Archive for February, 2002

Tania had a good win against Linda Charman-Smith in the Quarter-finals – 9/7, 4/9, 9/1, 9/1 – and is now due to meet Cassie Campion in the semi-final.

Squash Talk do a PROFILE of Tania.

Fresh from a 3-2 victory over March in the cup ¼ finals last week, Stamford were back again; this time for a league game. It also gave our “top” two players (Yorkie and Mark) a chance to redeem themselves after both suffering crushing defeats in the cup match. So let the match begin.

Simon Barker on first against big hitter Adi Powter. The first game under way it soon became apparent that Simons squash had not miraculously got any tighter over the weekend and saw him playing consistent short and loose squash. Fortunately this was masked by his lightening speed around the court, as he was in fact a blur! This caused some confusion to Adi as he attempted to hit the ball where his opponent wasn’t. This proved tricky because although he did just that and hit where Simon wasn’t, on many occasion Simon still hadn’t finished running for the last shot and ended up massively out of position but by chance where Adi had chosen to hit the ball to. Excellent. Thus Simon amazingly took the first. Similar stuff in the second, and with Adi totally lost as to where Simon may end up, also caused him to make unforced errors. So 2-0 to Simon. The third game saw Adi come out with all guns blazing, taking advantage of Simon’s loose squash and flattening the ball with every shot. This proved to be top tactics as the ball was rolling along the floor by the time it reached Simon giving him no opportunity to get moving. A quick third put Adi back in it 2-1 down. Fitness told though as the efforts in the last caught up with Adi. Simon took control again taking the third comfortably with a semblance of decent squash. 3-1 to Stamford.

Richard Barker was on court next door against Tom Randal. Some entertaining rallies ensued with both players running well and producing a close first game with Richard stealing it 9-7. The second saw Richard moving quicker, (having loosened the arthritis in the first), putting Tom under pressure by taking the ball early and hitting to the back of the court. Good squash enabled Richard to take the second comfortably 9-1. The third saw a fight back from Tom but Richard did enough to stay ahead securing the tie 3-0.

Jon Oakley was on next against Avi Warren. This was a rematch from the cup-tie with Jon confidant of repeating the 3-0 result. The match started with Jon moving well, having only just recovered from getting a nasty electric shock from his nylon shorts. Avi, not looking confident, made too many unforced errors never putting any pressure on Jon, allowing him to dictate the game. Good running though by Avi in the first, kept it tight but Jon’s short game again was enough to take the first 9-6. Stronger play by Jon in the second allowed him to totally dominate the game playing tight squash and hitting to a good length. 9-0 in the second with Jon cruising. Avi couldn’t get back in the game and the third went the same way 9-1 and 3-0 to Jon. Stamford now 3-0 up.

Mark Smith up against Ed Lefure. This was the next re-match from the cup-tie with Mark aiming to reverse the scoreline. This match produced some excellent squash. Consistent superb retrieving from tight shots kept the rallies going on and on, both players working very hard. Concentration again cost Mark as he made the error first during too many rallies. Ed took the first 9-5 and improved on it in the second with some excellent drops, as Mark got frustrated to take it 9-2. With the pressure on Mark as he came out for the third, he battled superbly and led the third with some good thinking and quality shots right up to 7-7. Ed looking tired, played a couple of loose shots giving Mark the chance for the kill but they were missed and tinned. Very costly as Ed recovered enough to steal the third 9-7 and the tie 3-0.

Last on was Yorkie, also up for revenge after being taken apart by Matt Fiveash in the cup game. Yorkie suitably psyched up, started well hitting good clean cut backhand drop winners with Matt just that split second off the pace. Keeping the pressure on, Yorkie took the first 9-2. The second saw Matt step up a gear as he took the ball earlier. This put Yorkie on the back foot and at the back of the court. Hard rallying with both players now taking the ball as early as possible, Matt just did enough to take the second 9-7. With the pace starting to tell on Yorkie in the third, “Errors” was the cry as he hit one to many tins. Matt took advantage of a couple of easy winners to go 2-1 up. The fourth saw Yorkie find his second wind and get himself back into the game. More hard rallies followed with one marathon rally that hurt both players. Matt though retained the edge and just did enough to take the tie 3-1.

Disappointment from the top two Stamford players but the lower order stalwarts did the business as Stamford took the tie 3-2. Oakham at home next in the league. Should be another close tie.

Yorkshire’s Jenny Tranfield provided the only shock in the women’s first round, outlasting Tania Bailey and clinching the fifth set 9/7 after 84 minutes. It wasn’t subtle squash, with Tania clearly not yet back to match-fitness slugging it out with the dogged Tranfield, but it was an enthralling and entertaining match. The scoreline: 9/5, 5/9, 10/9, 4/9, 9/7

This match was postponed from 11th February and the tension was in the air but to cut a long story short, I’ll just quote the Captain: ‘The duffers at the top of the order lost (namely Paul York and Mark Smith) but the ever reliable Barker brothers and Jonny boy did the business’.

For those of you that like a bit more statistical information, Paul lost 3-0 as did Mark – they really were duffers weren’t they!

Jonathan Oakley had a comfortable victory winning 3-0 and the Barker brothers, Rich and Simon, dropped just a single game each to win 3-1, merely teasing there opponents it would seem!

Hopefully the semi-final will prove just as successful. Come on Stamford!!

Just when we thought Jon Oakley’s shorts could get no worse he pulls another pair from the bag (or was it the New Look catalogue). Why he chose to wear his wife’s shorts (which would be figure hugging on a size 10) is beyond comprehension. His explanation – “I had a bit of a hamstring twinge”. Tight they were! Linfords lunchbox they weren’t! So onto the match.

Richard Barker on first against Andy Chatterton. A close first game ensued with Richard playing steady squash, rallying well with some good lobs. Andy stuck in well working hard but just lost the first 10-8 to Richard. Richard relaxed a little too much in the second and began being frustrated with Andy’s long pause between serves. Lost concentration and making too many mistakes allowed Andy back in the match and it was 1-1. The third game Richard took control and found himself with time on the ball. Numerous chances came with Richard having the option of playing any one of his four shots, before choosing the fifth option and putting it in the tin. Andy though couldn’t take advantage of these errors and Richard took the third and fourth comfortably to win the tie 3-1.

Next court was team captain Simon Barker against Chez Allemanno. A closely fought tie with both players running for everything. Some excellent retrieving by both players and with Simon failing to hit anything tighter than about 10 inches from the wall the rallies kept going. The first two games went to the wire with Simon stealing both 10-8. Some good finishing from Chez in the third put him back in the match as he took it 9-5. Words of encouragement from Yorkie to Simon went along the lines of: “Don’t just leather the ball, think where you’re hitting it!!” Thanks Yorkie. Anyway it must have had some effect as Simon ran Chez down in the fourth to win 9-2 and the tie 3-1.

Jon (and his lycra shorts) Oakley was on next against Peter Hand. Always a tough opponent to play Peter started strongly with an array of deft short shots and some tight retrieving. Jon though moving faster round the court soon got to grips with Peters style and picked up most of the short balls often playing an equally deft short shot. This short game was too much for Peter with Jon playing consistently accurate and tight shots. A comfortable victory for Jon winning 3-0 and not a sign of Jon’s alleged hamstring twinge, (or was it just an excuse to venture into the wearing of women’s clothes)? Hmmm!

So with the match in the bag it left Mark Smith and Yorkie under no pressure. Mark up against Ed Hale. Mark just took the away leg 3-2 so this had the makings of a good tie. The first two games were somewhat bizarre with Mark winning the first 9-1 then losing the second 9-1. The third though saw some good squash with Mark digging in well and both players working hard to stay in the rallies. Steady play and concentration saw Mark through making fewer mistakes than Ed and securing the third 10-8. Much of the same in the fourth saw Mark come through again 10-8 to win the tie 3-1. Another good result for Stamford now 4-0 up with only Yorkie to play.

Fired up and ready to go (fully recovered from making some interesting marking decisions during Richards match), Paul York was on against Jonathon Hand. Yorkie started well, taking advantage of uncharacteristic, unforced errors from Jonathon and with some lucky nicks took the first 10-8. Jon changed tactics, now playing slow and lifting lots of high balls. Yorkie, struggling to reach was under pressure and the errors crept in. Jonathon’s game got tighter and shorter making it very difficult for Paul to generate pace. Drifting into Jonathon’s game cost him dearly as he lost the next two 9-4 and 9-2. Determined to put up a fight Yorkie stepped up the pace blasting everything but was too loose to cause Jon any problems who wrapped up the tie 9-0 and in the end a comfortable 3-1 win.

A good win for Stamford as the road to league victory continues. March away on Thursday in the cup 1/4 finals. This match will prove to be a real challenge as already rumours are abound that world ranked players are being drafted in to beat Yorkie and co. Still with Yorkie back in training and on the “special” York diet (at least two chocolate, cream and ice cream puds) to go with roast Sunday lunch washed down with a vat of a low fat red wine we should have no fears!!

On the rebound from a bruising defeat by Oundle, Stamford were in good spirits (even Yorkie) and looking forward to a hard match against last years league winners Cottesmore.

A First on court for Stamford was Richard Barker fresh from a “working” weekend in Spain where absolutely no alcohol was consumed – not. He was playing Graham Taylor who proceeded to work Richard hard retrieving well and keeping the rallies going. Richard unable to find a short shot was dragged into Grahams game rallying to the back of the court. Consistent squash from Graham was enough to secure the first two games as Richard, ½ a yard off the pace made the errors. Enlightening advice from the Stamford captain at the end of the second re-focused Richard and a hard battle ensued in the third. Richard running for everything and hitting with more power put enough pressure on Graham to take the third. 2-1 down and Richard needed to keep this pressure up but alas to many san-miguels finally took their toll and Graham secured the tie comfortably 3-1.

Jon Oakley was on the other court against Andy Suddards – an unknown quantity. Jon, down to his last 30 pairs of grey, high cut, circa 1970 nylon football shorts was slow to start and Andy took full advantage. Playing a good length then forcing Jon forward with the short ball won Andy a high proportion of points in the first two games as Jon struggled to move forward. 2-0 down Jon struggled to get into it but dogged perseverance finally paid off as he finally found his legs. Half way through the third and Jon stepped up a gear putting Andy under pressure and it was Andy’s turn to be caught by the short ball. The third game to Jon and the fourth went the same with Jon comfortably in control moving Andy well around the court. 2-2 and the fifth saw Andy come out fired up. Nip and tuck through and with Jon facing match ball at 8-7 elected to play the most unorthodox return of service ever witnessed at match ball down, (reverse angle clearing the tin by about 2 cm) to gasps of horror from the balcony (and Andy). Luck favours the er.. brave? and Jon served out the match to win 10-8 in the fifth. It was later discovered the reason for Jons slow starting was down to a very healthy steak pie dinner eaten 40 minutes before going on court. Good to see match preparation going well Jon!

With the match at 1-1, Mark Smith against Jon Nicholls was expected to be a crucial tie. Jon taking the tie at Cottesmore, Mark was up for revenge. A strong start from Jon playing tight squash forced Mark into difficult retrieving. Mark though ran for everything and though under pressure also worked Jon hard. A close first but Jon took it just having the edge. The second saw Mark take control, taking the ball early and moving Jon to front then back. The pressure was too much for Jon with Mark taking the next two games comfortably leading now 2-1. The fourth saw a resurgence of energy from Jon as he fought back leading most of the way. At 8-6 down Mark found some excellent finishing shots to clean up 10-8 and take the tie 3-1.

Captain Simon Barker on now, up against an old adversary in Bill McTaggart. History was on Simon’s side as many encounters previously had always gone in Simon’s favour. However, with nothing certain in this game (except Mark Smith and an injury when defeat looks certain, Jon Oakley and dire fashion on court, and Yorkie never owning a motor bike) Simon worked hard from the start endeavouring to keep Bill on the back foot and under pressure. This paid dividends and though Bill played to a sound game plan, working Simons backhand continuously, it wasn’t enough to affect the result as Simon took the tie 3-0.

With the match effectively won for Stamford it just remained for Paul York to play Bez Beresford. An excellent match was anticipated with a full balcony watching. The first game going as expected with both players playing tight shots and excellent drops. Hard rallies through the first took the game to 7-7 when Yorkie suddenly found himself winning an easy 2 points to take the first 9-7. As the second started it became apparent that Bez was in trouble and after only a couple of points had to retire looking very pale and tired. The onset of a bug it appears.

So an excellent match result 4-1 for Stamford. Quarter-final cup game next week against March (away).

On the rebound from a bruising defeat by Oundle, Stamford were in good spirits (even Yorkie) and looking forward to a hard match against last years league winners Cottesmore.

A First on court for Stamford was Richard Barker fresh from a “working” weekend in Spain where absolutely no alcohol was consumed – not. He was playing Graham Taylor who proceeded to work Richard hard retrieving well and keeping the rallies going. Richard unable to find a short shot was dragged into Grahams game rallying to the back of the court. Consistent squash from Graham was enough to secure the first two games as Richard, ½ a yard off the pace made the errors. Enlightening advice from the Stamford captain at the end of the second re-focused Richard and a hard battle ensued in the third. Richard running for everything and hitting with more power put enough pressure on Graham to take the third. 2-1 down and Richard needed to keep this pressure up but alas to many san-miguels finally took their toll and Graham secured the tie comfortably 3-1.

Jon Oakley was on the other court against Andy Suddards – an unknown quantity. Jon, down to his last 30 pairs of grey, high cut, circa 1970 nylon football shorts was slow to start and Andy took full advantage. Playing a good length then forcing Jon forward with the short ball won Andy a high proportion of points in the first two games as Jon struggled to move forward. 2-0 down Jon struggled to get into it but dogged perseverance finally paid off as he finally found his legs. Half way through the third and Jon stepped up a gear putting Andy under pressure and it was Andy’s turn to be caught by the short ball. The third game to Jon and the fourth went the same with Jon comfortably in control moving Andy well around the court. 2-2 and the fifth saw Andy come out fired up. Nip and tuck through and with Jon facing match ball at 8-7 elected to play the most unorthodox return of service ever witnessed at match ball down, (reverse angle clearing the tin by about 2 cm) to gasps of horror from the balcony (and Andy). Luck favours the er.. brave? and Jon served out the match to win 10-8 in the fifth. It was later discovered the reason for Jons slow starting was down to a very healthy steak pie dinner eaten 40 minutes before going on court. Good to see match preparation going well Jon!

With the match at 1-1, Mark Smith against Jon Nicholls was expected to be a crucial tie. Jon taking the tie at Cottesmore, Mark was up for revenge. A strong start from Jon playing tight squash forced Mark into difficult retrieving. Mark though ran for everything and though under pressure also worked Jon hard. A close first but Jon took it just having the edge. The second saw Mark take control, taking the ball early and moving Jon to front then back. The pressure was too much for Jon with Mark taking the next two games comfortably leading now 2-1. The fourth saw a resurgence of energy from Jon as he fought back leading most of the way. At 8-6 down Mark found some excellent finishing shots to clean up 10-8 and take the tie 3-1.

Captain Simon Barker on now, up against an old adversary in Bill McTaggart. History was on Simon’s side as many encounters previously had always gone in Simon’s favour. However, with nothing certain in this game (except Mark Smith and an injury when defeat looks certain, Jon Oakley and dire fashion on court, and Yorkie never owning a motor bike) Simon worked hard from the start endeavouring to keep Bill on the back foot and under pressure. This paid dividends and though Bill played to a sound game plan, working Simons backhand continuously, it wasn’t enough to affect the result as Simon took the tie 3-0.

With the match effectively won for Stamford it just remained for Paul York to play Bez Beresford. An excellent match was anticipated with a full balcony watching. The first game going as expected with both players playing tight shots and excellent drops. Hard rallies through the first took the game to 7-7 when Yorkie suddenly found himself winning an easy 2 points to take the first 9-7. As the second started it became apparent that Bez was in trouble and after only a couple of points had to retire looking very pale and tired. The onset of a bug it appears.

So an excellent match result 4-1 for Stamford. Quarter-final cup game next week against March (away).