Archive for 2002

The tension in the car on the journey to Oakham was noticeable as Stamford attempted to put themselves in the final of the Peterborough cup. This was our third encounter against Oakham this season and though we had won the last two matches, they were both 3-2 and too close for any complacency tonight. Back to full strength, with Barker junior gracing us with an appearance, let the match begin.

Simon Barker on first against Ian Lidbetter. From the off it became apparent that Oakham wanted this match as badly as we did and Ian started very strongly. His tactics of cutting everything off early gave Simon no opportunity to settle into the match forcing errors from Simon and catching him with a lovely trickle boast. Consistency was the game from Ian as he took the first 9-6. The second game allowed Simon a little more time on the ball as Ian eased off, to his cost, as Simon cruised through 9-1. Disaster then occurred as Simon suffered a complete loss of confidence. Opportunities presented themselves to put the ball away but Simon tinned them with such regularity those watching complained of the noise. Had the pressure finally got to the Stamford captain as he threw away the third 9-5 (and his racket)? Simon 2-1 down – now Yorkie was busy trying to mark and bite his nails at the same time. The game break gave Simon time to regain his composure as he came out in the fourth looking more in control. Better squash from Simon, hitting to a length and moving Ian well saw the points rising to take the fourth 2-2. More of the same in the fifth, leaving Ian unable to get back into the game and a win for Simon 3-2. Way too close for those with a dickey ticker! 1-0 to Stamford.

Mark Smith on next against Dylan Ross. This was not looking good historically, as Mark was yet to beat Dylan. Mark though was on a high from his lucky victory in the Stamford club championships on Saturday evening, so anything could happen. The first saw Mark flying around the court, picking up everything and sending it back to Dylan with interest. Outstanding stuff from Mark as he took the first 9-6. The cost though was a severe sap on Marks energy and concentration as Dylan took control. Though some excellent squash was played, Mark was unable to contain Dylan as he went on to win the next three 9-0 9-1 9-1, levelling the match at 1-1.

Richard Barker on next against Mick Skuse. Mick was again fired up for the occasion and battled well for everything but Richard just did enough to take the first 9-6. The pressure (and a week off skiing again) suddenly hit Richard as he fell apart in the second playing – in his own words -“like a Muppet”. Errors abounded from Richard as Mick took advantage, finding his own form to hit a number of nicks and good width and length. 9-6 to Mick this time. The third went the same way with Richard struggling to raise his game allowing Mick control of the tee. 9-7 to Mick, now leading 2-1, with Richard in trouble and Yorkie with no fingernails now. This time it was Oakhams turn for disaster to hit as Mick lost his concentration and Richard found some aggression to storm through the fourth 9-0. 2-2 and it was a very tense time on the balcony. Both players started the fifth evenly, but as it progressed Richard gained the edge and pulled away to lead 7-2. Again the pressure told as mistakes crept in and Mick clawed it back to 7-7. Yorkie was now on drugs to keep his sanity and calm as Richard did everything to lose the match before recovering for two great winners to take the tie 9-7. Relief or what! 2-1 to Stamford.

Jon Oakley v Dave Battersby on next and with Yorkie’s form against Justin playing at 1 we had to win this match to go through. Jon though was looking very focused after some serious psyching up during the car journey. Again though the first game went badly for Stamford as Jon went down 9-2 playing short and loose, allowing Dave time to put the ball away. Tables turned in the second though as Jon got tighter and longer, playing much better squash he had Dave moving all over the court. 9-4 to Jon. Jon’s squash just got better as he took control of the court and it was only some excellent retrieving from Dave that kept him in the game. This was not enough though as Jon took the third 9-3. The fourth game saw some superb squash from both players as the rallies got harder and harder. Dave though could not rescue the situation and Jon went on to win 9-6 and the tie 3-1. Outstanding – Stamford 3-1 up and through to the final.

Yorkie was on last against his old adversary Justin. With lessons learnt from their last meeting Yorkie put them into practise, mixing it up and playing unorthodox shots trying to catch Justin out of position. This worked well allowing Yorkie to take the first 9-7. Justin though was now reading the game better. He made fewer mistakes playing a mixture of tennis, table tennis and the odd squash shot to put Yorkie in trouble taking the second 9-4. Yorkie was unable to change the run of play as Justin’s indomitable game did the business as he took the next two 9-5 and 9-0. The tie to Oakham 3-1 but the match to Stamford 3-2. Oundle in the final, come on!

The evening had arrived. However, this year did not have the familiarity of previous years gone by. The reason – Paul York was not in the Chase Cup final. Due to an ankle injury the nearest he got to the final this year was having the honour of scoring the match. Anyway, before the mens match there were a host of other entertaining games.

The event this year, being generously sponsored by Copperstore Ltd and Lolworth Hall Farms, began with the Copperstore Cup with 15 players vying for this coveted trophy. With everybody playing each other and playing with a handicap score there were several competitive encounters. Eamonn Treanor and Tim Prior played some aggressive squash and proved to be the early front runners, however it was Paul McCormick, Mick Lewis and Steve Brown whom eventually came out on top. Paul narrowly clinched a place in the final over Mick. Steve last years champion, played Paul in a close final but Steve used all of last years experience and retained the cup for another year coming out on top 2 games to 1.

Unfortunately John Mitchell turned up injured and since he had reached two finals this created an unexpected clash for his rivals. Namely, Graham Wright (Veterans Plate Final) and Eric Wilson (Mens Plate Final). An exhibition match was decided to be played between the two whilst John watched the match from the balcony thinking of what could have been. And what a match it was. It was Eric who stormed off with the first game leaving Graham to wake up a bit more! The following games proved to be a closer affair. Both gentlemen used there many years of experience (yes, many!) to push the other around the court. Eric as usual calling for the most outrageous of lets and strokes – always knowing that he’ll never be given one because he’s invariably languishing elsewhere on the court to where the ball is! From the balcony amongst the crowd was another old wily campaigner, Roy Grundy, who has had so many operations on his knee he can no longer play, but in his youth he’s had many a battle with Eric and you couldn’t help but see that smile when Eric yelled for a shot that he would never reach – the memories. Enough of this blast from the past, the match could still swing either away, though as the match went on you sensed that Graham was looking the fitter. However, Eric had a revival in the 5th game and Graham gave him a lead he was unable to recover from. Eric was the winner.

On the next court was the battle for the Handicap Vivian Cup. Only one thing was certain in this match – Mr. Smith was going to win it! This was a close match between Mark Smith and Paul Smith (no, they’re not related). This turned out to be the tightest match of the night (good handicapping) and provided much entertainment for the crowd. Neither player was giving an inch, but in the end there is always a winner and Mark sneaked it to win 3-2. Mark now had plenty of time to recover for the Chase Cup later in the evening!

Next up was Roger Banks v John Fields in the Handicap Plate Final. This proved an interesting competition between the delicate touch of Roger and the power of John. Rogers athleticism and brilliant retrievals tested John to the full, but the full range of Johns shots saw him take the trophy 3-1.

The Veterans Cup saw the resumption of a long time duel between Mike Ferreira and Paul Redfern, these two having played each other in the previous two years.

Despite Paul playing some neat and tight squash Mike again took the title 3-0. Mike now equals Jim Cochrane in the number of times he has won the Veterans Cup (5 times, 1998-2002)- will he overtake him next year?

Finally it was the one everyone had been waiting for. Paul York (last years winner) was marking. It was a battle of the steady play of Mark Smith (who was still seen licking his wounds after last years loss against Paul), and the whack and run of Simon Barker. Mark seemed to have fully recovered from his earlier match and if anything seemed to have warmed him up nicely for this match!

Simons aggression and power was subdued by Marks tight game making Simon work very hard and producing unforced errors. Simon kept looking to the balcony for inspiration but unfortunately his brother (Richard) was nowhere to be seen.

Richard heard that Simon had reached the finals and decided to get out of the country knowing that the Barkers name was at stake! So it proved, Simon at one stage in danger of losing the third 9-0. However, he managed to gain a point to start a comeback which never happened! Mark staying calm throughout claimed his second trophy of the evening 3-0.

After the matches it was down to the Daniel Lambert for a few drinks and the presentation of the trophies.

The trophies were presented by Michael Ferreira Jnr who had flown in especially from America and cheered his dad to victory in the Veterans Cup!

Mike the Veterans winner collects the winning trophy form his son, Michael

This was the final league game of the season and pending a complete catastrophe it was mathematically impossible for us to lose the league championship. Missing one of my star players namely Barker junior (skiing again) Simon (no nerves) Richardson did the honours and stood in. So on we go.

First on was that man, Simon Richardson, looking a little tense, playing Si Cockbill. “No problem Simon,” I reassured him; “have you seen the brace your opponent has on his knee.” And it was some brace. Took two people to lift it on, then he needed a hand to stand up. This failed to help as Simon had previously had a couple of nasty experiences; these were, playing a one armed man, he got completely trounced, closely followed by a trouncing from a girl and then to wrap up a memorable three weeks he was 27 loved. Needless to say his confidence was shattered and much needed counselling was sought. The brace his opponent was wearing brought back some horrific memories for him. Anyway I digress. Once on court true to form Simon immediately went to pieces playing like a complete donkey. Keen to take advantage Si Cockbill stormed away in the first hobbling after some very loose and short shots from Simon and killing the ball. One game down and Simon was in trouble. After a quick phone call to the Samaritans during the break, he came on looking calmer and more focused. A close second ensued and at 9-9 the pressure was on but Simon came through to take it 10-9. Phew! More relaxed now Simon was able to take advantage and took the next two a little easier to secure the tie 3-1.

On next door was Simon Barker against Martin Priestly. Simon was just too strong for Martin, putting him under a lot of pressure, blasting everything around the court and taking the tie comfortably.

Mark Smith was on next against Richard Woolveridge. A tricky player playing lots of short shots made Mark work for his points but excellent retrieving and tight squash saw Mark comfortably through 3-0.

Jon Oakley on now against Jim Bryan. Jon having an evening of crisis’ was focused on everything except squash and struggled from the off. Jim playing some good shots hitting wide and to a length took the first. Jon fought back in the second relying on his speed around the court that just did enough for him to take the second. The third was close all the way but Jim had the edge with an excellent short game and took it 10-8. The fourth saw Jon on trouble and unable to recover Jim won it 9-4 and the tie 3-1.

Last on was Yorkie against Justin Fowler. From the start Yorkie dominated the Tee working Justin very hard, moving all around the court. Good battling from Justin kept him in the rallies but at a cost. Losing the first 9-4 he struggled from there in with Yorkie taking the next two comfortably 9-0 and 9-2 and the tie 3-1.

So the end of the leagues with Stamford winning Div 1 by a very comfortable margin. Semi-finals of the cup on Monday against Oakham.

Trininty College are National Champions for 4th year running and here are some links to other articles from earlier in the season.

Although Stamford won the away leg earlier in the season it was a close contest and the return match at home was expected to be the same. Mark Smith normally playing at 2 had deserted us, away skiing, however a suitable replacement in Adrian Chappell was brought in off the subs bench.

Simon Barker was on first against Mick Skuse. A lively first game ensued with both players running well and generating some long rallies. Simon, having the edge on fitness, managed to stay on top of the rallies and kept Mick under pressure to take the first. A comfortable second for Simon as Mick was conserving energy for a third game fight back. It nearly went to plan as Mick stormed away in the third to go 5 points up. Simon regained his composure though and fought back to eventually take the third 9-6 and the tie 3-0.

Adrian Chappell on the court next door playing Ian Lidbetter (an old adversary from the days when squash rackets were made of wood and Jonah Barrington was at school). It took a while to get the game going as Adrian needs a good warm up nowadays to prevent serious injury. So eventually they’re off and Adrian had a flying start playing good controlled squash (so easy with these big rackets they use today) and moving Ian well. A sound short game from Adrian proved too much for Ian as Adrian took the first 9-2. The second saw a sharper Ian as he made fewer mistakes and got right back into it. Tight rallying and good running from Ian saw a close second but Adrian just did enough to steal it 9-7. The third saw Ian struggling for fitness allowing Adrian too much time on the ball and with plenty of options put Ian in too much trouble. A safe third for Adrian to take the tie 3-0.

Richard Barker on next against Dave Battersby. This was expected to be the tie that decided the match and pressure was on Richard to perform. Eager not to disappoint and aware of repercussions in the bar afterwards Richard did all that was asked playing tight controlled squash, working hard and keeping the mistakes to a minimum. This was too much for Dave as Richard strolled the first 9-2. Dave came out with intent in the second and kept it even at first until Richards steady game again proved Dave’s downfall as he lost the second 9-6. The third went exactly the same with again Dave’s concentration failing him toward the end of the game allowing Richard to take comfortable the last couple of points to take the game 9-7 and the tie 3-0.

Jon Oakley against Dylan Ross was the next match. Jon promoted to number 2 for the night was well up for this match claiming “sure he’s a good player but I reckon I can take him…..” As the game got under way it became apparent that this comment was possibly a tad optimistic as Dylan’s pace proved a handful for Jon to handle. The first went quickly with Jon failing to get into the match and stop Dylan dominating the T. 9-4 to Dylan. Enter the master (Yorkie) with some top advice. Jon started the second looking somewhat bewildered and not the relaxed, nylon attired crooner we are accustomed to. Again Dylan’s pace was too much forcing short and loose squash from Jon. A comfortable game for Dylan to go 2-0 up. Prior to the third Jon was seen giving himself a stiff talking to which clearly worked as he came out a new player for the third. Tighter squash played to a much better length had Dylan reeling as Jon imposed his new found confidence. Dylan regained his composure and an excellent third game was seen. Entertaining squash from both took the game to 8-8. A sudden lack of concentration from Jon proved very costly allowing Dylan in to take the last 10-8 and the tie 3-0.

Last on was Paul York against Justin Bouberry. Justin’s unique style has caused many a squash player untold frustration and difficulty and Yorkie had been no exception. Tonight however saw a new game plan. Bodyline serves and unorthodox shots were the order of the day from Yorkie in an effort to disrupt Justin’s outstanding short game. Five games of entertaining and frustrating squash followed as Yorkie tried everything to get in control. At 2-2 it was so tight and as they came out for the last it could have gone either way. Again though, concentration proved Stamfords downfall as Yorkie made too many errors and Justin took full advantage. Too far behind now Yorkie was unable to recover from the errors as Justin took the game 9-3 and the tie 3-2. An excellent game with much learning done by Yorkie; the rematch in a fortnight (at Oakham) in the cup semi-finals will be very interesting.

One more league match to end the season with league victory looking very promising and the cup semi final to come.

Campion won 9-2, 9-4, 10-8 in 37 minutes. Tania led 6-1 in the third and had game ball at 8-5 but Campion pulled it back to take the match. “Tania played really well tonight, so I am pleased to have got through,” said world No4 Campion afterwards. “I really had to hang in during the third to sneak it.”

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