Tue 04 Mar - Round TEN
Benz-Bavarian Duffield 4-1 Wolverhampton
Dan Jenson lost to Mark Cairns 9-4, 2-9, 9-5, 9-11, 8-10
Paul Hargrave beat Scott Handley 9-4, 9-6, 9-5
Jonathan Kemp beat Kristen Johnson 9-7, 9-6, 9-6
Kevin White beat Alan Griffiths 9-2, 9-4, 9-7
Cassie Jackman beat Stephanie Brind 9-4, 9-6, 9-1Benz-Bavarian Duffield end up
“dancing with the wolves”
at the bottom of Group A!
Brian Hargrave reflects ...
Benz-Bavarian Duffield and Wolverhampton have both had a frustrating season in which little has gone right with both teams being on the receiving end of four 3-2 reverses which could so easily have gone the other way. If only –– if only.
Both teams had just pride to play for and the final tie of the season had become the wooden spoon decider. This had promised to be a very close encounter but the outcome swung in Duffield’s favour when Wolverhampton number 3, Chris Ryder, withdrew with flu.
In a curtain raiser prior to the NL tie the local Ecclesbourne School U15 boys team comprising of Duffield club juniors, coached and trained by Paul Hargrave, had set the scene by comprehensively defeating Leamington Spa 5-0 to progress to the finals of the National Schools championships to be played coincidentally at Wolverhampton on Wednesday, 19 March. On their way to the finals the team comprising of John Slater, Nick Bygraves, Sam Yallop, Josh Yallop and Ben Wall plus reserves Tom Naylor and Ed Lloyd had dropped only a handful of points between them and now face Manchester Grammar School in the semi final.
Steve Amos, the SRA Regional Development Officer then presented Mike Taylor, Chairman of the Club, with the prestigious Charter Mark Silver Award.
Next in line was Cassie Jackman who was presented with a bottle of Moet Champagne by Club president Clive Wildsmith in recognition of the defending champion equalling the record of five National titles when she beat Rebecca Macree.
Finally, before the NL tie got under way the players and supporters stood for one minute’s silence in memory of Rodger Lee, a very popular member and sponsor of NL squash, who collapsed on court with a heart attack on 11 February and who later died in hospital.
The clash between Cassie Jackman and Stephanie Brind promised to be a close encounter with Jackman ending up with a tight back after her recent exploits in the National Championships and then reaching the semi finals in New York. In the first game Brind matched Jackman to 4 all but then allowed the National champion to close out the game without conceding another point. Jackman quickly built a 6-0 in the second only to allow an inspired Brind to level. However, Jackman remained calm and then took complete control to win the match only losing one more point in the process.
On the adjoining court 34 years old Kevin White was looking for his first NL victory of the season. Standing in his way was 41 years old Wolverhampton Club regular Alan Griffiths who answered an S O S call. White was quick out of the blocks and took the first two games 9-2 9-4 despite a gallant effort from the debutant. Griffiths was always just ahead in the third until the scores reached 7 all but the Derbyshire No 2 held his nerve and was much relieved to come through 9-7 as his “never say die” opponent strived in vain to take the rubber into a fourth game.
Next on court was Jon Kemp who had taken just 17 and 18 minutes respectively to depose of below par Paul Lord (Edgbaston) and equally below par Hadrian Stiff (Hallamshire) in his previous two outings on court number 4. Kemp was looking for a hat-trick of under 20 minute Duffield NL run outs. However, Kristen Johnson from Oxfordshire, who as a non-seed reached the semi final of the England U19 championships over the weekend, had other ideas. Johnson showed that he has great potential as he pushed Kemp, ranked 27 in England, all the way. Kemp moves quickly around the court but Johnson matched him stride for stride and shot for shot as both players played attacking intelligent squash. Kemp deservedly won 9-7 9-6 9-6 but the rubber was most enjoyable to watch and the number of lets could be counted on two fingers. Stephen Russell will have to keep an eye on young Johnson who is coached by Scot Handley and who is clearly a player for the future.
Duffield had won the tie and avoided the wooden spoon much to the delight of the Duffield supporters who broke into a chant reminiscent of when last season the Derbyshire Club won Group A to reach the play offs.
Next on court were two players who still manage to compete with the best despite having to devote most of their spare time to coaching. Handley was the Wolverhampton player of the season last year registering 6 wins out of 8. Hargrave was to receive the Duffield supporters and team sponsor’s player of the season award after beating two top world 25 players and coming within a whisker of doubling that tally in two other memorable matches. Based on rankings and recent results between the two players Handley, England 16 had the edge over an opponent ranked 3 places lower. Hargrave set out in determined fashion keeping Handley under pressure with tight squash which set up the openings to hit winners or to force his opponent into uncharacteristic mistakes, Hargrave took the first 9-4 and the next two games both followed a similar pattern with scores of 9-6 9-5 as Hadley appeared to lack his usual quicksilver mobility.
The final rubber on court had an Aussie flavour to it with Dan Jenson, former world No 5 flying back from Australia on Friday only to find the name of Cairns on the Wolverhampton team sheet. Cairns may have won the National O35 championship but in round 8 he had beat Del Harris. Jenson had sustained a knee injury in his last outing at Duffield back in November 2002, which had required surgery. Mark Cairns was probably the last person to face whilst still lacking full match fitness. Jenson demonstrated in the first game that he had lost none of his touches by winning 9-4. Cairns hit back strongly to win the second 9-2 to level. Jenson won the third 9-5 but Cairns who has never lost at Duffield was in no mood to surrender. In a nip and tuck fourth game the Australian got to 8-7 aad match point – every dog must have its day and age eventually must catch up! Cairns was clearly smarting from recent England reverses against Australia in other sports and refused to concede. He fought like a tiger and eventually took the fourth 11-9. Jenson re-grouped in the fifth game and kept his nose in front to 8-6 to have two more match balls. Surely the crowd “think its all over” but not Mr Cairns he saved one match ball with a winner a player of his age has no right to still try to play. Jenson could hardly believe it and the 035 champion sensing Australian blood moved in for the kill. The Cairns jinx on Duffield remains in tact for another season but what a fitting rubber to end a disappointing season if looked at from a purely results viewpoint.
Thanks to a bit of sporting give and take with final team selection the spectators had another enjoyable night and the Duffield supporters even gave the management a vote of confidence to continue for another season.
Rodger Lee’s sudden death put a few things in perspective and we should never forget that squash is only a game to be enjoyed by players of all ages and standards. Our president Clive Wildsmith was still playing regularly at the age of 70. Rodger lived life to the full whether playing squash, racketball, skiing or fell running. Rodger was a also a keen Derby County supporter who had enjoyed their success but continued his support despite relegation and a miserable season in the Nationwide League. One team has to be top and one team has to be bottom. Perhaps next year it will be the turn of Wolverhampton or Duffield to be vying for a play off place.
Brian Hargrave, Team Manager
18 Feb 03 - Week NINE
FPD Savills Nottingham 5-0 Benz-Bavarian Duffield
Simon Parke bt Paul Hargrave 7/9, 6/9, 9/7, 9/3, 9/7
Renan Lavigne bt Kevin White 7/9, 9/4, 9/5, 9/2
Jason Nicolle bt Neil Reddington 9/1, 9/1, 9/5
Sam Miller bt Joel Hinds 9/2, 9/2, 9/2
Wendy Maitland bt Jenny Knibbs 9/4, 9/2, 9/0
The top and bottom of it as every table tells a story!
- and a piece of birthday cake for Nottingham.
Brian Hargrave reportsIt had been a difficult few days for the Duffield management after one of its most popular members, Roger Lee, had collapsed on court and later died in hospital. The sad loss had put a few things in perspective. The show had to go on but trying to assemble a respectable team to provide entertainment for an expected full house despite top playing bottom was not easy. However Duffield was not on its own with a few other managers' having similar problems fielding their strongest team due to players’ involvement in the qualifying for the New York tournament.
Benz-Bavarian Duffield finally had no alternative but to field 4 local players, including two club juniors, who reside in the village or within a 3-mile radius. However, on the morning of their penultimate NL tie they suffered another major blow when Alex Gough withdrew uncertain that his tight quads would survive after a gruelling run of matches in the National championships which took him to the semis followed by a very tough Super League battle with Martin Heath the previous night. The late withdrawal of Gough meant that Duffield forfeited probably their best chance of snatching a point as Nottingham fielded a near full strength side
As a result of some bad planning by the management team earlier in the season when keeping supporters happy took preference to playing the system the National Champion, Cassie Jackman had to be stood down to make way for a mandatory Under 23 lady player, 18 year old Jenny Knibbs, Derbyshire No 2, who is ranked 7 at U19 level in England.
Duffield also gave a debut to 15-year-old Joel Hinds, ranked No 10 at U17 in England, who reached the final qualifying round of the Senior National championships last week.
Neil Reddington who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday and who is based at the Nottingham Club stepped in at No 3 and Kevin White who also celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday moved up the order to No 2 leaving Paul Hargrave to tackle Simon Parke, England No 5 and world No 18.
A packed house on the Park courts witnessed FPD Savills showing little of the birthday spirit on court as they ruthlessly gained sufficient points to guarantee a place in the competition semi-finals play offs.
Sam Miller and Scottish No. 2 Wendy Maitland showed county juniors Joel Hinds and Jenny Knibbs little mercy as the Nottingham players showing far too much experience and accuracy to allow their young opponents to get into any sort of rhythm. Both matches lasted little over 25 minutes with a half dozen points each scant reward for two brave efforts from the promising juniors.
The same can be said for the Jason Nicolle victory over Neil Reddington, Nicolle rushing to a 2 – 0 lead in 12 minutes before Reddington found a better length and a bit of confidence and got to 4 / 6 down in the third before Nicolle closed out with a series of tight drops.
Kevin White had missed the previous 3 ties with injury and had only had 2 hours back on court when he answered the SOS that he was needed. His opponent the charismatic Frenchman Renan Lavigne looked tired, no surprise after a 2 hour 45 minute match in the semi final of the French closed at the weekend. White deservedly took the first game 9-7 and an upset looked on the cards until Lavigne began to show his class by continually moving White out of position as he brushed aside a determined opponent to take the next 3 games to the delight of the Nottingham crowd who sensed the semi-final spot and a whitewash was ever closer.
However – Paul Hargrave, England No 19, had different ideas and the final rubber was worth the admission money in its own right. Hargrave had already beaten two top 25 world players this season and came within two points of claiming a third such scalp in round 8. Hargrave battled hard playing some delightful winners and forcing Parke into a number of frustrated errors, winning the first two 9 / 7, 9 / 6 as both players kept the ball tight on the backhand. The third was even tighter and Hargrave led 4-2 only to concede 4 quick points with errors as he tried to go for a quick kill. The Derbyshire No 1 dug deep and hit back and had his chance at 7 / 6 before Parke, characteristically, clawed his way through to pull it back to 2 – 1. Hargrave had the inevitable rest in the 4th, Parke taking it comfortably demonstrating his own full repertoire of shots.
The good-humoured noisy crowd and even the referees were enjoying every moment. The 5th game was a titanic struggle with Parke taking an early 3 – 1 lead but after that never a point between with exhausting rallies punctuated by great shots and great volleying from both players. Hargrave moved to 7-6 in front but Parke gambled to level with an audacious winner from a defensive position. Parke had finally broken his opponents resistance and scraped through 9 / 7 with both players receiving a standing ovation and then being called back for an encore.
It was a great rubber which referee and MRC Wendy Danzey admitted afterwards she did not want to end. Nottingham had chalked up their 4th whitewash of the season but only just. A fitting end to a well spirited and vociferously supported tie. Duffield management had put together a scratch team consisting entirely of local players to contest at a level to which the youngsters were unaccustomed – but they did themselves proud. The delighted Nottingham manager, Phil Songhurst had promised the loyal and hungry Duffield supporters a great night out and they were not disappointed and in return helped to swell the bar takings.
Duffield face Wolverhampton at home on 4 March for the wooden spoon. Both sides are expected to be at full strength with Dan Jenson and Cassie Jackman expected to return. All seats already virtually sold out. Standing tickets cost £5 each rear and £3 each for side viewing. Phone 01332 841564 or 07971 915012
04 Feb 03 - Week EIGHT
Benz-Bavarian Duffield 3 - 2 HLW Solicitors Hallamshire
Alex Gough beat Anthony Ricketts 5/9, 7/9, 9/4, 9/4, 11/9
Paul Hargrave lost Nick Matthew 9/4, 5/9, 9/5, 7/9, 7/9
Jonathan Kemp beat Hadrian Stiff 9/4, 9/5, 9/2
Matt Lowery lost Adam Stevenson 4/9, 4/9, 4/9
Cassie Jackman beat Jenny Duncalf 9/3, 9/5, 9/1Fifth time lucky for Benz-Bavarian Duffield and Alex – thanks to Jim!
A relieved Brian Hargrave reportsBenz-Bavarian Duffield has had frustrating season in which little has gone right. In the match programme the team manager had stated “We have just pride to play for in the remaining 3 NL ties and intend to treat each remaining match as a cup-tie. The round 9 tie on 18 February is away to local East Midlands rivals Nottingham whilst the final home tie on 4 March could well become the wooden spoon decider against Wolverhampton”.
All players responded magnificently and another full house was treated to a cup-tie atmosphere which could not have been bettered even if the tie had been for a play off spot.
Number one Alex Gough has on four previous ties been left with the daunting task of trying unsuccessfully to clinch victory in the deciding rubber against higher ranked world opponents Last night he went on court with the same responsibility after a see saw tie had swung first one way and then another.
Duffield supporters gave Cassie Jackman an extra special warm welcome after the unfortunate travel traumas of the previous week which had ruled her out of playing at Edgbaston. Prior to going on court Cassie had patiently posed for The Times photographer assigned to carry out a preview for the National championships to be staged at the National Centre, Manchester from 9-16 February. Defending champion Jackman, who won her first of four titles ten years ago, will make her England comeback at the event just three months after undergoing back surgery for the second time in her career. Jackman who is seeded three, has reached the final in her last five appearances in the event
Once on court Jackman quickly got down to the real business and was moving freely working her younger opponent Jenny Duncalf (Eng 13) all around the court with a very confident clinical display which demonstrated that she must be a serious contender to retain her title. Hallamshire manager, Hedley Matthew, predicted that the young pretender Duncalf would provide Jackman with a tough test as she builds up for the National championships. However, Duncalf, a wholehearted talented opponent who is one of the fittest players on the WISPA circuit rarely troubled Jackman. Jackman allowed he opponent just nine hard earned points as she got the Derbyshire Club off to a flying start.
Mat Lowery, Derbyshire number 4, looking very smart in his new named shirt, once again stepped in for the injured Kevin White but despite a brave effort he had to give second best to Adam Stevenson, Eng 29, who looked very sharp and determined. Stevenson, who was supporting a new hairstyle with red streaks was red hot as he dominated the T forcing Lowery into making errors as he slipped to a 9-5, 9-4.9-4 defeat.
Next on the adjoining court was Jon Kemp who had shown signs of returning to his best form in the previous round. Kemp’s opponent was the very talented and normally determined Hadrian Stiff who was expected to provide stiff opposition. Unfortunately, things quickly went sour for the cream of Devon and in just 17 quick minutes Kemp had put Duffield 2-0 ahead surrendering just 11 points in the process with Stiff looking sadly out of sorts and Kemp showing no mercy. Earlier in the season Kemp had taken exactly the same time to beat Paul Lord of Edgbaston and once again the Treasurer was left working out the hourly pay rate. At least Kemp should be nice and fresh to tackle the Welsh giant dragon, David Evans, in the main draw of the Nationals a week today.
Duffield supporters had not been accustomed this season to going 2-1 up and the strain was clearly beginning to tell and Jim the ticket controller and HH results reporter was getting quite excited.
Next on court were two of England’s giants and the two son’s of the respective managers. Paul Hargrave, Eng 19, and Nick Mathew ranked 10 places higher in England and 24 in the world. Hargrave had already this season beaten two top world 26 ranked players and supporters were wondering whether he could pull off a hat-rick. The spectators enjoyed every moment with both players testing each other with a full variety of shots, chasing lost causes and hitting some great winners. Hargrave took the first 9-4 and was a little unlucky to see a 5-3 lead slip from his grasp in the second without taking any credit away from his opponent. The Derbyshire No 1 hit back to take the third 9-5 and edged his way to a 7-6 lead in the fourth. Just two points from another unexpected victory. The tension was unbearable for some but Matthew stood tall and held his nerve to level The Hallamshire man quickly built a 8-2 lead in the fifth but his opponent refused to concede clawing his way back to 8-7, helped with a couple of slightly generous decisions (according to Hedley but we were due a few going in our direction) before Matthew cruelly ended his brave fight back. Both served up some great entertainment, the noisy supportive crowd loved it- what a pity our man lost.
This is almost where I began; all on the shoulders of Alex Gough who gave earlier gave me a ticking off for not reserving his practise court for 5pm. I knew the signs looked good and I had earlier tipped Andy Booth of Broxbourne that he should back Duffield to win 3-2 when he placed his bet with Citibet (hopefully he got my email) The signs looked ominous when Gough, world 17, went 2-0 down to world No 7 Anthony Ricketts from Australia who was hitting some audacious winners. Jim the Ticket man was asked to leave in the hope that this would change things round. I still felt Gough could do it particularly when Ricketts took his foot off the pedal in the third and then found himself unable to change gear in the fourth as the pressure built up.
The deciding game of the deciding tie was a classic but Gough edged his way to an 8-5 lead. Jim appeared at the top of the stairs and blow me next minute Gough was 9-8 down as Ricketts forgot the script hitting another great winner which some spectators standing by me never saw. Jim retreated and only returned from outside the clubhouse when he heard very loud cheering. Well done Jim and the Welsh wizard and his opponent deserved their standing ovation.
What a great night – our second win of the season (Derby Telegraph please note – you should not let this new computer system affect the accuracy of your reports!) - off the bottom of the table and my enthusiasm rekindled after recent disappointing results and events.
Roll on next tie away on 18 February to title favourites and local East Midland rivals along the A52 at Nottingham. In order to satisfy the U23 lady regulation Duffield might well be fielding the youngest player ever to appear in the NL!
Anyone wishing to travel should contact Strephen Milward
We must also be slight favourites for the wooden spoon when we face Wolverhampton at home on 4 March. All seats already virtually sold out. Standing tickets cost £5 each rear and £3 each for side viewing. Phone 01332 841564 or 07971 915012
28 Jan 03 - Week SEVEN
Edgbaston Priory 4-1 Benz-Bavarian Duffield
Stewart Boswell beat Alex Gough 4/9, 9/7, 9/1, 9/3
Del Harris beat Paul Hargrave 9/2, 9/5, 9/7
Adrian Grant beat Jonathan Kemp 8/10, 9/1, 9/5, 10/8
Paul Lord beat Matt Lowery 9/7, 9/5, 12/10
Emma Beddoes lost Laura Hill 5/9, 9/3, 9/0, 6/9, 5/9
Jackman in a jam but
Duffield make their point!
Brian Hargrave's 'early hours unbiased report' ...
Take four letters out of Jackman and you end up with jam which Cassie was stuck in on the A14 for 3 hours on her way from Norfolk to Edgbaston.Having finally got moving at 5.30pm, and with an expected arrival time of 7.30pm, a quick phone call from Duffield Management to the Priory Management to explain the situation was considered advisable before Cassie continued her marathon journey. The NL Regulation 31 clearly states that players must be present at the time stipulated for the commencement of the tie and with Edgbaston desperate to win every point “rules are rules” even if a former world champion and world number one is on the comeback trail and desperate to entertain those supporters expecting to see her take on young Miss Beddoes. Cassie advised to do a U turn and nearly 8 hours after leaving North Walsham she arrives back home at 9pm bewildered and bemused and totally frustrated but hopefully with no reaction to her injured back after spending so long in the car.
The Duffield management send out an SOS for fire-fighter Laura Hill to leave the picket line, pick up her racket and jump on the supporters’ coach to try to beat the rigid 7pm deadline. Hill jumps off the moving coach and dashes in to the Priory Club with one minute to spare but the nice MRC named Steve Hubbard kindly intervenes and rules that Hill can catch her breath and go on court second. A very nice goodwill gesture much appreciated by the visitors who seem to always be courting controversy when it comes to playing Edgbaston.
The actual game of squash, which is really only what spectators are interested in, got under way on time but Duffield should have known it was not to be their night. Adrian Grant and Jon Kemp had switched clubs in the close season and for a short time Kemp looked as though he would prove or even win a point for his new club on the show court. Kemp won the first 10-8 and narrowly lost the fourth by he same score after two quick middle games. Priory is on the way.
On the adjoining court Matt Lowery (Derbyshire No 4), a late replacement for the injured Kevin White, was giving Paul Lord, England 22 a real run for his money. Lowery fought every inch of the way and after losing the first two close games 9-7 9-5 found himself with two game balls in the third. A fluky dead nick was the answer to Lord’s prayer and he breathed a sigh of relief after winning 10-8. Priory is 2 up and it is looking like one-way traffic unless you are stuck on the A14.
Del Harris had fortunately got round the problem on the A14 and is next on the show court, clearly out to avenge the shock defeat he suffered at the hands of Paul Hargrave earlier in the season. Hargrave was clearly distracted by events which had happened off the court whilst Harris was totally focused on his task. Harris was covering the court with giant strides and stretches to pick up everything and then hitting some great winners. No complaints the best man won and the refereeing was also very good. Priory is 3 up and the bonus points are in the bag.
But wait there is great excitement on the subsidiary court. The Derbyshire fire-fighter has not read the script that she is expected to lose. Hill has the audacity to put out the Beddoes fire and win the first 9-5 but then she loses her way and loses the second by the same score. Hill looks to be in another jam as she grinds to a halt speedily losing the third without troubling the marker. They make them tough at Matlock and, with snow forecast in North Derbyshire on the way back, Hill decided its time to start moving her young opponent around the court. The outcome she takes the next two games 9-6 9-5. The Duffield supporters go wild and to quote one noisy supporter “ it was worth the journey just to see Laura deprive Priory of one point”.
The final game is between Stewart Boswell and Alex Gough who has had a very tough time at number one this season facing top 10 world players on 6 of his 7 outings. Gough displays all his renowned skills to convincingly take the first 9-4 and then narrowly loses the second 9-7. Gough begins to struggle and as in round 6, hampered by a problem with his leg, he quickly loses the next two games 9-1 9-3 as Boswell turns the screw showing his opponent no mercy.
Last season’s group A winners Duffield remain firmly at the bottom whilst Edgbaston’s night is made complete with the news that Nottingham has lost 5-0 to Hallamshire. What a pity Cassie was ruled out but still rules are rules and when you are down you are down and when you are up you are up. It is no use crying over spilt milk but a cup of tea would have been nice on arrival. The important thing is to win - something the loyal travelling Duffield supporters have not witnessed much this season.
The next tie is next Tuesday 4 February at home at 7pm prompt to the in form Hallamshire – Dan Jenson is expected to be back and Cassie will leave home in Norfolk at 11am not 1pm to allow herself a little extra time for her journey. If the Hallamshire supporters get delayed on the A61 we will repeat Hedley’s gesture and delay the start by 15 minutes to allow supporters time to take see the first ball hit. I recall Aston Villa did something similar in a recent cup match!
Ticket enquires and applications for the manager’s job phone 01332 841564
Brian Hargrave
Team Manager (but with supporters getting restless, for how much longer!)
07 Jan 03 - Week SIX
Duffield 2-3 Manchester
Alex Gough lt Lee Beachill 9-5, 1-9, 1-9, 3-9
Paul Hargrave bt Shahid Zaman 12-10, 10-8, 9-3
Jonathon Kemp lt James Willstrop 3-9, 2-9, 9-7, 1-9
Neil Reddington lt Andrew Whipp 1-9, 6-9, 4-9
Cassie Jackman bt Lauren Siddall 9-4, 9-1, 9-0Déjà vu!
'Between the lines' report from Brian Hargrave, who claims to know
'"how John Gregory felt after Derby had lost to Brentford and also how Bobby Robson felt after Newcastle had lost to Wolverhampton!"
The winning comeback of Cassie Jackman, the England No 1 and world No7, after injury and another high world ranked scalp for local Club professional Paul Hargrave raised the spirits of another packed house at Duffield only for the evening to fall completely flat as first Jon Kemp and then Alex Gough were easily and quickly brushed aside with very limited resistance.
Jackman never really had to push herself throughout her encounter with young Lauren Siddall, another promising youngster from the Malcolm Willstrop stable at Pontefract.
Siddall battled bravely but Jackman was never really troubled as she sensibly eased herself back into competitive squash exactly four months after undergoing back surgery for the second time in her career. Jackman controlled the game from the start and conceded just five points in her 25 minute run out. Jackman was careful not to stretch herself but she showed that she has lost none of her racket skills as she hit winners and punished any loose shots from her inexperienced opponent.
On the adjoining court Duffield gave a debut to 20-year-old Neil Reddington from Nottingham. It was a tough National League baptism for Reddington and the quick fire Mancunian, Andy Whipp blasted his young opponent off court in just 17 minutes winning 9-1 9-6 9-4. Reddington took a 5-1 the lead in the second game showing glimpses of his future potential but Whipp showed no mercy and quickly levelled the match scores with some cracking shots.
The next match on the show court was a thrilling encounter between two attacking players. Manchester Manager, Yawar Abbas had warned that Shahid Zaman Khan, having flown over from Pakistan for coaching in London, would be flying shots from every angle. Duffield had their own answer as Paul Hargrave, Club Professional and coach, took a break from stringing rackets and coaching juniors to demonstrate to his young pupils on the front row that he is no slouch when it comes to playing winning shots. Having beaten world 26, Del Harris, 3-0 earlier in the season Hargrave, England 21, claimed another notable scalp when he beat Khan who in December 2002 was ranked 24 in the world. Neither player seemed keen to rally attempting winners at every opportunity. In a nip and tuck first game Hargrave had five game points before taking the game 11-9. Khan saved the first four by hitting outrageous winners from service but his fifth attempt clipped the tin. Manchester coach, Malcolm Willstrop, could be heard pleading with his player between games to be more patient in rallies and to try a few lobs to break his opponent’s rhythm and to test Hargrave’s staying power. The advice fell on the wooden floor as the second game followed a similar pattern to the first with the difference that Khan only saved two game balls before Hargrave tucked away a winner to take the game 10-8. Khan’s head went down in the third and Hargrave was in full flow quickly wrapping up the game 9-3 and the match in just 25 exciting minutes to the huge delight of his followers.
Next on the show court was former Duffield favourite and junior world champion James Willstrop who had broken the hearts of his fan club members when Dunlop sponsorship requirements resulted in his move to Manchester after 4 seasons with Duffield. Willstrop’s replacement Jon Kemp was just returning after injury and was clearly not fully match fit. Yorkshire TV programme “Look North” was filming the tie and Willstrop twisted and turned his opponent in every direction in an impressive display. Willstrop took the first two games both by the same score 9-2. Kemp took the third 9-7 taking advantage of Willstrop losing concentration but the junior world champion levelled the scores after just 25 minutes by winning the fourth game 9-1
Duffield supporters’ spirits were high knowing that Alex Gough had beaten John White in the Super League the previous night. For the fifth time in six ties Gough was going on court with the overall scores level a repeat of the situation in round one at Pontefract.
Citibet, an internet bookie, are now giving odds on the results of being able to predict all the nights National League Squash matches from around the country. Cost starts from just £1 for a possible return of 35/2. Now those who talk a good game can put their money where their mouth is and Gough had a real chance to upset all those punters who had predicted a Manchester win.
Gough got off to a flyer and took the first game 9-5 and just as some confident Duffield supporters began counting their winnings their number one seemed to be showing signs of either restricted mobility or tiredness from his efforts the previous night. A labouring Gough tamely lost the next three games 9-1 9-1 and 9-3 after just 32 minutes. The post match enquiry revealed a leg problem and Manager Brian Hargrave knows just how John Gregory, Manager of Derby County must feel as his star player Ravenelli as a similar injury.
The bad news is that Duffield had lost their fifth tie of the season 3-2. What odds would Citibet have offered for this sequence at the beginning of the season? The good news is that a top tipster, Broxbourne’s Andy Booth, had predicted a Manchester win. The other good news was that Team Sponsor Felix Frixou had won a raffle prize of a meal for two offered by Viceroy Restaurant, the joint match sponsor.
The final good news was that Yorkshire TV cameras panned in several times on the new adverts of BEKO (the UK top TV and white goods company) who had stepped in with an offer of sponsorship monies to help towards the Derbyshire Club continuing NL for the remainder of the season. Hopefully, this will encourage other more local companies to come forward with offers of support as the Club is still urgently seeking match sponsors for the final two home ties against Hallamshire and Wolverhampton.
The defeat finally killed off any hopes of Duffield making the play offs and Duffield players will now just have to content themselves with playing for pride.
Brian Hargrave Team Manager
03 Dec 02 - Week FIVE
Wolverhampton 2-3 B-B Duffield
Mark Cairns lost Alex Gough 5/9, 4/9, 9/5, 6/9
Scott Handley beat Jean-Michel Arcucci 9/5, 9/7, 9/6
Joey Barrington lost Paul Hargrave 6/9, 5/9, 8/10
Chris Ryder beat Kevin White 8/10, 9/2, 10/8, 9/1
Stephanie Brind lost Pamela Nimmo 9/6, 10/8, 7/9, 3/9, 5/9A WIN AT LAST !!!
Brian Hargrave reportsBenz-Bavarian Duffield won their first tie of the season thanks to a spirited performance and a change of luck. In four of the five first half ties the score has been all-square when No 1 Alex Gough has entered the arena against a higher world ranked opponent. Lee Beachill, Stuart Boswell and John White have previously thwarted the Welsh No 1 but before a packed house Gough delighted the busload of enthusiastic Duffield supporters when he succeeded at the fourth attempt beating Mark Cairns to secure the bonus points and lift Duffield off the bottom of the table.
The Duffield supporters are renowned for getting lost en route but tonight they excelled themselves by ignoring all advice and getting lost in both directions and as the clock struck midnight the coach was seen heading towards Blackpool. It can only be assumed that they had got carried away with this rare win. The supporters had spent much of the journey debating whether the Chairman was justified in expressing a vote of confidence in the manager and issuing the statement that he had given the manager 6 more games to turn things round. The team and Pam Nimmo in particular responded to the noisy support during a see saw tense encounter which went all the way to the wire.
Chris Ryder at N 4 continued his run of excellent form in getting the home side off to a winning start even though he dropped the close first game against a very determined Kevin White. Ryder came back from 7-3 down in the third to save a game point before wining 10-8. The damage was done in that game as White had battled hard for his points and Ryder’s greater control and fitness finally swung the rubber in his favour.
On the adjoining court Stephanie Brind got off to a good start against Pam Nimmo winning the first 9-6. Brind then lost her way in the second before taking advantage of a very generous let and coming back from 5-8 down to win 10-8. This should have dispirited her opponent but it seemed to spur Nimmo to greater heights as he took control to steadily build an 8-2 lead. A sequence of careless shots from a tense Nimmo suddenly got Brind back to 7-8. Nimmo showed great character to edge the game 9-7 and then, with Brind getting increasingly demoralised, easily won the next two games for only 8 points to level the tie after 1 hour 14 minutes.
Training partners, Paul Hargrave and Joey Barrington have been having some close games but on the night Hargrave was in full flow hitting winners at will and repeating the form which had seen him claim the scalp of Del Harris in round 3. A lapse on concentration from 5-2 up in the third allowed Barrington back into the tie. Barrington finally squeezed in front at 8-7 as Hargrave began to tire slightly. At game ball a drop shot from Barrington’s just clipped the tin. The next two points took a long time to complete and included a number of lets but finally Hargrave produced the winning shot to the relief of himself, the manager and the intrepid merry supporters.
The French No 4, Jean Michel Arcucci was making his NL debut for Duffield and he faced Scott Handley who has been producing some excellent results since returning from injury. Arcucci was slow to settle, possibly a little uncertain how to approach a point a rally to 9 scoring system. Handley took control from the off and Arcucci always seemed to be bravely chasing the game. Handley is renowned for his ability to retrieve most balls but he was playing the wider range of shots and he barely made a mistake until towards the end of the third game. Handley finished off his higher ranked opponent in just 39 minutes.
The final match featured Mark Cairns against Alex Gough. In the same fixture last season Gough won 3-0 and this year threatened to do the same after he took the first two games 9-5 9-4. Some inspired play gave Cairns the third game and for a while an upset might have been on the cards. It was not to be and the Duffield manager breathed a huge sigh of relief that after 62 minutes Gough and his side had scored a victory.
Two weeks ago Wolverhampton had achieved a slightly unexpected victory against Edgbaston but tonight lost out on the chance to build on that due largely to a gutsy performance by Pam Nimmo coming from 2 down to win the key game in front of her parents who had travelled a long distance from Scotland to watch her.
Well played Pam and the rest of the team who gave it their all. An enjoyable evening’s entertainment and hospitality played in a good competitive spirit with at last the right result.
The final bit of good news was that a loyal Duffield supporter, who is on a diet, won the raffle prize of a meal for 2 in the restaurant at the Club. (Last season the same supporter, who is thinning on top, won a free hair do from the Edgbaston Club). The bad news is that he will have no one to help him find the Wolverhampton Club.
19 Nov 02 - Week FOUR
Duffield 0-5 Nottingham
Alex Gough lt John White 6/9, 9/7, 9/5, 3/9, 8/10
Dan Jenson lt Renan Lavigne 9/2, 6/9, 4/9 rtd
Paul Hargrave lt Simon Parke 9/6, 6/9, 7/9, 2/9
Kevin White lt Jason Nicolle 7/9, 7/9, 3/9
Laura Hill lt Tania Bailey 2/9, 0/9, 2/9
Calm before the storm ... photo by Rob LoweThings can only get better?
Brian Hargrave reports
White completes “whitewash” as FPD Savills Nottingham go top and Benz-Bavarian Duffield go bottom of Group A.Phil Songhurst provides the victors' viewpoint ...
Nottingham inflicted a cruel whitewash to leave Duffield the only NL team without a win as the Derbyshire team’s run of bad luck continues. Jonathan Kemp was a last minute withdrawal from the Duffield line up after injuring his hamstring in the Portugal Open over the weekend. The visitor’s line up comprised of higher world rankings in each rubber but there was no disgrace in defeat as the home team spurred on by a noisy full house threatened to upset the higher world rankings in the top 3 rubbers.
USA Open Finalist, Tania Bailey, dashed straight to Duffield on her return from the USA and was on fire against Laura Hill who is a full time fire-fighter many rungs down the ladder in the English rankings. Hill battled bravely for her four points but was no match for the world No 7.
On the adjoining show court Paul Hargrave playing some superb squash quickly built a 6-1 lead against Simon Parke, England No 7, who clawed his way back to level the scores before Hargrave regained control to win 9-6. The second game followed a similar pattern with Hargrave building a 6-3 lead. Parke stepped up the pace and pressurised Hargrave into mistakes to level the scores after winning six consecutive points. Hargrave again built a 4-3 lead in the fourth but Parke tightened his grip to open up a 3 point gap. Hargrave levelled to 7 all as he took full advantage of a conduct stroke awarded for an expletive which accidentally slipped out in the heat of the battle. Hargrave had had to work hard to stay in contention. The effort took its toll and the game slipped from Hargrave’s grasp when he lost the last two points to strokes. A confident Parke quietened the home crowd as he moved in for the kill against a tiring opponent who had given his all but who finally had to settle for second best going down 9-2 in the fourth.
On the adjoining court the third regular Club member of Duffield’s Derbyshire League team Kevin White was once again proving a handful for a higher ranked opponent. The evergreen Jason Nicolle, O35 National Champion, looks fitter than for 3 or 4 years but White pushed him very close in the opening two games which both went 9-7 in favour of Nicolle. White covered every inch of the court in his attempt to keep his team in contention but careless shots at 7 all proved to be his downfall as the experienced Nicolle punished his slightly younger opponent. Nicolle sealed the bonus points when he took complete control in the third to finish a comfortable winner 9-2.
The rubber between the No 2 strings promised to be a classic encounter. Dan Jenson has looked awesome in his first two NL appearances for Duffield brushing aside with relative ease two of England’s brightest young stars James Willstrop and Nick Matthew. This time round he was facing former Duffield favourite, Renan Lavigne, the charismatic French No 2 now ranked 20 in the world. Jenson again looked awesome as he took the first game 9-2 as he ran Lavigne ragged. Jenson began to struggle after he aggravated a knee injury and at 4 all the Australian world No 27 took two minutes time out for treatment but on return his movement was clearly restricted. The Frenchman sensing blood showed no mercy taking the second 9-6 and the third 9-4 before Jenson was forced to retire to avoid further damage to the knee.
In the opening 3 rounds Alex Gough had gone on court under pressure with the overall scores of each tie level but had been unable to clinch the bonus points against formidable higher world ranked opponents. This time it was pride and a win bonus and to avoid a whitewash. Both players provided great entertainment in a fiercely competitive match with Gough striving to break White’s rhythm as the crowd struggled to follow the ball which White was smashing all around the court at great speed. The game was nip and tuck throughout. White took the first 9-6 but Gough appeared to have the upper hand after winning the next two games 9-7 9-5. White levelled but Gough dug deep and deservedly got to match ball at 8-7. White hit a “lucky” dead nick, Gough could not believe his misfortune and neither could the crowd. White sensed the frustration winning the next 3 points and completing the whitewash winning 10-8 in the fifth. Prolonged applause for both players was little consolation for the Welshman.
At this stage last season Duffield was top of Group A. With a little bit of luck they could have been in a similar position this year. They now have a mountain to climb. The loss of Cassie Jackman means that Duffield are always likely to struggle in the ladies rubber. Both Jenson and Kemp are doubtful for the next tie away to Wolverhampton on 3 December and it could be a bleak Christmas for the Village club. The supporters remain in fine spirit and the coach to Wolverhampton is expected to be full. The Chairman has given the Manager six more ties to turn things round. Things can only get better or can they?
The one consolation was that despite the fierce local East Midlands rivalry the tie was played in good sporting spirit and Duffield could not blame the referees. The home supporters went away happy after a great night’s entertainment with the consolation that Duffield had only lost a squash match and not a war. Duffield will be praying for a change of fortune and the favourite supporter who is the son of a vicar has even agreed to travel to the next match.
05 Nov 02 - Week THREE
HLW Solicitors Hallamshire 3 - 2 Benz-Bavarian Duffield
Anthony Ricketts bt Alex Gough 12/10, 3/9, 7/9, 9/4, 9/2
Nick Matthew lost Dan Jenson 6/9, 2/9, 9/7, 5/9
Hadrian Stiff bt Paul Hargrave 9/11, 9/6, 9/7, 9/5
Mike Hopkins lost Jonathan Kemp 5/9, 5/9, 9/7, 5/9
Jenny Duncalf bt Laura Hill 9/6, 9/0, 9/6Squash and Hallamshire the winner –
Duffield the unlucky loserThe tie, which promised to be a close encounter, lived up to its billing providing a packed audience with a great night’s entertainment and squash of the highest calibre with each player giving their all. Unfortunately, Benz-Bavarian Duffield were a little unlucky and came out on the wrong side of a 3-2 result after seeing the top string decider go against them for the third successive time.
Duffield drafted in local girl Laura Hill, who works full time for the fire brigade, into their line up to face 19-year-old Jenny Duncalf currently ranked 13 in England. Hill had beaten Duncalf the last time they met in the National League but on this occasion the Derbyshire No 1 found her opponent’s superior fitness the deciding factor. In a close first game Duncalf had to work hard to keep ahead but then romped away with the second. Duncalf staved off a late brave rally from Hill in the third but in the end was a comfortable winner.
The game on the adjoining court between Hadrian Stiff and Paul Hargrave was nip and tuck throughout with delightful winners from both players intermingled between some exhausting long rallies. Hargrave saved two game balls in the first before taking the game with a stroke. Stiff hit back with tight squash, some excellent retrieving and he made very few errors as he kept the pressure on his opponent. Hargrave attempted to break his opponent’s rhythm with lobs but on several occasions attempted winners just clipped the top of the tin. The vital third game could have gone either way and it took a rather harsh “no let” decision to swing it in Stiff’s favour. Stiff took advantage of his lead and always had the edge in the fourth, which he took 9-5 to put Hallamshire 2 –0 ahead.
On the adjoining court Mike Hopkins was facing the higher world ranked Jonathan Kemp and in a fast and furious encounter Kemp always seemed to just have the upper hand. The first two games followed a similar pattern with Kemp wining both 9-5 as he showed greater patience to win the longer rallies. Hopkins hit back to take the third 9-7 but the rapidly improving Kemp regained control to take the fourth 9-6.
Duffield welcomed back Australian Dan Jenson – who repeated the four-game success he achieved over Nick Matthew in last month’s CAS International in Pakistan to level the tie for the visitors. Jenson’s performance was quite awesome despite brave resistance from Matthew. Jenson volleyed at every opportunity as he took the ball early to keep his opponent under constant pressure. Jenson played quality shots al around the court with some delightful tight drops. Matthew contributed to a highly entertaining rubber and he showed great character to hit back to win the third 9-7 as Jenson relaxed slightly. Jenson always had his nose in front in the fourth and despite Matthew winning 3 consecutive points to closing the gap to 8-6 Jenson held firm to level the overall score at 2 all
For the third tie running Alex Gough, world No 19, stepped on court to attempt to secure the bonus points against a higher world ranked opponent. Gough had faced Lee Beachill, world No 8 in round 1 and Stewart Boswell, world No 4, in round 2 the and Gough must have wondered what he had done to deserve having to tackle the Australian giant Anthony Ricketts, the world No 9 from Brisbane. The first game was a joy to watch with both players displaying every shot in the book and sportingly helping the referee with some decisions. With both players having game balls Gough thought he had taken the game with a stroke as the ball squirted from the corner across his opponent with Gough waiting behind with racket raised. Gough opted for claiming a stroke rather than risk playing what probably would have been a winner with Ricketts being trapped and out of position. To Gough ’s dismay he was stopped in his tracks by a let decision, which was to prove crucial to the outcome of the tie. Rickets took advantage to take the first 12-10. Gough responded in super fashion to win the next two games 9-3 9-7 as the game reached new heights. Rickets dug deep to win the fourth 9-4 and levelled the rubber and the match. The fifth game looked as though it could go either way until Gough conceded three quick points after being upset and distracted by a “no let” call to a tight shot down the wall. Rickets stayed calm to clinch victory for the Yorkshire club and consign former league champions Duffield to their third narrow defeat.
Duffield and Hallamshire have much in common both being Members Clubs who try to field local players in their National League team whenever possible. There is a common father and son relationship of manager and player, which has it highs and lows, and the ecstasy of winning and the agony of losing. Both Clubs have players who have turned out for the opposition. Both Clubs have a very strong racketball interest and both put the emphasis on entertaining spectators and trying to give them maximum value for money. Last night the mini bus load of 20 Duffield supporters was delayed in traffic resulting in a decision by Hedley Matthew to defer the start by 15 minutes so that supporters would not miss one rally. A super gesture much appreciated by Duffield. Congratulations to Hallamshire on winning a fine close encounter.
Duffield’s opponents in round 4 are Nottingham at home on 19 November. Last night Nottingham, Manager Phil Songhurst described the Palmer v White match as the best NL match he had ever seen. Alex Gough is looking forward to playing world No 4 John White in hopefully another final deciding rubber with a useful supporting cast of Jenson v Lavigne, Hargrave v Parke and Kemp v Nicolle with ladies to be decided. Hopefully, Phil will find a space on the stairs to watch his team in round 4 as all seats have been sold out and standing places are at a premium. Supporters are advised to reserve their place by phoning 01332 841564 or 07971 915012 Standing tickets cost £5 each rear and £3 each for side viewing.
22 Oct 02 - Week TWO
B-B Duffield 2 - 3 Edgbaston
Alex Gough lost Stewart Boswell 6/9, 1/9, 9/6, 2/9
Paul Hargrave bt Del Harris 9/7, 9/7, 9/6
Jonathan Kemp bt Paul Lord 9/1, 9/4, 9/6
Kevin White lost Phillip Barker 9/7, 7/9, 3/9, 9/7, 5/9
Pamela Nimmo lost Sarah Fitz-Gerald 3/9, 0/9, 2/9Local heroes – almost! – Roll on November 5th
Brian Hargrave reports
Benz-Bavarian Duffield came within two points of pulling off a shock result against title favourites Edgbaston UOB.
Pam Nimmo had the unenviable task of facing the undefeated world champion Sarah Fitzgerald and despite a valiant effort and several long rallies Nimmo’s reward was a meagre five hard earned points.
On the adjoining court, Kevin White (Derbyshire No 2) who had lost by the narrowest of margins to Derek Ryan of Manchester in round one was once again pushing his much higher ranked opponent, Phil Barker, all the way with another outstanding effort. Both players were covering every inch of the court with numerous long exhausting rallies. White edged the first 9-7 and was a shade unfortunate to lose the second by the same score. Barker appeared to be getting the upper hand when he comfortably took the third as his older opponent began to tire. White dug deep to shade the fourth with another 9-7 as the match went over the 60 minute mark. White continued to push Barker but finally he had to settle for second best. His manager and supporters could not have asked for more from the 33 year old who works full time as a Patent Officer for Rolls Royce.
As a 14 year old promising junior Paul Hargrave once acted as bag boy for Del Harris, the golden boy of England Squash, during his challenge series against the legendary Jahinghar Khan of Pakistan. Over the past three seasons Hargrave, who no longer plays the tournament circuit, has given Harris, the England No 6, a good run for his money in the National League. The Duffield NL player of the season in 2001-02 has trained hard during the summer to improve his fitness. Hargrave, currently ranked 21 in England, had spent a full day coaching club juniors who were all invited to attend the match to watch Harris who was reported to be in top form after destroying the former Duffield favourite Renan Lavigne of Nottingham to 10 points in round one. Hargrave was able to step up a gear to match Harris shot for shot as both players attacked at every opportunity. Hargrave responded to the support from the Duffield crowd and maintained full concentration throughout never allowing Harris to get into his full stride and flowing game. Harris, the former England No 1, was showing signs of frustration as Hargrave closed out the first 9-6 and then came back from behind to edge the second 9-7. The third game followed a similar pattern as Harris opened up a three point gap to go 5-2 up. Hargrave raised his game to new heights and remained calm at match point as Harris smashed his racket in anger receiving a conduct warning in the process. The new racket was soon to receive a similar fate, albeit outside the court, after Harris had tinned his shot to give Hargrave the best win of his squash career to the huge wild acclaim of the Duffield supporters.
The former Edgbaston Priory player Jonathan Kemp was making his debut for Duffield. At the week-end Kemp had celebrated the best win of his professional career when he upset top-seeded Tommy Berden in the semi-finals of the Betteridge Squash Trophy in Mamaroneck, USA, to reach his first ever PSA Tour final before losing in the final to Gregory Gaultier. Kemp shrugged off the disappointment of not appearing on the main show court after being switched back to the side court. Both players had almost completed their warm up exercises as the Hargrave v Harris rubber was completed. Opponent Paul Lord, with support of his manager Matt Suckling, expressed a preference to playing on the subsidiary court much to the disappointment of the packed gallery which included several members from Lord’s former club Repton when Lord lived in Derbyshire. Kemp completely dominated the rubber as Lord seemed less than fully fit as he struggled to find his rhythm right from the first rally. Despite stiffer resistance in the third Kemp levelled the match scores winning 9-1 9-4 9-6 in less than 30 minutes.
It was all set for the big showdown between the number ones Alex Gough, world 18, and Stewart Boswell, world 4, who had an unbeaten record that is the longest running in the National Squash League so far; standing at 25 successive wins over 4 years until in round 1 he was beaten by world No5 John White of Nottingham. In the Milo South African event at the weekend, the unseeded Gough beat Simon Parke in the quarters and in the semi-final went the full distance, with top seed and world No 3 David Palmer. Gough had fought back to level the match before the favourite prevailed with a 17-15, 15-8, 13-15, 15-17, 15-9. The Duffield Manager’s fears that Gough’s efforts and a tiring long flight back the night before might have taken their toll were soon confirmed as Gough struggled to cope with Boswell who severely punished every lose shot. Boswell quickly established a two nil lead taking the first two games 9-5 9-2. Gough briefly responded the home support to take the third 9-6 but the fourth game quickly slipped away and with it the tie and the bonus points.
For the second match running Duffield had finished with game scores level at 9 all but the tie lost 3-2.
Mike Taylor, the Duffield Chairman, was quick to give the manager a vote of confidence as some supporters were already talking about burning a certain guy unless the losing streak comes to an end on November the 5th when Duffield travel to Hallamshire.
Duffield has struggled hard in the close season to raise sponsorship monies to continue participation in the National league for the tenth consecutive year. Two new generous match sponsors were present at tonight’s match. What a pity they and the supporters were denied the planned opportunity of watching 4 rubbers on the show court. Hopefully, the sponsors will be back but players and other interested parties need to realise that without them and supporters there would be no National League.
08 Oct 02 - Week ONE
Manchester-Pontefract 3-2 Benz-Bavarian Duffield
Lee Beachill beat Alex Gough 9-5, 9-6, 9-6
James Willstrop lost to Dan Jenson 4-9, 10-12, 8-10
Marcus Berrett beat Paul Hargrave 9-3, 4-9, 9-4, 9-7
Derek Ryan beat Kevin White 9-6, 7-9, 4-9, 9-3, 9-4
Janie Thacker lost to Pamela Nimmo 4-9, 5-9, 2-9A LITTLE UNLUCKY - I BLAME THE MANAGER
says Brian Hargrave ...
Benz-Bavarian Duffield pre match plans for the opening fixture were three times upset by last minute changes to the Manchester–Pontefract line up.The news that Nick Taylor had withdrawn that morning feeling unwell gave the Derbyshire Club a glimmer of hope with the prospect of Derek Ryan facing Dan Jenson and a travel weary James Willstrop, who had earlier surprisingly been elevated above Marcus Berrett in the Manchester order of merit, facing Paul Hargrave. A last minute phone call from Yawar Abbas, as the Duffield team was about to depart, advised that the NL Panel had changed the Manchester order and placed Ryan below both Willstrop and Berrett. Team Manager Brian Hargrave, former NL administrator, was most unhappy that Duffield had not been consulted and had received no prior warning of the NL panel decision which seemed at odds with previous years rulings in similar circumstances.
Once the match got underway Pam Nimmo, world No 14, signed to cover for Cassie Jackman whilst she recovers from her second back operation, showed what an able replacement she would be. She was always in complete control against Janie Thacker dominating the “T” and hitting constant good lengths before wrong footing Thacker to run out a comfortable winner to put the first point of the season on the board.
On the adjoining court, local stalwart Kevin White was playing his best ever NL squash against Derek Ryan and, after narrowly losing the first game 9-6, the Derbyshire No 2, who works full time at Rolls Royce, deservedly took the next two 9-7 9-4 as a nervy Ryan became increasingly ragged and worried. Ryan managed to re-group and to the relief of the Pontefract supporters took the next two games 9-3 9-4 despite a valiant effort from White.
On the adjoining court Paul Hargrave and Marcus Berrett were in opposition for the umpteenth time, and after the in form “error free” Berrett had taken the first 9-3, the roles were reversed in the second as Hargrave hit back strongly to win 9-4. Berrett regained control of the third wining 9-4 but Hargrave looked on course to level the scores when he led 7-5 in the fourth. Berrett dug deep and after four exhausting rallies squeezed home 9-7 to put Pontefract ahead.
The eagerly awaited encounter between former Duffield player James Willstrop and Dan Jenson lived up to it’s billing with squash of the highest order played, like all the other matches, in great sporting spirit. Both players stand well over 6 feet tall but are able to cover every inch of the court with two or three giant strides retrieving seemingly impossible shots. Willstrop, no doubt a little weary from his Santa Barbara successful exploits and USA journey, was given a tough time in the first which Jenson won 9-4. The remainder of the rubber was a delight to watch with Jenson squeezing home 12-10 10-8 to level the overall scores to suggest he will be more than an able replacement for the other departed players Adrian Grant and Renan Lavigne.
It was all set up for No 1’s - Lee Beachill, world no 8 twice British National champion and Alex Gough, Welsh No 1 and world 18. The three games followed a similar pattern. They were all nip and tuck until 5 all and then a mean Beachill, living up to his “hellish” programme photo billing of “the coolest player on earth” took advantage of decisions, disputed by Gough, to put in the killer shots and push for a victory and the slightly fortunate bonus points.
The one consolation was that the merry band of travelling Duffield supporters outnumbered the disappointing Pontefract supporters both in numbers and vocal support. The Pontefract supporters had clearly been spoilt for choice with prospects of Jansher Khan, Peter Nicol and Sarah Fitzgerald appearing at the Club this week.Manchester has a great National League squad and the absent supporters missed some excellent squash. Having witnessed an electric noisy atmosphere in Yorkshire League matches over the years it was disappointing that this was not re-created at the higher level. Still the hospitality was superb and the Duffield supporters contributed to the bar takings.
Next match on 22 October at home against Edgbaston –
Ticket enquiries phone 01332 841564
Brian Hargrave, Team Manager
17-Sep-02
Brian Hargrave, former National League Administrator, reflects on last season and looks forward to the new campaign.National League is now less than one month away.
Time flies and time to reflect. The euphoria of winning Group A in March 2002 was followed by the disappointment of losing 4-1 at home to Lexden in the first leg of the play off . Our supporters had not given up and the mini bus was packed for the 400 mile round trip to Colchester. A brave fight back saw Duffield on track to level the aggregate score and with Alex Gough ready to slay the gentle giant a place in the final was no longer a dream. Some early wedding presents to Simon Parke finally killed off a superb effort from Adrian Grant who came within a couple of points of victory. Lexden took full advantage and fully deserved to win a thrilling final against Broxbourne before 400 noisy supporters at the Lambs arena.
Time to enjoy the summer, a holiday in Tuscany and to then look forward. We had a young squad and Duffield would go one better next season.
Then the bad news followed by more bad news. James Willstrop and then Adrian Grant, who had both endeared themselves to our loyal vocal supporters, announced that they would be reluctantly moving to Manchester and Edgbaston respectively. A savage double blow but how can a small village Members Club, with only small sponsorships, hope to compete with the Manchester Unity's of squash. A squash player has a relatively short career and as a professional must generate as much income as possible.
I remember Craig Wapnick (still playing ) offering this advice to my son Paul when he played for Duffield when we first joined the NL 10 years ago.
If and when James and Adrian go on to make it to the top we can say that they once, like Lee Beachill, played for Duffield in the NL. We wish them success except when playing for the opposition.
Time to rebuild but with a limited budget and Nottingham returning to the NL fold it is not easy to persuade top players to move. In fact other squad members from last season including the charismatic Renan Lavigne, Liam Kenny and the Big Irish also decide to seek pastures new. It is assumed that Peter Marshall will sign for Nottingham if he can find a racket. Adam Toes is now working full time and unlikely to be available but Alex Gough ( former world No 5) and Cassie Jackman ( former world No 1) stay loyal which means that with locals Paul Hargrave (voted by supporters as player of the season in 2001-02) and Kevin White we have a quorum.
Jonathan Kemp is persuaded to move in the opposition direction up the A38 with the promise of a regular place but "old boy" Yawar Abbas declines an offer to re-sign after an absence of 9 years. Young Sam Miller volunteers his services (I also receive similar offers from members Brian Legg and John "Banno" Banister). In desperation i think of signing our former Secretary John White hoping that this name might frighten the opposition. However, i hear that Phil Songhurst has persuaded the other John White to move from Wolverhampton to Nottingham and the idea of signing both John White's as a publicity stunt is out of the question.
With the full support of the Club Committee, attempts are made to strengthen the team. Dan Jenson ( former world No 5) back on the come back trail after injury, is tracked down in Australia and agrees to sign. Jean -Michel Arcucci and Martin Heath ( world No 11 and another former world No 5 ?) belatedly agree to sign to provide cover and suddenly things are looking brighter despite the bad news that Cassie Jackman will be out until the New Year following a back operation.
"I should mention that Patrick Foster (ex Manchester), Neil Reddington, Madeline Perry and Laura Hill have also signed to complete a squad capable of providing stiff opposition to the big spenders"
A special mention to Cassie who has always set a great example as a professional on the circuit. She makes life as a manager easy with good contact.
Pam Nimmo kindly agrees to deputise for Cassie in the first half and the mini bus is already fully booked for the first trip to Manchester on 8 October.***
I have just received the following email from Yawar Abbas
"Thanks for the e-mail!
Just to give you as much notice as possible, our first match against you will be at PONTEFRACT, as we are still awaiting full access to the National Centre. I hope this does not inconvenience you too much.
See you on Thursday"
It is a good job that I trust Yawar or I would assume that he is trying to take home advantage by playing the tie in the "intimidating bearpit" at Pontefract. The Ponte regulars Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Janie Thacker know every nook and cranny on the courts. It should be some re-union with the probable Manchester line up of Beachill, Taylor, Berrett, Willstrop and Thacker consisting of players who have all at some stage appeared for Duffield in the NL.
Our supporters will be disappointed as part of the enjoyment of the annual away trip to Manchester is getting lost en route and enjoying the Milward driven scenic detour via the airport.
***
Season tickets are selling out fast. The visits of Edgbaston on 22 October and the local derby at home to Nottingham on 19 November are eagerly awaited. A live broadcast by Rob Dorsett of BBC TV East Midlands must be a possibility unless Derby County start winning.
Having stepped down as National League administrator, to find more time to play golf, I have missed the email banter in particular from Andy Booth, Tony Hands, Tim Garner, Ian Robinson and others but note that Tony "The Tiger" is back on the grapevine and he has inspired me to reveal that despite the rumours Jonathan Power has not signed for Duffield.
Hopefully other managers will now reveal their squads to generate interest to help Chris Nutley and Nick Ryder, the new CEO to take the English National League forward.
This is Duffield's tenth season in the NL and each year it gets more difficult to raise finance to continue. The Clubs who do so particularly other members Clubs such as Chichester and Hallamshire set a fine example of always remaining competitive and like Duffield fielding a team with the father-son connection.
I hope that all teams will keep sending reports and news items in for inclusion on this website.
Wishing all teams and everyone involved an enjoyable season.