Archive for October, 2002
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!