Archive for 2004

This was the last match of the first half of the season with Stamford having a fairly mediocre season so far. Injuries and unavailability’s hit the team hard for this match leaving team captain Yorkie no option but to recruit arch enemies from ex Peterborough Town (Peter and Jon Hand and Neil Hoskins), who have finally seen the light and decided to join Stamford – the premier club in the East of England!

First match on saw Peter Hand playing at 5. Peter had a good start playing some effective shots but too many errors cost him the first. Playing with more composure in the second he took control moving his opponent well and using his short game to good effect. Consistency throughout, with few unforced errors allowed him a comfortable 3-1 victory. Well played Peter and the first tie to Stamford.

On the court next door Richard Barker playing at 4 was having a tough battle. Playing a very rangy player, Richard struggled to find his width and length in the first and was punished for it. One down, and the second began in the same vein. Halfway through though and Richard finally found form, hitting good length and putting pressure on his opponent. Richard did enough to secure the second and the game was on. The third started evenly before a couple of errors from Richard saw him drift away a couple of points. This proved too much to recover for Richard as he went 2-1 down and was back under pressure. Richard just couldn’t raise his game enough to dominate the T and always under pressure he finally succumbed to his opponent. An excellent game with some good rallies. The match now at 1-1.

Next on at 3 was Simon Barker. The first game was closely contested but Simon never settled down and struggled to find any form, finally losing it 10-9. Confident that his game would improve Simon started the second well taking a 4 point lead before breaking a string in his racket. This seemed to destroy all confidence built up and a change of racket changed his fortunes as he went on to lose the second 9-7. Frustration took hold in the third and Simon was unable to maintain concentration, focus and most of the other attributes required to play a decent game of Squash. Simon finally lost it 9-6 and the tie 3-0. A very disappointed Simon was later found sawing up his racket in order that it would fit on the fire!

Next door was Neil “Psycho” Hoskin playing at 2. This was always going to be a tough match for Neil. The first saw both players start strongly playing some good entertaining rallies with excellent retrieving. Neil though was just edged out and just lost a close first game. The second saw much of the same but Neil stepping up the pace a little to his advantage, gave him the edge as he snuck the second. 1-1. The third was another tough one, both players working hard and moving well around the court. Again though Neil just nicked it to go 2-1 up. The fourth saw Neil come out on fire as he fired the ball around the court with power and accuracy leaving his opponent dead in the water for a comfortable 9-1 win and the tie 3-1.

Last on court were the number ones. Jonathon Hand for Stamford playing an old adversary Andy Whitham. Jon went straight in going for the short game winners but Andy was up to it, retrieving exceptionally well and hitting excellent length and soooo tight! Jon worked hard but always under pressure lost the first two. The third saw Jon pick the pace up, and with nothing to lose now found confidence in his shots playing some devastating short and long drops, not allowing Andy in the game, as Jon fought back with some great squash to level the tie 2-2. All to play for in the fifth. Jon though had clearly left his head outside the court though as everything he did went wrong. Tight serving from Andy won a succession of points and as Jons frustration got worse more errors crept in allowing Andy a comfortable 9-3 win in the fifth, to take the tie and the match 3-2.

9 points were rescued by Stamford from an expected drubbing by one of the top teams in the league. However disappointment was notable as a better performance from Barker snr and a bit of luck in the Jons and Richards game could have turned the match to a convincing Stamford win. An opportunity now though, as xmas approaches, to eat and drink heavily in preparation for the second half of the season.

Stamford beaten comfortably….

Diego Asturies v John Hand 9/6 , 9/0 , 9/2 (1sts)
Neil Rossin v Adrian Hargreaves 9/0 , 9/5 , 9/3 (2nds)
Adam Stevenson v Paul York 9/0 , 9/0 , 9/0 (3rds)
Joel Rothwell v Neil Hoskins 10/8 , 9/4 , 9/3 (4ths)
Nathan Mattick v Richard Barker 9/2 , 10/8 , 9/3 (5ths)

Another win for Stamford

James Trewick v Paul Birket 9/1 , 9/6 , 9/4 (1sts)
Paul York v Neville Macknish 9/2 , 9/3 , 9/6 (2nds)
Mark Smith v Nick Sabey 7/9 , 9/4 , 9/7 , 3/9 , 9/1 (3rds)
John Oakley v Malc White 9/1 , 9/7 , 9/0 (4ths)
Richard Barker v Mac Mckenzie 9/0 , 9/4 , 9/1 (5ths)

Confidence in the team had improved after last weeks sound thrashing of Haverhill and we looking for another win away to Crown Lodge.

First on tonight was Smithy playing a very lovely GIRL Stephanie Marriot. Smithy in his haste to get hot and sweaty with her was on court playing when the rest of the team arrived (delayed by the sudden incredible need for James Treweek to get his skis sorted at Tallington?? Rush hour and trains crossing???? And he seemed surprised to receive a barrage of abuse reminding him that he had set the team back by at least 30 minutes causing significant stress to the driver (Richard B). Anyway I digress. We arrived (late) to see Smithy getting a right good tonking by Steph who looked very glamorous modelling her squash kit whilst gracefully moving Smithy from corner to corner, back of the court to the front. Smithy being the gent he is, took it on himself to play some “woeful” squash managing to make Steph look awesome! After being stuffed in the first and second, advice was supplied to step the pace up to which Smithy was heard to say, “my legs have gone”. Fortunately Steph had some nice legs for the lads to admire as Smithy was seen ricocheting around the court in a mad frenzy attempting to save a 3-0 hiding by a GIRL. It was clear now that Steph felt sorry for him as she let him back into the match making a few unforced errors whilst applying lippy. Smithy took full advantage and managed to sneak the next two bringing the tie 2-2. Having had a quick freshen up and manicure (split a nail in the fourth struggling with cap on her lipstick) in the 90 second break Steph was back on court for the fifth looking very fit. Concerned that that her mascara may start to run if she started to sweat too much Steph started strong in the fifth and soon had Mark in trouble again. A few quick kills at the front of the court and it was all over. 9-3 to Steph. Smithy was devastated. Whooped by a GIRL.

Next on court was Richard playing Sammy Chambers – a very useful 12 year old. As they went on court confidence was high for Richard as Sammy struggled to lift an adult racket. Still as they started knocking up Sammy got used to it and managed to hit a couple back. The first game saw Richard floating the ball around the court as Sammy found his form and played some good length, accurate squash. Rich struggling to hit any winners just failed to do enough in the first and Sammy nicked it 10-8. The second and third saw Richard controlling the court and putting Sammy under a lot of pressure (but he didn’t cry or tell his dad) as he had comfortable 9-2, 9-2 wins. The fourth though turned and Richard was again on the back foot as Sammy hit good accurate shots to take it 9-4. Pressure was on Richard now in the fifth. Sammy had to get a move on as it was way past his bedtime but in his haste hit too many tins allowing Richard back into the match for a 9-5 victory and the tie 3-2.

Next on was Simon fresh from a tough competition in Portsmouth playing Mike Watts. From the outset though it was clear that Simon had left 90% of his squash ability in Portsmouth – playing short, loose and in the tin. Hang on though – isn’t that his normal game? Some interesting squash saw Simon attempting the world speed record for a squash ball which he may have attained had he not buried so many in the tin! Mike picked most of the ones that came back to him off for easy winners securing the first 9-3. Simon relaxed more in the second and managed to rally back slowing the pace and with plenty of running took the second 9-4. Another crisis in the third saw Simon fall apart and lose 9-2. Following on from the second the fourth saw Mike having a breather as Simon took it easily 9-1. So into the fifth and the only decent game of the tie as both players played reasonable well together. Some good rallies but Simon finally succumbed 10-8 to lose 3-2.

Yorkie’s turn to do the business as captain. He was playing Robin Attlesey. As the first began this was clearly a mismatch as Yorkie was hitting shots at will, under no pressure and was completely in charge. 9-0 and 9-0 saw yet another 27-0 opportunity for Yorkie. But a couple of errors and it went, as he romped home 9-4 and 3-0. Well-played captain!

Finally on court was James Treweek who having sorted his skis was clearly in a relaxed frame of mind – joshing with the guys on how his boss had threatened to “break his neck”. It’s a tough job running a gym! Anyway I digress again. James was playing Robert Murfett. Rob began playing some nice squash, hitting a good width and moving James well but here James was in his forte as he bounced around the court like a gazelle retrieving some “irretrievable” shots. Rob couldn’t deal with the pace and soon James was able to control the rallies, moving Rob to the front with a hurting boast on many occasions. 9-4, 9-3, 9-3 to James as both players played some very entertaining squash.

So Stamford was victorious and actually only dropped two points from the maximum for another very good win.

Results:
James Treweek v Robert Murfett 9-4 9-3 9-3
Paul York v Robin Attesley 9-0 9-0 9-4
Mark Smith v Steph Marriot 7-9 7-9 10-9 9-2 3-9
Simon Barker v Mike Watts 3-9 9-4 2-9 9-1 8-10
Richard Barker v Sammy Chambers 8-10 9-2 9-2 4-9 9-5

This was Stamford’s 4th league match and we were still looking for our first win. Tonight’s opposition were newly promoted Haverhill so we were optimistic of a good result. As usual first on court were the Barker brothers. Richard was on against Arthur Patrick. After last weeks shocking display from Richard he was in no mood for taking prisoners and went on court with a determined attitude. The match started well with Richard dominating the court and clearly outclassing his opponent. The first was quickly in the bag for Richard 9-4 followed by the next two 9-2 and 9-2. A comfortable win for Richard. His first for the season, with hopefully many more to come.

Simon was on the court next door playing Wayne Bamforth. A slow start from Simon allowed Wayne to control the game putting Simon under pressure. Simon was struggling with Wayne’s awkward style of play and failure to clear the ball completely. This also had an effect on the marker who clearly had no comprehension of the frustration caused, by giving very dubious strokes away to Wayne. This was noticeable by the pained look on Simons face as another point was lost on a stroke. Simon though finally got a grip of the game managed to step the pace up, drilling the ball to the back of the court and began to take control of the rallies. Simon did enough to recover the deficit and took the first 10-8. The next two saw Simon retain control for 9-6 and 9-3 wins to take the tie 3-0.

Next on was Paul York, still smarting from his crushing defeat, costing the team the match last week. He was up against Tony Archer. As the first game progressed Paul was outclassing Tony and it was going to be a one sided match. 9-0 to Paul in the first and it looked like a possible 27-0 was in the offing. Again though, Paul’s killer instinct seemed to desert him as he dropped unnecessary points, letting Tony of the hook. Still, a convincing win for Paul who informed us he would treat us to a demonstration of nicks in the third. After his fourth “framing” in a row though, Paul abandoned the plan and stuck to winning the tie. 9-0, 9-3, 9-4

With the match secured now it took the pressure off the number 1 and 2s. Jon Hand was against Paul Bragg. Jon started strongly, moving Paul around and forcing him to continually retrieve under pressure. A good variation in play from Jon kept Paul guessing and allowed a comfortable first two games for Jon winning them 9-3 and 9-3. A lapse of concentration in the third saw Jon hit tin after tin as Paul took the game 9-1 in about 4 minutes. Jon gave himself a good talking to in the break and was back to form in the fourth to take the game 9-1 and the tie 3-1.

Last on court was James Treweeeek playing Jim Fitzpatrick. Having seen the other players James was in a buoyant mood. The first went well as James concentrated on moving Jim around the court. Some good rallying by both players provided entertaining squash but with James clearly dominating the Tee he began racking the points up. Some more dubious decisions by the marker (same one as marking Simon’s game – short bloke, likes ice cream!) saw James crying out in complete amazement. His “maturity” though, took over and the first went to James 9-2. This was followed by much of the same in the second for James to win 9-0. The third saw Jim seem to find even more speed as he raced around the court picking up everything James hit. Some very big rallies early on the in third saw the points evenly split until eventually mid way through the game Jim hit the “wall”. Suddenly he was half a yard short picking the short balls up and James ran away with the last few points to take the game 9-6 and the tie 3-0.

An excellent result for Stamford, taking maximum points for our first victory. Lets hope there are many more to come.

The Barker brothers got the match under way with Richard playing Dave Goulden and Simon playing Steve Francis. Richard held his own during the first but struggled to find form. He battled well but Dave stole it 10-8. Richard couldn’t find a winning shot in the second and whilst playing like a girl Richard also appeared to have limited concentration span and whilst deciding what to cook for tea promptly lost the second 9-1. This seemed to unnerve Dave as he took it onto himself to fall apart in the third. Richard having decided on when to wash his hair next took advantage and recovered a game winning the third 9-1. Tension was high on the balcony wondering who would mentally collapse in the fourth. Both players though hung in there and played some “nice,” “after you” squash but with no real desire. Dave finally stealing it 9-8 and the tie 3-1.

Simon on the other court was playing Steve Francis. Simon was on a roll unbeaten in league squash this year and began the match in confident form. Steve struggled to deal with anything that wrong footed him and Simon took full advantage winning the first two 9-2 and 9-2. A fight back from Steve in the third, as Simon drifted off, gave him a 9-1 win and allowed him back in the match. A sharp talking to from other team members soon sorted Simon out and he had a safe 9-1 win in the third to take the tie 3-1.

Rob Vivian was on next playing Tony Barker. The tie started well with both players playing good squash with some excellent rallies. Rob though was unable to find a winning shot and Tony stormed off to a 7-1 lead. Rob finally found the shots needed to finish the rallies and began the fight back before finally losing the first 9-7. With a sound game plan now in action Rob continued moving Tony around and working him hard. Good tactics as Tony struggled to find an answer to Rob’s excellent length and accuracy losing the next three games 9-2, 9-5 and 9-1.

Next up was Mark “did I tell you I’m carrying a few injuries” Smith playing Simon Scott. Mark struggled in the first as Simons fast and accurate squash put him under pressure. Once the injuries had warmed fully though Mark began leaping around the court like leaping thing on drugs. This helped considerably as Mark put up a strong fight in the second, but too many errors again were costly and Simon stole it 10-8. Two down and Simon took advantage of Marks injuries, which with defeat looking imminent, were now demonstrated by a very major limp causing the team to wonder whether casualty needed informing. Fortunately on completion of the tie, which Mark lost 3-0, a significant improvement was noticed.

So with the match all square at 2-2 it was down to the captain, Paul York playing Colin Usher to give the Stamford their first victory of the season. The odds were looking good for Paul as Colin took a while to warm his stiff, tired and heavily bandaged knees. Some hard hitting in the warm up suggested some exciting squash to come. The first began with Colin pressurising Yorkie and keeping him on the back foot. Uncharacteristic errors from Paul lost him points and Colin took the first 9-7. A close second saw Paul make better use of his sort game moving Colin well and taking it 9-5. A revitalised Colin worked hard in the third doing enough to take it 9-5 but working very hard. This showed in the fourth as Paul had a comfortable 9-0 win. So it was all down to the fifth. Not only the 3 points for the tie but the 5 points for a team win rested on this last game. Both players played cautiously, neither wanting to make mistakes but Paul edged away. The balcony were chewing finger nails as Paul eventually got to 8-6 match ball. Surely this was it. First win for Stamford this year. No. Colin saved the tie. The battle ensued and after having 4 match points Yorkies bottle completely collapsed as Colin won the match on a serve Paul failed to make contact with and which my Granny could have volley nicked.

So with Stamford “much stronger” this year we have yet to win a match in Cambs 1. Come on captain – ice cream is not enough on it’s own to motivate your team. We need results!

Stamford got a thrashing – is that why there was no match report?

This is Stamford’s second season in division 1 in the Cambs League and with the arrival, on a free transfer from Peterborough Town, of Jonathan Hand to strengthen the team, the Stamford captain was confident of improving on last years mid table position.

First on court was Jon Hand v Mark Cottenham. From the outset it was clear Jon had his work cut out. Andy took the ball very early, volleying at every opportunity and hitting to an excellent length and width with exceptional consistency. Under constant pressure Jon was never able to dominate the court allowing Andy a comfortable 3-0 win.

Next on was Mark Smith (demoted, but not concerned about it, at all, not a bit, to the No4 position by the arrival of Jon Hand), playing Mark Mitchell. Smithy started strongly working Mitchell hard. Mid way through the first though Mitchell settled and played a steady rallying game. Mistakes from Smithy saw the points begin to run away from him as Mitchell took the first. More errors in the second from Smithy – especially off his working boast – cost him dearly allowing Mitchell the chance to take the second. Two down now, Smithy was in trouble and was unable to stop the rot in the third as Mitchell continued with steady, accurate squash to win the third and the tie comfortably.

Simon Barker went next, playing Chris Stone. A tight first game with both players moving well and working hard was just nicked by Simon. The next two games saw Simon play with an elegance never seen before from him, playing more drops in this match than the whole of last season. An outstanding display of control and finesse saw Chris’ game destroyed and a fine 3-0 win for Simon.

Next up was James Treweeeek against an old adversary Vinod Duraikan. This tie could have gone either way and a marathon 30 minute first game saw James take first blood, literally with a finger injury (he didn’t cry) and the first game. Some fantastic rallying ensued with squash played to an outstanding standard. The damage though had been done in the first and James struggling for match fitness began to weaken. Vinod appeared to get stronger and began to dominate allowing him to take the second. More exceptional squash in next two games, interspersed with crys of “no waaaay” from James as Vinod retrieved everything and returned it with interest saw an eventual 3-1 win for Vinod.

With Stamford 3-1 down in ties and the match lost, it was down to Paul York to rescue a few more points playing Andy Deassandro. As the game progressed it was clear Yorkie was in control and able to play within himself as Andy was unable to pressurise at all. Constantly being forced to turn and being moved around the court at every opportunity, Andy was struggling and Yorkie dominated the match for a 3-0 win.

A tough first match for Stamford, losing 3-2, playing their “dream team” for the first time this year. But is their more to come? Watch this space. Many thanks to “The Green Man” and Paul York for sponsorship this year.

Results:-
James Treweek lost to Vinard Duraikan 1-3
Jon Hand lost to Mark Cottenham 0-3
Paul York BEAT Andy Deassandro 3-0
Mark Smith lost to Mark Mitchell 0-3
Simon Barker BEAT Chris Stone 3-0

THE WINNER:

Tania saying to Paul, '....my, what an interesting vein that is on your forehead...'

RUNNERS UP:

Andrea says, '...do we have to talk about squash so much Mark? I want to go home...'

Lawrence explaining where Rich went wrong in the final, ...'you should have lobbed him at this height...'

Martin says to Graham, '..stop staring at the camera and go and get me a beer...'

John Plant

The Stamford Squash Club Finals, a culmination of competitions held through out the season with players ranging in age from 8 to 60 plus, was recently held at the club courts. Afterwards the trophies were presented by John Plant.

The Junior section was the first to be played, with the under 11′s starting proceedings. Liam Barnard and Sam Olver overcame some dogged resistance from Edward Barlow and Joseph Chedd in the semi finals to reach the final. The two juniors played with great skill with Liam dominating the front court he raced in to a 20 – 14 lead however Sam regained his focus and power to pull back to within a point , the comeback was short lived with Liam producing a powerful backhand drive to take the honours 21 points to 19.

The over 11′s final was a family affair the first of three, between Josh and Will Goodwin a competitive tie with Josh prevailing 3 games 0. The victory testament to his many solo training sessions.

Sam Desbruslais

The juniors were presented with their trophies by Stamford Squash Clubs World Ranked ladies player Tania Bailey and were later privileged to play against their hero.

The Copperstore on the night competition resulted in a father and son final between Paul and his son Sam Desbrulais. Sam playing with great skill made all the running pushing his father to all areas of the court and eventually won 15 points to 7.

Paul Desbruslais

The Super Veterans competition for the over 55′s was won by Mick Lewis who’s contrast between power and a delicate lob serve proved to much for fellow finalist Maurice Mosdell. The Super veterans plate competition was won by Graham Wright whom beat off a gutsy performance by Roger Banks 3 games to 1.

Graham Wright

The veterans competition for over 45′s saw Graham Wright beat Maurice Mosdell in the plate competition 3 games to 0 for his second trophy of the day.  The final of the veterans competition was a tense affair between Dave Battersby and Mark Davies. Mark took a comfortable 2 games to 0 lead however Dave pegged the score back to 2-2 and the fifth game was a classic in which Dave had the edge and won 9-5 to win.

Maurice Mosdell

Dave Battersby

The Handicap final produced some exhilirating squash between Ian Burnhams driving game and Pauls Smith touch and lob style. Paul started on plus 1 to Ians scratch score with American scoring to 15 points each game. Ian took the first game and it was not long before the spectators realised that this would go to 5 games as Paul rallied and took the second it was nip and tuck all the way with the score in games reaching 2-2. Paul started the fifth the better of the two but Ian clung on, the score proceeded to 14 -10 in Pauls favour , Ian dug deep and played some of his best squash to take the tie 15-14.

Ian Burnham

John Fields

Lawrence Ball

The Chase Plate competition for all players played with normal scoring was the culmination of the day. The plate competition with John Fields being pushed hard by Lawrence Ball and the score of 3-0 did not reflect how hard this final was.

Paul York

Richard Barker

The main event the final of the mens competition was contested by Paul York and his brother-in-law Richard Barker. Paul was looking for a record 10th mens title and their was trepidation in Richards play . Paul took the first game comfortably. However, Richard pulled himself together narrowly losing the second and then changed his tactics by playing more drop shots and took the third. Richards mobility made the fourth game eventful and his retrieval was something to behold. But Pauls power and experience took the fourth game and his tenth Championship 3-1.