29/09/2005
FUTURE'S BRIGHT AT BIRMINGHAM
Keir Worth sees Birmingham lose their opening match, but saw indications of progress to come ...

The future’s bright at Birmingham…

UniSport Guildford 4 University Sport Birmingham Unite 1

A weakened and inexperienced University Sport Birmingham lost on their debut in the Premier Squash League against a full strength UniSport Guildford. With an average age of only twenty years old, the young side from Birmingham, who were without their number one Joey Barrington, were always going to be the underdogs, but they provided the spectators with some entertaining squash in a highly competitive match. Indeed, there were plenty of indications that this young side have enough talent and determination to trouble even the most experienced of teams in the league.

Neil Frankland beat Chris Tasker-Grindley 9/4 4/9 9/4 9/6

First on court was Chris Tasker-Grindley, the 17 year old junior international from Gloucestershire, who has just begun to train at the University of Birmingham. After a nervous opening, Chris began to find his range and managed to surprise his opponent on occasions with his aggressive shot-making style. Neil, however, was able to use his vast experience to capitalise on Chris’ lack of consistency and accuracy. Although he was disappointed with his performance, there was evidence that Chris has the ability to compete at this level and he will be keen to ensure that he learns from his first ever Premier Squash League match. UniSport were winning 1-0

Jesse Engelbrecht beat Jaymie Haycocks 7/9 9/3 9/3 9/7

Next on court was Jaymie Haycocks, the former junior international, from Shropshire. Despite a promising start, the final year Sports Science student, was unable to respond to an increase in pace and pressure. He too often allowed his opponent to control the rallies and force errors. Jesse was able to step up the court and take the ball earlier; limiting the time his opponent had to respond. Similarly to his team mate Chris, Jaymie showed some signs of inexperience, but showed enough tactical variety and shot-making ability to suggest that he could be a threat to any opponent that is not on their game. UniSport were now 2-0 up.

Alison Waters lost to Laura Lengthorn 3/9 9/6 9/6 4/9 9/10

Meanwhile, on the show court, Laura Lengthorn and Alsion Waters treated the crowd to a highly entertaining and nail-biting match. Despite a promising opening in the first few rallies from Laura, it was Alison who was able to play with greater consistency and purpose and she deservedly won the game. Roles were reversed in the second and third games, however, as Laura gained in confidence and began stretching her opponent with well weighted drives and clinging drop shots at the front of the court. Alison played with greater conviction and as a result of some fine attacking volleys won the fourth game to level the match at 2-2. The fifth game saw a number of long, carefully constructed rallies as both players exchanged points, but it was Laura who managed to sneak ahead and gain three match points. There were signs of nerves from both players as Alison again managed to fight back before serving for the match herself, but it was to be Laura’s night, as she took the match at her fourth attempt. Although 2-1 down, University Sport Birmingham was back in the tie.

Steve Meads beat Joel Hinds 9/5 9/3 4/9 6/9 9/2

Next up for Birmingham was Joel Hinds, another junior international who is in his first year at the University. Joel started slowly and was punished by the effervescent and ever youthful Steve Meads. Meads was able to stamp his authority on the match and used his vast experience to manoeuvre his opponent out of position time and again before finishing rallies in a clinical fashion. At 2-0 down, however, Joel regained his composure and began competing far more effectively. By stepping up the court, Joel was able to pressure Meads by varying his attack with long and short volleys and deservedly tied the match at two games all. Unfortunately for Birmingham, it was Meads’ experience, rather than Joel’s superior fitness that gave UniSport the match and dashed Birmingham’s hopes of winning the tie. UniSport led 3-1.

Stacey Ross beat Jonny Harford 9/7 3/9 11/9 9/2

Last on court was Jonny Harford, the Birmingham graduate who has just begun life on the professional circuit. After the first two games, the honours were even and it was Jonny who should have won the third game. At 7-3 down, however, Stacey was able to craft some punishing rallies, pressurising Jonny and moving him up and down the court. Although Jonny worked extremely hard and had opportunities to win, it was Stacey who was able to win this crucial game on a tie-break. As a consequence of working so hard, the fifth game was a formality as it seemed the physical and mental effect of losing the previous game meant that Jonny was unable to continue to cope with the pace and precision of Ross. Like his team mates, Jonny had acquitted himself well against a high quality opponent and there is more to come from the talented young professional. UniSport had won 4-1.

Overall, this was a promising start to the University Sport Birmingham Premier Squash League campaign. The team will gain confidence from this experience and will look forward to their first home tie- against Team Surrey on Tuesday 18th October. Tickets are available from The Munrow Centre at the University of Birmingham, email munrow@bham.ac.uk or call Sam Bayton on 0121 414 2262.

Keir Worth

 Contributor: Keir Worth
Club: Birmingham

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FUTURE'S BRIGHT AT BIRMINGHAM
Keir Worth sees Birmingham lose their opening match, but saw indications of progress to come ...