Archive for 2001

England’s Tania Bailey retains her No1 position in the Women’s U-23 World Squash Rankings, published 2nd November by the Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA).

The 22-year-old former world junior champion from Stamford in Lincolnshire has maintained this status in the new U-23 ranking list, which is published every four months, despite being sidelined until the New Year following recent knee surgery.

Finally it was here. The chance to make amends for last years costly defeats to Cottesmore. All team members were well aware of the pressure to perform – notably from Jon (20 minutes and I’ll be off) Oakley who was annihilated last year after insisting he be first on court stating “It’ll only take me 20 minutes to sort him out”. That game was officially timed at 16 minutes before Jon was dispatched to the changing room having lost 3-0 to re-consider life in general and the way forward. Paul (Yorkie) York, looking to sort Bez Beresford out and Mark (bad back) Smith to do the deed against Jon Nicholls. By chance Cottesmore put out their same top 4 players, drafting in a new but very sound number 5, so the scene was set for all to lay to rest some ghosts.

First on was Richard Barker up against Cottesmore new boy Bill McTaggart. This was always going to be a tough game and so it transpired. Both players starting well with Richard having the edge in the first. Second game saw Bill fight back with Richard being too careful and failing to finish the rallies. One game all and after some top tips from Yorkie, Richard got to grips with the game and put Bill under too much pressure taking the tie 3-1. One up to Stamford.

On the next court was Simon Barker playing Graham Taylor. A strong start from Graham put the Stamford captain under pressure and a tight first game saw Graham steal it 10-8. More top tips from the team (don’t hit it so hard) saw Simon recover and take the next three games comfortably winning 3-1. Two to Stamford and things were looking good.

Yorkie went on next against Bez hoping his summer training regime would see him right. Some excellent squash followed with both players hitting tight, accurate shots. Outstanding retrieving from Bez put Yorkie under immense pressure. Aware of Bez’s speed, Yorkie played percentage squash not going for the infamous nicks, and keeping the rallies going. This proved expensive in the energy stakes for Yorkie playing a lad 10 years younger! A marathon first two games saw Yorkie two down. More team tips during the break saw Yorkie come out for third fired up and playing his normal game. Some great kills and drops put him back in the match winning the third. The first two games had taken their toll though and Yorkie was unable to sustain the pressure. Bez took advantage finally winning 3-1. Yorkie was consoled later in the bar with offers to buy his ‘intelligent’ racket for a very good price.

Jon Oakley had his turn now with a rematch against Paul Partington (he who annihilated Jon last time). Jon admitted he was a little nervous, and adrenaline could be seen running down his leg. In true form he started badly, losing 9-2 in the first in about 4 minutes. Summoning all reserves of calm and composure he started the second more confidently and playing tighter squash. As the points came in he relaxed further, and began playing his normal tenacious game. Tight shots and excellent retrieving saw Jon continue his run of points and in the end provided a comfortable victory 3-1.

Mark Smith took to the court to seek revenge after failing to finish against John Nicholls last time, with a back problem. Some intense points proceeded, and a very tough first game saw Mark with the edge. 1-0 to Mark. John fought back in an intensely competitive match with some aggressive, attacking squash putting Mark under too much pressure. 1-1. The next two games were very close with more of the same attacking squash. Good length and width by both players made for a very entertaining match but John just having the edge nicked them both 10-8, and the tie 3-1.

An excellent result for Stamford winning the match 3-2 away from home. Commiseration’s to Mark and Yorkie who struggled under pressure at the top but well done to the three stalwarts who got the results and keep the team on track for league victory. Played 4 won 4. Come on!

Stamford on a roll. Played 2 and won 2 with maximum points. Tougher opposition tonight though, with Oundle fielding a strong team though missing Chris Davey; (apparently he’d heard Yorkie has a new ‘intelligent’ racket and was last seen rolling around in hysterics).

So, onto the match. First up was Richard – newly promoted into the No 4 slot as Simon was still recovering from a week of alcohol abuse in Lanzarote. Rich settled into the first game against Phil Wallis, comfortably moving to a 7-2 lead. However, focusing hard on his new grip (which involves holding the racket on the shaft, thereby saving on buying new grips) Richard completely lost touch with reality and managed to lose the first game. After much coaching and top advice (hold the racket properly) Rich fought back overcoming a tricky opponent to win 3-1.

Opposite him was Jon Oakley who arrived at the court sporting a very fetching safari jacket – “It’s the height of fashion you know”. On court however, he moved with the agility of a monkey and was as aggressive as a lion (sort of) as he destroyed his opponent, Peter Izod. Some accurate shots along with excellent retrieving saw Jon a convincing winner 3-0.

Next up was Simon looking tanned and fit. Fully rested after his holiday saw him surprisingly sharp around the court playing accurate and aggressive squash. Dogged retrieving by both players made for some hard rallies. The 3-0 score line to Simon belied an excellent match (apart from the most appalling marking ever seen) and a strong opponent in Dave Reardon.

Meanwhile on the next court Mark Smith started comfortably, working hard but securing the first game. His opponent Nick Sims fought back and took advantage of Mark’s new ‘short and middle of the court game’ (which he played very well) to gain the upper hand and move a 2-1 lead. Again some top coaching and advice (lose, and you’ll never hear the last of it) proved the spark to rejuvenate Mark’s flagging spirit and he stormed back to win the next 2 games and the match 3-2.

Finally last on court was Yorkie with his new ‘intelligence’ head racket. (Someone was heard to say that “maybe Yorkie should start sleeping with it under his pillow and hope some of it seeps through” though I couldn’t quote them). A tough opponent for Yorkie in Neville Keir. Some quality rallies in the first game saw Yorkie work Nev very hard. This paid off in the second as Nev tired allowing Yorkie to command the ‘T’ and hit some outstanding shots. The third game going the same way with Yorkie a convincing winner 3-0. An excellent match result for Stamford winning 5-0 and taking 20 points again.

Next week is the big one against last year’s league winners Cottesmore. This one matters!

What no report! Yes, the reporter was on holiday. However, the team won achieving maximum points.

So the season kicks off again with Stamford Green Man looking to improve on last years second place in Div 1 and cup runners up. The starting line up for this season is Yorkie, Mark Smith, Jonathon Oakley, and the brothers Barker. Reserves on the bench (without whom would make running the team nigh impossible – thanks guys) are Simon Richardson, Ade Chappell, Paul Redfern and Mike Ferreira. As an incentive to keep all on their game it was decided to all put £1 pound in the pot – winner takes all for the least number of points dropped.

First on court was ex captain Richard. Having worked hard on his golf through the summer (he’s at that age now), we were expecting a somewhat sluggish start but to our amazement he played some very controlled squash – possibly confirming his critics comments that the pressure of captaincy was too much! Always in control he secured a very comfortable victory moving his opponent with ease around the court playing ‘with mercy’. A fine start dropping only 3 points. That £5 was looking good. (RESULT 3-0).

Alongside Richard was Mark Smith. After a shaky start to the game Mark found his inimitable old style and soon gained the upper hand. Some solid pressure from Mark soon had his opponent in trouble and, ever conscious of dropping the least number of points he finished the match in style. Only 8 points dropped but not good enough. Mark was seen to be visible gutted that Richard had only dropped 3 points. Unlucky. (RESULT 3-0)

Next up was Simon. Having the additional responsibility of captain was seen by some to be his downfall in challenging Yorkie for supremecy. This was confirmed by Yorkies lucky victory in their last game! I digress, back to the match – knowing nothing less than a victory would be acceptable from the captain, Simon drastically changed his game to a safe, retrieving style. This paid off exceptionally well, with Simon dominating and in control. Some dubious marking from Richard ensured that more than 3 points were lost with Simon finally dropping only 5 points in the match. Too many, to wrestle the £5 out of Richards hand. (RESULT 3-0)

Yorkie looking lean, mean and ready for action, was on the next court playing a new addition to Bushfield since the demise of Peterborough Town – Neil ‘mutha’ Hoskins. A hard battle ensued with ‘mutha’ moving Yorkie well around the court. Some last ditch retrieving and lucky shots saw Yorkie pull off yet another lucky victory. Can he keep it up when he meets the big boys – we will see! (RESULT 3-0)

Finally (better late than never) was Jon Oakley (he who goes into hiding in the summer). Jon appeared on court modelling 1975 sports attire and after mincing around the court for two games found himself 2-0 down, under pressure and intensly aware of the forthcoming ridicule of being the only team member to lose etc etc. Summoning huge reserves he fought back producing an excellent comeback and forcing us all to be 30 minutes late getting to the pub. Nice one Jon but a good victory and fine 20 points start to the season. Werrington next week with the captain taking a well earned week off (on the beach) to ponder tactics. (RESULT 3-2)

So the season kicks off again with Stamford Green Man looking to improve on last years second place in Div 1 and cup runners up. The starting line up for this season is Yorkie, Mark Smith, Jonathon Oakley, and the brothers Barker. Reserves on the bench (without whom would make running the team nigh impossible – thanks guys) are Simon Richardson, Ade Chappell, Paul Redfern and Mike Ferreira. As an incentive to keep all on their game it was decided to all put £1 pound in the pot – winner takes all for the least number of points dropped.

First on court was ex captain Richard. Having worked hard on his golf through the summer (he’s at that age now), we were expecting a somewhat sluggish start but to our amazement he played some very controlled squash – possibly confirming his critics comments that the pressure of captaincy was too much! Always in control he secured a very comfortable victory moving his opponent with ease around the court playing ‘with mercy’. A fine start dropping only 3 points. That £5 was looking good. (RESULT 3-0).

Alongside Richard was Mark Smith. After a shaky start to the game Mark found his inimitable old style and soon gained the upper hand. Some solid pressure from Mark soon had his opponent in trouble and, ever conscious of dropping the least number of points he finished the match in style. Only 8 points dropped but not good enough. Mark was seen to be visible gutted that Richard had only dropped 3 points. Unlucky. (RESULT 3-0)

Next up was Simon. Having the additional responsibility of captain was seen by some to be his downfall in challenging Yorkie for supremecy. This was confirmed by Yorkies lucky victory in their last game! I digress, back to the match – knowing nothing less than a victory would be acceptable from the captain, Simon drastically changed his game to a safe, retrieving style. This paid off exceptionally well, with Simon dominating and in control. Some dubious marking from Richard ensured that more than 3 points were lost with Simon finally dropping only 5 points in the match. Too many, to wrestle the £5 out of Richards hand. (RESULT 3-0)

Yorkie looking lean, mean and ready for action, was on the next court playing a new addition to Bushfield since the demise of Peterborough Town – Neil ‘mutha’ Hoskins. A hard battle ensued with ‘mutha’ moving Yorkie well around the court. Some last ditch retrieving and lucky shots saw Yorkie pull off yet another lucky victory. Can he keep it up when he meets the big boys – we will see! (RESULT 3-0)

Finally (better late than never) was Jon Oakley (he who goes into hiding in the summer). Jon appeared on court modelling 1975 sports attire and after mincing around the court for two games found himself 2-0 down, under pressure and intensly aware of the forthcoming ridicule of being the only team member to lose etc etc. Summoning huge reserves he fought back producing an excellent comeback and forcing us all to be 30 minutes late getting to the pub. Nice one Jon but a good victory and fine 20 points start to the season. Werrington next week with the captain taking a well earned week off (on the beach) to ponder tactics. (RESULT 3-2)