Bristol, Croydon & University of Birmingham join Duffield in play-Offs
Roundup from Howard Harding 

Three clubs claimed places in the play-offs of the Premier Squash League for the first time after a night of dramatic action in the tenth and final round of the group stages of the group stages of the England Squash league sponsored by Clowes Insurance.

Defending champions Benz-Bavarian Duffield, leaders of Group A and already assured of a play-off place, stormed to a 5/0 win at Esporta Oxford - which not only extended the Derbyshire club's unbeaten run this season, but denied Oxford a place in the play-offs in their debut season in the league.  The other tie in the group saw University of Birmingham, in only their second season in the PSL, battle to a 4/1 home win over former champions Nottingham to secure runners-up position - and the second place in play-offs.

The balance of power in Group B was finely poised throughout the evening.  But when Redwood Probuild Bristol overturned a 1/0 deficit to beat Surrey Health & Racquets Croydon - leaders of the group for most of the season - 4/1 away from home, it became clear that both teams would qualify, Bristol finishing on 113 points and Croydon with 109.

Elsewhere in Surrey, Luxfords St George's Hill had home advantage as they reversed an early match defeat to claim a hard-fought 4/1 win over county rivals UniSport Guildford.  According to Guildford team manager Ian Robinson, the result could easily have been 4/1 in the visitors' direction.  But it was a disappointed St George's Hill team manager Danny Lee who eventually conceded that, despite also finishing with more than 100 points in the season, and sharing five winning ties over the season with both Bristol and Croydon, they would not be experiencing play-off action in their maiden PSL season.

England number one Tania Bailey was in powerful form as she put Duffield in the driving seat against Esporta Oxford with a 9-3, 9-3, 6-9, 9-5 win over Irish champion Madeline Perry.  Lee Drew then avenged his loss to World University champion Chris Ryder in the teams' earlier clash in the season when he beat the Oxford No3 9-6, 7-9, 9-7, 5-9, 9-2.

In the final two matches, Jonathan Kemp and squad No1 Nick Matthew both repeated their mid-season victories over the home side's Scott Handley and Cameron Pilley, respectively, to ensure maximum points for Duffield.

There was jubilation at the University of Birmingham when it became clear that their 4/1 win over Nottingham would take the young squad into the play-offs in their first season in the country's elite league.  And nowhere was the determination more in evidence than in the opening match between the home team's Laura Lengthorn and Nottingham's Dominique Lloyd-Walter, ranked 10 and 20, respectively, in the world and separated by only two positions in the English list.  Incredibly, it was the longest match of the tie, with Lancashire's Lengthorn prevailing 6-9, 10-8, 10-8, 7-9, 9-5 in 53 minutes.

Nottingham's Peter Marshall, the former world number two making his competitive comeback after five years of 'retirement', was in devastating form to clinch the second game against Birmingham's Stephen Coppinger, but the fast-improving South African ultimately got the upper hand to win 9-5, 0-9, 9-5, 9-6.

Joel Hinds, the 19-year-old squad No3 from Derbyshire clinched the all-important tie victory for the hosts, beating Irishman Arthur Gaskin 9-5, 9-7, 9-1 - but Nottingham stalwart Simon Parke restored some pride for the visitors when he beat world No27 Joey Barrington 9-6, 9-3, 4-9, 3-9 9-5 in the final match.

When Malaysia's world No1 Nicol David beat Australia's up-and-coming Kasey Brown 9-7, 9-6, 9-5, it looked as if Surrey Health & Racquets Croydon would extend their leadership of the Group B points table to clinch the group's top place in the play-offs.  But visitors Redwood Probuild Bristol arrived with strength in depth - and Chris Clare, team captain Hadrian Stiff and Welshman David Evans took out Chris Simpson, Tim Garner and Bradley Ball, respectively, to ensure their play-of place - Evans beating world No28 Ball for the second time in 24 hours!

In the final top string match, Italian number one Davide Bianchetti needed a straight games win in order for Croydon to pip Bristol by a single point.  But it was the visitors' Australian international Joseph Kneipp who prevailed, winning 9-5, 8-10, 10-8, 9-6 to ensure Redwood Probuild's top place finish.

Despite being out of the running for a play-off place, UniSport Guildford made a powerful start against play-off hopefuls Luxfords St George's Hill when England international Alison Waters crushed the home side's Isabelle Tweedle 9-0, 9-2, 9-1.  The visitors showed determination in the remaining clashes, but all went to the hosts - the most dramatic of which saw Guildford's Stephen Meads fail to convert more than ten match balls against Alister Walker before the St George's Hill world No32 finally pulled through in an incredible 9-4, 2-9, 7-9, 17-15, 15-13 scoreline!
  

Gutted St George's ...

I thought that our team played their hearts out. Alistair battled through a scrappy match with Meadsy saving tons of match balls. John Rooney got us off to a magnificent start and Daryl maintained his excellent form against Jesse. Renan fought like a man possessed to nick it from Stacey in the fifth and thanks to Isabel for being brave enough to stand in against the top class Alison Waters.

We are gutted not to make the Play-offs but thanks to the team for all their efforts and to our sponsors Luxfords for their support. Congratulations to Team Surrey (what happened tonight lads?) and Bristol for making the semis and good luck to both teams.

We'll be back !!

Oxford miss out

In the end the Oxford team in their inaugural season would have needed to beat reigning champions Duffield to secure second place and the play-offs.

Birmingham beating Nottingham 4-1 was probably the likeliest outcome but despite Madeline Perry's fightback against world no 4 Tania Bailey and both Chris Ryder and Scott Handley losing matches 3-2, Duffield in the end were clearly the better team, winning 5-0.

We will now regroup, debrief, and plan for next season. It has been a fantastic first season finishing third and hopefully we can build on this for next year.

Guildford finish with another loss
Ian Robinson reports

UniSport Guildford made the short hop up the A3 to Weybridge for what is destined to become a derby match at the St George's Hill Club.  The Varsity team did everything but win on a night of tense protracted struggles at number 1 and 2 strings.  Missing only Alex Ingham down sick over the weekend, UniSport replaced him with Phil Rushworth the night before the match as Ingham failed a fitness test.  St George's Hill fielded one of their strongest possible line ups as they endeavoured to fight all the way to gain enough points to make the play off places.  UniSport had little to play for except pride and that they did with no little commitment, making St George's Hill fight all the way.  In fact at one point UniSport seemed likely to win the match 3 - 2.  In the end Lady Luck deserted and cruelly the result was lost by a rather unflattering 4 - 1 margin.

 

 Isabelle Tweedle 0-3 Alison Waters    0/9, 2/9, 1/9

Ian Robinson

Benz- Bavarian Duffield supporters arrived early in the wonderful University City of Oxford and on a glorious sunny day participated in an open deck bus tour of the City to celebrate the winning of Group A. The people of Oxford were out in great numbers to recognise the achievement and Tony was snapping everyone in site including Nina from Tehran.

On the journey down in the mini bus a sweepstake was organised and only master chef Janet of Mystic Meg fame was bold enough to predict a 5-0 whitewash with the rubbers of 15 for and 5 against to scoop the jackpot and make Lord Lytton’s crystal ball truly redundant.

On the court there was much tension in the air as the Oxford manager Jason Martin kept supporters updated of results elsewhere. Duffield was playing for a 100% record and Oxford realistically knew they had to win the tie or secure maximum of 12 points in defeat to reach play offs. As it turned out only a win would have got Oxford into the play offs.

Kristen Johnson lost to Andrew Whipp
     10-12, 4-9, 6-9 (26 mins)

The Oxford manager, Jason Martin, had picked out Johnson as his player of the season and Whipp is certainly in contention for Duffield’s player of the season. This was a really entertaining rubber with some superb retrieving and bold attacking squash from both players. Whipp recovered from 4-1 down to draw level and but had to save two game balls before edging home 12-10. Whipp’s speed around the court gave him the upper hand in both the second and third games despite Johnson’s best and valiant efforts Whipp had chalked up the first point on the board and had not helped Oxford’s cause

Bailey remains focussed

Madeline Perry lost to Tania Bailey
     3-9, 3-9, 9-6, 5-9 (41 mins)

First on the main court was England number one and world No 4 Tania Bailey who was in great form as she put Duffield further in the driving seat with a 9-3, 9-3, 6-9, 9-5 win over Irish champion Madeline Perry ranked 9 in the world.

Bailey was totally focused in the first two games despite a troublesome rotating contact lens. After conceding first two points Bailey stormed through to take the first game 9-3 as she had Perry chasing the ball in every corner of the court. The second game followed a similar pattern with Bailey putting on a truly powerful and confident display suggesting that she could still climb even higher in the world rankings. The third was a different ball game as Perry, to her credit, matched Bailey shot for shot with both players on the receiving end of dubious calls. Bailey seemed to be to let it affect her more than Perry and from 6-5 down Perry edged through to take the game 9-6. The fourth was nip and tuck to 5 all and Perry was looking very determined. However Bailey held firm and reeled off 4 points to claim victory in a most competitive rubber probably the best ladies rubber of the season leaving Oxford with a mountain to climb as results filtered through from Birmingham.

Drew avenges early season loss

Chris Ryder lost to Lee Drew
      6-9, 9-7, 7-9, 9-5, 2-9 (49 Mins)

Lee Drew reported fit after recent injury on Monday but admitted that he was uncertain how it would go. In the earlier encounter Ryder had fought back from 2-1 down to beat Drew but the lad from Essex has done a great job for Duffield this season, There was never more than one point difference in the first game until Drew pulled away from 6 all to win 3 quick points. The second was exactly the reverse and Ryder came back from 7-6 down to level by reeling off 3 winners as Drew was confused by the referee calling the team from the hamlet of Duffield as Dulwich. Then in mirror images of the first two games Drew took the third 9-7 and Ryder the fourth game 9-5. Throwing caution to the wind Drew then avenged his loss to World University champion Chris Ryder by storming through to impressively take the fifth game 9-2 admitting afterwards not quite knowing how he had managed to win after his 3 weeks lay off. In the process Drew had guaranteed Duffield’s 100% record.

Kemp comes good

Scott Handley lost to Jonathan Kemp
       5-9, 2-9, 9-7, 9-4, 5-9 (23 mins)

Jonathan Kemp enjoys keeping the Duffield supporters on the edge of their seats and tonight ran true to form. Handley looked two Oxford degrees under in the first 2 games which Kemp chalked off the board in just 10 minutes for a loss of just 7 points. Kemp was at his best whilst Handley seemed out of touch. Things changed in the close third game as suddenly Kemp found the tin magnetic and after standing two points from victory lost the game 9-7. The things got even worse for Kemp in the fourth which Kemp quickly lost 9-4 and at this stage Handley had gained the upper hand in a complete reversal of fortunes. Kemp regrouped in the fifth after a quiet word from master chef Janet who reminded him that a lot of money was at stake in the supporters’ mini bus sweep stake. Five games were completed in less than 23 minutes as Kemp took the fourth fairly easily 9-5. The rallies were mainly short throughout and each player gad taken it in turns to take advantage of the other wayward shots in a rubber which saw both players going for winners rather than building rallies.

Matthew seals victory

Cameron Pilley lost to Nick Matthew
        7-9, 6-9, 7-9 (39 minutes)

All that was at stake in the fifth was, in order of priority Janet’s sweepstake money and Nick’s pride. Matthew came back from 2-0 down in games to beat the Australian world No 23 earlier in the season.

It was never going to be easy for Mathew who is still fighting his way back to full fitness after suffering damaged ankle ligaments. However the signs were good Matthew was moving well and looking confident. All three games were close but Matthew just had the edge throughout and apart from trailing 5-3 in the first the British Open champion and world No 7 always had his nose in front. The match was competitive and entertaining and played in very good spirit. Matthew was hitting the ball sweetly and showed no signs of concern to protect his ankle.

On to the semis

Disappointment for a gallant Oxford but a wonderful team effort from the defending champions with every squad player playing their part at different times of the season. I will let the supporters decide on the player of the season after the play offs with the likelihood the first leg against hot favourites Surrey Health & Racquets Croydon will be at home on Tuesday 24 April. Duffield will need the extra points often generated by the loyal supporters.

Nottingham Marshall former world number two in PSL play-offs bid

Preview from Howard Harding
 

Three of the four places in the end-of-season  play-offs are up for grabs after tomorrow's tenth and final round in the group stages - with Nottingham bringing out of retirement England's former world two Peter Marshall in their Group A tie at University of Birmingham.

Marshall became England's most successful squash player in the early nineties, eventually reaching number two in the world behind Pakistan's Jansher Khan. It was after competing in the final of the British Open in March 1995 that the three-time British national champion withdrew from the sport, suffering with ME. 

He made a brief comeback in April 1997, going on to reach the semi-finals of the World Open seven months later. After a further layoff, he returned in 1999 to secure the Pakistan Open title as a qualifier in November. The following February, he claimed his third British national title.

The Nottingham player's last Premier League appearance was in March 2002 when, playing for Derbyshire club Duffield, he lost to his current team-mate Simon Parke in straight games. Fourth string Marshall, now 35, will face the hosts' Stephen Coppinger, from South Africa, while top string Parke will take on Joey Barrington.

Duffield assured ... one from three for second

While Group A leaders Benz-Bavarian Duffield, the reigning champions who are undefeated this season, are already assured of a play-off place, they visit Esporta Oxford - who with Nottingham and University of Birmingham are also in contention for the runners-up position in the group. 

The tie's opening clash will see the home side's Irish champion Madeline Perry taking on Duffield's England No1 Tania Bailey, while the top string battle will pitch Oxford's Cameron Pilley, from Australia,  against British Open champion Nick Matthew.

Two from three in group B

The Group B scenario is a three-horse race featuring Surrey clubs Luxfords St George's Hill and Surrey Health & Racquets Croydon, together with Redwood Probuild Bristol. 

Despite an eight-point lead at the top of the table, the Croydon team is taking no chances against their second-placed Bristol opponents, bringing in Malaysia's world No1 Nicol David - undefeated in two appearances this season - to take on the Avon club's rising Australian star Kasey Brown.  Home hopes may rest on the Surrey side's Italian number one Davide Bianchetti who faces Australian Joseph Kneipp in the top string tussle.

St George's Hill will be led by Frenchman Renan Lavigne in their home tie against UniSport Guildford.  Lavigne will be hoping to overturn his defeat by the Guildford number one Stacey Ross in the earlier fixture in the season, to keep alive hopes of a maiden appearance in the play-offs.
   

GROUP B:
Any two from three ...
Surrey (104) : 5 points will guarantee a playoff place, any sort of win and they are top.
Bristol (96) : Need a win to be sure, a good win to go top, but can allow St George's to get 7 more points than themselves.
St George's (88) : It's out of their hands, all they can do is win and wait ...