Posts Tagged ‘PDL Teams’

Stamford go down 5 nil.

In general terms the least that is said about last night’s drubbing the better. Report writing this week is even further impinged as the writer was first on and the length of that tie was such that all other matches other than Glyn “the Gaylord” Williams’ had been played on the other court by the time his match was over.

First on were Alastair Gunn and Simon Richardson playing at 2 and 4 respectively.

Alastair seemed to ignore the fact that his opponent was a lefty and proceeded to try and out rally Dylan Ross for most of the match on his extremely powerful forehand. Having said that Alastair sneaked to an 8/7 lead in the first but despite approximately 82 game balls failed to close it out. A mighty effort in the 2nd saw Alastair take the second 9/7 having been 0/6 behind and then take the third 9/5. Dylan then snuck back into the game dictating the pace from the front with accurate and deceptive play to take the next two 9/4 9/3.

Simon battled hard against Dave Batterby and despite a hard push to take the second struggled to cope with Dave’s droppy lobby game and went down 2/9 10/8 3/9 1/9.

It took the time that Simon was in the shower for Mike Coogan to see off Dave Spooner 1/9 3/9 1/9. Dave was seen after the 7 minute 15 second tie rubbing tap water into his shirt to make it look as if he had done some running.

Fine performances were put in by both Jonathan Oakley and Glyn Williams who were both unlucky not to get a result the other way. Jonathan lost to Paul Partington 2/9 9/4 7/9 5/9 and Glyn was narrowly defeated by Justin Fowler 7/9 9/6 2/9 9/6 2/9.

We finished the match at 9.15pm, as we arrived on time at 7.30pm courtesy of Tim Schumacher. It is obvious that we gave them a good stuffing!

The highlight of the evening for some, may have been the cross dressing by Tim and John in the changing rooms, but the squash was more important for me. However I must admit that John was dashing in his new briefs and Tim was all the rave, with his yawning posterior gaping out from John’s delicious castaways!

Anyway back to squash:

Me, John and Paul hardly broke sweat and were looking for a game afterwards. Dave tried to break sweat with some deft underhits and I couldn’t be bothered to ask for the let tactics, but with cunning experience, he wafted away the pensioner he was playing with (his opponent).

Tim had the only game worth playing and what a game! Down 2/9 and 4/9, he dug out an incredulous comeback to 2-2. Unfortunately he pulled a knee ligament and became a hobbling cripple. All seemed lost as Tim went down 0-7 and a hobble became a worse hobble, and we all said from the balcony ‘you can do it Tim’ yeah. And believe it or believe it not Lazarus was born, with grit, graft, determination, courage, bravery, and team spirit (do you like all this crap?), Tim was magnificent and point by point got to 7-7, then 7-7, 8-7 and 9-7 to complete a most remarkable recovery, which must go down in the record books!

Stamford 5, St Neots 0

For the record the results were:-
Paul Swift beat Mike Biggs 9/4, 9/2, 9/2
Dave Spooner beat Colin Taylor 9/5, 9/7, 9/7
John Fields beat Andy Beattie 9/2, 9/2, 9/2
Paul Redfern beat Dave Bettany 9/4, 9/0, 9/0
Tim Prior beat Andy Fenner 2/9, 4/9, 9/1, 9/7, 9/7

This was always going to be a tricky tie and a real team effort was going to be required to pull off a victory.

First on court first were Kai and Simon, again playing respectively at 4 and 5.

Kai showing the sharpness around the court that had won him the invite to join the ranks of the Stamford 1 team cruised comfortably to a 9/4 9/3 9/2 victory against Chez Alenanno. Kai’s clear enthusiasm for the game must be causing some concern for his very pregnant wife at the moment. Not only is the young man constantly out playing for every Stamford team in the Peterborough leagues but he is clearly spending all of the nappy fund on flashy new bats and go faster hair highlights.

Kai’s solid performance was followed by an equally masterful display by Glyn Williams who comfortably dispensed with his opponent Martin Meadows 9/1 9/0 9/2.

Meanwhile Simon Richardson was battling hard for what proved to be the pivotal tie. His opponent Dave Reweder tested Simon with a closely fought first game which Simon just managed to squeeze 10/8. Some great squash ensued, good hard length broken up with delicate finishes from both players. Dave took the 2nd 9/6 and whilst the next two games were closely contested Simon (who can always pull something special out of the bag when the pressure is on) held it together taking the last two 9/6 9/4.

Three matches having been won the victory was in hand with only Alastair and Jonathan Oakley left to play.

A number of supporters had turned up to watch the evening’s play – none more interested in the outcome of the next match than Lawrence and Dave (having been left out of this week’s line up).

The captain dragged himself onto court barely recovered from a weekend spent on the large white (well more aubergine) porcelain telephone whilst the vultures gathered eagerly on the balcony. What followed, to the eye of the knowledgeable squash follower, was a tear jerking tragedy. The usual display of powerful penetrating squash just wasn’t there. Whilst bravely fought and distracted by the cries of “drop him” from Dave “ten bellies” Spooner the result was inevitable as Edd Hale snatched a 9/1 9/5 9/5 victory.

The two Jonathans were left then to educate and demonstrate their court prowess. For the first game, at least, the older looking of the two (Mr Oakley) looked like having a sniff of a chance and top spun dropped his way to a 9/6 opening game victory. The next couple of games were coloured a little – JO, shielding his embarrassment at being constantly wrong footed in front of a packed house, bitched like an old woman. The petulant display, normally associated with teenage spottiness, however did nothing to improve his game (the under sized ladies shorts can’t have helped either). Increasingly tired the old timer could do nothing to hold back the tide as Jonathan (the younger) closed out the remaining three games in decisive fashion 9/3 9/4 9/3.

The team retired to the Green Man for a well earned celebratory pint allowing Mr Hand to eat his third dinner of evening and Mr Oakley to whinge about the unfairness of being expected to thank his sponsor by wearing the team shirt.

Mark Smith wins again at 3 but everybody else loses

James Trewick 2 Bez Beresford 3 { 1/9 , 9/4 , 9/4 , 9/10 , 2/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 1 Jonathan Hand 3 { 2/9 , 10/9 , 7/9 , 5/9 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 3 Mat Diedunne 2 { 9/7 , 6/9 , 0/9 , 9/0 , 9/6 } (3rds)
Adrian Hargreaves 2 Neil Hoskins 3 { 9/1 , 9/1 , 6/9 , 1/9 , 4/9 } (4ths)
Richard Barker 0 Peter Hand 3 { 6/9 , 5/9 , 6/9 } (5ths)

A tremendously close match but Stamford manage to win.

Spencer Beswick 2 James Trewick 3 { 6/9 , 9/6 , 4/9 , 9/2 , 7/9 } (1sts)
Jonathan Hand 3 Paul York 2 { 2/9 , 3/9 , 9/4 , 9/1 , 9/3 } (2nds)
Mat Diedunne 3 Mark Smith 0 { 9/4 , 9/7 , 9/6 } (3rds)
Paul Partington 2 Jonathon Oakley 3 { 9/1 , 7/9 , 9/3 , 3/9 , 4/9 } (4ths)
Neil Hoskins 2 Adrian Hargreaves 3 { 9/2 , 9/0 , 4/9 , 6/9 , 8/10 } (5ths)

Sunday, 24th March, was the date of the first final for the Daniel Lambert Squash Team. What an encounter. A run down on events is as follows.

Kim Cozens at String 5 looking forward to a game against Robin Soar wasn’t to be. A stronger team being put out by Town meant no place for Robin and down to String 5 came Monty. Previous meeting at String 4 had found him to be too strong against us. Battle commenced with Monty winning as expected 9-1, 9-2, 9-2.

Mark Lavers came in to battle with Simon King. A battle it was, going 2 games down 5-9, 1-9, and 6-0 down in the third, Simon was expecting to be off court soon. Not Mark, fighting back to win the third and fourth games 9-7, 9-7. Final game went all the way to 9-9 and after many on court debates by Simon and a few choice words by Mark, Mark went down 9-10. What a game!

A big decision had to made by the captain knowing the strength of their team. Mick Lewis at 3? John Fields at 2? Decision made Mick at 3.

Mick played Mark Philips and went down 6-9 in the first. Mick pulled it together and went on to win the next three. 9-2, 9-7, 9-7. Was this to be the turning point?

John played Bob Green, a player we knew from the past was going to be tough to beat. John got the message from the team above – go on we are still in it. True to form and like he has done on many occasions in the league this season and against Town II went on to win 3-0. 9-5, 9-3, 9-2.

Well it was all down Ian Burnham against young Dan Soar. What a start Ian made winning the first 9-5, winning the second 9-5. Expectations were raised. However, hopes were dashed with the young man’s fitness paying dividends in the end winning the next three 9-1, 9-4, 9-2.

Great time was had by all and further entertainment saw our first team, the Green Man, win the Cup.

Stamford arrived at Peterborough Town squash club with high hopes of doing the double having won Peterborough league division one by a staggering 50 points clear. Also the chance of revenge was anticipated as Oundle were the only team in the league to beat us and we were still smarting.

First on court was Mark (I need a couple of hours to sort myself out before I go on court) Smith against Neville Keir (No 2 string). This was always going to be a tough match for Smithy as he struggled against Neville last time and also, only had ten minutes preparation time! As expected Neville started strongly hitting a good length and width, stepping into the shots to volley which put Mark under a lot of pressure. Unable to settle into it the first game drifted away as Neville continued safe but consistent squash and Mark made the errors. First went to Neville 9-3. Time for a rethink from Mark and a pep talk from Yorkie, (unrepeatable for this audience)! The break though was not enough for Mark as the second followed on from the first with uncharacteristic errors from Mark allowing Neville a comfortable ride through, though continuing to play excellent squash and prevent Mark any chance of getting into the game. 9-3 again to Neville. Confidence now at rock bottom Mark was unable to recover his squash and went down 9-0 in the third for a comfortable victory for Oundle. 1-0

Next on was Richard Barker (playing for us in between skiing holidays) against the Oundle captain Phil Wallis (No 5 string). Richard was on a roll, after some outstanding victories in friendlies recently, notably the destruction of Jonathon Oakley, and went on court looking sharp. Richard immediately took control, playing good squash and retrieving well from Phil’s awkward shots. Few errors from Richard secured the first 9-5. The second went the same way with Richard looking comfortable as he moved Phil around the court, working him hard as he took the second 9-4. Disaster struck in the fourth as somebody flicked Richards off switch. A complete concentration failure allowed Phil back into the match as he stormed through the third with some good winners, errors from Richard as he was a couple of seconds off the pace. 9-5 to Phil as the tie stood at 2-1. A tense fourth ensued as the both players edged the score up to 8-8. Defeat for Stamford would surely cost them the match and this pressure sat heavily on Richards shoulders as he still struggled to regain his from. Excellent battling though gave him game ball at 9-8 and one rally was all he needed to take the tie 10-8. Stamford back in the match at 1-1.

Stamford captain, Simon Barker on court next against Peter Izod (No 4 string). The previous match saw Peter have a comfortable win over Simon and opportunity to overturn this result was not only a matter of pride for Simon it was a necessity to keep the match alive for Stamford. Some inspired squash from Simon, who picked the perfect match to start playing tight squash, and finally finding the elusive width that has been missing all season. Looking sharp and hungry Simon was onto everything early, rallying when needed and picking the shots to play winners off. 9-1 to Simon in the first. No pep talk from Yorkie so things were looking good. The second followed in the same vein, as Simon went on to a comfortable 9-4 win. Determined not to ease off, Simon came out for the third focused and still looking strong. The expected fight back from Peter came but Simon held him off to take the third 9-5. Stamford take the lead 2-1.

Yorkie on next against an old adversary in Chris Davey (No 1 string). The pressure was on Paul, a little short of match fitness after an injury, but well up for this match. Great rallying from both players was evident as the tie got under way with both of them having to work hard for every point. Outstanding shot after shot was played with both battling for everything. Chris though had the edge as he kept the errors to a minimum forcing Paul to make the mistakes. 9-4 to Chris. The second again was a hard battle but Chris kept the pressure on and more errors from Paul saw the game drift away for Chris to take it 9-2 and go 2-0 up. Needing the third to stay in the tie, Paul started strongly, playing better and cutting out the mistakes. Chris kept his head though and a titanic battle took them through to 8-8. Chris had just enough to make it count and took the next two points to win the game 10-8 and the tie 3-0.

2-2 in games, with the final game to play. Jon (fashion icon) Oakley against Nick Sims (No 3 string). This was set to be an excellent match. Both players very closely matched on fitness and skill and the final decider. It seemed though the occasion did much for Jon in the first as he blasted through the first. Hitting hard and to a good length, interspersed with a devastating short game, Nick was in trouble and went down in the first 9-0. The second saw a different player as Nick came out fighting. Some superb rallying followed. Excellent retrieving from both players returning tight shots with interest had the balcony spellbound. Nothing in it as the sores hit 6-6 then Jon put in a couple of outstanding winners to take him to game ball. As the serve changed hands a couple of times the tension was high before Jon finally took it 9-6. 2-0 now but no-one was willing to bet against Nick. The third again saw some fiery squash with both players driving the ball hard. Nothing in it again as they came up to 5-5 with the pain showing on both faces from hard rallying. Again though Jon turned it on for a couple of points hitting yet another couple of outstanding winners. This was enough to break Nick as Jon went on take the game 9-5 and the tie 3-0. 3-0 was not an accurate reflection on this tie as it was so close.

A fantastic result for Stamford to win the cup 3-2 on the night who end the season as league champions and cup winners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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