Posts Tagged ‘PDL Teams’

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.

Fresh from a 3-2 victory over March in the cup ¼ finals last week, Stamford were back again; this time for a league game. It also gave our “top” two players (Yorkie and Mark) a chance to redeem themselves after both suffering crushing defeats in the cup match. So let the match begin.

Simon Barker on first against big hitter Adi Powter. The first game under way it soon became apparent that Simons squash had not miraculously got any tighter over the weekend and saw him playing consistent short and loose squash. Fortunately this was masked by his lightening speed around the court, as he was in fact a blur! This caused some confusion to Adi as he attempted to hit the ball where his opponent wasn’t. This proved tricky because although he did just that and hit where Simon wasn’t, on many occasion Simon still hadn’t finished running for the last shot and ended up massively out of position but by chance where Adi had chosen to hit the ball to. Excellent. Thus Simon amazingly took the first. Similar stuff in the second, and with Adi totally lost as to where Simon may end up, also caused him to make unforced errors. So 2-0 to Simon. The third game saw Adi come out with all guns blazing, taking advantage of Simon’s loose squash and flattening the ball with every shot. This proved to be top tactics as the ball was rolling along the floor by the time it reached Simon giving him no opportunity to get moving. A quick third put Adi back in it 2-1 down. Fitness told though as the efforts in the last caught up with Adi. Simon took control again taking the third comfortably with a semblance of decent squash. 3-1 to Stamford.

Richard Barker was on court next door against Tom Randal. Some entertaining rallies ensued with both players running well and producing a close first game with Richard stealing it 9-7. The second saw Richard moving quicker, (having loosened the arthritis in the first), putting Tom under pressure by taking the ball early and hitting to the back of the court. Good squash enabled Richard to take the second comfortably 9-1. The third saw a fight back from Tom but Richard did enough to stay ahead securing the tie 3-0.

Jon Oakley was on next against Avi Warren. This was a rematch from the cup-tie with Jon confidant of repeating the 3-0 result. The match started with Jon moving well, having only just recovered from getting a nasty electric shock from his nylon shorts. Avi, not looking confident, made too many unforced errors never putting any pressure on Jon, allowing him to dictate the game. Good running though by Avi in the first, kept it tight but Jon’s short game again was enough to take the first 9-6. Stronger play by Jon in the second allowed him to totally dominate the game playing tight squash and hitting to a good length. 9-0 in the second with Jon cruising. Avi couldn’t get back in the game and the third went the same way 9-1 and 3-0 to Jon. Stamford now 3-0 up.

Mark Smith up against Ed Lefure. This was the next re-match from the cup-tie with Mark aiming to reverse the scoreline. This match produced some excellent squash. Consistent superb retrieving from tight shots kept the rallies going on and on, both players working very hard. Concentration again cost Mark as he made the error first during too many rallies. Ed took the first 9-5 and improved on it in the second with some excellent drops, as Mark got frustrated to take it 9-2. With the pressure on Mark as he came out for the third, he battled superbly and led the third with some good thinking and quality shots right up to 7-7. Ed looking tired, played a couple of loose shots giving Mark the chance for the kill but they were missed and tinned. Very costly as Ed recovered enough to steal the third 9-7 and the tie 3-0.

Last on was Yorkie, also up for revenge after being taken apart by Matt Fiveash in the cup game. Yorkie suitably psyched up, started well hitting good clean cut backhand drop winners with Matt just that split second off the pace. Keeping the pressure on, Yorkie took the first 9-2. The second saw Matt step up a gear as he took the ball earlier. This put Yorkie on the back foot and at the back of the court. Hard rallying with both players now taking the ball as early as possible, Matt just did enough to take the second 9-7. With the pace starting to tell on Yorkie in the third, “Errors” was the cry as he hit one to many tins. Matt took advantage of a couple of easy winners to go 2-1 up. The fourth saw Yorkie find his second wind and get himself back into the game. More hard rallies followed with one marathon rally that hurt both players. Matt though retained the edge and just did enough to take the tie 3-1.

Disappointment from the top two Stamford players but the lower order stalwarts did the business as Stamford took the tie 3-2. Oakham at home next in the league. Should be another close tie.

This match was postponed from 11th February and the tension was in the air but to cut a long story short, I’ll just quote the Captain: ‘The duffers at the top of the order lost (namely Paul York and Mark Smith) but the ever reliable Barker brothers and Jonny boy did the business’.

For those of you that like a bit more statistical information, Paul lost 3-0 as did Mark – they really were duffers weren’t they!

Jonathan Oakley had a comfortable victory winning 3-0 and the Barker brothers, Rich and Simon, dropped just a single game each to win 3-1, merely teasing there opponents it would seem!

Hopefully the semi-final will prove just as successful. Come on Stamford!!

Just when we thought Jon Oakley’s shorts could get no worse he pulls another pair from the bag (or was it the New Look catalogue). Why he chose to wear his wife’s shorts (which would be figure hugging on a size 10) is beyond comprehension. His explanation – “I had a bit of a hamstring twinge”. Tight they were! Linfords lunchbox they weren’t! So onto the match.

Richard Barker on first against Andy Chatterton. A close first game ensued with Richard playing steady squash, rallying well with some good lobs. Andy stuck in well working hard but just lost the first 10-8 to Richard. Richard relaxed a little too much in the second and began being frustrated with Andy’s long pause between serves. Lost concentration and making too many mistakes allowed Andy back in the match and it was 1-1. The third game Richard took control and found himself with time on the ball. Numerous chances came with Richard having the option of playing any one of his four shots, before choosing the fifth option and putting it in the tin. Andy though couldn’t take advantage of these errors and Richard took the third and fourth comfortably to win the tie 3-1.

Next court was team captain Simon Barker against Chez Allemanno. A closely fought tie with both players running for everything. Some excellent retrieving by both players and with Simon failing to hit anything tighter than about 10 inches from the wall the rallies kept going. The first two games went to the wire with Simon stealing both 10-8. Some good finishing from Chez in the third put him back in the match as he took it 9-5. Words of encouragement from Yorkie to Simon went along the lines of: “Don’t just leather the ball, think where you’re hitting it!!” Thanks Yorkie. Anyway it must have had some effect as Simon ran Chez down in the fourth to win 9-2 and the tie 3-1.

Jon (and his lycra shorts) Oakley was on next against Peter Hand. Always a tough opponent to play Peter started strongly with an array of deft short shots and some tight retrieving. Jon though moving faster round the court soon got to grips with Peters style and picked up most of the short balls often playing an equally deft short shot. This short game was too much for Peter with Jon playing consistently accurate and tight shots. A comfortable victory for Jon winning 3-0 and not a sign of Jon’s alleged hamstring twinge, (or was it just an excuse to venture into the wearing of women’s clothes)? Hmmm!

So with the match in the bag it left Mark Smith and Yorkie under no pressure. Mark up against Ed Hale. Mark just took the away leg 3-2 so this had the makings of a good tie. The first two games were somewhat bizarre with Mark winning the first 9-1 then losing the second 9-1. The third though saw some good squash with Mark digging in well and both players working hard to stay in the rallies. Steady play and concentration saw Mark through making fewer mistakes than Ed and securing the third 10-8. Much of the same in the fourth saw Mark come through again 10-8 to win the tie 3-1. Another good result for Stamford now 4-0 up with only Yorkie to play.

Fired up and ready to go (fully recovered from making some interesting marking decisions during Richards match), Paul York was on against Jonathon Hand. Yorkie started well, taking advantage of uncharacteristic, unforced errors from Jonathon and with some lucky nicks took the first 10-8. Jon changed tactics, now playing slow and lifting lots of high balls. Yorkie, struggling to reach was under pressure and the errors crept in. Jonathon’s game got tighter and shorter making it very difficult for Paul to generate pace. Drifting into Jonathon’s game cost him dearly as he lost the next two 9-4 and 9-2. Determined to put up a fight Yorkie stepped up the pace blasting everything but was too loose to cause Jon any problems who wrapped up the tie 9-0 and in the end a comfortable 3-1 win.

A good win for Stamford as the road to league victory continues. March away on Thursday in the cup 1/4 finals. This match will prove to be a real challenge as already rumours are abound that world ranked players are being drafted in to beat Yorkie and co. Still with Yorkie back in training and on the “special” York diet (at least two chocolate, cream and ice cream puds) to go with roast Sunday lunch washed down with a vat of a low fat red wine we should have no fears!!

On the rebound from a bruising defeat by Oundle, Stamford were in good spirits (even Yorkie) and looking forward to a hard match against last years league winners Cottesmore.

A First on court for Stamford was Richard Barker fresh from a “working” weekend in Spain where absolutely no alcohol was consumed – not. He was playing Graham Taylor who proceeded to work Richard hard retrieving well and keeping the rallies going. Richard unable to find a short shot was dragged into Grahams game rallying to the back of the court. Consistent squash from Graham was enough to secure the first two games as Richard, ½ a yard off the pace made the errors. Enlightening advice from the Stamford captain at the end of the second re-focused Richard and a hard battle ensued in the third. Richard running for everything and hitting with more power put enough pressure on Graham to take the third. 2-1 down and Richard needed to keep this pressure up but alas to many san-miguels finally took their toll and Graham secured the tie comfortably 3-1.

Jon Oakley was on the other court against Andy Suddards – an unknown quantity. Jon, down to his last 30 pairs of grey, high cut, circa 1970 nylon football shorts was slow to start and Andy took full advantage. Playing a good length then forcing Jon forward with the short ball won Andy a high proportion of points in the first two games as Jon struggled to move forward. 2-0 down Jon struggled to get into it but dogged perseverance finally paid off as he finally found his legs. Half way through the third and Jon stepped up a gear putting Andy under pressure and it was Andy’s turn to be caught by the short ball. The third game to Jon and the fourth went the same with Jon comfortably in control moving Andy well around the court. 2-2 and the fifth saw Andy come out fired up. Nip and tuck through and with Jon facing match ball at 8-7 elected to play the most unorthodox return of service ever witnessed at match ball down, (reverse angle clearing the tin by about 2 cm) to gasps of horror from the balcony (and Andy). Luck favours the er.. brave? and Jon served out the match to win 10-8 in the fifth. It was later discovered the reason for Jons slow starting was down to a very healthy steak pie dinner eaten 40 minutes before going on court. Good to see match preparation going well Jon!

With the match at 1-1, Mark Smith against Jon Nicholls was expected to be a crucial tie. Jon taking the tie at Cottesmore, Mark was up for revenge. A strong start from Jon playing tight squash forced Mark into difficult retrieving. Mark though ran for everything and though under pressure also worked Jon hard. A close first but Jon took it just having the edge. The second saw Mark take control, taking the ball early and moving Jon to front then back. The pressure was too much for Jon with Mark taking the next two games comfortably leading now 2-1. The fourth saw a resurgence of energy from Jon as he fought back leading most of the way. At 8-6 down Mark found some excellent finishing shots to clean up 10-8 and take the tie 3-1.

Captain Simon Barker on now, up against an old adversary in Bill McTaggart. History was on Simon’s side as many encounters previously had always gone in Simon’s favour. However, with nothing certain in this game (except Mark Smith and an injury when defeat looks certain, Jon Oakley and dire fashion on court, and Yorkie never owning a motor bike) Simon worked hard from the start endeavouring to keep Bill on the back foot and under pressure. This paid dividends and though Bill played to a sound game plan, working Simons backhand continuously, it wasn’t enough to affect the result as Simon took the tie 3-0.

With the match effectively won for Stamford it just remained for Paul York to play Bez Beresford. An excellent match was anticipated with a full balcony watching. The first game going as expected with both players playing tight shots and excellent drops. Hard rallies through the first took the game to 7-7 when Yorkie suddenly found himself winning an easy 2 points to take the first 9-7. As the second started it became apparent that Bez was in trouble and after only a couple of points had to retire looking very pale and tired. The onset of a bug it appears.

So an excellent match result 4-1 for Stamford. Quarter-final cup game next week against March (away).

This was set to be a tough return match with Oundle pulling out the stops to put a full strength team out. First up were the Barker brothers fresh from a weeks skiing. Simon playing Peter Izod and Richard playing Jim Massey. Peter started strongly playing tight squash and moving the Stamford captain all over the court. Still contemplating life in the mountains Simon found himself losing the first 9-3 and under pressure. Better squash from Simon in the second saw the game turn into a hard battle with both players retrieving well but Simon just taking it 9-7. 1-1 and the match was on. The third started evenly but consistent squash from Peter and impatience from Simon saw errors creep in giving Peter the third. Into the fourth and after a poor start by Simon he finally got into it producing an excellent fight back. Peter responded though and after some tough rallies (causing the captain to regret the occasional glass of wine supped whilst skiing) Simon couldn’t do enough to stop Peter taking the fourth and the tie 3-1.

Richard was having similar problems on the court next door struggling to get to grips with hard hitting and consistent rallying of Jim. Jim worked hard but took the first two and the pressure was on Richard. A superb fight back in the third from Richard playing better squash and moving Jim well paid dividends and Richard was back in it 2-1 down. The fourth was closely fought all the way with some good rallies and tight squash. Finally Richard gained his chance and at game ball up an easy kill at the front presented itself and ….. disaster. Who raised the tin? Opportunity gone and Jim seized the chance to get back in it and went on to take the game 10-9 and the tie 3-1.

Stamford 2-0 down and in trouble. Johnny (dodgy shorts) Oakley was on next for Stamford against Nick Sin. Jon struggled to begin with making too many unforced errors. As the game progressed he regained his composure (but not his fashion sense) and with Nick also making errors Jon took the first 9-7. A lapse in concentration followed from Jon as he swiftly loast the second 9-2 and was floundering. After having a word with himself in the break he came back on playing much better. Some great retrieving and some flicky short crass courts that Jon specialises in saw him take control and secure the tie 3-1.

Only 2-1 down now and in with a shout Mark Smith was the other court against Neville Keil. Mark had already lost the first 9-3 through some great back of the court rallying by Neville. Top tips from Yorkie after the first saw Mark applying them by playing the ball short and moving Neville to the front. Neville responded picking the looser ones and blasting a winner off them. 9-5 to Neville and Mark was in trouble. Consistency was again the key element in the third as Neville pounded the ball to the back of the court putting Mark under too much pressure, comfortably taking the third 9-0 and putting the match beyond Stamfords reach.

Yorkie was last on, up against an old adversary in Chris Davey. As expected the games were tight and saw some excellent rallying and retrieving. Both players playing to their best saw each game producing rally after rally of tight squash, excellent width and the ball being driven to almost destruction. After over an hour on court it was 2-2 and with imminent danger of the pub closing the team was forced to desert Yorkie and head to the bar. The last game was no different to rest and after an hour and a half on court Chris finally edged it winning 10-8 in the fifth. Outstanding squash by both players. An inconsolable Yorkie appeared at the pub as they called time. Deserted by his fellow team members, food on the table he couldn’t face, time for only a quick drink, defeat for him and the first defeat of the season for the team.

A quiet journey home as the team licked their wounds and avoided icy glances from Yorkie. Still, on a brighter note we are still 20 points clear at the top and ready to rumble. Come on Oakham. For those interested in watching this will be the next big game played at home (4th March) with Oakham currently second in the league.

Werrington arrived with a stronger team from the first half of the season with Claire Waddle back in at number 1 for them. Yorkie though, was unconcerned and feeling more confident having had a couple of wins since his poor run of defeats over the Xmas break.

First on for Stamford was Richard Barker playing Colin Pummell. Richard started in fine form playing good controlled tight squash, moving Colin all over the court and showing no mercy took the first game 9-0. The second went the same way with Colin having to work very hard to stay in the game. Consistent squash from Richard secured the second 9-2. Colin came out for the third on a mission. Richard playing a little too casual was under pressure and had to produce some excellent retrieving to stay in the game. The earlier pressure on Colin took its toll though and as he started to slow Richard took advantage and the third 9-7 to secure the tie 3-0.

Next door was Simon Barker playing Alan Waddle. Alan showed awesome form in the knock up massacring everything that came near his racket hitting more nicks than Yorkie at his luckiest (and that’s a lot). Simon though showed the calm and composure required of a captain when all around a whispering “he’s going to get hammered”. First game saw Alan blasting everything looking for the nick constantly but Simons speed around the court got the better of him and suddenly the shots were going in the tin and not the nick. Good work and some tighter squash than seen normally from Simon gave him the first 9-3. Keeping the pressure on saw Alan get more frustrated as the tin became more and more magnetic to his shots. The second went to Simon 9-5 and third followed in the same style 9-7. A fine result for the Stamford captain 3-0.

Jon Oakley (thanks for playing Jon), was on next against Andy Ruderham. This match saw some excellent squash with both players hitting to a good line and length and retrieving with the same skill. Jon though just had the edge and although under constant pressure kept his head did enough to take the first two 9-4, 9-6. The third saw a fight back from Andy, playing some excellent shots and forcing the errors from Jon. This was enough to take it 9-4 and suddenly Jon was looking vulnerable. The fourth was closely fought up to 5-5, with neither player giving anything away when a lapse in concentration form Alan lost him 3 quick points to put Jon in a very strong position at 8-5 up. A tense couple more rallies saw Jon regain control and take the game 9-6 and the match 3-1.

Mark Smith on the other court was against Andy Walsham. Mark started strongly retrieving everything putting the pressure on Andy and forcing the errors from him. Good squash from Mark, showing no mercy took the first 9-0. The second went the same way with Andy being forced into too many errors and Mark surging on took it 9-2. Somewhat disheartened yet more errors from Andy gave Mark complete control and easy 9-0 to take the tie 3-0.

Finally on was Paul York against Claire Waddell. A strong start by Yorkie playing tight squash and hitting a good width had Claire on the back foot and working hard. Few errors from Paul enabled him to take the first two 9-2 and 9-5. Claire though found her form in the third taking the ball early and putting the pressure back on Yorkie. Some excellent drops by Claire helped take the third 9-6 and it was Yorkies turn to be under the cosh. The fourth was very closely contested with neither player giving an inch. Some excellent rallying made for an entertaining match with Yorkie just stealing it 10-8 and taking the tie 3-1.

An excellent result for Stamford maintaining their unbeaten run. Oundle next, currently in second spot in the division should prove a tough one.

This was the first game of the second half of the season that saw Stamford leading the division by a comfortable 31 points. Jon Oakley unable to play due to prior commitments (“I didn’t know the season had re-started yet and I’m taking my wife out to dinner!”) meant we had a second guest appearance from Adrian Chappell. Ade wasn’t too keen on playing at Bushfields stating “I remember when I was good enough to tell captains to *%&^ off and select someone else, if I didn’t like the venue!” They were the days eh Ade?? Anyway onto the match. Barker brothers on court first.

Richard played Peter Martin at four and Simon played Ken Bell at five. Richard was soon into his rhythm hitting good length and playing some excellent lobs. Consistent rallying from Richard put too much pressure on Peter securing the tie 3-0 to Stamford.

Ken played a more tactical game against Simon playing lots of short balls. Simons improved fitness came through though, enabling him to pick the short drops up and put Ken back under pressure at the back of the court. Excellent running from Simon saw a comfortable victory dropping only 3 points. A fine effort from Ken but unable to find a winning shot cost him dearly. 3-0 to Stamford.

Next on was Adrian Chappell playing canny Andrew Woodward. Andrew started strongly putting Adrian under pressure by volleying everything and playing a tight short game. Continued pressure and few mistakes from Andrew saw the veteran master Adrian, lose the first. Some quality advice from his protégé Yorkie (“Come on Adrian sort it out”) saw Adrian fired up for the second. Hard battling by both players and some interesting marking by the Stamford captain, saw an entertaining match with the next three games going to the wire. Adrian taking all three to win the match 3-1, but not in the style of the old master and whilst recovering from his exertions on the balcony was heard to say, “I really don’t feel very well”. 3-1 to Stamford.

Mark Smith on the other court was playing Neil “mutha” Hoskins. This promised to be a good match with Neil well up for it. The first game saw some good rallies with Neil blasting the ball around the court. Mark used this pace to his advantage, stroking the ball around and using the short game well to take the first. Neil came back strongly in the second working Mark well and not giving him the chance to get into it. Good finishing from Neil and it was 1-1. The third saw Mark regain control with a slow boast from the back of the court that kept catching Neil flat footed and was enough to go 2-1 up. The fourth saw Mark take a strong lead looking like a sure winner when concentration failed him and another fight back from Neil took it to 8-8. Mark though, managed to find enough reserves of energy to hit another two trickle boasts and seal the tie 3-1. A close call but Stamford win again 3-1.

Finally Paul York was on against Carl Taylor. Yorkie started well, putting behind him some crushing defeats over the Xmas break and dropped league games to lesser mortals in the team (namely the captain), hitting a good width and length. He moved Carl around well and finished many a rally with his cut backhand dropshot from the ¾ court area. The first game secured for Stamford. Carl fought back in the second playing an assortment of skid boasts (why play off one wall when you can play off three?), forcing Paul to work harder countering the vicious spin with accurate volleying. A close second game but Paul managed to hang on to go 2-0 up. Carl tiring in the third worked hard initially but as the continuous pressure of being worked around the court took its toll, Paul finished it off with a comfortable win in the third, 3-0 Stamford and the match 5-0.

Many thanks to Bushfield for an entertaining match and social evening in the bar afterwards.

The players all won. 3-0 victories for Paul York, Mark Smith, Simon Barker and Richard Barker. Jonathan Oakley snuck through 3-2. A comfortable victory.

The first half of the season over, and the team remain undeafeated…..looking good!

Stamford’s last league match for the first half of the season was against Rutland, new arrivals into Div 1 gaining promotion last year. Looking to maintain our 100% record the team were in buoyant mood looking relaxed and confident.

First on court was Jon Oakley playing Martin Priestly. Looking sharp, picking everything up and moving his opponent well Jon dominated the match securing a comfortable win 3-0.

Next on was Simon Barker (awarded manager of the month recently after some awesome results) playing Simon Sharp. Barker playing his normal hard-hitting game but with good width and length put Sharp under a lot of pressure. Consistent squash saw Barker through 3-0 with another comfortable victory.

Richard Barker on court next door was playing Simon Cobil. The precedence set for the night Richard followed on, also playing sound squash, moving his opponent and retrieving tirelessly to secure another comfortable 3-0 win.

Mark Smith up against Justin Fowler next and the game started well with Justin competing for everything and working hard. Mark kept it steady though winning the first. The second game Mark upped the pace which proved too much for Justin allowing Mark full control of the court and a comfortable win in the next two games to make it 3-0 again.

Finally on was Paul York against Richard Woolveridge. Yorkie, with too much skill and power for Richard to cope with went through in style for another 3-0 win to secure the match for Stamford 5-0.

Well played Stamford – 7 wins from 7 and a healthy lead at the top of the division. Next week sees the first cup match playing Oakham 2 away. Come on Stamford!