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Still unbeaten Stamford went into the match confidently. First on court (as they were the only ones to turn up on time) were the Barker brothers.

Richard played Jeremy Hyde. After a good knock up (waiting for the remaining Stamford players to arrive so we had a marker!) the game began only for the first crisis of the night to hit us. First point of the match saw Richard lunge for a shot and tweak his achilles. In true, team commitment tradition, Richard soldiered on venturing only inches from the T going for winners from anything – and hitting most of them. Helped by St Ivo not having their full strength team rich playing a weaker No5 cruised through 9-6, 9-6, 9-4 having moved no more than a step from the T. He then rapidly sped home to his personal physio for some ice and sympathy.

Simon played Jack White (a slip of a young lad). The match started with some vigour as Jack’s pace had Simon in awe. However once he’d sorted Jack out with a few mishits, bodyshots and acceleration rarely seen in a thirtysomething squash veteran, Simon took control and had a comfortable first game 9-4. The second went the same way for another 9-4 win. Jack, still running like Linford Cristie on speed got back into the third but Simon’s experience overcame to steal it 10-8 and take the tie 3-0.

Jon Oakley went next against a tall and wiry Bob Taylor. After a casual start by Jon, Bob built a lead up in the first and forced Jon to start running around. Some entertaining rallies saw Bob working very hard and Jon took advantage to take the first 9-7. More pressure on Bob in the second saw Jon comfortably controlling the rallies and working Bob hard. 9-3 to Jon. The third went the same, 9-6 to Jon as Bob practically imploded the court as he tried to suck more oxygen in. 3-0 to Stamford.

Mark Smith went next against Malcolm White. The game was delayed 5 minutes as Mark reeled of his list of injuries (just on the off chance he might start to lose). Once underway Mark started moving freely once a lead had been established. Good squash saw Mark take the first 9-3. The second saw Malcom sharper as he took shots earlier and Mark started to struggle. Then the second crisis of the night occurred: Mark suffered a twisted sock. After much cajoling and encouragement the said sock was righted and play continued. This setback clearly affected Mark as he lost the second 9-1 and the third 9-7. A strategy rethink at 2-1 down saw all injuries put on hold as Mark stormed the fourth 9-0. Malcolm, somewhat shell shocked that his opponent had been practically in his grave a game ago, couldn’t step up again and Mark took the fifth and the tie 3-2.

Finally Yorkie went on against Nigel Taylor. Yorkie’s power was too much for Nigel and even though Yorkie was looser than a size 16 dress on Maxine from Corrie, he still kept Nigel on the back foot. A safe 9-6 win in the first followed by a struggle in the second with Nigel gaining a couple of game points before Yorkie pulled it back to take it 10-8. Nigel struggling on stamina gave Yorkie an easy third 9-6 and the tie 3-0. An excellent result 5-0 and another 20 points in the bag but probably with the loss of Richard for a couple of games with his achilles injury. Off to the subs bench for me to call up one of my super subs.

Cruising….everybody won comfortably – a short report!

Confidence was high in the team for this return match against Frank Lee after the cup success 2 weeks ago. Richard Barker was unable to play this week due to his THIRD holiday since Christmas so Simon Richardson was called up from the bench.

First on court was captain Simon Barker playing James Richardson. James started well playing a good short game catching Simon napping and took an early 4-0 lead in the first. A step forward from Simon stopped these winners and playing good length squash forced James to the back. Under too much pressure James now allowed Simon a comfortable recovery to take the first 9-4. The second saw James working harder and after an even game Simon lapsed and threw four points away to lose the second 9-7. 1-1 and a close match looked on the cards but Simon upped the pace causing James to struggle. The next two games went to Simon comfortably 9-2 and 9-4. One to Stamford.

Simon Richardson was on next against Dave Savage. After some reassuring words from the team such as “Richard only dropped 4 points when he played at 5 against this team” Simon started well. Playing controlled squash, allowing himself time to settle in Simon played some good rallies, hitting a good length to control the first and take it 9-6. The second started the same way as Simon forged ahead and confidence grew. This brought his downfall. Simon suddenly decided to go for winners from everything and hitting too many tins, Dave was back in the game and with his head up did enough to take the second 9-7. 1-1 now and suddenly Simon was looking in trouble. Dave capitalised on Simon’s errors and continued through the next two games to give Simon a right good savaging to take the tie 3-1.

Jon Oakley was playing Chris Boswell next door. Chris was very fast around the court covering Jon’s “disguised” drops and unorthodox shots. A tight first game saw Jon just edge it 9-7. The second Chris made fewer errors and taking the ball early forced Jon to the back of the court. Struggling to find his form Jon made error after error hitting more tins than a blind man in a supermarket. Chris kept his game steady to take the second 9-6. During the break Jon gave himself a good talking to and unable administer corporal punishment on himself, decided that detention was the only answer if he didn’t pull his socks up. This obviously worked as the errors reduced enough to just gain him the advantage as he took the next two 9-6 and 9-6 to secure the tie 3-1. 2-1 to Stamford now.

Mark Smith on next against Jake Lowber, a somewhat sturdy player. The first few rallies were closely fought and after Mark had bounced off Jake a couple of times attempting to go through him he changed tack and took the long way round. Some nice boasts and excellent retrieving gave Mark the lead as he took the first 9-1. The second went the same way for a comfortable win 9-3. Concentration then failed Mark as he came out for the third in a coma. 3 minutes later it was 9-0 to Chris. Playing Marks favourite track and talking to him softly during the break revived him from his coma. The forth saw a revitalised player as he swept through Jake 9-1 to take the tie 3-1.

Finally Paul York played Terry Reynolds. An old adversary for Yorkie who had had some tough matches a few years ago. Terry though on this occasion seemed to be struggling for fitness and carrying an injury as Yorkie was able to comfortably control the game for an easy 9-1, 9-2, 9-3 victory and the match to Stamford.

This was the second round of Cambridgeshire’s premier squash cup competition and Stamford’s hardest test of the season playing a mid table first division team. This would also be a baseline for how we need to perform next year, assuming promotion, which subject to major disasters should be a certainty with our current lead in division two.

First up was the Barker brothers. Simon on against John Ford. As the match got under way it was apparent that this would be a test of Simons fitness as John’s touch had Simon covering every inch of the court. A hard first saw it go to the wire with John just stealing it 10-9. The second carried on in the same fashion and Simon playing excellent squash, hitting a good length and uncharacteristically tight, took a commanding lead to 8-3 up before having a personal crisis and suddenly hitting the tin with a vengeance. John took full advantage and fought back to rob Simon of the second 10-8. 2 down and Simon was in trouble. The third saw a remarkable turn as Simon killed everything and took John apart to take it 9-0. Was the fight back on? The pace was starting to tell now and Simon was again being run all over the court. Using all available bodily orifices to breath through Simon was unable to repeat the third and John took the forth and the tie 3-1.

Richard was on the other court against Dave Goodwin. Both played good controlled squash, playing to length and relying on accuracy over power and as both left handers played the whole match in the backhand court both determined to exploit each others weaker side. Dave took the first two but Richard determined as ever fought back to take the next two to level the tie at 2- 2. The fifth was critical if Stamford were to have any chance of winning the match. The first few points went very evenly before Richard won a quick few points to give him a lead. He never looked back then as he drove on to win the fifth 9-6 and level the match 1-1.

Mark Smith on next against Duncan Colquhoun. Duncan started strongly attacking everything and Mark, playing not at his best, hit tin after tin of unforced errors. After an easy first Duncan remained in control and with Mark suffering from cramp, Duncan took the second 9-6. A fightback in the third gave renewed hope to Stamford as Mark stole it 10-9 but to no avail as Duncan did enough in the fourth to secure it 9-7 and the tie 3-1.

Jon Oakley on next door against Adrian Slade. Both players opting for the touch, drop shot flicky style, some would call squash. It was a test of speed on court and Jon had too much for Adrian. Not pretty squash but very effective from Jon as he cruised through 9-8, 9-4, 9-0 and Stamford were level again at 2-2.

Down to the number ones now to decide the fate. Yorkie on against Andrew Stevenson. Yorkie started strongly massacring everything, volleying well and hitting great width. Andrew battled well but made too many errors as Yorkie dominated the first two 9-2 and 9-3. The third saw Andrew working harder, volleying more and hitting tighter shots. Yorkie seemingly taken his foot off the pedal slightly struggled to step up as Adrian took the third. Finger nails just starting to be bitten by the Stamford lads now as the fourth got under way. Some excellent rallying from both players finally saw Yorkie gain Match ball at 8-5. Surely it must be over- but wait. Andrew playing superbly well picked up everything to pull it back to 8-8. The atmosphere on the balcony was tense then it was over. Andrew had come back to take the fourth and level the tie at 2-2. Yorkie started the fifth head down and unable to cope with Andrews awesome retrieving and at 5-1 down it looked like curtains for Stamford. Much encouragement from the balcony saw Yorkie find reserves from somewhere as he dug immensely deeply and found the desire to get back into it. Playing great squash and rallying superbly Yorkie battled back and after facing match points against him finally clawed it back to 8-8. Tensions were high on the balcony as fortunes turned and after a fantastic match Yorkie finally clinched it 10-8 to win the match 3-2 and put Stamford in the quarterfinals. Come on!!

A fantastic match played in the best traditions of sportsmanship. Many thanks to those that supported us on the night and a pleasurable pint was had afterwards!

This was the first game of the second half of the season, re-arranged and brought forward.

Just for a change Yorkie was on court first playing Simon Scott. After a sluggish start, Yorkie started to move better and was too strong for Simon. This was fortunate as plenty of short and loose shots from Yorkie failed to encourage Simon into playing winners. Yorkie took advantage of this and was able to dispatch Simon, dropping only 4 points 9-2, 9-1, 9-1.

Richard was next playing Craig Scott. Richard, not happy with his form of late, was late on court as he needs a good 5 minutes longer than everyone else in order to consume as many pain killers as possible. Richard also started slowly but with neither player able to capitalise on their serve the score stayed 1-1 for a while. Finally the drugs kicked in and Richard started to move with some fluidity. Now able to take control Richard breezed through to a comfortable win, 9-2, 9-3, 9-5.

Jon went next against Ian Merrick. This proved another comfortable win for Jon as was able to dominate the court and playing an excellent short game put Ian under too much pressure, 9-3, 9-7, 9-5.

Simon was on the court next door playing Luke Harman. This turned into an interesting battle as both players were determined to hit the ball harder than the other. After much leathering of the ball Simon came out on top with Luke finally running out of steam in the third. A victory for Simon 9-5, 9-0, 9-5.

Finally, last on was Mark against Duncan Fraser. Another slow start for Stamford as Duncan battled well against Mark who at one point looked in danger of losing the first. A swift recovery though, with some better shots put Mark in the driving seat for another comfortable win, 9-7, 9-2, 9-2.

A sound result taking the maximum 20 points putting us in a pretty much unassailable position at the top of Division 2.

The next match is a cup game on Jan 8th at home against Hunts County – one of the stronger Division 1 teams. If you fancy coming to watch us battle against one of the best teams in the Cambridge leagues, the match starts around 7-30pm. See you there.

This was the last game of the first half of the season and was a league and cup double header. Stamford, unbeaten so far, were confident going into the match.

Barker brothers on first with Simon playing Rhys Power. A clash of the captains. After a steady start it soon became apparent that Simon was too strong for Rhys. A good line and length from Simon put Rhys under too much pressure at the back of the court and allowed him a comfortable win 9-5, 9-0, 9-2 (and the revered ice cream).

Richard was on next door against Martin Cadoe. Richard, still struggling to find the devastating form seen earlier in the season, was still too strong for Martin and kept control of the game forcing Martin into the corners to produce the errors. Another comfortable win 9-3, 9-7, 9-4.

Mark Smith was on next against Roy Pickerill. Roy’s big hitting was soon to put Mark under pressure as he struggled to find his normal rhythm. Mark made an unusual number of errors and Roy took full advantage taking the first 9-5. The second was just as fast and furious and was nip and tuck all the way but this time Mark just doing enough to steal it 10-8. The third saw some excellent drops from Roy and more unforced errors from Mark. Mark was becoming frustrated with his game now the third slipped from his grasp 9-7. The fourth started evenly but then Roy started to edge away until he suddenly “hit the wall” and really started to feel the pace. Mark clawed his way back to 8-8 and Roy’s legs on autopilot called 1 point. A last big effort from Roy saw him steal the game 9-8 to take the match 3-1. Brampton were fighting back!

Jon Oakley looked set for a tough match against John Palin – a wily and fit player. Jon 0, who seems to play better every week (except where women are involved), started well, immediately getting into his stride and moving well around the court. Tight driving and an excellent short game put John P under immense pressure and was unable to dominate any of the points losing the first 9-3. The second went the same with Jon O giving nothing away as he cruised to 9-0 in the second. Jon P stepped the pace up in third and finally started to put Jon O under pressure as he failed to up the pace with him. A closely fought third until Jon O finally regained control to take it 10-8 and the tie 3-0.

Last on was Paul York playing Paul Burkett. The first saw some draining rallies, as PB tactics were to work Yorkie as much as possible. Some good kill shots gave Yorkie a slight edge as he nicked the first 10-9. PB tightened up in the second and hit consistently to a good length and width. Mixing up his game to work Yorkie whenever possible proved a good tactic as errors from Yorkie started to creep in giving the second to PB 9-6. The same pattern followed in the third with Yorkie struggling to stay with the pace. PB in full control and took the third 9-4. After a stiff talking too from each member of the team during the break Yorkie, bamboozled with advice, tips and derision from the team came out fighting. A big effort in the fourth saw some excellent rallies. Very steady squash from PB, literally making no unforced errors, kept Yorkie working hard. Neck and neck to the end, Yorkie finally pinched the game 10-9 to level it 2-2. Concern from the team during the break as Yorkie was audibly heard to be breathing out of both orifices (one of which was not on his face). Our fears were confirmed as Yorkie turned to Mr Jelly legs. After much screeching of self-criticism from Yorkie (“lazy git”, “use your *&%ing legs” and other expletives) PB finally strolled through the fifth 9-3 and secured the tie 3-2.

So it was left to the lower order today to get the “big boys” out of trouble as Stamford win 3-2 and go through to the second half of the season undefeated and into the second round of the cup where we meet premier league opponents. Will it all be over?

After last weeks very narrow victory another hard match was ahead of us playing Portugal Place – last season’s relegation team from Div 1 and mainly consisting of university students. As they arrived at the courts, it was commented on that the combined age of their team was younger than Jon Oakley. A worrying statement.

First on court was Richard Barker playing Stewart McTavish. Stewart started strongly, taking the ball early and volleying well. Richard tried to counter with accurate squash but couldn’t get tight enough giving Stewart to much time to take the first 9-3. The second went the same way with Richard covering miles on court to keep himself in the rallies but again couldn’t prevent Stewart from cutting the ball off with winners, 9-5 to Stewart. Advice from the captain during the break seemed to inspire Barker junior as he came out all guns firing and reversed the pressure. Now it was Stewart on the back foot as Richard played winners from volleys and drops. A tense game though as Stewart fought hard but Richard hung on and took the third 10-9. The fourth started with a runaway for Stewart as Richard struggled to up the pace again. At 5-1 down though, he recovered his game to 5-4 before deciding the first two had drained too much and finally lost after a valiant attempt 9-4. 1 to Portugal.

Jon Oakley was on next door against Joe Devereux and preceded to give his opponent “a right good thrashing”. Jon’s game seemed to totally bemuse Joe as he strolled through for a comfortable 3-0 win dropping only 9 points. One tie all.

Barker senior on next against Jaques Van Oorschot (another international they had drafted in the strengthen their squad, determined to halt the run of wins from Stamford squad). The first game was a hard battle with Jaques running like a rabbit on speed and retrieving everything. Simon running out of ideas finally relinquished the first 9-7. The second was another hard-hitting game with both players running for everything but Jaques again proving to sharp for Simon as he took the second 9-3. A talking to for the captain in the break focused Simon’s game plan and playing a good short game caught Jaques napping a the back of the court to take the third 9-4. Portugal now only 2-1 and the fight back was on. The fourth though saw Jaques back his best as Simon, continuously under pressure struggled to get any advantage. Comments from the balcony such as “I hope Simon isn’t relying fitness to win this one” as Jaques again retrieved the impossible only to hit a lucky winner off it obviously didn’t help. Jaques finally taking the fourth 9-5 and the tie 3-1. Stamford 2-1 down now. Pressure was on!

Mark Smith on now against Jaco Vermack. Mark (having decided that any previous poor matches in his life have been due to eating bananas during the day and on a new dietary regime of NO bananas) started strongly and blasted Jaco off the court for only 5 points and the coveted ice cream. Excellent squash from Mark giving Jaco no chance to settle into any rhythm and a stream of tins cost him dearly; 9-0, 9-1, 9-4. Stamford level 2-2.

Last on was Yorkie against Hussein Said. This was the match of the night as marathon rally after marathon rally took place. Superb squash from both players with Hussein’s retrieving unbelievable at times. Yorkie lost the first but went on to win the next two. Looking for the fourth to take the match Yorkie found Hussein fighting for everything and doing enough to snatch it 9-7. 2 games all and all to play for. Both players seeming tired but still running and getting to everything. The fifth began and Yorkie had a mare, suddenly finding the tank empty and going 6-2 down when the ball burst. The few minutes to warm a new ball seemed the turning point as Yorkie clawed his way back to 7-7. After some tense points and a perfectly timed dead nick at the back for Yorkie he finally snuck the victory 9-7 and the match 3-2. Stamford escape again with a 16-8 point victory thank you very much. Still unbeaten with only Brampton to go in the first half of the season.

On a dark, dark, night, in the dark, dark Fens the undefeated Stamford squash team battled through the icy fog, intent on giving Crown Lodge a right good thrashing. Brimming with over confidence, new rackets and an arrogant air, the lads from Stamford strutted onto court with an expectant air of victory. Was pride going to come before a fall?

First on the psychedelically painted courts was Simon Barker, playing a lean and mean Robin Attersley. Simon was looking a little jaded from the start and Peter sneaked the first 9-7. In the second Simon managed to string a few good shots together and clawed his way back to win 9-6. But, alas, this was only a false dawn. Simon had the glazed expression of a rabbit in the headlights, and, after losing the third 9-7, managed to waste a commanding lead in the forth to lose the match 3-1, and become the first team member to lose a match. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap!

The shock waves intensified when Simon’s brother, Richard Barker crashed out woefully against a chubby Peter Askew 3-2. Was this the end of Stamford’s bid for promotion? The fabulous Barker Boys had gone down in flames – the end of an era.

It was now up to Jonathan Oakley and Mark Smith to mount a recovery. Smithy, after a shaky start found his form to clinically see off Paul Swallow 3-1.

Jonathan, however, playing Stephanie Marriott (a Michelle Pfeiffer look alike) seemed more concerned about scoring in the bar afterwards than scoring points during the match. Stephanie played inspirational squash, with the style and accuracy that only women can. Jonathan politely kept the rallies going as long as possible and “threw” a couple of games for good measure. A classy performance earned Stephanie three match points and the respect of the gallery, before Jonathan, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to win 10-8 in the fifth and square the match 2-2. Stephanie, intent on revenge immediately pencilled the date of the return leg in her diary, – mission accomplished by Stamford!

Last on court was Paul York. Playing like a demon he dispatched Robert Murfitt with the determination and precision that we are coming to take for granted. With its reputation restored, the Green Man Squash Team can once again hold its head up high, but questions must be asked about the bottom end!

Just when you thought the team were cruising in the league it get’s even easier – the team had a walkover!

The team arrived early at the club for a team photo for the paper and official handing over of new kit from AWARE Promotional Merchandise in Peterborough. After much pruning and argy bargy in the line up, the photos were taken and dressed in smart new kit we took on Hunts County.

With major pressure not to be the first team player to drop a match and a tub of probably the best ice cream in the world awaiting the player dropping the least amount of points was proving a good incentive to stay focused.

Yet it again it fell to the Barker brothers to kick the match off with Richard to play Peter Dampney. Richard started well, playing controlled squash and keeping the ball away from Peter. A comfortable first game saw Richard through 9-3. The second game went horribly wrong as Rich had the game from hell, finding himself out of position, hitting poor shots and generally playing very muppet like. This cost him the game 9-5 and tied it 1-1. A slightly more invigorated Barker came for the third but was still drifting the ball around the court with no conviction. Some poor finishing from Peter kept Richard in the rallies and remarkably came through to take the third 9-3. The fourth was much the same but Rich kept his head to take it 9-5 and the tie 3-1 to maintain his unbeaten record.

Simon was on the other court against Andy Fuller. Attempting to end his run of, some would say loose (ish) squash, Simon went for plan B which was to up the power a bit more, after all his motto is “if in doubt – hit it harder.” This had the following effect: The first was the slightly more erratic nature of the flight of the ball (given that all parts of the racket were used in an effort to gain more power ie frame, handle and occasionally strings). The second was that although not exactly tight, with the ball travelling at light speed Andy did have problems controlling his own shots. This gave Simon plenty of loose balls to put away. Too much pressure for Andy allowed Simon a fairly comfortable win 9-5, 9-6, 9-4. Was the ice cream in the bag?

Mark Smith followed Richard on, to play Paul Godwin. This had the makings of a good match, as both players are good runners. Sure enough the first couple of rallies saw some major running. Paul settled down quickly and made few errors. Although the rallies were tight it seemed Mark made the mistake first and allowed Paul to take the first 9-5. The second saw an immediate improvement in Mark’s game as he took control. Tight drives and playing short to move Paul about allowed Mark a convincing 9-1 to level it 1-1. The third was a marathon with both players running and retrieving superbly. A very entertaining and tense third saw Mark under pressure and after one unforced error he just had to check to see if his racket could fly. After retrieving it he got back into it to just steal it 10-8. Disaster for Mark in the fourth as he seemed to switch off and Paul took advantage with a quick and easy 9-3 win to level it 2-2. Pressure was on Mark for the fifth, as the match report for the first to lose (unless it’s me) will be harsh! The game started closely with both players chasing everything; then Mark sneaked a couple of points and stretched the lead to 7-3. Excellent battling by Paul saw around seven handouts at 7-3. Would Mark collapse under pressure. Nope. He came through to take the fifth 9-3 and the tie 3-2. Well played.

Jon Oakley was playing next door against Dave Moreau. Dave pulled some tricky shots out of the bag but struggled to match Jon’s game which has to be said was somewhat in disarray for most of the tie. Fortunately Jon was able to do enough to keep Dave under pressure and though by far not his best performance, (in fact joining Richard in the muppet club and even managing to look like Fozzy bear) he took the tie 9-5, 9-6, 9-7. A comfortable win but not enough to nick the ice cream from the captain’s grasp. Could Yorkie do it?

So here it was the last game; Paul York against John Ford. From the off John looked a threat to Yorkie, picking up his hard drives and well hit cross courts and returning them tight and to a good length. Yorkie struggled to find his own game and made loads of errors. Ears were blocked as Yorkie’s shrill cry of disdain was heard after every point as he lost the first 9-3. Encouragement from the captain (as the ice cream was now safely in the bag) during the break and words of wisdom such “hit it harder” had the desired effect. The second saw Yorkie make fewer mistakes and start to work John hard. This gave him the edge as he took it 9-5 to even things up. Much of the same for the next two games, with errors reducing even more and the cut drop shot working again, giving Yorkie them 9-6 and 9-5 to take the tie 3-1.

Another 5-0 win. Home next week to Ely where they have an ex pro playing 1 for them. Best of luck Yorkie. Take no prisoners.