Archive for 2002

This was the first game of the second half of the season, re-arranged and brought forward.

Just for a change Yorkie was on court first playing Simon Scott. After a sluggish start, Yorkie started to move better and was too strong for Simon. This was fortunate as plenty of short and loose shots from Yorkie failed to encourage Simon into playing winners. Yorkie took advantage of this and was able to dispatch Simon, dropping only 4 points 9-2, 9-1, 9-1.

Richard was next playing Craig Scott. Richard, not happy with his form of late, was late on court as he needs a good 5 minutes longer than everyone else in order to consume as many pain killers as possible. Richard also started slowly but with neither player able to capitalise on their serve the score stayed 1-1 for a while. Finally the drugs kicked in and Richard started to move with some fluidity. Now able to take control Richard breezed through to a comfortable win, 9-2, 9-3, 9-5.

Jon went next against Ian Merrick. This proved another comfortable win for Jon as was able to dominate the court and playing an excellent short game put Ian under too much pressure, 9-3, 9-7, 9-5.

Simon was on the court next door playing Luke Harman. This turned into an interesting battle as both players were determined to hit the ball harder than the other. After much leathering of the ball Simon came out on top with Luke finally running out of steam in the third. A victory for Simon 9-5, 9-0, 9-5.

Finally, last on was Mark against Duncan Fraser. Another slow start for Stamford as Duncan battled well against Mark who at one point looked in danger of losing the first. A swift recovery though, with some better shots put Mark in the driving seat for another comfortable win, 9-7, 9-2, 9-2.

A sound result taking the maximum 20 points putting us in a pretty much unassailable position at the top of Division 2.

The next match is a cup game on Jan 8th at home against Hunts County – one of the stronger Division 1 teams. If you fancy coming to watch us battle against one of the best teams in the Cambridge leagues, the match starts around 7-30pm. See you there.

This was the last game of the first half of the season and was a league and cup double header. Stamford, unbeaten so far, were confident going into the match.

Barker brothers on first with Simon playing Rhys Power. A clash of the captains. After a steady start it soon became apparent that Simon was too strong for Rhys. A good line and length from Simon put Rhys under too much pressure at the back of the court and allowed him a comfortable win 9-5, 9-0, 9-2 (and the revered ice cream).

Richard was on next door against Martin Cadoe. Richard, still struggling to find the devastating form seen earlier in the season, was still too strong for Martin and kept control of the game forcing Martin into the corners to produce the errors. Another comfortable win 9-3, 9-7, 9-4.

Mark Smith was on next against Roy Pickerill. Roy’s big hitting was soon to put Mark under pressure as he struggled to find his normal rhythm. Mark made an unusual number of errors and Roy took full advantage taking the first 9-5. The second was just as fast and furious and was nip and tuck all the way but this time Mark just doing enough to steal it 10-8. The third saw some excellent drops from Roy and more unforced errors from Mark. Mark was becoming frustrated with his game now the third slipped from his grasp 9-7. The fourth started evenly but then Roy started to edge away until he suddenly “hit the wall” and really started to feel the pace. Mark clawed his way back to 8-8 and Roy’s legs on autopilot called 1 point. A last big effort from Roy saw him steal the game 9-8 to take the match 3-1. Brampton were fighting back!

Jon Oakley looked set for a tough match against John Palin – a wily and fit player. Jon 0, who seems to play better every week (except where women are involved), started well, immediately getting into his stride and moving well around the court. Tight driving and an excellent short game put John P under immense pressure and was unable to dominate any of the points losing the first 9-3. The second went the same with Jon O giving nothing away as he cruised to 9-0 in the second. Jon P stepped the pace up in third and finally started to put Jon O under pressure as he failed to up the pace with him. A closely fought third until Jon O finally regained control to take it 10-8 and the tie 3-0.

Last on was Paul York playing Paul Burkett. The first saw some draining rallies, as PB tactics were to work Yorkie as much as possible. Some good kill shots gave Yorkie a slight edge as he nicked the first 10-9. PB tightened up in the second and hit consistently to a good length and width. Mixing up his game to work Yorkie whenever possible proved a good tactic as errors from Yorkie started to creep in giving the second to PB 9-6. The same pattern followed in the third with Yorkie struggling to stay with the pace. PB in full control and took the third 9-4. After a stiff talking too from each member of the team during the break Yorkie, bamboozled with advice, tips and derision from the team came out fighting. A big effort in the fourth saw some excellent rallies. Very steady squash from PB, literally making no unforced errors, kept Yorkie working hard. Neck and neck to the end, Yorkie finally pinched the game 10-9 to level it 2-2. Concern from the team during the break as Yorkie was audibly heard to be breathing out of both orifices (one of which was not on his face). Our fears were confirmed as Yorkie turned to Mr Jelly legs. After much screeching of self-criticism from Yorkie (“lazy git”, “use your *&%ing legs” and other expletives) PB finally strolled through the fifth 9-3 and secured the tie 3-2.

So it was left to the lower order today to get the “big boys” out of trouble as Stamford win 3-2 and go through to the second half of the season undefeated and into the second round of the cup where we meet premier league opponents. Will it all be over?

After last weeks very narrow victory another hard match was ahead of us playing Portugal Place – last season’s relegation team from Div 1 and mainly consisting of university students. As they arrived at the courts, it was commented on that the combined age of their team was younger than Jon Oakley. A worrying statement.

First on court was Richard Barker playing Stewart McTavish. Stewart started strongly, taking the ball early and volleying well. Richard tried to counter with accurate squash but couldn’t get tight enough giving Stewart to much time to take the first 9-3. The second went the same way with Richard covering miles on court to keep himself in the rallies but again couldn’t prevent Stewart from cutting the ball off with winners, 9-5 to Stewart. Advice from the captain during the break seemed to inspire Barker junior as he came out all guns firing and reversed the pressure. Now it was Stewart on the back foot as Richard played winners from volleys and drops. A tense game though as Stewart fought hard but Richard hung on and took the third 10-9. The fourth started with a runaway for Stewart as Richard struggled to up the pace again. At 5-1 down though, he recovered his game to 5-4 before deciding the first two had drained too much and finally lost after a valiant attempt 9-4. 1 to Portugal.

Jon Oakley was on next door against Joe Devereux and preceded to give his opponent “a right good thrashing”. Jon’s game seemed to totally bemuse Joe as he strolled through for a comfortable 3-0 win dropping only 9 points. One tie all.

Barker senior on next against Jaques Van Oorschot (another international they had drafted in the strengthen their squad, determined to halt the run of wins from Stamford squad). The first game was a hard battle with Jaques running like a rabbit on speed and retrieving everything. Simon running out of ideas finally relinquished the first 9-7. The second was another hard-hitting game with both players running for everything but Jaques again proving to sharp for Simon as he took the second 9-3. A talking to for the captain in the break focused Simon’s game plan and playing a good short game caught Jaques napping a the back of the court to take the third 9-4. Portugal now only 2-1 and the fight back was on. The fourth though saw Jaques back his best as Simon, continuously under pressure struggled to get any advantage. Comments from the balcony such as “I hope Simon isn’t relying fitness to win this one” as Jaques again retrieved the impossible only to hit a lucky winner off it obviously didn’t help. Jaques finally taking the fourth 9-5 and the tie 3-1. Stamford 2-1 down now. Pressure was on!

Mark Smith on now against Jaco Vermack. Mark (having decided that any previous poor matches in his life have been due to eating bananas during the day and on a new dietary regime of NO bananas) started strongly and blasted Jaco off the court for only 5 points and the coveted ice cream. Excellent squash from Mark giving Jaco no chance to settle into any rhythm and a stream of tins cost him dearly; 9-0, 9-1, 9-4. Stamford level 2-2.

Last on was Yorkie against Hussein Said. This was the match of the night as marathon rally after marathon rally took place. Superb squash from both players with Hussein’s retrieving unbelievable at times. Yorkie lost the first but went on to win the next two. Looking for the fourth to take the match Yorkie found Hussein fighting for everything and doing enough to snatch it 9-7. 2 games all and all to play for. Both players seeming tired but still running and getting to everything. The fifth began and Yorkie had a mare, suddenly finding the tank empty and going 6-2 down when the ball burst. The few minutes to warm a new ball seemed the turning point as Yorkie clawed his way back to 7-7. After some tense points and a perfectly timed dead nick at the back for Yorkie he finally snuck the victory 9-7 and the match 3-2. Stamford escape again with a 16-8 point victory thank you very much. Still unbeaten with only Brampton to go in the first half of the season.

On a dark, dark, night, in the dark, dark Fens the undefeated Stamford squash team battled through the icy fog, intent on giving Crown Lodge a right good thrashing. Brimming with over confidence, new rackets and an arrogant air, the lads from Stamford strutted onto court with an expectant air of victory. Was pride going to come before a fall?

First on the psychedelically painted courts was Simon Barker, playing a lean and mean Robin Attersley. Simon was looking a little jaded from the start and Peter sneaked the first 9-7. In the second Simon managed to string a few good shots together and clawed his way back to win 9-6. But, alas, this was only a false dawn. Simon had the glazed expression of a rabbit in the headlights, and, after losing the third 9-7, managed to waste a commanding lead in the forth to lose the match 3-1, and become the first team member to lose a match. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap!

The shock waves intensified when Simon’s brother, Richard Barker crashed out woefully against a chubby Peter Askew 3-2. Was this the end of Stamford’s bid for promotion? The fabulous Barker Boys had gone down in flames – the end of an era.

It was now up to Jonathan Oakley and Mark Smith to mount a recovery. Smithy, after a shaky start found his form to clinically see off Paul Swallow 3-1.

Jonathan, however, playing Stephanie Marriott (a Michelle Pfeiffer look alike) seemed more concerned about scoring in the bar afterwards than scoring points during the match. Stephanie played inspirational squash, with the style and accuracy that only women can. Jonathan politely kept the rallies going as long as possible and “threw” a couple of games for good measure. A classy performance earned Stephanie three match points and the respect of the gallery, before Jonathan, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to win 10-8 in the fifth and square the match 2-2. Stephanie, intent on revenge immediately pencilled the date of the return leg in her diary, – mission accomplished by Stamford!

Last on court was Paul York. Playing like a demon he dispatched Robert Murfitt with the determination and precision that we are coming to take for granted. With its reputation restored, the Green Man Squash Team can once again hold its head up high, but questions must be asked about the bottom end!

Just when you thought the team were cruising in the league it get’s even easier – the team had a walkover!

The team arrived early at the club for a team photo for the paper and official handing over of new kit from AWARE Promotional Merchandise in Peterborough. After much pruning and argy bargy in the line up, the photos were taken and dressed in smart new kit we took on Hunts County.

With major pressure not to be the first team player to drop a match and a tub of probably the best ice cream in the world awaiting the player dropping the least amount of points was proving a good incentive to stay focused.

Yet it again it fell to the Barker brothers to kick the match off with Richard to play Peter Dampney. Richard started well, playing controlled squash and keeping the ball away from Peter. A comfortable first game saw Richard through 9-3. The second game went horribly wrong as Rich had the game from hell, finding himself out of position, hitting poor shots and generally playing very muppet like. This cost him the game 9-5 and tied it 1-1. A slightly more invigorated Barker came for the third but was still drifting the ball around the court with no conviction. Some poor finishing from Peter kept Richard in the rallies and remarkably came through to take the third 9-3. The fourth was much the same but Rich kept his head to take it 9-5 and the tie 3-1 to maintain his unbeaten record.

Simon was on the other court against Andy Fuller. Attempting to end his run of, some would say loose (ish) squash, Simon went for plan B which was to up the power a bit more, after all his motto is “if in doubt – hit it harder.” This had the following effect: The first was the slightly more erratic nature of the flight of the ball (given that all parts of the racket were used in an effort to gain more power ie frame, handle and occasionally strings). The second was that although not exactly tight, with the ball travelling at light speed Andy did have problems controlling his own shots. This gave Simon plenty of loose balls to put away. Too much pressure for Andy allowed Simon a fairly comfortable win 9-5, 9-6, 9-4. Was the ice cream in the bag?

Mark Smith followed Richard on, to play Paul Godwin. This had the makings of a good match, as both players are good runners. Sure enough the first couple of rallies saw some major running. Paul settled down quickly and made few errors. Although the rallies were tight it seemed Mark made the mistake first and allowed Paul to take the first 9-5. The second saw an immediate improvement in Mark’s game as he took control. Tight drives and playing short to move Paul about allowed Mark a convincing 9-1 to level it 1-1. The third was a marathon with both players running and retrieving superbly. A very entertaining and tense third saw Mark under pressure and after one unforced error he just had to check to see if his racket could fly. After retrieving it he got back into it to just steal it 10-8. Disaster for Mark in the fourth as he seemed to switch off and Paul took advantage with a quick and easy 9-3 win to level it 2-2. Pressure was on Mark for the fifth, as the match report for the first to lose (unless it’s me) will be harsh! The game started closely with both players chasing everything; then Mark sneaked a couple of points and stretched the lead to 7-3. Excellent battling by Paul saw around seven handouts at 7-3. Would Mark collapse under pressure. Nope. He came through to take the fifth 9-3 and the tie 3-2. Well played.

Jon Oakley was playing next door against Dave Moreau. Dave pulled some tricky shots out of the bag but struggled to match Jon’s game which has to be said was somewhat in disarray for most of the tie. Fortunately Jon was able to do enough to keep Dave under pressure and though by far not his best performance, (in fact joining Richard in the muppet club and even managing to look like Fozzy bear) he took the tie 9-5, 9-6, 9-7. A comfortable win but not enough to nick the ice cream from the captain’s grasp. Could Yorkie do it?

So here it was the last game; Paul York against John Ford. From the off John looked a threat to Yorkie, picking up his hard drives and well hit cross courts and returning them tight and to a good length. Yorkie struggled to find his own game and made loads of errors. Ears were blocked as Yorkie’s shrill cry of disdain was heard after every point as he lost the first 9-3. Encouragement from the captain (as the ice cream was now safely in the bag) during the break and words of wisdom such “hit it harder” had the desired effect. The second saw Yorkie make fewer mistakes and start to work John hard. This gave him the edge as he took it 9-5 to even things up. Much of the same for the next two games, with errors reducing even more and the cut drop shot working again, giving Yorkie them 9-6 and 9-5 to take the tie 3-1.

Another 5-0 win. Home next week to Ely where they have an ex pro playing 1 for them. Best of luck Yorkie. Take no prisoners.

Stamford now are really on a roll and confidence is high. Played 3, won 3 with everyone still undefeated. This was now generating its own pressure though as no one wants to be first to lose. St Ivo is the opposition tonight playing at their courts. Let the match begin!

Simon Barker was on first against Bob Taylor. Simon, still looking to find the same form shown through the summer, started ok, battled well and as usual ran for everything. Bob showed great recovery skills with an extraordinary reach enabling him to loaf at one side of the court, stretch out and pick off Simons tight shot hugging the other wall. Running became the issue and Simon just did enough to take the first 9-7. The second saw an even more determined Bob as he put Simon under pressure playing hard and low drives. Simon worked hard to retrieve but struggled to find a decent length and width (again) allowing Bob many chances to finish the points. This he did and took the second 9-5 to go 1-1. Copious advice/criticism/derision was again offered to Simon during the break which would have broken a lesser man, but not the captain as he came out fighting for the third. Better squash from Simon put Bob under too much pressure and allowed Simon a comfortable third 9-5. Much of the same in the fourth with Bob now tiring gave game to Simon 9-5 and the tie 3-1 to Stamford.

Richard Barker was on next door against Ian Hill. Richard had played superbly over the last few matches and expectations were high again tonight. As the match got under way though Ian’s awkward reverse angles caught Richard cold and flatfooted. Many a winner was played from this shot, as Richard could not settle into the game. The first to Ian 9-4. The second saw a more intense Richard as he endeavored to read Ian’s game. More accurate shots from Richard and now seeing some of the reverse angles saw him do enough to take the second 9-6. Still not comfortable with his game Richard again struggled in the third and good battling by Ian with some unorthodox shots thrown in was enough to take it 10-9. Richard now 2-1, struggling and panic setting in as he realised he could be the first to be beaten. Drawing upon all his dogged determination that has served him so well selling diggers he attacked the game and though never looking safe he took the fourth the level it 2-2. Disaster struck in the fifth for Ian as his legs gave out allowing to Richard to dominate and clean up 9-0 to take the tie 3-2.

Jonathon Oakley went next playing Malcolm White. Jon also started poorly lacking his normal fluidity around the court. Malcolm picked his shots and played some nice winners to secure the first 9-5. The break gave Jon chance to reassess his tactics. As the second began Jon’s movement was much improved and he took control of the rallies, moving Malcolm well and with few errors had a comfortable 9-1 win. The third saw a much closer game as both players played well, some good rallies but Jon just edged it 10-8. The fourth saw Malcolm run out of steam and Jon cruised through 9-1 and took the tie 3-1.

Mark Smith’s turn now against Gary Asquith. The tie started hard and fast with both players playing excellent squash. Rally after rally of tight driving, accurate boasting and some superb retrieving finally resulted in Mark just taking the first 10-9. The second was a carbon copy and at 9-9 you felt the odds would got to Gary, but no. Mark hitting an outstanding boast to take the second 10-9 to go 2-0 up. The third saw Mark relax just a little allowing Gary back in the tie to take it 9-6 and back to 2-1. Crisis now in the break as Mark complained of an injury. Was it all over, had Mark bottled it after two superb games? As they came out for the fourth the answer was soon apparent as Mark again played outstanding squash to destroy Gary 9-0 and take the tie 3-1. Was this the new, mentally stronger Smithy?? Time will tell!

Finally now was Paul York against Nigel Taylor. Nigel took the game to Yorkie attempting to blast him off the court but to no avail. Paul was too strong and was soon dominating with more than his fair share of nicks being hit. Accurate length and width hit with pace was too much for Nigel as Yorkie took the tie comfortably 9-2, 9-6, 9-4.

Another win for Stamford Green Man to go four in a row to sit clearly on top of the Cambs second division having yet to drop a tie. Now it’s talk of promotion; Div 1, up with the big boys. Come on!

Stamford were starting to feel a little more confident now after a great start to the season winning both games 5-0. Fenland however were in the same position with two 5-0 nil victories under their belt.

Richard Barker got the match under way for Stamford playing Tim Dean. Richard played very well in the previous two matches and was looking to maintain that form. From the start both players played good controlled squash rallying well and hitting accurately. Richard, looking a little more comfortable, was able to control the rallies and with Tim unable to find any winners found the game drifting away from him. Richard kept the pressure up making no unforced errors until he found himself winning the first 9-0. The second started the same with Tim trying to remain calm but unable to pick a point up. As Richard again started to pull away Tim finally found that elusive point. Would this open the floodgates? Richard though kept it steady and seemingly got more accurate and tighter and took the second 9-1 finishing on a lovely cross-court nick. The pressure was on Tim now as they started the third. As try as he did Tim though was unable to break Richard’s focus and consistency and dropped the third 9-1 giving Richard the tie 3-0. Outstanding squash from Richard clearly pressing for promotion within the team.

On the other court was Jon Oakley against Paul Kynoch. The first game saw Paul work Jon hard as he moved him around the court forcing a couple of errors early on. As Jon settled into it though the rallies evened up with Jon’s unorthodox cross court, short, slap shots at the front of the court picking him up a couple of points. Halfway through the first Jon started edging ahead and just did enough to take the first 9-7. The second saw Jon step the pressure up and although not as tight as normal Jon was able to do enough to work Paul hard enough to force the errors, and take the second 9-4. The third went the same way with Paul beginning to tire allowing Jon a more comfortable 9-3 win to take the tie 3-0.

Simon Barker on next against Andy Prendergast – a clash of the team captains. Both players began the game confidently with Simon again determined to break the land speed record for a squash ball but having little regard for accuracy. Andy started strongly taking advantage of a number of errors from Simon and moving to a 5-0 lead in the first. Simon fought hard to recover and finally pulled back to 8-8 only to hit another couple of tins to drop the first 10-8. The second saw a calmer more focused Stamford captain as he finally eased the power down. Some hard running from Simon and now hitting a better length and width enabled him to dominate the second taking it comfortably 9-1. The third saw Andy fighting hard to get back into the game and pressing Simon hard but failing to win the point when the opportunity arose, instead hitting the tin. A hard game but Simon doing enough to take it 9-5 to go 2-1 up. The fourth saw Andy again come out strong but with Simon still retrieving everything Andy’s resolve finally caved in and Simon took the fourth comfortably 9-0 and the tie 3-1.

Mark Smiths turn now as he found himself up against David Grant. Mark took control of the first from the off moving David from front to back, electing to play a selection of shots not recently seen the development of Mark’s boast. A hard first game but Mark moving well and playing accurate shots took it safely 9-4. David came out with a vengeance hitting hard and low, working Mark hard. Consistent retrieving and a cool head saw Mark through as he persevered to take a hard fought second 9-7. The third again started well but with David unable to keep the tempo high Mark took control again for another comfortable 9-2 win and the tie 3-0.

Last on again was Paul York against Jamie Wardley. Yorkie now fully fit (or should I say fully recovered from injury and reasonably fit) looked fluid and unhindered as he moved around the court. Jamie fought with tenacity but was unable to cope with Yorkie’s accuracy and power. Some excellent rallies followed but Yorkie consistently that bit tighter and finding the nick took the first 9-2. The next two games followed the same as Jamie struggled to contain Yorkie and put any pressure on him. Yorkie finally winning them 9-1, 9-0 and the tie 3-0.

Another excellent result from the team to go top of the table after three matches and talk of promotion was in the air – or are we soon to come crashing down?? Away to St Ives next week. Come On.

After last weeks excellent start to the season Stamford Green Man were confident and looking forward to tonight’s match. Again it was the Barker brothers that got the show under way.

Richard Barker was on against Mike Wilson. Richard started strongly looking sharp on court. Good court movement from Richard allowed him time on the ball and saw him playing to a consistent good length and width. Mike fought hard to stay with game but was under continual pressure causing too many errors securing the first for Richard 9-2. The next two games saw Richard again making very few errors, putting Mike under too much pressure resulting in Richard taking them 9-4 and 9-2. A solid start for Stamford winning the first tie 3-0.

Simon Barker was court next door playing Andy Newman. Andy proved a little unorthodox and as the first game got under way Simon was struggling to find form. However as the game progressed Simon began hitting a better length and used a very effective boast to work Andy around the court. This turned a close first game at the halfway point, with Simon comfortably taking it 9-5. The second game Simon dominated, moving well and hitting hard, giving no time for Andy to settle causing errors. 9-1 to Simon. Much of the same in the third with Andy now tiring provided Simon with a comfortable win 9-3 and the tie 3-0.

Next on was Mark Smith playing James Richardson. James looked good in the knock up and concerned looks from the balcony were noted amongst the Stamford players as to whether Mark would cope with James’s pace and accuracy. As the game got under way though the team relaxed as Mark overwhelmed James with tight shots, good length and his newly found boast proving it was no fluke after being magnificently demonstrated last week. Outstanding as Mark cruised through 9-1. The second game saw Mark in different form. Never before has 90 seconds (time between games) caused such a radical change in game plan. Mark came out confident that he could hit everything into the tin. To ensure this occurred he resorted to tactics such as framing the shot, allowing the ball to go past him as far as possible before attempting an impossible boast (not even the new improved boast could cope) and finally, completely missing the ball. Gasps of despair were heard from the balcony as he lost the second 9-2. With the pressure firmly on Mark now, much soul searching was required and again the 90 second break transformed Mark back into some semblance of a squash player as he started to compete and produce much better shots. As Mark relaxed he took control of the match comfortably winning the next two 9-1 and 9-3 taking the tie 3-1.

Jonathon Oakley (team fashion consultant) took on Dave Blexham. Jonathon was modelling a girly sweat absorbing top, which caused several breaks in the game as he had to re-adjust the label to ensure it was visible to all. This clearly unnerved Dave who was obviously not used to playing on a catwalk. Jon however was fired up for the game and played consistent, accurate squash, mixing it up and wrong footing Dave on a number of occasions. Dave was unable to cope with Jon’s domination on the court and was continually digging out of the corners or playing shots off balance. Such pressure gave Jon the tie 9-2, 9-2, 9-0.

Last on was Paul York against Chris Boswell. The knock up saw Yorkie hitting numerous nicks, leathering the ball as he attempted to intimidate Chris. This worked well! Chris was unable to cope with Yorkie’s power and accuracy and lost the first very quickly with Yorkie barely breaking sweat. Again though the 90 second break monster got Yorkie as he completely lost the plot and played the second “like a Muppet”. Chris took full advantage of the situation running out to an 8-3 lead in the second whilst Yorkie continually verbally abused himself throughout. At 8-3 down and finally some of the old magic re-appeared as he clawed his way back to 8-8. Excellent battling saw Yorkie eventually take the second 10-8. Yorkie was seen walking off court for the break, phone in hand, obviously needing to phone a friend. 2-0 up now and Chris, disheartened after losing the second, never got into the third. Yorkie’s phone call obviously worked (or was it 90 seconds of web surfing looking for pictures of ice cream), as he blasted his way to victory 9-0.

Another superb victory for the new boys in the Cambs leagues. Apologies go out to all opposing team members who have to suffer Yorkie’s detailed analysis as to what makes good ice cream, (self confessed guru on all things ice cream related). Concern was raised as to the amount of tasting required in the job as Yorkie took the “wide load” sticker off his arse.

After a couple of years of talking about it the Stamford 1st team finally got themselves into the Cambridge leagues where the squash is played to a higher standard. A convincing league win last year in the Peterborough leagues finally convinced us we need to move to the Cambs leagues; so here we are. 1st game of the season and a sense of uncertainty is in the air, not knowing how we will fair against the new opposition.

First up was the Barker brothers. Simon (team captain) was on against Phil Easton. The first game was closely fought with Phil demonstrating nice racket skills and forcing Simon around the court. Good running from Simon though and a telling ¾ court boast was enough to take the first. The pressures off now thought Simon as he was receiving worldly advice from Yorkie. How wrong, as Phil’s delicate short game had Simon scampering all over court in the second and in trouble. 1-1. Not to worry some more advice from Yorkie, Mark and a few others in the break saw Simon come out for the third in complete disarray. What a nightmare as Phil swept away to go 8-3 up. In an act of desperation Simon resorted to what he knows best. Blast it to the back as loose and with as little width as possible. A cunning plan completely fooling Phil and saw Simon fight back to 8-8. A marathon battle for the last two points finally saw Simon snatch it 10-9 to go 2-1 up. A big effort from Phil in the fourth was enough to make it 2-2 but for a severe fitness cost allowing Simon a comfortable win in the fifth to take the tie 3-2.

Richard was on the other court against Craig Scott. Richard started strongly playing good squash and looking sharp. Plenty of good running and some accurate shots from Richard gave him the first game. A much harder second game as Craig started to hit better shots and pulled away. A hard fight back from Richard showing excellent commitment brought the game to 8-8. With his confidence high now Richard hit some great shots to take the second 10-8. Again fitness started to tell in the third as Craig struggled with Richards speed around the court allowing Richard enough time to control the game to win the tie 3-0.

Jonathon Oakley on next against Steve Pottle. Jon started slowly looking a bit ring rusty after his lengthy summer holiday from work. Half a yard short for many shots and much looser than normal Jon was struggling to find form. After losing the first two 9-6 and 9-6 Yorkie offered some choice words of advice as to what he thought of Jon’s lack of desire to win. This seemed to spur Jon on as he began to attack the game, re-introducing the “Oakley slap” – a textbook shot where he wrong foots his opponent by playing a short cross court shot from a perfect straight drive position, and not seen since last season. Steve struggled to cope with Jon’s better width and length and began to suffer. 9-5 to Jon in the third. More of the same in the fourth saw Jon take that 9-3 to make it 2-2 and with Steve now struggling to stay with the pace Jon had a comfortable win the fifth to take the tie 3-2. An excellent comeback, which meant Stamford, had now won their first Cambs league match.

Mark Smith on court now against Duncan Fraser. The knock up identified Duncan as a wily player with a good selection of shots. As the first got under way though Mark stormed away. During the summer break we can only assume he has learnt a new shot called “the boast” and was determined to demonstrate it. The first game saw 8 consecutive winners from his new shot preventing Duncan from settling at all and taking the first 9-2. The second and third went the same way with Mark proving to fast around the court for Duncan and way to accurate and consistent with his shots. A comfortable win for Mark 3-0.

Yorkie on last and at 4-0 the pressure was on not to be the only team member to lose. Barry Smith was his opponent, a big hitter of the ball with also a good selection of shots. The first few points were tightly contested with both players hitting the ball crisply. As the rallies continued though Barry began making mistakes giving Yorkie the edge. A hard first game with Yorkie taking it 9-5. The second saw even more mistakes from Barry as tiredness started to creep in. Yorkie kept the pressure on drilling the ball to the back of the court and then dropping forcing Barry forward. With Barry’s legs going Yorkie took the second 9-2 and finished the third 9-1. Another excellent win 3-0 as Stamford won the tie 5-0. Home again next week – come on!