The Wait is Over for Surrey Storm

Last Night saw Surrey Storm entertain Bristol Probuild in their first home game since the beginning of the season.  Having narrowly lost out 3-2 in the first half we were hoping that we could go one step closer and clinch our first win of the season.  Making his debut after a long lay of with injury was Sammy Chambers form Cambridge and he was first on against Ben Rodgers.  These two have gone through the junior ranks together so know a lot about each others game.  On the other court Victoria Lust was looking to build on her win last week against Sarah Jane Perry.

Vicky got off to a bad start in both the first and second games having to fight back to take the first 11,9 and the second 13.11.  In the third she managed to get her tactics right and avoid a lot of the interference that hampered the first two games taking the game and match 11,4. 

Meanwhile Sammy and Ben were battling hard to gain the initiative.  Both players were creating opportunities but perhaps were struggling to make real use of the lower tin.  Sammy managed to pull away in the first 2 games taking them 11,6 11,7.  Ben was far from finished though and as Sammy made a few unforced errors at the start of the third he raced into a 7,2 lead.  Sammy fought hard but Ben closed out the game 11,8.  The fourth was more like the first two games although Sammy was beginning to find his range at the front and was still retrieving everything thrown at him.  He pulled away to 10,6 but Ben saved 2 match points before clipping the tin and handing Sammy his first PSL win in his first appearance.

2-0 up but we had been here before!!

Captain Marvell Steve Meades followed Sammy on in the knowledge that he could carry the team to that elusive first victory.  He was up against Mike Harris who attacked whenever possible but Steve played excellent controlled squash to take the match in 3 games 11,7 11,6 11,8 and hand Surrey Storm their first win!!

Stacey Ross was next on the show court against Hadrian Stiff.  Both players like to attack and the game was a great example of attacking squash.  There was lots of subtlety too with holds, flicks and changes of pace.  Hadrian won the first 11,5 before Stacey levelled with the next game 11,6.  The next was tight all the way with Stacey winning it 11,8. Hadrian was not to lie down and he levelled the match 11,8 and setting up a decider.

In the fifth Stacey managed to control the rallies much better and stay in front and control the middle closing out the match 11,5

After a short break Jesse Englebrecht went on at number one to face Mohammed El Shorbagy.  Mohammed was clearly up for some revenge and to ensure that Bristol went home without a win.  From the first rally he made life uncomfortable for Jesse who just could not find any rhythm and he raced into a 1-0 lead.  Jesse kept trying to get a foot hold in the rallies and impose himself but Mohammed was just too good on the night and he won comfortably in 3. 


A big thank you to all the players’ who have worked so hard and always give their all.  This win has been a long time coming but hopefully like buses, a second will be here soon!!

A long Old Night for Surrey Storm

Surrey Storm made the long trip to Exeter in search of their first win in the last fixture of 2009.  On arrival hopes were boosted by the news that Joey Barrington had withdrawn at number 2 for Exeter meaning they had to hand a late call up to Marwan el Shorbagy and the rest of the side all moving up a place.

First up was Marwan vs. Alex Ingham at number 5.  Alex snuck the first 11/9 moving the ball around comfortably and attacking with conviction when the chance arrived.  The second followed a similar pattern with Marwan taking the final few points to level 11/9.  A bad start in the next saw Alex playing catch up for the rest of the game and the young Egyptian closed it out 11/5 moving to within one game of his second win on the bounce.  Alex was unable to interrupt Marwan’s momentum in the fourth who impressively took the game 11/7 and with it the match.

Stacey Ross was back at number 3 where he is unbeaten this season and he was up against James Snell.  Stacey won in 3 tight games, 2 of which went to tie breaks but Stacey played the big points better and levelled things up for the Storm. 

In the girls match Victoria Lust was struggling to find her rhythm against Emma Chorley who was moving well and seemed intent on causing an upset.  Emma took the first 2 games on a tie break before Vicky responded by winning the 3rd 11/9.  We were looking forward to a comeback before Emma slammed the door shut by regaining her dominance taking the fourth 11/5 and with it our hopes of victory.

Jesse recently back from injury was fighting hard against fellow South African Clinton Leeuw.  The first 2 games were shared 11/9 and looked like it might go all the way but at the end of the 3rd and 4th Jesse short of court time ran out of steam and Clinton took them 11/6, 11/8 respectively guaranteeing Exeter the match.
The last match on saw Julian Illingworth Surrey storm’s number 1 making his debut against the inform Jonathan Kemp. There was not a lot between them in the first 2 with some great attacking squash and at 1 game all the crowed hoped it may go to 5.  Jonathan came out flying in the 3rd and Julian was always behind eventually losing it 11/5.  It was role reversal again in the 4h as Julian aided by some great winners took the game by the scruff of the neck before Jonathan clawed his way back to 9-9 before eventually winning it 11/9. 

This was a great advert for the PSL as the game was played in a great manner with both players respecting each other and the referees showing squash at its entertaining best.

Massive thanks to Tony, Adam and all the staff at Devon & Exeter for their hospitality and running a great evening.  We look forward to seeing you in March.

Graeme Williams

Another White Wash for inexperienced Surrey Storm line up

Graeme Williams reports

For the second time in as many matches Surrey Storm travelled back to Guildford on the back of a 5-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Covers Chichester. There were a few more positives to take from this defeat in the shape of the performances from our younger players two of which were making their debuts. On paper we always looked like we would struggle given the withdrawal of our top two players but we decided to use this as an opportunity to blood some of our younger players.

First up was David Wardle against the experienced and skilful Tim Vail. After a few Early nerves David found his feet and gave a good account of himself and fought well in going down 11/5 11/4 12/10.

Victoria Lust was welcomed back and was up against Dominique Lloyd- Walter. Dominique is in good form at the moment so this was another stiff test for Vicky. A tight first game saw Dominique play the big points better and take it 11/9. The second saw Dominique impose herself and Vicky struggled to get to grips with her accuracy and retrieving skills losing 11/2 and staring down the barrel 2-0 down. In the third Dominique slowed a little and Vicky’s confidence grew as she fought back with good attacking squash reducing the deficit 11/9 to set up a forth and a faint hope of squaring the match. Both girls enjoyed spells of dominance as Vicky raced into a 7/1 lead before Dominique clawed her way back and indeed went past Victoria taking the game and the match 11/8 putting Chichester 2-0 up.

Anthony Brindle was next on against Alex Gough and he had his chances in 3 close games but maybe did not quite believe he could win losing 11/9 12/10 11/8. With a bit more belief he could have easily nicked one of the first two but he should be pleased with his night's work.

Stacey Ross lost 3-1 to Robbie Temple 7/11 11/9 11/7 11/7 Both players like to go for their shots so this was an entertaining match for the spectators but perhaps more mistakes than both players would of liked. 4-0 to Chichester and just the number ones left to go on.

Jesse played well against Azlan who was in inspired form hitting winners from all over the court. Jesse attacked well himself but Azlan was moving well and hitting the ball with such control that he never looked likely to slip up taking the match 11/6 11/7 11/6 and handing Chichester their first win of the season 5-0.

Surrey Storm get blown away!!

Graeme Williams reports

Last night saw Surrey Storm suffer there heaviest defeat of the season by top of the league TWP St Georges Hill.  The result highlighted where Storm need to be and showcased St Georges Hill’s faith in youth.

Harriet Ingham Making her first appearance if the season against Rachel Willmott started well losing a tight first before losing her way in the second losing it 11/2 and staring down the barrel 2-0 down.  Harriet showed great pride and ability in clawing her way back into the match taking the next two with strong attacking squash.  Momentum was with her and the decider went point for point before Harriet tried to force the issue to much making 3 mistakes given Rachel a hard earned win 3-2.

Sibling Alex was up against close friend and in form Joe Lee.  The first saw Alex happy to rally with Joe and react to his tactics meaning Joe looked comfortable before a few errors let Alex back in and gave him the belief that perhaps he could cause an upset.  Joe composed himself and closed out the game 11/9.  The second saw Alex hitting with more purpose and playing a more attacking game but Joe was moving well and producing some great attacking shots of his own winning it 11/6 before taking the third and putting St Georges 2-0 up.

Steve Meads was back playing at number 3 against Hungary number 1 Mark Krajscak.  Mark looked strong and hungry against the unbeaten Steve and although as always Steve made Mark work for every single point he was unable to really push on and Mark won in 3 making the score on the night 3-0.

Another unbeaten record was put on the line as Stacey Ross was up against Tom Richards.  Tom was moving and playing well where as Stacey after a hectic week of squash, travel and climbing out of ditches  was slightly off the pace.  Stacey got off to a flyer in the first but after that it was one way traffic as Tom controlled the rallies, and ran out a comfortable 3-0 winner.

Last up was Jesse Englebrecht against Daryl Selby.  This was an entertaining encounter played in a fantastic spirit with both players opening up the court at every opportunity.  Daryl won the first but the second saw Jesse earn 3 match balls which Daryl duly saved before concerting his first and opening up a 2-0 lead.  The third was just as competitive but Daryl always had the edge and he closed the match out 3-0 sealing a comfortable 5-0 win for TWP St Georges Hill.

Again thanks to Danny and St Georges for their hospitality and also for showing us what is needed to be a top side in this competitive league.  We will be back!

Surrey Storm narrowly lose out again.

Graeme Williams reports

For the second time this month Surrey Storm fought valiantly but were unable to take the spoils on the road at Bristol.  Making his debut in the PSL was Mohammed Ali Anwar Reda to add a bit of spice to the top of our order.  He came in with Gilly Lane unavailable so we looked stronger than before. 

First up was a more relaxed Victoria Lust who had another tough match against Laura Lengthorne Massaro.  Victoria fought well against Laura’s class and in all the game was competing until Laura pulled away to take the first two games 11/6, 11/7.  In the third Victoria stayed with her for longer creating a game ball at 10/9 but Laura came back well to win 12/10.

On the show court Stacey Ross was getting the better of David Evans although both players were feeling a little of the base but Stacey won the big points to take a 2-0 lead.  In the third Stacey looked to be moving the better and reading David’s game to pull off some stunning winners and took the third 11/6 to level the match 1-1.

Surreys very own Peter Pan, Steve Meads was grinding down Hadrian Stiff 12/10, 12/10 before Hadrian had to withdraw due to feeling faint.  Again Surrey Storm had managed to move 2-1 ahead with the dogged determination and quality form the elder statesman of the team.  Next up was Jesse Englebrecht against the inform Mohammed El Shorbagy.  The first game was played at a high pace which suited the Egyptian as he reeled of exquisite winners from all areas as Jesse struggled to move him around as he would like.  In the second Jesse improved slowing the pace down and finding his range but at 8 all Mohammed pulled away to take a 2-0 lead.

In the third Shorbagy returned to the brilliance of the first and closed out the match 11/2 setting up a decider between the new boy Reda and the experienced Adrian Grant.

In the first Reda was too lose and had no answer to the control of Grant.  The second saw Mohammed tighten up and get in front a little more and he took it 11/8.  We were getting excited and dreaming of a first Victoria of the season but Adrian showed his experience taking the next two to seal the match for Bristol.

The nigh was a fantastic advert for the PSL with competitive games and played in a great spirit.  Bristol put on a great show with a fantastic crowed so we thank them and look forward to returning the favour next half.

Finally good luck to Stacey up in Manchester and hopefully our first win is not far away!

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