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.
Showing posts with label Round FIVE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Round FIVE. Show all posts
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A long Old Night for Surrey Storm
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
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
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)