Round TEN Results

Round TEN Results

Tue 11th April, Round TEN LEAGUE TABLES

North Group:
Churchill Edgbaston 4-1 Manchester/Pontefract
David Palmer 3/1 James Willstrop 10/8, 9/7, 7/9, 9/6
Stewart Boswell 2/3 Lee Beachill   2/9, 9/3, 9/3, 3/9, 6/9
Adrian Grant 3/2 Nick Taylor        7/9, 8/10, 9/4, 9/7, 9/2
Peter Barker 3/0 Andrew Whipp    9/2, 9/7, 9/7
Vicky Botwright 3/2 Jenny Duncalf 2/9, 7/9, 9/7, 9/3, 9/3

Benz-Bavarian Duffield 2-3 Wolverhampton
Brian Hargrave & Stephen Russell report ...
Nick Matthew 1-3 Anthony Ricketts 10/8, 3/9, 0/9 rtd
Jonathan Kemp 3/0 Alex Gough      9/6, 9/7, 9/2
Renan Lavigne 2/3 Scott Handley    9/5,6/9,9/2,12/14,3/9
Lawrence Delasaux 0/3 Chris Ryder 4/9, 2/9, 2/9
Jenny Knibbs 3/1 Fiona Moverley     5/9, 9/2, 9/5, 9/2

South Group:
Oberthur Strings Tewkesbury 4-1 USB Birmingham
Cameron Pilley 3/0 Joey Barrington   9/7, 10/8, 10/8
Daryl Selby 3/0 Jonathan Harford       9/0, 10/8, 9/6
Alex Stait 3/2 Steve Coppinger        7/9,9/5,8/10,10/8,9/6
Rob Sutherland 3/0 Chris Truswell     9/5, 9/3, 10/8
Wendy Maitland 2/3 Georgina Stoker 7/9,9/4,9/7,9/10,5/9

Team Chichester 4-1 Surrey H&RC Croydon
King of Bling fails to save Surrey ... Peter Crabtree
Ben Garner 1-3 Peter Nicol         6/9, 10/8, 5/9, 6/9
Peter Genever 3/0 Phillip Barker 9/4, 9/6, 9/6
Tim Vail 3/0 Tim Garner              9/6, 9/3, 9/7
Tom Richards 3/2 Chris Simpson 4/9, 6/9, 10/8, 9/7, 9/7
Linda Elriani 3/0 Jane Gardner    9/0, 9/0, 9/0

Commonwealth Games Hero Nicol Fails To Lift Croydon Into PSL
Play-Offs
Howard Harding reports

England's Commonwealth Games hero Peter Nicol gave Surrey Health & Racquets a much-needed win in their tenth and final round of the Premier Squash League (PSL) at Team Chichester – but it wasn't enough to carry the Croydon club into the PSL play-offs in their debut season as the Sussex side claimed the other four rubbers to earn a 4/1 tie victory.

Surrey H&RC plummet to third place in the South Group table, behind Chichester and Oberthur Strings Tewkesbury – both of whom are now assured of play-off places. The Gloucestershire club beat University Sport Birmingham 4/1to top the table – but Chichester have next week's delayed ninth round tie in hand and could yet overtake Tewkesbury.

There was high drama in the North Group where Churchill Edgbaston Priory hosted Manchester/Pontefract and beat the 2004 champions 4/1 to avenge their defeat earlier in the season. The Birmingham club finished their season a massive 41 points ahead of all-comers to ensure a play-off place for the fifth time in six years.

Elsewhere, 1998 champions Benz-Bavarian Duffield slumped to a 2/3 defeat by title-holders Wolverhampton to hold onto third place in the group, just four points behind Manchester/Pontefract. The two teams will now battle for the second play-off place in the group when they meet next week in Manchester for the rearranged ninth round fixture.

Team Chichester made a strong start against the PSL newcomers when England international Linda Elriani whitewashed the Croydon club's Jane Gardner, and Tom Richards recovered from two games down to beat the visitors' former European Junior champion Chris Simpson 4-9, 6-9, 10-8, 9-7, 9-7. Chichester stalwarts Tim Vail and Peter Genever extended the club's lead with straight games wins over Surrey H&RC's Tim Garner and Phillip Barker, respectively, to ensure a place in the play-offs for the fourth year in a row.

But the in-form Nicol made sure of potentially valuable consolation points for the Surrey side. In his first match on home soil since winning two gold medals in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, then reaching the final of the PSA Masters in Bermuda, the 33-year-old former world No1 beat Ben Garner 9-6 8-10, 9-5 9-6.

Despite managing the Strings Tewkesbury team throughout the season, Wendy Maitland left it to the last fixture before making her season's debut as a player – but failed to convert a match ball in the fourth game against Georgina Stoker before going down 7-9, 9-4, 9-7, 9-10, 5-9 to the University Sport Birmingham fifth string.

Maitland's squad, however, made up for her disappointing start by picking up the remaining rubbers to clinch the club's second successive place in the play-offs.

It was nip and tuck throughout the well-attended tie in Derbyshire between Duffield and Wolverhampton – with the home club's newcomer Jennifer Knibbs recovering from a nervous start to beat the visitors' Fiona Moverley 5-9 9-2 9-5 9-2.

A lame performance by Duffield's Laurence Delasaux saw the club quickly lose their advantage when Chris Ryder despatched the hosts' fourth string 9-4 9-2 9-2. A similarly unsettling experience for long-suffering Duffield manager Brian Hargrave came later when Frenchman Renan Lavigne squandered two match balls in the fourth game to lose 9-5, 6-9, 9-2, 12-14, 3-9 to Wolverhampton's Scott Handley.

But Hargrave was quick to gain comfort from an unexpected 9-6, 9-7, 9-2 win by Jonathan Kemp over experienced and in-form Welsh international Alex Gough.

Local hopes were raised in the decider when Duffield's England international Nick Matthew took the first game against Australia's world No5 Anthony Ricketts. But the mood changed when, after a game lasting only seconds, Matthew threw in the towel complaining of sickness – and Ricketts claimed an 8-10 9-3 9-0 (ret.) win, and Wolverhampton a 3/2 victory.

Edgbaston Priory were in commanding form in their home tie against Manchester/Pontefract – though it was the trans-Pennine cooperative which recorded the first victory when Lee Beachill came back from 1/2 down to beat Australia's Stewart Boswell 9-2 3-9 3-9 9-3 9-6. Priory players demonstrated strength of character when both Adrian Grant and Vicky Botwright both recovered from losses of the first two games to triumph in five – Grant against long-time Manchester team stalwart Nick Taylor and Botwright against England team-mate Jenny Duncalf.

The late final battle between Priory's David Palmer and the visitors' James Willstrop – ranked two and three, respectively, in the world – providing a fitting climax to the night. Palmer prevailed 10-8, 9-7, 7-9, 9-6, much to the delight of the packed Priory gallery.

Wolverhampton beat Duffield 3-2

Some very strange results ...
Stephen Russell reports

This match was the penultimate tie of the season and as usual with our ties against Duffield produced much high quality squash but also some strange results, in part due to jet lag.

Both girls started nervously but Fiona settled first and played good squash to take the first. As Jenny overcame her nerves lack of competitive match practice began to show as Fiona’s movement to the ball and shot selection let her down. Nevertheless, a good competitive match which the crowd enjoyed.

On the main court Scott and Renan were having a real battle. Scott is changing his game a bit introducing more variation with changes of pace, boasts and drops becoming more evident. That, coupled with Renan’s retrieving made for a very interesting match. Scott sent Renan the wrong way so often I lost count, but equally Renan got the ball back to frustrate Scott.

In the first and third particularly this happened many times and all too often Scott managed to select just the wrong shot at a crucial time. The fourth was key. Scott stuck to his game plan and it was level pegging to 8 all. Lets and strokes were now coming fast as both players tired and Renan had his first match ball ending in a stroke against.

Another match ball and some great deception by Scott to win the point. Finally Scott took it. He looked the fresher coming into the last game and so it was. The Duffield supporter to my left had said during the fourth that it would be a shame for either player to lose and I know what he means but it was a great win for Scott, his first over Renan ever and a good time to do it!

On Monday night Jon Kemp lost in 25 minutes to Simon Park. Tonight he did the reverse to Alex who was not as sharp as usual. This should not take anything from Jon’s win as he relentlessly attacked, played some outrageous shots and almost all came off. A short game but quite amazing to watch.

On the adjoining court Chris Ryder was doing something similar to Lawrence. It was one of those nights where for some players every shot came off. Chris hit nicks from all over the court and basically destroyed Lawrence in much the same way Jon had Alex. Yet another strange game.

So at 2 all the result came down to the number ones. Both players have had a strenuous month or so and had recently returned from Australia via a tournament in Bermuda. Nick started well with Anthony trying out his short game which found a few tins.

Level pegging until 8 all when a couple of good lengths gave Nick the win. When both players came off court they seemed more tired than usual at the early stages of a match.

In the second Anthony kept the rally’s going and Nick visibly tired and at the end did not look at all good. Two long rallies at the start of the third and it was all over.

If it was a boxing match the referee would have stopped the fight but Nick tried to keep going but the tank was dry.

It was no surprise when Brian told the crowd that he could not continue.

So a third win, too late to rescue the season but with Nottingham to come we could end up with a 50% record after next week.

Stephen Russell

Photos by Ashley Franklin
www.ashleyfranklin.co.uk

On to Sportcity ...
Brian Hargrave reports

Benz- Bavarian Duffield lose by the narrowest of margins to defending champions Wolverhampton but the winner probably now takes all next Easter Tuesday at Sports City Manchester.

Jenny Knibbs beat Fiona Moverley 4-9 9-2 9-5 9-2 (34m)

Duffield, without Tania Bailey playing in USA, were forced to make a late team change when deputy Laura Hill went down with ‘flu. Jenny Knibbs, who was ranked 19 in England back in November 2005 was a last minute replacement. Knibbs a long time Duffield regular and former Duffield Junior champion now works as a physiotherapist in Manchester. The local girl made a very nervous start and was 5-0 down in a matter of seconds. Knibbs settled down but in just 8 minutes found herself one down, Knibbs began to grow in confidence as Moverley started to make mistakes and 8 minutes later the scores were level. Knibbs never relaxed her grip on the game thereafter running out a 3-1 winner in just 34 minutes. Knibbs was moving well and hit some great winners as she dominated the T. Moverley lost a little confidence as the game wore on and faded badly making unforced errors after a very promising first game.

Laurence Delasaux lost Chris Ryder 4-9 2-9 2-9 (27m)

Duffield was pinning its hopes on winning at 3 and 4 strings plus the ladies rubber. Laurence Delasuax was expected to beat Chris Ryder but in just 23 minutes the Yorkshire man was back in the showers in less time than Ashley Franklin’s player introductions. It was a combination of Delasaux being out of touch and Ryder in scintillating form. Delasuax could not cope with the pace of the game and with Ryder’s speed around the court allowed his opponent to win a meagre 8 points in 3 very quick games. Delasaux defeat was a major upset to the Derbyshire Club’s play of hopes.

Renan Lavigne lost Scott Handley 9-5 6-9 9-2 12-14 3-9 (60m)

On the show court worse was to follow. back as Renan Lavigne battles against Scot Handley. Lavigne won the first fairly comfortably 9-5 but lost the second 9-6. Lavigne seemed to have the match for the wining when he took the third 9-2 in just 6 minutes. The crucial fourth game was nip and tuck but at 6-4 up Handley got what he considered to be a bad call as the ball whistled past Lavigne ear with Handley right behind but with racket facing down South. This perceived wrong decision seemed to light Handley's fire but Lavigne edged to his first match ball at 10-9 and second match ball at 12-11.

It was Lavigne’s turn to twice feel aggrieved as a ball was called down to level the scores before Handley squeezed home 14-12. Lavigne tried as though his life as though his life depended on the outcome but Handley was now in the groove capitalising on Lavigne playing too many lose shots at front of the court. Handley sensed he had broken the French no 3 in the fifth game and after exactly one hour raised his arm to salute an unexpected win.

Lavigne was devastated by the loss after flying in from Rome earlier in the day. Renan fought to the death in the Duffield amphitheatre but was left to rue letting two match balls slip through his grasp whilst Handley deserves credit for clinging on and then finishing the fifth game in real style,

Jon Kemp beat Alex Gough 9-6 9-7 9-2 (27m)

Alex Gough, the talented Welsh No 1 and former Duffield No 1, has been playing as well as ever this season at the ripe old age of 35.However he found Jonathan Kemps pace to hot to handle and was rolled over in just 21 minutes 9-6 9-7 9-2 .

Kemp was always in control of the first game but the second was nip and tuck until 7 all but Kemp’s best performance of the season saw him home 9-7. Gough, after an exhausting 4 weeks in the Commonwealth Games and then the Bermuda Open, had nothing to give in a quick fire third game which lasted just 3 minutes.

Nick Matthew lost Anhtony Ricketts 10-8 2-9 0-9, Matthew retired (27m)

The stage was set for the world No 7 Nick Matthew facing the world No 5 Anthony Ricketts. The large crowd packed even closer and tension was in the air. Matthew and Ricketts had both found Bermuda one tournament too far after the Commonwealth Games so it was predicted to be a survival of the fittest with Matthew hoping to reverse the disappointing outcome in the first half.

Matthew lifted the spirits of the home supporters with an impressive performance in the first game which he edged 10-8. Those sitting close to the court sensed Matthew was in trouble as he suddenly slowed and quickly lost the second 9-3 and the third more quickly 9-0 in just 3minutes. Matthew did not come out for the fourth and the tie ended in a silence and even Jim the ticket controller would have heard a pin drop.

The Duffield manager had stated beforehand that “this would now be an even closer 3-2 but home support might just make the difference and the likely outcome, one way or another, is that the second play off place will be decided in Manchester on Easter Tuesday”. The prediction came within one dubious pick up of and two non converted match balls of being correct in Duffield’s favour.

Lavigne was devastated to lose but he bounced back at midnight texting the manager the news Edgbaston had beaten Manchester 4-1.

The Duffield v Manchester – Pontefract tie was originally scheduled for 4 April but thanks to the clash with the sunny Bermuda Open a trip to a predicted wet Manchester on Easter Tuesday will not be for the faint hearted. My one hope is that the winner on the night progresses to the play offs.

Ross Fletcher of Radio Derby fame attended and his roving interviews with players mangers and supporters goes out on Thursday ay 6pm, 104.5, 95.3, 96FM & 1116AM