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.

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

Chichester get off the mark

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

Chichester fall short at Surrey

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

St George's take the spoils

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

Chichester travel to Exeter in hope

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