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| Report: | The crowds at The Northumberland Club were in for a fantastic evening of squash, as two of the league titans went head to head in the first match of the season.
The university fielded a weakened team as ex world number 9 Bryan Beeson was confined to the side lines with a slight injury.
First on court were the battle of two old uni teammates, Tom Oldfield and Mark Taylor. These boys clearly knew each others games well, and the spectators looked to be in for a long night as the first game went to 15-13, each player looking to find a weakness in the other. Tom pushed on in the second game, and played well to steal it 11-6. Not to be turned over that easily, Mark battled back in the 3rd with some trademark shots and managed to hold on to take that game 11-9. Not one to let the university down, however, Tom pulled out some fast paced squash in the 4th to win the opening match 3-1.
Next up was the showdown between the Uni captain, Jack Hunter, and his opponent Steven Twaddle. Again the first game was a close affair, as each of the boys tested the other for weaknesses. In the end, Steven pushed on to take the opening game 13-11.
As a tenacious athlete, Jack was never going to let Steven dictate the match. He came back on court and, in another game that was point for point from the start, managed to finish well to even the match. By the third, the crowd knew they were in for a treat and neither player disappointed. The game became a contest in endurance and steely nerves, and at 11 all neither player looked like letting the game go. In the end it took two incredible rallies for Jack Hunter to take the lead 13-11. At this stage in the match, both players' bodies had been tested to their limit and it was the countless hours of training that the uni boys put in that eventually led to Jack clinching the match 11-6 in the fourth.
In another battle between old uni teammates, Chris Garner (returning from a spell at Chapel A) took to court against James Worsick. Chris started slowly, and James dictated the first game taking it a comfortable 11-3. After a few wise words from university hero Bryan Beeson, Chris returned to the court and, in a games that were even until the very end, took the next two 11-7 and 12-10. The ferocity of the first three games had taken their toll on Chris, and he dropped the 4th a rather disappointing 11-2. Again, Chris regrouped and the 5th game proved to be a scintillating exhibition of squash. Throughout the entire game, the players matched each other shot for shot and point for point. The outcome of the match was balanced on a razors edge, and the fans waited with baited breath to see the victor. In the end, the experience and determination showed by Chris proved to be too much for Worsick, and the uni boys took the match in a fantastic 12-10 fifth game.
Although the fixture had been decided, neither Michael Mackay nor Mike Andrews were ever going to give anything less that 100% in the penultimate showdown of the night. It was clear from the 1st rally that this was a battle of fitness, as each player pushed the other around the court whilst thrilling the spectators with some incredible retrievals. The first game was even throughout, but it was Mike Andrews who managed to save game ball and then push on to win 14-12. The second game started identically to the first, with each player exhibiting phenomenal court coverage. Unfortunately Michael Mackay made back to back unforced errors to allow Mike Andrew to steal the game 11-8. The third game was one of many of the night that were too close to call. Eventually, spurred on by the uni crowd, Michael Mackay produced a flurry of exquisite shots to prolong the match, winning the 4th 15-13.
The last game was a real clash of titans, as each of the players showed their grit and determination in a game that for a long time was too close to call. In the end Mike Andrews produced some lovely shots to take the last game 11-9.
Finally, in what promised to be a true battle of finesse, Chris Wiggins took to the court for his uni debut against Dave Barnett. The match began as it was to continue, with both players constructing rallies which were a joy for any squash fan to watch. In the end, it was Dave's experience which led him to take the 1st game 11-5. The second game proved to be a real show stopper, as both players turned up the heat in a game that neither were willing to loose. The rallies continued at a ferocious pace, and the crowd enjoyed some fantastic shots, retrievals and sportsmanship. Experience once again played a part, and Barnett kept a level head to steal the game by a narrow margin.
By now, Dave was in his element whilst Chris looked to be struggling. The third started with an electric opening exchange, but a few unforced errors from Chris, and a few spectacular winners from Dave led to Barnett taking the match.
Thanks to The Nortumberland Club for hosting the University's home match, and thanks to all who turned out to enjoy the squash. We look forward to the return fixture in Feb!
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| Author: | Ryan Doran |
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