Club Competitions
James Thompson wins AFSC Handicap Event
In what proved to be an exciting and well supported evenings squash at AFSC James Thompson (#2) pipped Dave Ball (#1) to the title in what had been an exciting, tense and close match.
With an adjusted handicap for the final Thompson ( -2pts) won the first game 15-11. Ball (-5pts) was slow to start in the second game but with some excellent court coverage eroded the points difference mid game and then went on to take the game 15-12. Thompson responded well in the third and his two-handed back hand was much in evidence as he built an early lead which he held on to securing the third game.
Again Ball responded and very effectively levelled the match with some excellent drives and drops, dominating play and keeping the pressure on Thompson who made a few critical errors (15-2). Perhaps with that effort in the fourth taking it’s toll on Ball, Thompson worked his way into a healthy 9-2 lead in the fifth. Incredibly Ball responded again and took some momentum into a 8 point run that really racked up the tension. Ball looked set for the match at 13-11 but two nervous errors and a good shot from Thompson under pressure sneaked the match for Thompson (15-13).
Earlier in the evening in the U12′s Final Lucy Soulby beat Josh Horner 15-5, 15-12, 15-4. The O12′s Final saw Matty Frith beat Liam Riley 15-10, 15-8, 15-6.
A very closely fought Ladies Final saw Helen Carmichael take the spoils in five thrilling games against Audrey Rumbles. All of the games were close not least the fourth and fifth which Helen won 15-14 and 15-13. (14-15, 15-9, 11-15, 15-14, 15-13).
In the Handicap plate competition Tony Parrott hussled and bustled Nigel Bratton who didn’t quite get into his stride winning 3-0 and to good effect even managed to lob “Big Nige”!
For more of the nights winners see the news and updated Roll of Honour pages.
Dave Ball retains Corus Cup
Corus Cup Final – Dave Ball (#1) maintained his grip on the Corus Cup by beating Joe Dixon (#2) 3-0 in 22 minutes. Despite Dixon working hard for every point Ball won the first game 15-11 and then took the second 15-5. Ball remained firmly in control using his experience and excellent court movement to good effect and took the third game 15-5 to seal the victory.
Dave Ball & Joe Dixon
Cup 3rd Place Play-Off – With Carl Burlinson (#4) withdrawing as aresult of a heavy cold over the festive period Karen Dixon (#3) was awarded a walkover.
Plate Final – Paul Matthewman tried hard but ultimately unsuccessfully to overcome Billy Timms in what proved to be another short match (18mins). Timms, the self proclaimed “Fat Boy”, used his very effective style of play to good effect and by anticipating Matthewman’s drops and drives played a series of lobs, slow boasts and drops that proved just too good for his opponent. (15-10, 15-10, 15-9).
Billy Timms, Paul Matthewman & Eddie Docherty
Plate 3rd Place Play-Off – John King turned up and did little wrong whereas his opponent, Peter Hindmarsh, disappointingly didn’t seem to get into the match at all. King led throughout keeping the rallies short and the ball either low or tight stopping Hindmarsh from playing to length and getting any rhythm going. The first two games looked close on paper (15-11, 15-12) but in reality Hindmarsh caused King little trouble as King took the third game 15-8 and the match 3-0 in 19 minutes.
Our thanks to Paul Matthewman for organising the competition and to Eddie Docherty who referee’d the finals. All participants on the night received gift vouchers as a reward. Our thanks also to those few members, family and friends who did attend the Finals night. Unfortunately the event was poorly attended and the committee may have to review the date and timings of this competition which has traditionally held its finals between Xmas and New Year.