Team Chichester – v – Exeter Diamonds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

Esporta off to a good start

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.

MB Nottingham Show Their Hand

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.

Surrey Health & Racquets Club v Chichester

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!!

Duffield start with a win ...

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.

Welcome Back Winchester

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.

PCL Whitehall Surrey Health & RC v Probuild Bristol

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

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

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

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