04 Mar - Week TEN
Edgbaston Priory 4-1 HLW Solicitors Hallamshire
Matt & Nick: "There's no stopping us now ..."*
Stewart Boswell bt Anthony Ricketts 2/9, 9/5, 5/9, 9/1, 9/2
Del Harris lost to Hadrian Stiff 6-9, 4-9, ret.
Adrian Grant beat Adam Stevenson 9-6, 8-10, 9-0, 9-7
Paul Lord beat Peter Billson 9-1, 8-10, 9-3, 9-6
Sarah Fitz-Gerald beat Jenny Tranfield 9-4, 9-0, 9-4Edgbaston Priory KO’ Hallamshire in Round 10!
Del Harris Vs Hadrian Stiff – 6/9, 4/9 ret.
The opening bout of the evening saw the Edgbaston captain struggling to move around the court with niggling injury. Hadrian, an experienced player used this to his advantage and took control of the match from the start. With some sharp and accurate squash from Hadrian, he took the first two games 9/6, 9/4. The Edgbaston captain and team manager Nick Hynes decided the injury was too bad to keep playing and the home player withdrew, giving Hallamshire an early lead in this crucial fixture.
Paul Lord Vs Peter Billson – 9/1, 8/10, 9/3, 9/6
With Paul having made the final of the North of Scotland Open beating Derek Ryan and Tim Garner at the end of February his confidence was high. So coming into this match Paul wanted to secure the all-important first point for Edgbaston. In the first game he fired the ball into the nick, as a slow out of the blocks Billson could not retrieve 9-1 Lordy.
The players changed court as they were both finding it a bit slippery, so on to court 2 where Billson started what looked like a fight back controlling the T and moving Paul around the court taking the second 10-8, After the 90seconds Paul was a changed man. He took back the T and pinned Billson back to create openings to the front of the court which he did with great conviction taking the next two games 9-3 9-6 and the first and all important point for Edgbaston.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald Vs Jenny Tranfield – 9/4, 9/0, 9/4
Edgbaston fielded a retired professional without a ranking; surely Hallamshire’s world number 11 was the favourite! I forgot to mention, it was Sarah Fitz-Gerald. Sarah, who has recently retired from the WISPA circuit, showed the home crowd that she still means business.
A somewhat mixed opening game allowed Jenny to put her own tactics into play giving her opportunities to chip away at the former world number 1. Sarah, who seemed to be able to turn up the heat when it mattered, took the first 9/4.
The second game was world class, 9/0 to the former 5 times world champion. At two games down Jenny really began to fight, chasing down everything (and getting most of them) Sarah threw at her. Sarah controlled the third game but Jenny took full advantage of anything loose, to be fair there wasn’t much of that, Sarah took the third 9/4.
An extremely entertaining match with a fantastic work rate from Jenny, a real crowd pleaser. More importantly, this second point secured Edgbaston’s semi-final spot.
Adrian Grant Vs Adam Stevenson – 9/6, 8/10, 9/0, 9/7
With these two very talented players there was always going to be a big crowd wanting to see who was the stronger of the two and Adrian took first blood by keeping a fast pace which Adam didn’t seem to be able to handle 9-6 Grant.
The pace of the game slowed off as Adam slow balled Grant to suit himself, which gave Grant almost to much time on the ball where he started to make unforced errors, which in turn frustrated him into going for more shots which weren’t there to be hit, consequently Adam took that game 10-8.
90 seconds passed and Adrian was a changed player he had the bit between his teeth and was firing the ball around the court brilliantly, Adam could not respond 9-0 Grant. As the players came out for the third Grant took an early lend only for Adam to pull back as each player attacked, again Grant pulled away but Adam dug deep and went 7-6 up, but Grant was driving the ball deep with great accuracy and won the next three points taking the game 9-7 and the match 3-1.
Stewart Boswell Vs Anthony Ricketts – 2/9, 9/5, 5/9, 9/1, 9/2
With the match over and the points in the bag for the home side, the numbers 5 and 7 in the world (who are the best of mates!) were only there to entertain the crowd and they sure did. With a first game that saw Ricketts take control with some awesome kills as Bozza was finding it hard to get up to the pace 9-2 Ricketts.
The second was similar as the first but it was Bozza’s time to turn on the shots and produce the pace as Rickett’s struggled 9-5 Bozza. With lots of crowd pleasing banter between players and the ref the guys were trying it on asking for lets which were never lets etc etc. of course only in jest which put a smile on both of the players and ref’s faces and of course the crowds faces. As the players were relaxed the standard went up a notch as Rickett’s displayed excellent movement and shot play, which Bozza could not keep up with, 9-5 Rickett’s.
Bozza has still got a fantastic record in the National League only losing twice and he wasn’t going to let Rickett’s have it easy, Bozza was firing and when he does there are only 2 maybe 3 players in the world who can stay with him, he took the 4th 9-1 and the fifth 9-2 in what seemed like the click of the fingers, he has proven now on many occasions why he is one the very best players in the world and he is still only 24!
18 Feb - Week NINE
Wolverhampton 2-3 Edgbaston Priory
David Palmer bt Stewart Boswell 7/9, 12/10, 14/12, 9/6
Mark Cairns bt Del Harris 14/12, 9/6, 9/7
Scott Handley lt Adrian Grant 5/9, 6/9, 6/9
Joey Barrington lt Paul Lord 4/9, 7/9, 9/5, 9/5, 5/9
Dominique Lloyd-Walter lt Sarah Fitz-Gerald 0/9, 2/9, 4/9The local derby was set to be of the highest calibre with two world champions playing in the match!
Dominique Lloyd-Walter Vs Sarah Fitz-Gerald
A quick start by the five times world champion, putting her younger opponent under immediate pressure. Dominique, though, rallied well, whilst Sarah was ruthless in any loose ball that was hit. The first game was won 9-0 by the world's number 1. The Wolverhampton player started with a positive attitude in the second taking two early points; the rallies were fast and again the more experienced player put her opponent under too much pressure forcing some loose balls to be put away, the second game was 9-2. At two games up, Sarah kept up the pace giving Dominique very little time on the ball, although the English girl attacked from all over the court to earn herself 4 points in the final game.
Joey Barrington Vs Paul Lord
On paper Paul would be the safe bet as his ranking in higher than Joey's, but in this game rankings sometimes mean nothing! The first rally set the match up to be a cracker, as they rallied out for what seemed hours. Joey was under pressure from the array of shots that Paul was playing,, his drops and volley drops were at a world class level. Joey was obviously trying to keep Paul on court for as long as possible at a fast and furious pace so that Paul legs would give up but this wasn't to be as Paul had help from the ref at 7/6 where Joey was refused a let and then help from god as he served and hit a dead nick which helped him take the first two 9/4 9/7. Joey is a fighter and that's exactly what he did and he did it well making Paul work hard for every point. a few mistakes from Paul and Joey was in and he started to take control of the T and move Paul around the court, Joey won the next two 9/5 9/5, 2-2 and at this stage of the match your money would have to be on the young & fitter of the two players, but it was experience that was the winner, Paul stepped up a gear (from where I have no idea!) and dominated with his class touch play which Joey could not do anything about. 9/5 and 3-2 Paul Lord, an excellent performance, well played Paul!
Mark Cairns Vs Del Harris
A fantastic start by Del gave Edgbaston a 7-2 lead, then suddenly a mixture of concentration, post-virus recovery and the newly crowned over 35 National champion kicked in! A remarkable come-back by the home player had the crowd on the edge of their seats in a tense opener, game balls to both but it was Cairns who seized the moment and took the first 14-12. Cairns, currently on a winning streak was not going to change this habit, taking advantage of the weakened Edgbaston player, 9-6, and two games up. The third was up and down, some wonderful flowing squash was mixed with some 'battling' squash, both entertaining, unfortunately another tight game which went the home team, 9-7.
Scott Handley Vs Adrian Grant
Adrian was after revenge after his lose against Scott in the first half of the season, and you could see it! After a couple of rally's of the players easing themselves in to the match Adrian took control, his movement is fantastic and his change of pace is better! Scott could not reply to either. 9/5 9/6 Adrian. Scott came out determined in the third and moved well with some good intelligent play at the start but again the shot play and change of pace from hard hitting to touch play to the front was to much for Scott, Adrian won the third 9/6 and the match, which in turn secured the win for Edgbaston.
David Palmer Vs Stewart Boswell
This is what the crowd had been waiting for, and they were certainly not short-changed! People would pay the entrance fee for this match alone, a strong start by the world champion had his younger opponent working hard, but he could not find a shot that Stewart couldn't get back, the Edgbaston player taking the first 9-7. Both players took turns to control the rallies, with either payer taking full advantage of the slightest loose ball, working each other unbelievably hard. Two back-to-back game balls at 8-6 to Boswell, two winners for Boswell, or so the crowd thought but Palmer had other ideas; a tense thriller, 12-10 to the other Australian. Stewart came out strong and hit some out-right winners from no-where which gave him an early lead; Palmer clawed his way back to 8-8. Boswell had most of the game balls but seemed hampered with a niggle, and against the current world champion there is no way to hide it, 14-12 to Palmer. Boswell struggled in the fourth looking for mostly winners, hitting some but Palmer was strong and controlled, 9-6 and match to Palmer. A fantastic match, and a wonderful evening's entertainment.
04 Feb - Week EIGHT
Edgbaston Priory 2 - 3 Manchester-Pontefract
Del Harris lost Lee Beachill 4/9, 11/9, 9/2, 8/10, 4/9
Adrian Grant beat Nick Taylor 8/10, 9/3, 4/9, 9/1, 9/7
Davide Bianchetti lost Marcus Berrett 6/9, 6/9, 7/9
Paul Lord lost Derek Ryan 7/9, 9/6, 4/9, 5/9, 7/9
Sarah Fitz-Gerald beat Rebecca Botwright 9/0, 9/2, 9/0It's life for Priory stars
Nick Hynes & Matt Suckling report
With the National League on a knife’s edge this match against Manchester was going to be a tough one, especially when Edgbaston played Manchester in the first half of the season where Edgbaston just won 3-2 and that was with a full squad!
The beginning of the night saw a big presentation, as the Edgbaston Priory club awarded their long-standing players with Honorary Life long membership. The Birmingham Evening Mail, the Sunday Mercury and the Birmingham Post all were down at Edgbaston taking photos and doing interviews with the players. Also the Birmingham Hospital Radio and the BBC Midlands today were at Priory filming and doing radio interviews with the players, watch out on BBC 1 at 6.30pm on the 5th and the 6th on Midlands today for the action. Edgbaston would like to thank each one of the papers, the Radio and the BBC for the coverage, a special thanks goes to Edgbaston’s Press officer Bob Malden for all his efforts, well done Bob!but it's heartache on court ...
Paul Lord Vs Derek Ryan 7/9, 9/6, 4/9, 9/5, 7/9
This match was a battle of wits, the pace of the game was not at the highest but the accuracy of the shots was superb, Derek was in control at the beginning as Lord was slow out of the blocks; Derek had just that split second too long on the ball taking the first 9/7. Paul stepped up the pace a touch and gained access to the T, which in turn gave him opportunity to play the ball short and away from his opponent 9/6. Derek’s turn to change the pace by slowing the ball down, Paul lost his game plan a bit and at this level it’s enough to let your opponent in 9/4 Derek. Paul was as per normal, not going to let this game slip he dug deep and moved Derek around the court controlling the T area winning the fourth 9/5. The players were finding it hard to stay away from each other and Paul was on the end of some niggling pushes, which had him frustrated throughout the match especially as the ref had not seen any of it, decisions were given poorly to each player throughout the match and the fifth was no exception, 4-4 and two shockers for both players but Derek held his concentration after 6 or so let balls at match ball to win the match 9/7 in the fifth, 73minutes of hard fought squash!
Davide Bianchetti Vs Marcus Berrett 6/9, 6/9, 7/9
The opening rally of this match probably lasted longer than an average club player’s first game. The second and third weren’t too far behind either. Both players had set their statements; ‘you are going to have to play hard and long to beat me!’ The match went point for point, with Berrett taking the earlier initiative to attack his opponent. After losing the first game, Bianchetti stormed to a 5-1 lead with some fantastic attacking play, a lapse of concentration and the unsettled Berrett was back in with a 5-7 lead, and shortly, the second game 9/6. Again the third was neck and neck all the way to the end as a well-fought match came to an end with the Manchester playing winning 9/7, and 3-0.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald Vs Becky Botwright 9/0, 9/2, 9/0
A ruthless Fitz-Gerald was in no mood to allow her younger opponent any opportunity to perform on this special evening. With the local TV and press present throughout the day and evening, Fitz-Gerald was giving them plenty of reasons why she is World number 1. Within 19 minutes the Edgbaston Priory player had demonstrated to the home crowd how to dispatch of one of the future’s young players.
Adrian Grant Vs Nick Taylor 8/10, 9/3, 4/9, 9/1, 9/7
On paper Nick Taylor would be the favourite of this match as he is ranked 19 in the world and Adrian is ranked 33 in the world, but world rankings was not on Adrian’s mind, winning was! The first saw both players trying to work out each others weaknesses slow balling each other to try and find openings to attack, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8 then a bit of miss fortune with two strokes against Adrian for Nick to take the first 10-8. Adrian picked the pace up then changed the pace with some amazing touch to the front of the court with Nick on the back foot from the beginning of the game; some precise play from Adrian kept Nick away from him to take the second 9/3. Nick Taylor is a class act and he showed it at the beginning of the third, he hit 3 outright winners, which gave him the opportunity to force one or two errors from Adrian who was looking to match Nick’s nicks! Superb play from Nick taking the third 9/4. Adrian was not going to let this match slip without a fight and he came out firing the ball into the front with Taylor just managing to pick up the precision of Adrian’s shot, the crowd was in amazement of the rally’s that the two expert player were delighting them with, after one tremendous rally of what seemed like 100 shot of each player just managing to retrieve each others shots up, Adrian somehow hit a backhand cross court winner from no-where! It would be a serious understatement to say that the crowd went wild at the quality of the squash these two players were showing them. Adrian then serves to Nick who jumped on to the serve and smashed it crosscourt into the nick for a dead roller. From being on the end of a 100 shot amazing rally to a two shot majestic kill, but that was to be Nick’s only point in the game as the players moved into the fifth! It was nip and tuck as the players moved again to 5-5all. Nick attacked and took a 7-5 lead; the pressure was on the Edgbaston player. What was to follow didn’t fit in with the rest of the match, three back-to-back tins by Nick gave Adrian match ball at 8-7, one let and one no-let gave the Edgbaston player a 3-2 win and an ecstatic crowd. What a match, both players were amazing, one of the best matches seen at Edgbaston. Spectators will be talking about the match for a long, long time. Well played both players but especially well to Adrian.
Del Harris Vs Lee Beachill 4/9, 11/9, 9/2, 8/10, 4/9
An impatient start by the Priory Captain allowed the World number 8 Lee Beachill to dictate play in the first game. The second game was an epic battle with neither player taking more than a two-point lead on the other. Harris clearly more positive and controlled held the lead throughout the game. With Harris hitting some outrageous shots and some quick retrieving by Beachill, left the crowd in awe. The Priory player took a deserved second game, and now we had a real battle on. With the evening’s tie riding on this match, a betting man would back ‘The Beach’, but as the match progressed, the bookmaker’s odds would surely have changed. With Harris firing on all cylinders, no player in the world can stop this man, 9/2 to the Edgbaston captain. A dazed Beachill used his seconds to re-focus and took a positive 0-4 start in the fourth. A comeback then began; some tighter working squash coupled with some outrageous winners from Del took him into a 5/4 lead. With victory in his sights for Edgbaston Del held onto his lead to 8/7 match ball……….no let to Edgbaston, the crowd go wild with astonishment, but………conduct stroke against Edgbaston, handout 9/8 game ball to Manchester. The crowd shouting to the ref, no it’s 8/8, it’s 8/8, they were wrong, Harris said something to the referee in defence of the decision to be penalised, 8/10 to Beachill! Beachill took advantage of a dis-heartened Harris and an early 1/5 lead. Was there a possibility of a comeback? It began but, Beachill was not going to give in lightly and showed why he is World number 8, winning 4/9, and taking the match and tie 3/2.
What an evening’s squash, by far the best entertainment the crowd have witnessed in the National League. This is what National League is all about; the quality of squash and entertainment value was awesome. A late night followed with drinks and food with players, referees and team management mingling; hand shakes all round at the end of a wonderful nights entertainment.
28 Jan - 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, 5/9PRIORY BACK ON TRACK
Matt Suckling & Nick Hynes reportJackman misses start time, but Del uses his A to Z
It’s a cruel game at times but rules are rules and we have to abide by them. We received a call from one of Duffield's players, explaining that Cassie was stuck in traffic and that she was to arrive at the earliest time of 7.30pm, earliest. The rules state that all players must be on the premises of the club by 7pm. Edgbaston having being in this position with one of our own players being stuck in traffic and having another team enforce the rule upon us, Edgbaston had no choice but to play by the book as any other team in the league would do! Edgbaston aren’t here to make the numbers up, but are here to try to win the National League title, as are all the other sides in the National League. Laura Hill was Duffield’s star player, managing to get to Edgbaston in time for the star time, so no match was claimed. Edgbaston changed the match schedule around so that the lady’s match went on second so that Laura could catch her breath and relax before she played her match.
Adrian Grant Vs Joey Kemp
A nervous start by Grant saw his opponent take initial control of the first, straight to a 1-5 lead. Kemp, faultless until this point gave away 3 back-to-back strokes to let Grant back in. The game went like a yo-yo, with both players almost offering it to each other; 8-10 to Duffield. An interval of a change of racket and a step up in a few gears by the Priory wizard saw him dominate the rest of the match. Grant not allowing his opponent any time on the ball forced countless errors from Kemp, to take the following 3 games 9/1, 9/5, 10/8, and the match 3-1.
Emma Beddoes Vs Laura Hill
Emma being the underdog in this match, proved to be a real hand full for the Duffield fire fighter! Emma started a bit slow and nervous. Laura was hitting the ball deep with solid drives which was enough to take the first 9/5. Emma was a changed player coming into the second dominating, taking the ball deep into the back corners then taking the ball in short with excellent control and touch, this lasted for the next two games 9/0 9/3 and 2/1 to Emma. Laura changed her game plan, as the rally’s started to become a lot harder she was moving the ball short and long, with Emma just making one or two errors which gave Laura the fourth 9/6. Into the fifth we went and the rallies were hard and fast, Emma was starting to wilt as the stronger and slightly more experienced player held her nerve from being 5/0 down to pushing through to take the match 3/2.
Paul Lord Vs Matt Lowery
On paper, Lord was the stronger of the two players, but the going wasn’t easy. Matt is a quick and fit player who is improving every time he gets on court. Paul was moving the ball around the court with more accuracy and control moving Matt forwards and backwards this showed dividends with Paul taking the first two games 9/7 9/5. Paul and Matt were point for point as the crowd had a feeling that if Matt could take this game the come back would be there, but Paul stayed strong and focused and finished with some superb shots 12/10 Paul, Well played to both players great match to watch!
Del Harris Vs Paul Hargrave
With a score to be settled, Harris gave his opponent absolutely nothing and was clearly back! A combination of some clever and venomous squash by the home player left Hargrave dazed! The Duffield player forced to play defensive squash was pressured into making numerous errors. With Harris standing at 9/2, 9/5, and 7/4 up, Hargrave clawed 3 points back to 7/7 before Harris creamed in a volley cross-court roller! One match ball was all he needed to put the nail in the coffin, and a slight hiccup in his career had been well and truly remedied.
Stewart Boswell Vs Alex Gough
With the quality of these to players the packed crowd was in for a great match. Boswell looked slow and out of sorts in the first with Gough taking the ball earlier into the front corners winning the first quite easily 9/4. The second was very different with Stewart flowing, his length and width was sublime and with his accuracy going forwards on the volley was just to much for Alex, Alex worked and worked but he was always on the back foot 9/7 Stewart. Having worked so hard in the last game Alex was showing signs of not being able to cope with the firepower of Boswell and Boswell was on fire he won the next two games 9/1 9/3 with Alex not being able to match Boswell’s superb play. Boswell is a class act!
It was a great night of Squash. As everyone who watched enjoyed the quality from BOTH sides, it’s a shame that Cassie did miss out, but rules are rules and they apply to every team in the league and each manager should be aware of the consequences of the rules if broken.All of the Duffield players left in good spirits and we wished them the best of luck for the rest of their matches. Next week will prove to be a big test as Manchester are a strong and professional side.
07 Jan 02 - Week SIX
Nottingham 3-2 Edgbaston
John White lt Del Harris 9-7, 5-9, 2-9, 5-9
Renan Lavigne bt Adrian Grant 9-7, 4-9, 5-9, 9-7, 9-7
Jason Nicolle lt Paul Lord 4-9, 3-9, 1-9
Sam Miller bt Nick Hynes 9-1, 9-5, 12-10
Tania Bailey bt Vicky Lankester 9-4, 10-8, 9-0IT COULD HAVE GONE EITHER WAY ...
Nick Hynes & Matt Suckling reportVicky Lankester Vs Tania Bailey
A match between two of the best players England have, showed some class squash. The opening game entertained the crowd with some tight accurate squash by both players, Bailey’s high lob serves, usually very effective were immediately countered with some awesome returns. Baileys edged into a lead and took the opener 9-5. Lankester responded immediately in the second by dominating into a 6-1 lead. Bailey crept back, and at 8-5 to Lankester, the Edgbaston player was cruelly refereed out of the game with a sequence of outrageous decisions, 10-8 to Bailey. The third was controlled by Bailey who won the third and the match 3-0.
Nick (I’m so over weight) Hynes Vs Sam Miller
A blistering and untidy opening gave Miller a 1-0 lead. A similar start in the second gave Miller another strong lead before Hynes began to get into the game. Just a bit too late for any real impact, 9-5 and 2-0 to Nottingham. The third was closely contested all the way to the end, some dubious refereeing decisions at crucial times, and a 12-10 win in the third for Nottingham.
Paul Lord Vs Jason Nicolle
On paper you couldn’t separate these two players, so the crowd at Nottingham were in for a treat. Paul’s intention from the word go was to attack Jason and start as fast as possible to not let Jason get into his stride, which he executed brilliantly with some hard hitting drives and superb volleys to the nick taking the first two games 9/4 and 9/3. Jason had not been given any time to find his rhythm as Paul was dominating almost every rally, Jason looked despondent as Paul moved the ball to every inch of the court taking the third game 9/1 and winning the match 3/0, well played Paul Lord!
Adrian Grant Vs Renan Lavigne
With the combination of raw talent in Adrian and the speed and fitness of Renan this match was poised to be the match of the night. As both players started at a very fast pace with Adrian showing how well he moves the ball around the court pushing Renan forwards then backwards changing the pace of the game making life very awkward for the Frenchman, but with a few errors from Adrian at crucial times let Renan take the first 9/7. Adrian came out in the second again moving the ball brilliantly around the court with Renan on the back foot again, this time Adrian kept the ball above the tin taking the second 9/4. Adrian was on fire his control and accuracy was at the highest level, which was too much for Renan to cope with, winning the third 9/5. It was looking good for Adrian as he went 4/1 up in the fourth as Renan began a fight back, the tempo of the game increased which forced Adrian into some unforced errors, 7/7 the pressure was on, as Renan went for two winners which came off winning the fourth 9/7. This game was crucial, every point in National League at this stage is vitally important and with these to players evenly matched it could go either way, Renan started well going 4 points up, but Adrian fought back with the quality of squash again at it’s highest, 6/6 and the signs of Adrian moving Renan everywhere on the court controlling each rally was giving him the upper hand, until, yep you guessed it, the ref made probably the worsted decision ever seen in Squash, from a situation of a Stroke being awarded to Adrian the ref some how gave no let! Everyone in the crowd (mostly Nottingham supporters), players which were watching and Both managers could not believe the decision, this obviously affected Adrian as the decision was so far wrong, Renan managed to stay focused to win the match 9/7 in the fifth. After the game Adrian was lost for words and very upset. Even Renan was apologising for the ref’s decision. Not good. Unlucky Adrian.
Del Harris Vs John White
With probably the two hardest hitting player in the game and the most flamboyant player there were going to be fire works. The first game was a competition to see who could hit the ball the hardest and who can hit the most outrageous nicks, it was close but White managed to take the first 9/7. Del came out in the second still using immense pace as did White, but White didn’t like the fact that Del was matching his pace and shots and started to go for his shots a bit to much as Del was flowing. Del took the next two games 9/5 9/2. Knowing that each point is vital White became more determined diving around the court to retrieve Del’s superb play, but it wasn’t to be Del had moved to match ball, White pulled back to 5/8 when the tension mounted, White served, Del smacked the ball right into the nick to finish in style with a rolling nick!
A great match, which could have gone either way, excellent performances from Paul Lord and Del Harris (captain). Unfortunately bad taste was left for the team as the Ref had obviously got his glasses on up side down at a critical stage of the match for Adrian and Edgbaston. We look forward to Duffield coming to Edgbaston on the 28th as Del is definitely looking forward to playing against Paul Hargraves!
03 Dec 02 - Week FIVE
IM Hallamshire 1-4 Edgbaston Priory
Nick Matthew lost Stewart Boswell 7/9, 9/5, 6/9, 5/9
Hadrian Stiff lost Del Harris 5/9, 5/9, 9/6, 4/9
Mike Hopkins lost Adrian Grant 4/9, 4/9, 9/6, 5/9
Adam Stevenson beat Nick Hines 9/3, 9/5, 9/7
Jenny Tranfield lost Sarah Fitz-Gerald 5/9, 10/8, 0/9, 0/9PRIORY MAINTAIN THE PRESSURE
'Super-Sub' Nick Hynes reports ...Adam Stevenson Vs Nick Hynes
A very late replacement for Edgbaston for Paul Lord, who injured himself in the warm-up, was Nick Hynes. The opening game was fast with Stevenson taking it 9-3. The second saw the Edgbaston player start to become more accustomed to the pace before losing 9-5. The third game was then controlled by Hynes who took a 7-5 lead before some confusing refereeing decisions, which upset both players. A scrappy ending saw the Hallamshire player take the third 9-7, and gave the home side a 1-0 lead.
Hadrian Stiff Vs Del Harris
The captain of Edgbaston was ready to start the team off with a win and from the word ‘play’ he was firing on all cylinders. His retrieving was awesome, Hadrian was working the ball around the court very well but Del was focused taking the first two games 9-5, 9-5. Del eased off a little bit, which gave Hadrian the opening to pressure Del to a few mistakes, Hadrian had the confidence to finish the game off 9-6. Del came back on court fired up and it showed taking the first 5 points, which was enough to hold Hadrian at bay winning the game and the match 9-4 in the fourth.
Michael Hopkins Vs Adrian Grant
Grant opened the match with awesome speed and accuracy, frustrating his opponent to verbal outbursts from the onset. Grant kept focused to take the opening two games 9-4, 9-4 in less than 20 minutes. Grant took an early lead in the third and had his opponent tiring rapidly before some desperate shots from Hopkins to reverse the score-line and put Hallamshire back on track. At 2-1 in games to Edgbaston, Grant re-established control and focus. With several tactics from Hopkins to put off his opponent Grant kept his focus to comfortably take the fourth 9-5, and the match 3-1 to give Edgbaston a 2-1 lead.
Jenny Tranfield Vs Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Jenny has played Sarah 5 times this season and not taken a game off her on any occasion so the pressure was on. A slow start from both players soon turned into a battle with Sarah dominating Jenny moving her from corner to corner, but Jenny was playing well, 9-5 Sarah. With a few rare mistakes from Sarah, Jenny changed the pace of the game slowing the game down giving herself time to play her shots which she did, Sarah stayed strong but Jenny had the crowd on her side pushing her to game ball. Sarah dug in but Jenny had done enough to win the game 10-9. The crowd made that much noise you’d of thought she’d won the match. The players came back on court and you could see Sarah was up for it, her power play was to much for Jenny, she had no answers to the awesome fire power from the world number one. 9 love Sarah in what seemed like a minute or so. Again Jenny could not handle Sarah’s array of hard-hitting drives pinning her to the back wall. Sarah finished in style 9-0 in the fourth, with the last two games being completed in 10mins. A great display of women’s squash, the crowd loved it.
Nick Matthew Vs Stewart Boswell
Even though the match had been won, every point is vital plus Nick (in form) Matthew had a chance against the world number 4. The match started at an amazingly fast pace with some outstanding rallies. Stuart was devastating, not giving his younger opponent any time to settle into his rhythm, chopping and changing the pace 9-7 Bozza! Matthew is in some form so he was unsettling the world number 4 retrieving brilliantly and volleying as much as he could, which in turn put pressure on Bozza, 9-5 Matthew 1-1all in games. Bozza had decided it was time to step up the pace, with his hard hitting drives and superb volleys short Matthew was under constant pressure being moved all over the court 9-6 Bozza. With Matthew starting to blow and show signs of tiring Boswell again some how picked up the pace plus the help of a couple of interesting decisions from the ref helped Bozza to game and match ball and by this time Matthew was struggling. Bozza finished in style sending Matthew completely the wrong way to win the match 9-5 in the fourth.
A great performance from all of the team they were focused and determined, hopefully over the Christmas and New Year the players will relax (not to much!) and be ready for action on the 7th January against League leaders Nottingham at The Park.
05 Nov 02 - Week THREE
Manchester-Pontefract 2 - 3 Edgbaston Priory
Lee Beachill lost Stewart Boswell 9/4, 12/14, 11/9, 6/9, 4/9
Nick Taylor lost Del Harris 4/9, 8/10, 9/6, 9/3, 8/10
James Willstrop bt Adrian Grant 11/9, 9/4, 5/9, 9/5
Marcus Berrett bt Paul Lord 10/8, 9/3, 9/1
Helen Easton lost Sarah Fitz-Gerald 2/9, 3/9, 6/9PRIORY HIT TOP SPOT
The first match that Manchester have played at the new and very impressive Squash centre had a world class line up which was going to amaze the crowds that were missing the fire works outside to witness the fireworks inside.
The first match on court was to be honoured with the 5 times women's world titleholder Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Manchester’s underdog Helen Easton. Helen had a task and a half up against her the question was how was she going to handle the firepower of Fitz-Gerald. Helen was playing well but couldn’t cope with the width and depth of Sarah’s shots. Sarah went 9/2 9/3 with Helen struggling. Sarah was in her stride but Helen came forward with a spell of 4/5 good shots which Sarah brushed aside to dominate the end of the match 9/6. 3-0 Sarah 1-0 Priory.
On the subsidiary court Paul Lord was up against the in form Yorkshireman Marcus Berrett. Lord took the game by the throat and manoeuvred Berrett around the court only to be frustrated by such a tight defensive game by Berrett who was relentless in his retrieving. Three errors by Lord gave Berrett the advantage in the first and a late fight back was a little bit too late, Berrett taking the first 10-8. Berrett took advantage of a tiring Lord and stepped up the pace and took the next two games comfortably 9-3, 9-1.
With the match score at 2-1 in Manchester’s favour it looked as though Edgbaston were up against the odds to take the win back to Birmingham. Harris started strong pinning Nick Taylor back and was rewarded with the opening two games 9-4, 10-8. Taylor changed tactics and gained more control and frustrated Harris into submitting the third and fourth 9-6, 9-3. History has repeated itself, which way would the fifth go this time? The final game saw both players exchange winners as the race for the match went point for point. At match ball to Taylor, there were several confusing decisions, eventually it was Edgbaston’s captain, Harris who kept his focus to take an exciting match 10-8 in the fifth.
With the match standing at 2-2 the world no4 and world no8 stepped up and the match was set to be a thriller! Bozza was slow out of the blocks, with Beachill cracking the ball around the court taking the first 9-4. Bozza had warmed up and started flowing. Both players were matching each others fantastic array of shot and some magnificent retrieving, Bozza came out on top 14-12. The pressure was on and the standard of play was top notch, the crowd were starting to get vocal for there player to take control which Beachill did squeezing the third game out 11-9. 2-1 Beach. Bozza will never go down without a fight and by all accounts that’s what the game had turned into. Beachill was bashing Boswell around with the ref not controlling the match, but Boswell stayed strong and focused as Beachill tined 4 shots on the trot. 2-2 how close? Shot for shot 4-4 then the world no4 showed superior play and complete composure to take the game and the match.Top performances from Priory’s captain and no1 to put Edgbaston Priory on top spot in group A of the National League.
08 Oct 02 - Week ONE
TOUGH OPENER SURVIVED
Matt Suckling reports ...
Edgbaston 3 v 2 Nottingham
Stewart Boswell lost John White 4-9, 9-5, 9-5, 6-9, 9-5
Del Harris beat Renan Lavigne 9-7, 9-3, 9-1
Adrian Grant lost Simon Parke 4-9, 6-9, 10-8, 9-6, 8-10
Paul Lord beat Mitchell Cook 9-7, 9-3, 9-2
Sarah Fitz-Gerald beat Tania Bailey 10-8, 9-5, 9-4The opening match for both Edgbaston and Nottingham was always going to be hard fought and there were no exceptions in this contest.
The opening match on the show court in front of a packed crowd was one to set the night off with a bang. Edgbaston’s captain, Del Harris was up against the Frenchman Renan Lavigne who would run through a brick wall to get to the ball. Del-boy started slowly, but soon found his form with some outrageous shots and some amazing pick-ups, winning the first 9-7. Del was on fire and the Frenchman could not handle the power and the fantastic array of shots that Del-boy was producing, the crowd was loving every minute 9-3 to Del. The third was just too much for Renan who was being moved all around the court with no response to Del's superb play! 9-1, and 3-0 to the captain of Priory.
Court One (The Dungeon) saw Paul Lord take on one of England’s finest youth players in Mitchell Cook, who was filling in for the absence of Jason Nicolle. Mitchell came out of the blocks with all guns firing making life tough for Paul, but Paul is renowned for being a hard task to break down, this was no exception as he fought back taking the first 9-7. Mitchell was feeling the pressure and Lordy had found his form taking the second and the third making it 3-0 and 2-0 to Edgbaston.
New signing and crowned European Champion Adrian Grant stepped onto Priory’s courts for the first time and made his impression on his new set of fans! After stepping off a plane and jumping on court with a fired up Simon Parke, any player would have gone two down. He showed true grit and determination to fight his way back into his match, which the crowd loved! Simon was rattled, but the ref was there to lend him a helping hand with some joke decisions to keep Simon in the match (de ja vu of the semi-final against Lexden). Adrian still composed after the shenanigans from the ref he pushed Simon into the fifth game where the squash was top notch, both players playing superb squash the gallery was enthralled! When the score reached 8-8 both players should have called it a draw, but there had to be a winner. Parky proved to hold it together winning 10-8.
The packed crowd came to Priory because of the fantastic line up and they were being treated to the best. Enter the Women’s world number one Sarah Fitz-Gerald up against Tania Bailey world number 9 and rising. With a very tight first game which showed both players taking their opportunities in playing the ball short Sarah was down 6-8, but there is a big reason she is number one in the world and she showed it by picking the pace up to pressurise Tania, forcing her back. Game Sarah 10-8. The standard of squash was extremely high, both players retrieving and attacking were possible but again Sarah was just too strong 9-5 to Sarah. Tania’s head had dropped which gave Sarah the opening to prove that she is without a shadow of doubt the world’s number one and still unbeaten in the National League.
With the last show down between the world’s number 4 and 5 there were bound to be sparks flying and they did! John White was creaming the ball, the pace was unbelievable the crowd could hardly believe some of the shots that White was unwielding and the retrieving was world class. White had the one game advantage as Bozza started to work up to his winning ways taking the next two games, it looked like Bozza was going to hold his record until White picked up the pace (how no one knows) taking the fourth 9-6. Bozza in the first time in three years looked tired and White could see it, Bozza pushed but White was just too good on the night winning the match and taking Bozza’s unbeaten reign to an end stemming from way back in October 1998. Bozza has still got an amazing record in the National League. I can assure you he does not want to lose again!