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.

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.