Posts Tagged ‘Cambs League Teams’

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!

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.