Author Archive

After an enforced layoff (I won’t bore you with the details), the scribe is back. And with some gossip to catch up on it seems. The team for tonight’s game was James Treweek, Mark Smith, Jon Oakley, Richard Barker and Simon Barker playing in that order.

We all traveled down together and I caught up on previous matches. Played 4, won 2 and lost 2. A good average and seemingly on track to establish ourselves within the league and crucially to remain up in div 1. The matches appear to have gone well apart from the odd hiccup. A welcome new addition to the team this year is James “Psycho” Treweek taking the pressure of Yorkie (still suffering with major twisted sock injury – sorry, calf injury.

We all traveled down together and I caught up on previous matches. Played 4, won 2 and lost 2. A good average and seemingly on track to establish ourselves within the league and crucially to remain up in div 1. The matches appear to have gone well apart from the odd hiccup. A welcome new addition to the team this year is James “Psycho” Treweek taking the pressure of Yorkie (still suffering with major twisted sock injury – sorry, calf injury.

Anyway I digress, on with the gossip. Recently James was playing in the coveted number 1 slot, of which we all aspire to play at and where we often look to our talented players as mentors and ambassadors of our beloved sport. This was a difficult game for James and after some questionable decisions by the marker James became somewhat aggrieved. (Some would say the plot went completely missing). After some stiff exchanges of words between players (with the marker attempting to regain control of the fight match) the game was completed with James finally completely destroying a perfectly good teddy. Less than a week later playing for the second team at short notice again James was not on best form mentally and proceeded to have a very similar game with much teddy destroying. This was followed by a major sulk and no pub visit for food and drinks. 10.00pm now and transport was a major issue as Oakham is a fair way with no car (the team driver of course was at the pub). I’ll catch a train thought James – nope. Next one is 11.30pm. Ah! Taxi. How much?? Finally James managed to get home after catching a lift from a passing Samaritan (luckily). Which brings me to tonight and after some “mild” banter in the car James admitting he was exceptionally embarrassed by his last two matches behavior stated 1. “I will never question a call again” 2. “I’m too embarrassed to play for the second team again” (if ever asked!!!) and finally after overhearing his opponent talking about him in the dressing room saying that he was concerned that James was okay, James said, after slating himself again “……… and he is such a nice bloke”.

So back to the match tonight. Portugal Place were our opponents. Div 1 champions last year. Barker senior was on first against Rupert Jakes. A tough first game ensued with Simon working the hardest. Some good rallies saw a close fist game just taken by Rupert 9-7. The second saw Simon collapse with some dire squash allowing Rupert an easy 9-2 win. The third Simon finally got his act together and stormed through to take it 9-2. Another concentration failure saw Rupert runaway with the first 7 points and under serious self induced pressure Simon found some shots and started to claw back until finally losing 9-6 and the tie 3-1.

Richard was on the other court to tall Neil Raine. Richard never got to grips with the right game plan and played into Neil’s (large) hands. Unable to exert any pressure Richard last 9-1, 9-0, 9-6. The omens weren’t good!

Jon Oakley went next. Yet another disaster. Jon having the same problem could not apply any pressure to his opponent – Andy Whitam, and though some good rallies were played Jon could not get a game and finally went down 9-6, 9-4 and 9-7.

So with the match lost and some long faces about Mark Smith went on against Aqib Kadar. Aqib was a very handy player and from the off it was apparent that Mark was going to get intimate with the court corners. Sure enough, Aqib went on to win 9-1, 9-4, 9-2 playing some excellent squash and keeping Mark on the back foot. Lastly it was psycho’s James turn against a young lad (12 I think) Chris Killyard. This was tough one with some excellent shots from both players. Hard telling rallies with both players working hard saw a close 1st with Chris stealing it at the end 9-6 then going on to dominate the court and take the next two comfortably 9-1, and 9-1.

A great game but a disappointing match as we were well and truly stuffed. A little worrying was their number 1 was not playing!! However none of us really played to their potential – but we will be back. Can anyone afford to sponsor Michael Ferreira jnr a return flight from the States for the return match??

Paul York injured himself the day before this match so it was left to Richard Barker to find a replacement. Chappell and Hargreaves were unavailable so Rich went to the top and asked Tania Bailey if she could play but unfortunately she was going up to Manchester the evening of the match. Who else could he ask that could match Tania’s ability? – ah yes, Martin Brewin of course.

So, the team consisted of James Treweek at one, followed by Mark Smith, Jon Oakley, Richard Barker and Martin Brewin.

On first, was Rich playing Murray Jarvis. Rich started off well only to discover that the tin made quite an exciting sound – so he continued to hit it on a rather too regular basis – resulting in losing the first game, 9-7. In the second game Rich started off badly because he continued to hit the tin but he did make an effort later on and gave himself a fighting chance only to start hitting it out of court for no reason whatsoever – he lost the second, 9-7. Nobody could criticise Rich for not being consistent – he also lost the third 9-7. Clearly distraught with his performance, he said afterwards. “That’s best forgotten”.

Meanwhile on the other court Jon was playing Seth Broadbent – and some cracking rallies were had between the two of them. Seth took the first 9-5 and the battle continued into the 2nd game which was very tight but Jon took it 9-8. The rallies were long and some good shots were played. Seth just had the edge in the third taking it 9-7. Plenty of running was done by both men and Jon levelled it to 2-2 taking the fourth game 10-8. In the fifth, Jon took the lead only to allow Seth to claw it back and ultimately take if from his grasp, 9-6.

On the other court, Martin making his guest appearance, was playing Carole Page. Martin was somewhat rusty, this being only his second game of squash in about 4 months, and his back wall shots were just not accurate enough – leaving Carole plenty of space to destroy him. Carole won the first, won the second and won the third. Martin lost. Afterwards, he discovered that his team mates were having bets on how soon in the match he would hit it off the back wall – for the record it was on his fourth shot.

With the match over it was left to the top two boys to try and salvage some points. Mark was playing Matt Brown who showed some high quality squash in the first beating Mark 9-2. There were some good rallies in this match but you always felt that Matt had the edge and he took the next game, 9-5. In the third Mark dug in and tried a final push but Matt was having none of it and took the third 9-6.

Finally it was left to James playing Rob Baddeley. This was a match all about retrieving and both players picked up some great shots. James won the first and the second games. Many long rallies were being played by both men and clearly both were getting tired but in third Rob called it a day and James took the match.

To summarise, the boys got beaten but hopefully on the return match a stronger squad will be available and maybe the result will go the other way – lets hope so!!

First match of the season after being promoted from Division Two – a win here would be a good way to start life in Division One.

The match was set up superbly by Richard Barker and Jon Oakley – they were both on court first and both won there respective matches. As they said, the match was there for the taking.

What happened next, was not good. Mark Smith lost.

Then Paul York lost.

Finally, James Treweek lost.

The result being that the team lost. Rich and Jon were not happy!

The season will be a tough one. The mission this season will be to stay up – in Division 1.

Unfortunately the Captain, Simon Barker, is away for the first three weeks but he has roped his brother in to run the team during this period. Some old faces are back with James Treweek a new addition to the team and Adrian Hargreaves is also planning to play again. Neil Hodgkins (aka physcho) has offered his services for occasional games as he is a new club member.

This year players will be rotated (just like the Chelsea football squad!) to ensure where possible the lower order don’t dip out too much. Hopefully everyone should only miss about 2 games at most if all goes to plan. The Captain anticipates the team order to be – (subject to Barker brothers last deciding playoff game and any other best of three challenges to come):

James Treweek
Paul York
Mark Smith
Jon Oakley
Ade Hargreaves
Simon Barker
Richard Barker
Neil Hodgkins
Simon Richardson

***BREAKING NEWS*** SIMON BARKER HANDS OVER CAPTAINCY TO PAUL YORK

Last season Stamford Green Man squash team comfortably won division one in the Peterborough leagues and with a desire to play squash to a higher standard approached Cambridgeshire to join their leagues. We were offered a place in division two and took it.

Unsure of how good the standard was in the new league, the Stamford lads were mentally well up for every game. This showed as we had an excellent season resulting in winning division two and getting to the semi-finals of the Herewood cup.

So next season we look forward to playing the best players in the county in division one. Our team this year consisted of Paul York, Mark Smith, Jonathon Oakley, Simon Barker (capt), Richard Barker, Adrian Hargreaves, Simon Richardson and Paul Swift.

Our thanks go to our sponsors, The Green Man Pub, Movenpick ice cream and AWARE Promotions.

This was Stamford’s biggest challenge of the season. Kimbolton, Cambs premiership team who finished 4th in the table arrived with a full strength team. Stamford knew the pressure was on and tonight would be a taster for what we can expect next season, now that we have secured promotion to the Cambs premier div ourselves of what the best of the premiership could offer.

First on was Simon Barker playing Pramjet Deol. Pramjet started well and from the off found his touch taking the pace off the ball well and playing some lovely touch squash. This forced Simon into a serious running game needing to cover the front of the court. Struggling to relax Simon made too many errors losing the first 9-4. The second saw an improvement but Simon still not able to get forward enough to have any time on the ball forcing either an error playing the drop or a loose shot to the back where Pramjet was waiting. 9-6 to Pramjet. The third saw a fight back from Simon as he finally got that yard forward and started to cover Pramjets short shots. Better drops from Simon and good recovery shots took him to 8-8. Disappointingly though. he was unable to capitalise and lost the third 10-8.

Next on was Jon Oakley against Matt Towers. This was the best game of the night as both players produced some outstanding squash. Matt starting better, worked the ball well causing a few mistakes from Jon as he lost the first 9-4. More relaxed in the second Jon started playing some fantastic squash. His movement around court was very quick as he picked everything up and hit a lovely length and width. Too tight for Matt the next two went to Jon 9-7 and 9-5. The fourth saw Matt get back in control as he edged it all the way himself playing some great shots. 2-2 in the tie now. As they started the fifth, Jon, showing great determination and concentration had a flying start storming to a 6-0 lead before Matt got a grip and began fighting back. As he picked the points up the tension rose, but Jon kept his head and took control again to take it 9-6. A great result for Stamford and Jon. Well played.

Next on was Adrian Hargreaves playing Gary Milner. Gary, obviously fired up for this, dominated the T and massacred everything Adrian hit. Gary playing some excellent squash, taking the ball very early, hitting very hard and to a good width kept Adrian at the back of the court under serious pressure. Gary, too strong in the first took it 9-0. the second started the same as Gary stormed away to a 5-0 lead. Adrian finally grabbed a point and suddenly found himself back in the game as Gary dropped his game hitting a number of tins and then it was 5-5. Adrian now, forcing himself to take the ball early, was battling well but Gary cut the errors out and started applying the pressure again forcing mistakes from Adrian. The second finally going to Gary 9-7. The third saw Adrian again having to work hard for everything but Gary, still faster to the ball, kept Adrian on the back foot and had a comfortable 9-0 to take the tie 3-0.

Mark Smith next playing Steve Davis (much more interesting than the other). From the first point it was apparent that Mark was going to have to win each point 3 or 4 times as Steve’s speed and outstanding court movement got him to everything that Mark hit with seemingly half an hour to spare. Excellent rallying saw a very entertaining tie. Both players running hard but Mark was always under intense pressure as Steve picked up anything that didn’t roll out of the nick. The first went to Steve 9-3, the second 9-0 and valiant attempt by Mark in the third to stop the rot failed as Steve wrapped it up 9-6.

Last on was Yorkie playing Steve Barlow. Steve having an awesome touch and a vast array of shots was to prove a handful for Yorkie. The first started evenly but then Steve started throwing a working boast in from the back of the court and with Yorkie forced to do a few shuttles the omens weren’t good. A hard first saw Steve have the edge to take it 9-5. The second, was dominated by Steve as he pushed Yorkie around the court, playing some lovely touch shots. Yorkie fought hard putting winners away when the opportunity arose but Steve was controlling the T and secured the second 9-3. A better third from Yorkie as it went evenly up to halfway before a couple of errors under pressure gave Steve the edge and he went through to finish it 9-6.

So a convincing win for Kimbolton but credit to the Stamford lads as they fought for everything making it a very entertaining evenings squash. My thanks go to all who came and supported us.

With the season now over, to recap: Stamford are division two winners promoted to the premier league and Cambs cup semi-finalists. An excellent first year in Cambridgeshire. As this is the last match and report of the season I would also, as team captain, like to thank the team that has supported me this year. Whether they played one, or all 17 matches their support has made my job enjoyable. I would also like to thank our sponsors for the year: Stamford Green Man (Tony Shilling and his staff, excellent food, service, beer – a top boozer!!) AWARE promotions for the team shirts and Movenpick ice cream – probably the best ice cream in the world! Cheers.

Comfortable win.

Yorkie beat Paul Burnett 3-0
Smithy beat Roy Pickerill 3-1
Jon O beat Jon Palin 3-1
Adrian H beat Bill McTaggart 3-0
Simon B beat Martin Cadel 3-0

…the next match is the cup semi-final.

Still recoiling from last weeks defeat and with an injury list worse than Casualty at PDH on a Friday night the Stamford lads were cautious about any predictions for this match. With both Yorkie and Richard now injured and unable to play, a first appearance for Paul Swift and the return of Simon Richardson (now almost a regular) was the order of the day. The team order for tonight was Mark 1, Jon 2, Simon B 3, Simon R 4, and Paul 5.

First on was Simon R playing Robin Attlesey. This proved an entertaining match with Simon playing some tight accurate squash, matched equally by Robin. The first game was tight with Robin just nicking it 10-8. Simon came back strongly in the second for a comfortable 9-3 win. Good squash in the third from Simon as he again dominated the game keeping Robin under pressure to take it 9-6. Fortunes changed in the fourth though as Robin fought for everything to take it 9-4 and level the tie 1-1. The fifth saw both players working hard until finally Simon had match ball at 8-7. Unable to clinch it Robin clawed back to 8-8 and continued on to win 10-8 and take the first tie 3-2.

Paul Swift was on the other court against Peter Askew. Paul started well, taking the ball early and controlling the game and did enough to force mistakes from Peter and take the first 9-6. The second saw too many errors from Paul and it was the turn of Peter to take advantage of the “free” points to take it 9-6. The next two games were taken one each to make it 2-2. The fifth saw Paul struggle to keep consistency with Peter now in control and finally taking it 9-3 and the tie 3-2.

So Stamford 2-0 down and in trouble. Jon Oakley on next against Paul Swallow. A very strong start form Jon playing great width and length added to some excellent retrieving saw a convincing win 9-0, 9-2 for the first two games. Jon relaxed in the third and this let Paul back in as he fought hard to take it 9-4. The fourth saw a more determined Jon as battled well and stepped up the pace to take the game 9-8 and the tie 3-1.

Simon B on now against Stephanie Marriot. After Jon Oakley’s fawning display, that destroyed the pride of men folk when he played her during the first half of the season and barely scrapped a win 10-9 in the fifth, Barker was determined to set the record straight. Simon took about tackling a somewhat unorthodox style of movement from Steph with vigour and after two close games Simon was 2-0 winning them 9-7 and 9-6. It was Simon’s turn to relax now and suddenly Steph was back in the match. Simon was now getting more and more frustrated trying to cope with Steph’s style he had to resort to the occasional “dropped shoulder” as he made the effort to get around Steph. Steph took the third 9-4 and the fourth 9-7. 2-2 and game on. The fifth though proved an anti-climax as Simon took control and stepped the pace up for a comfortable 9-1 win.

With the match squared at 2-2 now the pressure was on Mark playing Robert Murfitt. A quick first game with Mark either playing winners or tinners as he lost it 9-7. Much the same in the second but without the winners as Mark continually found the top inch of the tin to go down 9-3. A pep talk from the captain and top tips such as “don’t hit the tin” obviously worked as Mark came back in the third to take it comfortably 9-1. Was this the comeback? Sadly no, as the fourth saw Mark again finding the tin, letting Robert back in to take it 9-4 and the match 3-2.

So another loss for the Stamford boys. If only I had a football boot to kick around! Another tough one next week, Portugal Place.

Wednesday night was here again and Ely were our foes tonight; an unknown quantity as they pulled out of the first round match. They did have one known player to us though and he was Galen Lecheminint, a semi-pro playing for “fun” in div 2 and yet to drop a game. Yorkie had his sights set high on giving him a good tonking when disaster happened: Whilst bending down to pick up a squash ball a few days prior to this match Yorkie hurt his leg. After much discussion he decided that amputation was probably not required but it would need complete rest till at least Thursday. So with Yorkie decimated by a pulled shoe lace, sorry calf muscle, it was down to super sub Simon Richardson to stand in again. I should also mention at this point, whilst driving down to Ely across the fens, Jonathon Oakley was clearly heard to say “WHY DO THEY BUILD THESE ROADS SO BUMPY?” After narrowly avoiding a major car crash due to hysteria in the car we explained to him the phenomenon of subsidence!

First on was Simon Richardson playing Ian Travers. Simon, now match savvy, had left any pre match nerves behind, and started well, playing to a good length and moving well. Ian attacked but Simon kept digging in and took the first 9-6. The roles reversed in the second with Simon making a few too many mistakes allowing Ian in 9-5. The third was a monumental battle, both players working hard with Simon taking it 10-8 to go 2-1 up. The fourth started well as Simon continued to work Ian hard and led to the half way point before dropping a few quick points to lose 9-6. Tied at 2-2 it could have gone either way. Ian stormed through the fifth racking up the points to go 7-1 up before finally fitness told and suddenly the tank was empty. Simon took advantage to claw back and finally take the fifth 9-7 and the tie 3-2. Well played.

Mark Smith was on the other court playing Galen Lecheminint. With the ball flying on this court Mark struggled to find his normal control as Galen hit the corners effortlessly. The first slipped way easily from Mark 9-4 as mistakes were abound. The second saw a more confident Mark hitting harder and more accurately to put some pressure on Galen who produced some excellent full stretch drives with a flick of his wrist making it very difficult to know where the ball was going. A better game from Mark but Galen doing enough to take it 9-6. The third started well for Mark taking a 5 point lead. This proved a tight game as Galen, playing continually to a length, had to work to stay in the game. Finally he leveled the score to 8-8 and a battle for the last points finally saw Galen steal it 10-9 and the tie 3-0.

Simon Barker was on next against Fernando Gris. On a hot court with the ball absolutely flying both Simon and Fernando seemed determined to out hit each other. The first game started with the ball hitting mach 2 with each strike of the racket as Fernando massacred every shot. Simon struggled to cope with the speed of the ball and made too many errors losing the first 9-3. The second went the same with Simon battling to stay with the pace of the ball but again was unable to put Fernando under any significant pressure eventually going down 9-6. The third saw better squash from Simon as he fought well and started moving Fernando and causing mistakes from him. Simon saw a glimmer of light and ran for everything but was still unable to tame Fernando’s power as he took the third 9-7 and the tie 3-0. Stamford now 2-1 down and under pressure.

Jon Oakley went on next against Andrew (Ely). As the first got under way this looked like the makings of an excellent match as both players played tight, good length and width and were looking sharp. The first went both ways up to 5-5 when Jon hit a couple of lovely disguised cross court drops to steal a couple of points and suddenly Andrew’s world fell apart. 9-5 to Jon in the first who then ran away with the next two 9-0 and 9-1 for a well needed win but disappointing game of squash. Jon would like it known he then did 7 mins 0.06 secs on the concept 2 rower. A personal best!

Finally Richard Barker was on against Tony Walton. Richard had a flyer in the first as accuracy and a slow ball proved too much for Tony. Richard took the 1st comfortably 9-2. The second started well and Richard, though not flying round the court, retained the advantage and the “T” to take the second 9-5. Things looking good for Stamford from the balcony but little did we know what was to come and a couple of points in the third a recurring calf injury suddenly looked very ominous as Richard began limping around the court. Tony took the fourth 9-7 to recover to 2-1 but at the start of the fourth it was apparent that the calf injury was too much and Richard was forced to retire forfeiting the tie 3-2.

So Stamford suffer their first defeat of the season and with the team in a sorry state in disrepair things don’t look too healthy for the last few games. Fortunately the damage has been done and we have enough points to have all but won the league. Crown lodge at home next week and the “lovely Stephanie” returns.

As the season heads into the last quarter a perusal of the league tables finds Stamford in a very strong position. Currently 53 points with only 5 matches to go including tonight’s. Maximum points tonight would make our position almost untouchable requiring the second place team to take maximum points (20) for the remaining four matches and Stamford to average less than 7 per match.

First on tonight was Simon (super sub) Richardson against Peter Dampney. Simon was looking to avenge his only other appearance for the team when he had a crushing defeat against Frank Lee in January. Simon was exceptionally “fired up” for this one and could be found pacing up and down the balcony area and scowling at people as he focused the mind in preparation for his titanic battle. As the game got underway Peter got into the groove early and playing a good short game forced too many errors from Simon. As the points drifted away, Simon kept his focus which at times was burning holes through Peter, but couldn’t stop the flow, as Peter took the first 9-3. Some exceptionally visionary advice from the captain during the break saw Simon’s game improve and he took control of the second producing some good kills. A valiant fight from Peter couldn’t stay with Simon’s pace. 9-6 to Simon. The third turned into a marathon battle as both players realised the importance of this one. Fortunes went both ways – as the tension rose and the odd error crept in, Simon’s racket could clearly be seen ricocheting around the court as it was propelled with some disgust! Finally though it was Simon that came out on top to steal it 10-8. 2-1 to Simon now and as the fourth began fitness began to tell as Peter started to flag. Simon took full advantage and romped through to take it 9-2 and the tie 3-1. Well played.

Simon Barker went next against Andy Fuller. Andy was clearly not overly confident as he told Simon before the game started “You won’t have much trouble with me tonight – I’m not up to much at the moment.” He did put up some resistance in the first though but Simon did enough to take it 10-8. The next two were comfortable wins 9-1 and 9-5.

Jon Oakley played Dave Moream and as normal Jon had a slow start suffering from lack of energy having wasted much of it explaining to the lads what a stressful day he’d had (again). Never mind Jon – half term soon and another couple of weeks off! Anyway I digress. Dave being that bit sharper to the ball took the first 9-7. The second saw a more active Jon as he started picking up the short balls and put Dave under pressure. Able now to dominate the T Jon took the next 9-3. The next two went Jon’s way 9-7 and 9-5 as Dave was unable to deal with Jon’s game.

Mark Smith on next against Paul Goodman. The first was very lively with both players running for everything. Errors from both players though meant the game could of gone either way. Finally Mark nipped in at the end to take it 9-7. The second went the same way but Mark this time making more errors and allowing Paul to take this one 9-5. The third finally saw Mark playing well and by cutting the unforced errors out was able to take control and dominate the third and fourth taking then both 9-3.

Finally Yorkie was on against John Ford. Yorkie was much too strong and given too much time on the ball demonstrated by his numerous lucky nicks and backhand cut drops from the back of the court. John was unable to get into the match until the third having lost the first two 9-6 and 9-1. He did produce a battle in the third making Yorkie work for his points and produced a game point but was unable to clinch it and Yorkie did the business 10-9 to take the tie 3-0. 5-0 to Stamford and another 20 points in the bag!