The Cleethorpes Invitational got off to a flying start when holder James
Willstrop held off a determined challenge from Josh Masters, deputising
for the injured Adam Auckland, 3-1.
Willstrop won the first two games comfortably both 11-4, following some
long and tough rallies Masters seemed to settle down, 11-5 Masters. Nip
and tuck at 4-4 Masters opens the gap to 8-5 and Masters looked
favourite in the fourth, a fifth looked likely, a couple of unforced
errors and Willstrop was back in it, Masters didn’t trouble the score
again, and Willstrop won the match 11-8.
The second match between Declan James and Richie Fallows promised a
close as they know each other’s game so well.
First game as expected close, lot of lets and strokes as they tried to
settle down and it was Fallows who lead 1-0. Second game even more lets
and strokes as neither wanted to give an inch but James wins 11-5. Much
more flowing game as both players have settled, long rallies but James
keeps ahead , 11-7.
Only James will know what happened in the fourth as
it was 11-0 Fallows. The decider was nip and tuck. James lead 3-0, 7-5
and 9-8, but Fallows won the match on a tiebreak on his 2nd match ball.
In the first Parker has 4-2 lead which goes to 6-3 and looks in command
but two quick unforced errors and it is soon 8-6 Selby and he closes the
first game 11-9. Another good start by Parker sees it 4-1 some good
strong rallies and it is 8-4 to Parker again some unforced errors and
Selby leads 9-8 are we having a re-run of the first? 9-9 a tough no let
and Parker sees the second out 11-9. This time it is Selby off the mark
quick and leads 4-1, Parker comes back 5-6 a long rally ending in a no
let and Parker finds himself 10-6 down, one a return of serve well down
on the tin, in this scoring format a cheap point for Selby who wins the
third 11-7.
As with the first two games Parker takes a 4-1 lead but a
couple of unforced errors along with two lovely drop shots and Selby is
5-4. Parker wins the next but to be his last as again some unforced
errors gives the match to Selby. Another Cleethorpes final for Selby 6th
time lucky perhaps.
11/9, 9/11, 11/7, 11/5.
Richie Fallows had an 89 minute match the previous night, beating Declan
James, but from the beginning it was James Willstrop who looked
physically uncomfortable. Fallows, probably surprised to find things so
easy maintained his level, which was never seriously threatened to win
easy 3/0, giving himself every chance in the final, Daryl Selby having
to work harder in his semi final.
11/6, 11/6, 11/4.
Final
Selby v Fallows
The final starts at a frantic pace with Selby gaining a 3-1 lead,
Fallows fights back to 4-3 but then some mistakes from Fallows and Selby
wins 11-5.
Fallows this time 3-0, comeback by Selby and it is 3-3. Some good shot
selection sees Fallows 7-3 and looking good, Selby has other ideas and
it is 7-7 then 9-9 but Fallows hangs on and draws level, 11-9 and the
longest and testing game of the night.
Fallows is really up for this and the squash is brilliant, great
retrieving and shot selection has the crowd on the edge of their seats
4-4 a no let and stroke take Fallows to 7-5. Selby back to 7-7, again
after some excellent squash Selby takes it 11-8.
Fallows out the blocks again in the fourth 3-0, Selby having nothing of
it leads 4-3 which becomes 7-5, some unforced errors by Fallows and it
is 10-5 Selby. A mini fight back by Fallows to 10-7 but another unforced
error and Selby wins the Cleethorpes title at the 6th attempt.
Mike Hallam ask the spectators to spare a thought for the sad loss of
Sumner Malik.
He then thanked the sponsors, players, markers and spectators for yet
again another successful tournament.
Mick Hallam
Tournament Organiser
Click on images for larger view
James Willstrop and Richie Fallows
Daryl Selby and George Parker
Daryl Selby and Richie Fallows
Rick Havercroft (compare),
Brian Barrett, (lights and music)
Mick Hallam, (tournament organiser)
John and Peter, (referees/markers)
First appearance at Cleethorpes for local lad
Harry Falconer and he did not disappoint. Two love to Selby soon became
7-2 Falconer and despite 3 more points from Selby, Falconer wins the
first game to the delight of the packed audience. It was close all the
way in the second up to 8-8 then a no let and 2 more points and it was
11-8 Selby.
The third game was also level up to 4-4 then Selby stepped up the pace
and it was 11-5 Selby. A few mistakes from Falconer and it was 6-0
Selby, 3 points back by Falconer and was he on his way back. Selby
rallied round and it was 9-3 soon to become 11-5 and match to Selby.
A great performance from Falconer, one he can take away and learn from
this on his rise up the rankings.
The last match of the night was George Parker v Patrick Rooney. First
game 3-0 Rooney only to go to 4-3 Parker and it was nip and tuck, 11-9
Rooney.
Next game saw Parker go 6-2 some intense rallies and a mini comeback at
10-6 but Parker held on, 11-8. Again a 3-0 lead Parker and some unforced
errors from Rooney it went to 9-2, four points in a row and Rooney
looked back in it but Parker closed out 11-6.
First point in fourth game to Parker, Rooney 5-1 and looking the fresher
of the two, again some unforced errors from Rooney 7-6 Parker which
became 10-10 another mistake from Rooney and it was Parker who finished
off 12-10. Patrick will know his unforced errors cost him dear when
looking the stronger.
Mick Hallam
Tournament Organiser
Welcome to Cleethorpes Cricket Club
Preview Courtesy of Mick
Hallam It is not very often you get the opportunity to watch a
Commonwealth gold medal winner at Cleethorpes but that is what we have
this weekend. Not only one medal winner but three, we have the complete
set, silver and bronze.
It will be a feast of exciting and fascinating squash as usual when
these players come to town. To be able to watch such talent at close
quarters is a chance not to be missed, with the added expectations of
two of our home grown players in Adam Auckland and Harry Falconer. I am
sure all the members of both Cleethorpes Cricket and Millfield’s will
want to see how they perform against some of the best players in the
world.
I would like to thank all the local companies that have sponsored the
event without such it would be impossible to hold the event. They are
Oceanblue Logistics, Cristal Global, Specsavers, Rudd Solicitors,
Howdens Joinery, Van Franchise, Bring Logistics, A.P.Robinsons
Accountants, Ed Walton and Flying Colours.
Also all those that have had adverts and everybody that comes to watch
is a contribution that enables this tournament to run, I thank you all.
Again we have the pleasure to have John Massarella to control the
proceedings, he is a permanent fixture and has not missed a single year,
21 this year.
