March.

Arthur Curran
.

Surrey go top

2009-03-18T08:19:00.001Z

Surrey Health & Racquets Club 3 beat UniSport Guildford 2
Ian Robinson reports

UniSport Guildford made the short journey to Croydon and nearly came away with the spoils. Title chasing Surrey H & R Club spent the early part of the day determining whether Wael El Hindi, the World number 8 and their club number 1, was going to be able to play with commitments to the Super Series Finals at the Queens Club distracting him. UniSport Guildford arrived at the club and to their surprise found that he was unavailable. This did not discernibly reduce the firepower that Surrey H & R had at their disposal when veteran Tim Garner was drafted in. UniSport welcomed back Stacey Ross who arguably was not missed when the team won the last match at home to St George's Hill.

Alison Waters was first on court and had her unbeaten Premier Squash League record of almost two years to defend. This was to be one of the sternest tests of her mettle as Vicki Botwright was a finalist in her farewell international tournament, the World Open, in her home town of Manchester before taking to her coaching duties. There was no hint of the struggle to come as Waters stormed to a convincing 11 - 2 first game lead - this was a mixture of an excellent start with winners flying around the front of the court and some costly errors by the home player. The second game saw the contest begin to even out as Botwright started to find her range and her lobs combined with stealthy drops made the going a lot tougher for the World number 6.

Botwright started to frustrated Waters whose play became somewhat untidy and allowed the Surrey H & R player to level the score. Waters undeterred, hit back and took a lead and built on it to forge a 2 - 1 lead which meant that the older player was having to play 'catch up'. This was to be the decisive factor. Botwright played some excellent squash using all the available space on the court to test Waters' athleticism to the maximum and after another close and tense game it was into a fifth and deciding set. The fifth saw Waters make a good start and build a lead which she then had to hang onto. Easier said than done and just when it seemed that Botwright was being reeled in, Waters found herself on the end of some tough well constructed rallies, which caused errors and just kept the door slightly ajar.

Botwright fought to the end and was mounting yet another comeback at match ball down when the sheer athleticism of Waters saw her return all Botwright's best shots and then finally played an inch perfect drop shot to clinch the win. It was one of the finest ladies match seen for a very long time in the Premier League and a credit to both players. It was great entertainment for the large crowd as well if not the right result for the home side. 1 - 0 UniSport Guildford.

Phil Rushworth has run into some real form recently and it is backed with confidence. Here he faced Ben Ford, who is vastly experienced and has seen it all on the International tour but had probably not seen Rushworth in quite such good form and with a few tricks up his sleeve as well. Ford has excellent racket skills and that causes his opponents great discomfort with his placements and his easy winners. But Rushworth countered that with his speed and agility around the court, matched with no little skill of his own.

Ford, as all wily old professionals do, started each game well and built a lead for himself to act as a cushion in case he was derailed at the later stages. Rushworth was always playing 'catch up' and that in the end was probably the decisive factor. Each game was tight and with more experience at this level Rushworth will no doubt make an even bigger nuisance of himself than he did here. That is not to underestimate his effort as he was very unlucky not to put at least one game, if not two, on his side of the scoreboard. Match score was now 1 - 1.

Stacey Ross found Davide Bianchetti too hot to handle. The wiry Italian seems to be mainly planted in the middle of the court and merely stretches out his racket carrying tentacle to play his shots, rarely having to leave that court position. Ross had success on the occasions that he persuaded Bianchetti to part with the T, as he was able to control the play better and find more space into which to hit his winners.

But as the match wore on, Ross found that he became increasingly frustrated with his inability to gain control of proceedings chancing his arm with one or two too many extravagant attempted winners - the errors became more regular the longer the match went on. Not noted for his killing shots, Bianchetti soaks up pressure well and counter attacks cleverly, all of which makes him an opponent to be feared. Ross was not a willing victim but found himself powerless to halt the inevitable. This gave the lead back to Surrey H & R Club 2 - 1.

Meads saw an old foe across the other side of the court when Tim Garner stepped in at the eleventh hour as replacement for El Hindi. Garner, bright and breezy, was hitting the ball well and was immediately into his stride. Talk of his squash retirement is ill-founded, I can report that Garner was finding accuracy, and a few handy winners that I have not seen in his game before.

Clearly enjoying the task Garner tore into Meads with a vengeance and ripped the first game off him 11 - 6. Meads is nothing if not a fighter and he was stung into action. Moving better and giving less to hit, Meads levelled 11 - 5. Swings and roundabouts, back came Garner still finding winners and space that Meads could not retrieve and though the match was tightening up it meant that the rallies were becoming more intense but shorter. The pace was remarkable and unrelenting for the two 'youngsters' - the desire was palpable. Garner took a 2 - 1 lead but Meads roared back levelling at 11 - 6 in the fourth to take this thoroughly absorbing match into a fifth set.

It was anybody's guess what was going to happen next but Meads to the relief of the travelling Guildford supporters built the all important lead and managed to hang onto it and give the visitors a 2 - 2 match score and force the match to the deciding tie at number 1 string.

UniSport Guildford on paper were heavily outgunned at number 1 string. Engelbrecht is a lowly 57 in the World against Peter Barker's World number 10. So all the odds pointed to a comfortable Surrey H & R Club win. Engelbrecht has also been struggling for confidence and has not had enough to matches to play his way into real form. Barker has been in excellent form of late, marked by his rise into the World's top 10.

Barker set off like a train with no intention of allowing Engelbrecht any daylight, hitting crisp and deep to the back corners and waiting for Engelbrecht to make errors or challenge him for T position on the court. None of which really happened in the first game, so first blood to Barker. The second followed a similar pattern with Engelbrecht looking tense and ill at ease contrasting with Barker who looked calm and composed. Once again the second game went to Barker and Surrey H & R Club were cruising to their expected victory. However the third game took everybody by surprise as Engelbrecht threw caution to the wind, relaxed and started to let things happen more naturally. He stepped up the court and took the initiative and left Barker somewhat shaken by this sudden transformation. Winners were precise and deadly and Barker, as quick as he is, was unable to do much about it.

The consummate professional that Barker is saw him claw back some of the advantage but for once Engelbrecht held firm and managed to pull a game back with some excellent play. The Guildford player again showed some flashes of quality in the fourth but by now Barker was alert to any potential danger and had roused himself enough to move clear as errors appeared from Engelbrecht's racket as he chanced his arm with some unlikely winners. Surrey H & R Club clinched the win that took them to the top of the table and sees them into the semi finals by the slimmest of margins against a first class challenge mounted by the UniSport players on the night.

UniSport Guildford have one last match to complete the season - the rearranged fixture against Chichester away. It has been a good season for UniSport Guildford with three wins so far, but there is a real danger that without a win against Chichester, UniSport Guildford could be looking at the wooden spoon. At the moment Chichester are at the foot of the table and so the local rivalry has added spice as both clubs vie for the upper hand at the climax of the season. All support gratefully received at the Chichester Club on Tuesday 24th March start time 7pm. See you there.

Ian Robinson
.

UniSport Guildford 3 beat TWP St. George's Hill 2

2009-03-11T07:52:00.001Z

Ian Robinson reports ...

Jesse Engelbrecht 1 lost to Mark Krajcsak 3
8 - 11, 5 - 11, 11 - 7, 6 - 11

Steve Meads 3 beat Neil Hitchens 0
12 - 10, 11 - 4, 11 - 7

Phil Rushworth 3 beat Phil Nightingale 0
11 - 9, 11 - 7, 11 - 3

Mick Biggs 2 lost to Adam Fuller 3
10 - 12, 13 - 15, 11 - 8, 11 - 8, 9 - 11

Alison Waters 3 beat Rachel Willmott 0
11 - 4, 11 - 3, 11 - 5

UniSport Guildford 3 beat TWP St George's Hill 2

UniSport Guildford had a narrow 3 - 2 win for the second Premier Squash League match in succession, this time over near rivals TWP St George's Hill. Both teams were less than full strength but TWP St George's Hill suffered more from unavailability. Nonetheless UniSport could only beat what was put in front of them and this was successfully achieved in a hard fought but entertaining evening of squash at the Varsity Centre. These PSL points being especially important for UniSport in their quest to avoid propping up the table at the end of the season, now only two matches away. The supporters witnessed some strong performances for the last match of the season at home.

Alison Waters was defending her unbeaten run and was a formidable prospect for Rachel Willmott. The World number 6 was in a hurry and quickly established a 6 - 0 lead before the university student could respond. The Waters surge was constant and the power plays meant that Willmott was left doing a lot of retrieving, ultimately to no avail. The result was never seriously in doubt and Waters was left with two more matches this term to protect her unbeaten record for the second season in a row. This was the just the start UniSport wanted and Waters has not failed to deliver in all the matches she has played. 1 - 0 to UniSport.

While this was kick starting the match for UniSport, on the outside court local hero Mick Biggs had the supporters cheering from the squash court roof tops as he shrugged off the disappointment of a 2 - 0 deficit to mount a major come back. By rights the home fans felt that Biggs was more than a little unlucky not to win one of the first two games if not both of them, but Fuller was cute enough to produce winners and accuracy at the crucial moment when Biggs' self belief was at its lowest ebb. However Biggs is very game and roaring back he came. He was more relaxed as he stared defeat in the eyes and thus started to play better. His shots became more accurate, chancing his arm with some outrageous winners and equally playing some tighter more controlled squash building leads in the third and fourth game, which he did enough to convert and tie the scores at 2 - 2. The fifth game was roller coaster with neither player looking convincing, interspersing outrageous winners with some poor errors. In the end it was Fuller who held his nerve clinching a 'lottery' match by two clear points in the fifth. The match score was now level 1 - 1.

Steve Meads made a full recovery from his ankle injury and took his place in the UniSport ranks which is always a comfort to his legion of supporters. Irrepressible as ever, Meads clearly a little ring rusty took time to settle but clawed his way back from game ball down to take the first game with his usual brand of controlled squash and solid defence. Thereafter Meads was to exert a control that was always too much for Neil Hitchens to match. Try as he might the visitor never had sufficient attacking ideas to threaten Meads and in the end home fans were relieved to see their veteran campaigner put another notch on his win record. This gave UniSport another lead with the prospect of only needing one more tie to clinch the match and winning points. 2 - 1 to UniSport.

Jesse Engelbrecht and Phil Rushworth both entered the fray at the same time, which made it difficult for the supporters to spread themselves across two courts to check progress. Phil Rushworth was matched with a more experienced professional opponent in Phil Nightingale and certainly gave away inches in height, but amply made up for it in terms of nippiness around the court. Hardly David and Goliath except in terms of world rankings. The first game was a clumsy affair with Rushworth showing some positive shot making and Nightingale being hurried out of the middle of the court. The referee was called to adjudicate early on deeming that Rushworth should make more effort to get to the ball but later adjusted that view to decide that it was Nightingale that should move off the ball more. While this situation was being sorted out the match was very scrappy, once the decision making was established Ruishworth started to take control of the play and did not allow the taller man any leeway to play his game. With Rushworth attacking and controlling well and Nightingale defending, the balance of play changed very little for the remaining games. This led Rushworth home to a much deserved victory on the night and one which will leave his opponent with much to ponder. Rushworth was duly awarded Man of the Match and received a bottle of champagne for his efforts - a distraction that is clearly not required bearing in mind the next fortnight brings two more very important PSL challenges...

It was duly left to Engelbrecht to tidy up proceedings and hopefully add a further point to the UniSport points tally. Matched against Mark Krajcsak, who had flown in from Hungary that afternoon, Engelbrecht struggled for form and did not look his normal cheerful self. Krajcsak is ranked 10 places higher in the World rankings so this was no easy match. In the early stages Engelbrecht competed hard in the rallies but frequently made errors and became frustrated with the way he was playing, not that he was playing that badly. The Hungarian by contrast is a player in good form and has had some confidence building results recently on the tournament circuit. For two games the frustration was palpable in Engelbrecht's play and was made no better by the fact that the visitor controlled much of the play. The third game saw Engelbrecht start to fire and play how he knows he can but then the fourth was back to the earlier frustrations as Krajcsak eased home as more errors came from the Engelbrecht racket. This was a 3 - 1 reverse at number 1 string, which was not unexpected but overall 3 - 2 victory had been achieved and it was a big relief to earn a third win of the season and gain some respectability in mid table.

The next match of the season sees us make the journey to Surrey H & R Club in Croydon and this is followed by the rearranged match against Chichester on Tuesday 24th March, which is the last match of the season. See you in Croydon...
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Surrey take the points at Chichester

2009-03-10T22:27:00.000Z

Round 9 of the PSL took place at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club this week with pnh Properties Team Chichester playing defending champions Surrey Health and Rackets Club; with Team Chichester still looking to kick start their season.

First on the show court were the number 3 strings, Chichester’s Pete Genever against the Italian champion, Davide Bianchetti. After a tight start and with the first game poised at 6-all Genever, unfortunately, made 4 mistakes to hand the hand the game to his opponent. It was, thereafter, one way traffic as Bianchetti upped the pace to win 6/11, 2/11, 5/11.

On the adjoining court, Dominique Lloyd-Walter (Chichester) was playing World Open finalist Vicki Botwright. Lloyd-Walter took the first 11/6 and then Botwright got into her stride and began to move the ball around the court beautifully. Although the next 3 games were tight Botwright took them 7/11, 9/11, 11/3 to put Surrey 2 up on the night.

Next on the show court Chichester’s Captain, Tim Vail, took on the World No.10, Peter Barker. In a very entertaining match, with nicks aplenty, the 10/12, 6/11, 6/11 scoreline highlighted that, after a nip and tuck first game, Barker kept control with good controlled squash. This was complemented by Vail’s usual array of outrageous nicks; but at the end of the day this was not consistent enough to trouble the World No.10. This decided the match with Surrey storming to a 0.3. advantage.

The number 4 strings played next; Chichester’s Olly Pett faced Adrian Waller of Surrey. After a tight opening game, which Waller sneaked 9/11, Pett began to play good solid, no frills, squash to dominate the next 3 games to win the match 11/4, 11/2, 11/7.

Finally Chichester’s Alex Gough faced the World No.9 Wael el Hindi. The entertainment – a combination of brilliant squash and good humoured banter – saw el Hindi prevail 8/11, 4/11, 9/11 with Gough more than playing his part in an entertaining spectacle.

So 4.1 to Surrey and where do Chichester go from here? Actually it’s to Bristol next week in search of a better result in their penultimate match.

Mike Phillips
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New Nationals Champions can't save Chapel-A

2009-02-18T13:40:00.002Z

Mike Dickens Reports

Even with a number of our professionals away on the world tour Chapel A were proud to field to recently crowned National Champions in Thierry Lincou and Jenny Duncalf. At 2,3 and 4 we knew it would be tough with debuts for our younger pros at the club Chris Truswell and Rudi Willemse with Laurence Delasaux elevated to 2 string.

Jenny Duncalf vs Madeline Perry. This was a repeat of the Nationals semi-final and in the first game Madeline looked like she was out for revenge. It was close all the way but a couple of quick backhand crosscourt flicks sealed the game 11-9. Jenny came racing out in the second to take a commanding lead but again Madeline dug her heels in and closed the gap from 9-5 down to 10-8, an error by Jenny and it was 10-9, a monster rally won by Jenny finished the game 11-9. Jenny kept the pressure on to move through the match and take her first home victory to a delighted crowd. Chapel A (3-1).

Rudi Willemse vs Scott Handley. This is the match we had to win if we wanted to take the spoils on the night. Rudi pushed Scott all the way and showed some outrageous retrieving and the ability to hit a ridiculous winner after Scott had pulled him all around the court. The supporters really got behind the South African on his debut but the experience of Scott pulled him through in five. Oxford (2-3)

Chris Truswell vs Chris Ryder. Ryder has played Yorkshire League for Chapel A for 7 seasons and the supporters were appreciative of that fact. Truswell looked nervous in the first game and Ryder cruised through with his swift and elegant movement 11-2. Truswell picked himself up and battled well in the second hitting some nice nicks just losing out 8-11. Again in the third Truswell can’t be faulted for effort and found himself at 10-7, unfortunately Ryder hit 3 fantastic (risky) shots in a row to level 10-10 and stepped up the pace to close out 12-10. Oxford (0- 3)

Laurence Delasaux vs Borja Golan. To be truthful on paper this looked a very one sided match, however, “D-Boy” put on a show. Rapidly becoming a crowd favourite, Dela came flying out with no fear and his racket skills looked better than ever. He took Borja by suprise and hit some fantastic forehand drops that even the world number 14 was struggling to handle. Dela took the first 11-7 to a huge cheer from the crowd. Borja brought the pace up in the second and forced Laurence to make a string of errors, which got the supporters talking about “Borja’s fitness will count now” (4-11). Dela proved the crowd wrong and they dually responded to his immense effort and skill. The third and forth really could have gone either way, Borja just the more patient on the crucial points, 9-11, 9-11. Oxford (1-3).

Thierry Lincou vs Cameron Pilley. After signing youngsters kit bags Lincou was focused on the task ahead. It was essential for Thierry to win but stop Oxford from getting anymore points, Thierry didn’t disappoint and looked very sharp. The French National Champion put on an awesome display to take the match 3-0.

Mike Dickens
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DUFFIELD ON TOP - the Whipp Report

2009-02-18T10:52:00.002Z

Duffield go back to the top beating Nottingham 5-0 in a match littered with National Champions past and present.

There were more National titles won at the hands of tonight's players than if Jeremy Bates were to marry Geoff Capes and have racket wielding, discus throwing champion offspring (Geoff incidentally has the best website in the world ever, www.geoffcapes.com. Who knew he would turn out to be a famed budgie breeder?! Athlete, Strongman and Prize Winning Budgerigar Breeder!).

The champions were Nick (junior and senior (and British Open let's not forget)), Parky (junior, senior and masters!), Donna Vardy (junior), and I'm assuming Tania, Renan and Rooney Tunes must have notched up a few between them also. So to sum up, our crowd were in for a treat.

TANIA AND JOEL KICK START THE MIDLANDS DERBY

Both players had fairly straight forward matches but Donna Vardy (fresh from winning her Over 35 national title, and very fresh as she's had over 10 years away without picking up a racket after retiring at her peak when she won her junior national title, akin to Stacey Ross) took a 4-0 lead in the first with some awesome forehand kills. After the great start it was pretty one sided and Tania raced through at a super speedy pace. Joel was just too good unfortunately for Lewis and also won 3-0. Joel's great to watch cus he's always willing to go for some outrageous shots when he gets a rush of blood, sometimes they come off and sometimes he can turn what's meant to be a crazy backhand cross-court nick into a good cross-court winning length!

PARKMAN RUNS AND RUNS... AND RUNS (OBVIOUSLY)

This was always going to be a fun match with my attacking and Parky's dogged determination. Parky, feeling great after his weekend win, was well up for this match and I was playing well so there were some great rallies had. Unfortunately for the Master champion the pace was just a little too high throughout and coupled with few errors I managed to run away to a 2-0 lead. Wary about the Yorkshire man's comeback skills I was determined to make a good start and Nick told me not to be too bonkers on the pace as Simon's like a "Sponge" as he just absorbs anything one paced thrown at him. Again hitting no errors and playing reasonably sensibly (for me) I raced to a 9-1 lead and the match was all but over. A few good shots from the Parkatron couldn't prevent the inevitable for too long and Duffield had won the match. The crowd were now becoming increasingly excitable after a great match to watch (and play in).

JOEY AND NICK CALMLY REEL IN THE ALREADY WOUNDED NOTTINGHAM

The last two matches saw Duffield's 1 and 2 finish the job off to complete a 5-0 drubbing of our rivals. They both dropped a game to make things interesting, or maybe just teasing the Nottingham supporters. It was as if they'd seen a fox left for dead in the road and kicked it in the head to complete the road kill and put the poor thing out of its misery.

A good night for Duffield after the disappointment of our last outing at Ponte, with some great squash enjoyed by the fully packed coliseum. Bring on the next round. Grrrrrr

Andy Whipp
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Guildford's long trip not in vain

2009-02-18T07:45:00.004Z

Exeter Diamonds 2 lost to UniSport Guildford 3
Ian Robinson reports

UniSport Guildford made the long journey to Exeter - the longest away fixture on the calendar and were not disappointed. Exeter Diamonds have a dream squad but struggled on the night for availability of their star names. UniSport on the other hand do not have quite the same luxuries but live for the day when availability is a problem for the opposition, which, surprisingly, is more often than one might suppose. This was just one of those occasions and UniSport Guildford took advantage of the opportunity in a hard nosed professional way, as befits some of the veterans in their side. Not available for Exeter Diamonds were Australians David Palmer, Natalie Grinham and Stewart Boswell as well as Jonathon Kemp, all of whom would have made a vast difference to the home team's fire power. UniSport Guildford had their regular line up - Mick Biggs in for Phil Rushworth - with no real surprises but had the gun loaded and ready to fire.

First on the range was the in form and unbeaten in nearly two seasons, Alison Waters who wasted no time in convincing onlookers that she was hungry to get the job done quickly and this despite the recent disappointment of losing in the final of the National Squash Championships in Manchester. Emma Chorley resisted but mainly without exerting enough pressure on Waters to make a difference. In the end Waters got UniSport off to a sound start with a comfortable 3 - 0 win, putting the first point on the board 1 - 0 to the visitors and continuing her unbeaten run.

On the main show court, Steve Meads was confronted by yet another youngster - well there is a train of thought that says they are all youngsters for Steve these days - in the shape of England Junior, Tom Pashley. Youth versus experience. Meads has been in good form recently and especially had a good showing to the last 16 of the National Championships. He was quickly into his stride building up a lead playing contained and disciplined squash interspersed with enough winners to stay ahead and clinch the first game. The second game followed a similar pattern with Meads controlling most of the play and not allowing Pashley a platform, as hard as he tried. It was tight towards the end of the game but when it mattered Meads found the telling blow and took a 2 - 0 lead. In the third, Meads delivered more of the same and increasingly Pashley became frustrated and lapsed into error as Meads moved away and banked a solid hard working 3 - 0 win to put UniSport Guildford 2 - 0 into a lead.

While the match score was exciting the Guildford supporters, a disaster was befalling them on the outside court as Mick Biggs found James Snell in good form and this combined with Biggs' inability to control the ball in the hot bouncy conditions meant that this was a short and rather one sided contest much to the disappointment of the Guildford player. The score does not often lie and scoring a mere 8 points left Biggs with much to ponder. The margin for Guildford was now reduced to 2 - 1.

The ever popular Stacey Ross never fails to entertain with his skill, but now was the time when a result was the much needed order of the day. Rob Sutherland is another young upcoming tough nut to crack and his all-round athletic ability and solid consistent game were likely to be a testing challenge for Ross. The first game was decidedly edgy with Ross not looking particularly comfortable, but after levelling at 8 - 8 he somehow managed to do enough to stay in front and clinch the game, which took the pressure off him. The second game was again close to 5 - 5 when Sutherland benefited from some loose play and some errors and came storming back to equalise 1 - 1. The third game followed a similar pattern with Ross gradually taking more control of the middle of the court putting Sutherland under more pressure and after tight exchanges Ross suddenly found a degree more confidence and control and took a 2 - 1 lead. Everything pointed to a four game win if Ross could only return with the same tactics and confidence. He did not and the fourth game followed a similar pattern but this time it was Sutherland who moved away after the tight early exchanges. At this stage it was too close to call and it all depended on who got the better start in the fifth. The Guildford player fell 2 points behind, but then just as quickly pulled them back and then started to play with the assurance that allowed him to control the play and force errors from Sutherland who will be disappointed at the outcome of the final game. It was too close to call but the Guildford supporters were happy to take the narrow win and make the long journey home with a lot more cheer than might otherwise have been the case. This was a marvellous 3 - 1 win on the scoreboard for UniSport Guildford and Jesse Engelbrecht still had the opportunity to add another point and boost his own confidence after recent set backs.

The opening phase of the match between the number 1 strings was very strange. The lightening fast Mohamed El Shorbagy took it upon himself to slow ball right from the start of the match against Jesse Engelbrecht. This was perfect for Engelbrecht as it allowed him to hit his winners with rare abandon as if in some practise routine organised by the coach. This was compounded by a string of errors from the Egyptian World number 30. This made for very strange watching indeed, only partially explained by the fact that Shorbagy did not seem to be in the best of health after recent exploits on the World tour in Sweden and Finland. The second game was not much better as far as the Exeter number 1 was concerned, but this time the margin was 11 - 7 - a little easier for Engelbrecht who played the right shots at the right time to build his lead. Predictably the third game saw Shorbagy begin to warm to the challenge a little more but it was still Engelbrecht who made his way to match ball first. Engelbrecht had one chance to make good and clinch what would have been an extremely good win for him, but in the end he hit an unconvincing cross court backhand drive straight onto Shorbagy's volley and with no second invitation needed the home player hit the winner. At this point, there was what could be construed as a poor refereeing decision against Guildford but in reality the rally at match ball was the decisive factor. After that Shorbagy warmed to the task and started to control the match in a way that had not been in evidence at the start and it became increasingly difficult for Engelbrecht to get back into the match and control it in a way that he had been able to do in the first 2 games and for most of the third. Engelbrecht will rue his missed opportunities but as the crowd roared Shorbagy on, it was a fitting end to an absorbing evening's squash.

UniSport Guildford were delighted to come away with an unexpected 3 - 2 win against all the odds and move off the bottom of the table and that against the team that started the day as league leaders. This was just another day in the sporting book of upsets, but made some tired Guildford bodies look forward to the run into the end of season with huge enthusiasm. Guildford were royally entertained in every sense by the Exeter Diamonds club and perhaps next time the welcome won't be quite so cordial.

There is still the postponed fixture against PNH Properties Chichester to fit into the calendar but that apart the next match sees the University faithful welcome TWP St Georges Hill to the Varsity Centre, all in the shadow of the emerging steel frame of the new Squash Centre which is fast becoming a part of the Guildford skyline. Book early to see the action on Tuesday 10th March starting at 7pm.

Ian Robinson
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TWP St George's Crash To Defeat at Bristol

2009-02-06T12:45:00.001Z

Danny Lee reports ...

TWP St George's Hill squash team put up a brave showing away to Probuild Bristol with all players capturing at least one game for their endeavours. Nobody could quite manage to win a match on a frustrating night for the visitors. Probuild Bristol now move into 2nd place in The Premier Squash League with TWP St George's clutching on to 4th spot.

Julie Peachey making her debut for TWP St George's exceeded expectations with a brave display against England Junior International Sarah-Jane Perry. Peachey captured the first game and continued to impress narrowly losing the remaining three games, the last of which went to 13-11.

Neil Hitchens playing at number 4 for St George's Hill also took the first game from Welsh International Lewys Hurst. Hitchens didn't have enough strength after a lengthy lay off at Christmas to make any further impact and Hurst took the match comfortably.

TWP's British Junior Champion Joe Lee faced the experienced Peter Marshall who was once ranked World number 2. Marshall has a deceptive two handed style which he uses to great effect. Marshall's immaculate length was rewarded on the cold court and he won the first game 11-7. Lee responded with some fine squash of his own taking the next two games and working his older opponent into the four corners of the court. Marshall can be even more deadly when he is tired and he played constructive squash to wrap up the match leaving Lee frustrated but accepting that he learned plenty in defeat from a past master who can still compete with the best players in the country.

Nafizwan Adnan, TWP's Malaysian import enjoyed the rare sight of seeing England's picturesque snowscape on the journey down but struggled in the cold conditions on court. His opponent Hadrian Stiff the Bristol captain managed to hit enough winners to stop "Wan" prolonging the rallies. In the third game "Wan" found his form but narrowly lost the fourth to the popular home skipper playing in front of a large partisan crowd.

Daryl Selby, whose fitness was in doubt after a nasty stomach bug had hospitalised him last week, started promisingly against former British Open Champion David Evans. Selby, who has risen to a career high no 26 in the latest World rankings cruised through the first game but then found it hard to physically push himself as Evans gained control of the centre of the court and the match.

A disappointing night for TWP St George's Hill but the team will be hoping for a return to winning ways in their home fixture against PNH Properties Chichester on February 17th at 7.00pm.
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