Duffield & Edgbaston Priory
To Contest PSL Final
Roundup from Howard Harding

Former champions Churchill Edgbaston Priory and Benz-Bavarian Duffield will meet in an all-Midlands Premier Squash League final at the end of the month after contrasting victories in tonight's second semi-final legs on their home courts.

Both clubs carried narrow 3/2 leads into tonight's clashes – but while Birmingham-based Edgbaston Priory swooped to a 5/0 win over Oberthur Strings Tewkesbury, Derbyshire club Duffield battled to a tense 3/2 victory over Team Chichester – for the second time in 48 hours relying on British champion Nick Matthew to clinch the deciding rubber, and a place in the final.

Edgbaston Priory, winners of the title in 2001 and 2003, are celebrating their fourth appearance in the final, while 1998 champions Duffield are making only their second appearance in the PSL climax, which will take place at the National Squash Centre in Manchester on Saturday 27 May.

The new England No1 Tania Bailey provided the perfect start for the packed crowd at Duffield by defeating Chichester's Suzie Pierrepont 9-1, 9-4, 9-3.  But the remaining matches featured players meeting for the second time in two days – and revenge was clearly in the air!

The battle between the fourth strings again went the full distance - but this time it was the Sussex club's Tom Richards who prevailed, overcoming the home team's Laurence Delasaux 13-11, 6-9, 5-9, 10-8, 16-14 in a dramatic encounter in which the Duffield player failed to convert three match balls in the fourth game, and a further three in the decider!

But not to be outdone, Duffield then also claimed a revenge win when Frenchman Renan Lavigne reversed Tuesday's result against Tim Vail by beating the Chichester captain 5-9, 9-6, 9-6, 9-5.

However, to the frustration of the Duffield supporters cramming into every available space surrounding the showcourt, the visitors' former world No23 Peter Genever scored a second successive upset over the home club's rising English star Jonathan Kemp – beating the Shropshire lad 10-12, 9-6, 9-7, 4-9, 9-7 to level the tie going into the final match.

Home fans' frowns turned to smiles when Yorkshireman Nick Matthew, the Duffield No1 and world No7, recovered from a game down against Chichester's Ben Garner to beat the Surrey No1 6-9, 9-3, 9-2, 9-6 and take Duffield back into the final after an eight-year wait.

"It's been a great night for squash here at Duffield – and all credit to Chichester who have been superb, giving 100% and providing great entertainment with their fighting spirit," said Duffield manager Brian Hargrave.

"I always felt we could do it - but even though on paper we appeared the stronger squad, they made it two super ties and thoroughly deserved the matches they won.

"But we've now got one enormous hurdle to go against Edgbaston – and, if Tania and Nick can do the business for us, we'll just need to scrape one of the middle order matches to win the title," mused Hargrave.  "But, for the moment, we just want to savour tonight's great success!"

Less than 50 miles south west of Duffield, Edgbaston Priory provided exactly the entertainment that their capacity crowd had come to see.  Manchester's world No5 Vicky Botwright set the tone for the evening by recording her fourth successive win for Priory this year with a crushing 9-1, 9-1, 9-0 defeat of Strings' Selina Sinclair.

Priory's England international Peter Barker then made amends for his shock first leg defeat by beating the visitors' Alister Walker 10-8, 9-4, 9-5. 

But it was former full-timer Hadrian Stiff, the Devon No1, who clinched Priory's third rubber – thus making certain of their place in the final – with a 9-3, 9-2, 9-3 victory over Surrey's Philip Nightingale.

Adrian Grant was also keen to make up for a surprise first leg loss – but the Priory number two dropped the first game to Tewkesbury's Rodney Durbach.  The left-hander from London ultimately took control of the game, however, to beat the South African No1 4-9, 10-8, 9-5, 9-7 in 49 minutes.

The all-Australian clash which rounded off the evening proved to be the longest contest of the day – and so nearly provided the most unlikely upset of them all!  But world No15 Stewart Boswell, the only Edgbaston Priory player to have been in both previous PSL title-winning squads, eventually prevailed in 65 minutes against compatriot Cameron Pilley, winning 7-9, 9-2, 9-6, 5-9, 9-6 to give the home team a maximum points victory. 

Long drive for Duffield ...

Just arrived back from the 400 mile trip down south.

Many thanks to the 14 supporters who made the trip and to Steven our driver, who with the help of “Tom Tom” arrived safely in Chichester but, true to form, managed a final diversion when within sight of the Club. The Wisteria and car park was beautiful.

Very well done to the Benz- Bavarian players for battling hard to establish a narrow lead against a team from Chichester who did their Club proud. Great performances in particular from Jelly and Vole who turned the clock back 8 years to set up an intriguing second leg on Thursday at 7pm.

For all those unable to lip read – despite the award of a harsh stroke against her, Linda Elriani said as she came off the Chichester court for possibly the last time “thankyer”. English Squash will miss this real “bubbly” character and lovely lady and we all wish her and Laurent well in the USA.

Blow by Blow report to follow.

Standing room only on Thursday but a few spaces still available.

Time for bed

5-0? What 5-0 ????
Marcus Jones reports on a great night at Strings

It was quite possibly the greatest 30 minutes of squash ever seen in Gloucestershire, let alone Strings. Two matches down with the odds on defeats simply going through the motions towards the predicted whitewash. But wait…. Alex Stait takes the first game from peter barker 13-11. “Don’t worry though”, the Priory contingent were heard murmuring, “it’ll be 3-1.”

A close second game in favour of the visitors seemed to mark the end of the revival. Barker then went 2-1 up and the spectators began to migrate to court three to see the widely predicted demolition of Daryl Selby by Adrian Grant. And despite the squash telling quite a different story Grant found himself 2-0 up. I for one found solace at the bottom of a pint glass and started to tear up my recipe for humble pie.

But then something happened, don’t ask me what, but I think it had something to do with squash.

The crowd, no doubt diminished by the amount of times the score 5-0 and words, “white” and “wash” appeared on squash websites, started to get a “feeling.”

Within minutes Stait had pulled level and Selby had clawed a game back. The die-hard supporters didn’t know where to turn. Before you knew it Selby had drawn level. Were we about to witness two of the biggest upsets in PSL history or was it just delaying the inevitable.

Flitting from court to court, the crowd were on their feet, literally and metaphorically (we don’t have seating on the balcony). The rallies were getting longer, the atmosphere was intensifying, every single point was earned by the players and greeted with cheers and applause that would have been expected from a crowd twice the size.

Say what you like about referees, and these players were, but it’s a job no one would relish in a matches as tense as these. At 8-5, Stait asked the question that was becoming more and more popular as the match went on.

“Yes, let” was the response. Stait was right when he informed the referee everyone behind was shaking his or her head. It was surely a stroke. The agony had been prolonged. Not for long though, as the next point resulted in the stroke being given and Alex Stait winning. All eyes went back to Selby versus Grant. Lets were being asked for with equal frequency.

“You bottled it”, “Are you telling me that was a winner?” were just two response to decisions made. Match ball was enjoyed by both men. At 11-10 to Selby the crowd was silent. Somewhat expectedly, the Oberthur Strings player asked the question once more. It seemed like an eternity before the response, “Stroke to Strings” could be heard by all on the balcony.

Oh and there was one more match to come. Friends Cameron Pilley and Stewart Boswell must have thought, ”How do we follow that?” Somehow they managed it, and the emotionally drained crowds were treated to some of the best squash of the season. Pilley’s slow start was punished in the first game but the 2nd and 3rd went to 9-7. If, perish the thought, this tie should go to a count back, Rob Sutherland may rue having two very close games without being able to turn the scores round.

Carla Khan’s valiant performance against world number 5 Vicky Botwright , was not enough as the lack of competitive squash played this season by the Pakistan number 1 began to show.

Bring on the return leg. Let’s see if the pundits can get it right next time!

The tie got under way with England team mates facing each other on home soil for possibly the last time. Bailey settled the quicker and established a 6-2 lead but Elriani dug deep and clawed her way back to take the first game 9-7 as Bailey looked slightly bemused by 3 or 4 decisions which did not go her way. She responded by quickly winning the second 9-1 in 8 minutes showing exactly why she is now National champion and England No 1. The third game was crucial to both players. Nip and tuck to five all but Elriani then suddenly found herself with 3 game balls. Bailey held her nerve played great squash and came though 10-8.

Elriani’s spirit was broken and 9-0 reverse ending with the award of a harsh stroke against her, was not what the crowd wanted.

For all those unable to lip read – Linda Elriani politely mouthed as she came off the Chichester court for possibly the last time “thankyer”. England Squash will miss this real “bubbly” character and lovely lady and we all wish her and Laurent well in the USA.

On the outside court two of England’s most promising youngsters were battling it out in a rather nervy scrappy encounter which contained glorious shots, great recoveries but too much play in the middle of the court and too many unforced errors.

Richards took the first 9-3 and Delasuax then looked to be in control taking the next game 9-3. The crucial third game could have gone either way as Richards was always in front up to 7-6 but Delasuax came through on the rails 9-7.

Richards then played his best squash to comfortably take the fourth 9-4. The fifth was nip and tuck to 5 all when the more experienced Delasaux pulled away to won 9-5 and establish a 2 nil lead.

The manager began to think his team was home and dry as the French No 3 fresh from beating the world No 3 in the Marseille Open on Saturday faced the “Vole” from down the clean South. The Duffield manger took a seat on the second row which proved to be a bad move.

The Chichester player manager, runner up in the recent National racketball championships, was everywhere displaying all the audacious racket skills that he is renowned for and which Mr Crabtree has described as poetry in “motion” over the years. The Vole never let Lavigne settle taking the first 9-5 saving 3 game balls in the second to win 11-9.

The full time PSA tour player Lavigne looked as though his slimmer waistline would begin to make the difference as he easily won the third 9-3. In the fourth Lavigne could not take advantage of 3 dead nicks plus a mishit and the Chichester crowd willed their man to save 3 more game points in the fourth to record another 11-9 score.

On the night no one could deny that he did not deserve to claim the scalp of the higher ranked player. Game on!

Peter senior, former Chichester General manager and now relaxed postman, very healthy looking was present to give his son support. The last time we played Chichester 8 years previous I stayed with the Genever family and it was nice to go down memory lane.

Pete junior no longer subsidises the aerospace industry preferring to spend his time coaching in London and playing in England. He has always been a fit 100% Club player and last night he was back to playing as well as ever keeping his opponent under pressure and forcing Kemp to go for winners which unfortunately far to often found the tin. Jelly edged the first 9-7 but Kemp levelled by taking the second 9-6.

The third went in favour of the home team but Kemp started to find his rhythm in the fourth taking the game 9-2. The fifth could have gone either way but the winning roar which greeted a famous 9-7 deserved home victory must have been heard by the absent Mr Crabtree.

Scores level but no worry we have England No 2 and world No 7 wearing the Duffield shirt

Nick Matthew, like a few others, has by his own admission played too much non stop squash since the Commonwealth Games and a Super League match on Monday night was another demand on this Sheffield Wednesday (not United) fan facing a slightly unorthodox never say die opponent. The first game reflected the situation with Matthew just doing enough to take it 9-4.

Matthew then raced into an 8-3 lead in the second only for Bengy to stage a remarkable comeback winning 7 consecutive points to take the game 10-8. Matthew realised that this was now getting vary serious and recognised the situation by making a “tongue in cheek” plea to the markers not to be generous with their decisions to their No 1 who on that form needed no favours.

Matthew regained his concentration and showed the gap between the respective world ranking taking the next two games 9-4 9-6 to give the Duffield club a 3-2 lead to take into the second leg.

The tie is nicely balanced. All seats have been sold so it’s standing room only at Duffield on Thursday 18 May with a 7pm prompt start in order to play 4 rubbers on the show court. A special plea to supporters top come early.

Laurence Delasaux will keep his place as a jet lagged Gavin Jones has just got back from Atlanta after a 24 hour delay at the airport. How fortunate that the manager decided to bring in Delasaux for last night’s game?

Well done to all at Chichester. Thanks for your hospitality. The marking was not bad but you will be privileged to have Mr Massarella, (famous for his lemon meringue pies), Wendy Danzey and Co at Duffield. Even World Class referees and markers have to stand at Duffield.

Thanks again to our travelling supporters.

Brian Hargrave
  

First on the main court were Vicky Botwright and Carla Khan. Carla looked sharp and in form in the warm up but as the first started Vicky applied loads of pressure as it seemed Carla had to retrieve everything by hitting back wall boasts. Carla some how moved forward and got to 5-5 but Vicky then produced faultless squash which Carla had no answer to. The second and third had Carla on the back foot as Vicky was in form and she wasn’t going to let Carla back in. Vicky is so determined and a fighter as she proves time and time again.
9/5 9/0 9/2

On the side court Hadrian Stiff was battling away with Rob Sutherland (welsh number 5) and they were playing at some pace with no margin for error, but it came down to errors at the end of the 1st game as Rob tinned out to give Hadrian the 1st but it wasn’t easy. The second was just as fast a pace as the 1st, both players were attacking short, then defending, then attacking short again, very good squash to watch. Hadrian now and then made some uncharacteristic mistakes with his shot selection as Rob was cutting out Hadrian’s cross courts with some excellent volley’s short. It was close but again Hadrian managed to keep his composure to finish the game off to go 2-0 up. The third saw Rob lose a bit of his pace as Hadrian seized control of the game. Good match, if the 1st or 2nd had gone to Rob it could have been a really tight match.

Adrian Grant started his match Daryl Selby who had recently had a close game with Adrian at the Liverpool event. Adrian and Daryl looked like they were playing at 60-70 % of their pace in the first and second as Adrian scraped through the first and stepped up in the second.

At 7-2 up in the third I was willing to put a large amount of money on Adrian winning that game and the match but no, Daryl some how dug in and took the game to Adrian and won the third 9/7. And we then had a match on our hands…………

On the side court Pete Barker was on with Alex Stait and on paper you have to say Pete should win this one but he lost the 1st 10/8 and he wasn’t happy with his squash at all (which happens to all of us, it only means that Peter is human after all!). Some how Peter took the 2nd and the 3rd with some help from the Ref and from lady luck but he wasn’t playing to his normal standard. His drops shots were not at there best and neither was his head and Alex knew it. I think that spurred him on, he knew he had a chance if he could produce a good performance and I have to say what a performance he did produce one of his best I’m sure he would agree. He won the 4th and took the match to 8/5 match ball for Tewkesbury………………………

Adrian at this point had lost the fourth and was 7/7 all in the fifth. The turn around was almost done, Brian Hargrave's crystal ball was almost broken! The pressure was on and the Refs felt it more than the players, as a bad decision was given only for a player to complain and then the Ref would favour that player for the next decision. A bit inconsistent but never the less it was inconsistent for both players. Back to Pete at 8/5 match ball down and two very interesting decisions where given to seal a tremendous victory for Alex Stait just as Daryl had done enough to squeeze his way to a superb win both of them winning with strokes.

Match score 2-2

Well, it was down to the number ones and it was all to play for Stewart Boswell and Cameron Pilley. Bozza took control of the first somehow as the ball was flying everywhere as both players were hitting at some pace. Bozza was doing well 9/1. The second became a tighter affair as Cameron played very well staying just ahead of Bozza as one or two mistakes came from the Boswell bat.

At 7/6 up Cameron did some thing that changed the whole match, he lost the point and swore. He had already swore which gave the ref no choice but to award a penalty point against him which put Bozza 8/7 up game ball. Then next rally Bozza hit a backhand drop which rolled. 2/0 to Bozza.

The pace of the game never eased off even late in the third as both players retrieved brilliantly but it wasn’t Cameron’s night it was Bozza’s. Stewart took the game and the match to set up a great match on Thursday at Edgbaston Priory

A great night with no complaints, a big well done to Alex and Daryl who should definitely watch out for the next time they play Pete or Adrian as they will want revenge.

Still anyone’s game but we do have a cushion of points 13-6 ...

Matt Suckling
 

More Memory Lane
Time passes, but Brian still has that 'camera pose' down to a fine art ...

the 2005 finalists