Duffield go down to Nottingham

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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