04 Mar 03 - Week TENBenz-Bavarian Duffield 4-1 Wolverhampton
Brian Hargrave: "Why can't the season start here ?!?!?!"
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, 9-1
The best was kept for last.
Stephen Russell looks forward to some sleep on Tuesdays ...
A somewhat depleted Wolverhampton team journeyed to Duffield to do battle for bottom spot. We were always up against it with key players abroad and it didn't help when our most successful player this season, Chris Ryder called in sick late on Monday evening. (He did not sound at all well).
So at that late stage with few to call on I phoned one of our club players and, after assuring him that I was not winding him up, secured a 4th man for the team. From yet another 3-2 the night looked far more like a less favourable result but hopefully it would be both fun and entertaining.
On form Steph against Cassie was always going one way and so it was but Steph played some of her best National League squash of the season and for two games was always in with a chance. I won't go so far as to say that she was smiling during the game but she certainly looked a good deal happier as she chased down every ball and hit some screaming forehands.Alan had never played NL squash before nor had he played on a lower tin. A combination of nerves and Kevin's pace ensured that the first two games went by quite quickly. At this point Alan got a hang of what was going on and moved into a lead in the 3rd. At 7-5, over enthusiasm to play the ball rather than ask for a let (apparently a point if he had asked according to the referee) led him to lose the rally and, not wanting to let an opportunity slip, Kevin closed out the match.
Our other new recruit to National League squash, Kirsten Johnson took on Jon Kemp. Like Alan, Kirsten had never played on a lower tin either but at 17 something like that held no fears. Having reached the semi's on Sunday in the England under 19's he was clearly confident and went for a startling array of shots which Jon found difficult to cope with. Eventually experience told and a 3 close games went Jon's way. Kristen is definitely going to be something in the squash world in the future and has the years in front of him to achieve this. (Note to other managers. He has agreed to be part of our squad next season so hands off!)
Scott has had a disappointing season with a number of niggling injuries throughout. This night was no different with a slight groin strain handicapping his movement. With Paul Hargrave playing some of his best squash this could only mean one thing and although slightly losing his way in the middle of the second game and tinning some balls for no obvious reason Paul took the match comfortably. So we come to the last game of the season for both sides.Since winning the over 35 title Mark is playing better than at any time over the past couple of years though he was up against a man who had previously been as high a 5 in the world, was considerably younger, ranked 34 and on his way up and was playing in front of his home crowd. Would this make any difference. Yes. Dan took the first game 9/4 and looked good. A few iffy calls in the second seem to inspire Mark as he raced away to 9/2. As team manager my night perked up significantly as we now had one game win! Clearly not a disaster at all. Dan started the 3rd in determined fashion and held the advantage all the way through.
At this stage we were all beginning to think about food (and possibly drink). The 4th could have gone either way and a series of questionable calls, again for both players added to the tension. In the end a few mistakes by Dan gave Mark the game to level the Match. Dan caused something of a sensation by coming out for the 5th wearing an almost identical shirt to the Wolverhampton strip. Quite a cunning plan as it was bound to confuse the marker, though Mark's change of shirt still had Wolverhampton on the back which was a help. With both players seeming tireless the last game started with some long rally's but at 3-2 Dan had what I thought a reasonable let turned down.
At first this seemed to be the turning point as Dan hit the next shot into the tin. From then on both players fought for every point but helped the officials by not contesting a rally where either of them believed that they had either not got the ball up or had made a foul stroke. Dan finally reached 8-6 and promptly put the ball into the tin. The next rally should have gone to Dan but Mark picked up seemingly impossible balls to level at 8 all. This produced possibly the best shot of the match in the next rally as Mark played a disguised cross court shot that had Dan and all the audience going the wrong way. A series of lets at 9-8 added to the tension before the last point was won. Magic.
Overall, although not the most successful season it has once again been both entertaining and captivating. We have seen two amazing matches, David Palmer against John White in Nottingham and again David against Stewart Boswell at Wolverhampton. We have also seen why Sarah Fitz-Gerald is one of the greatest female players ever, just a pity that she played for the other side.
Next season we will try to win yet again. Who knows......................?
18 Feb 03 - 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, 4/9OH NO, ANOTHER 3-2 !!!
A sleepy Stephen Russell reports ...
Having had to get David Palmer back to East Midlands airport for 5.45am this morning my report is a little delayed as, on my return home I fell asleep! Certainly no-one did that last night when a capacity crowd saw a thoroughly enthralling match which, yes once again went to 3-2.
The evening got off to a great start with the two teams featuring both current World Champions being on court at the same time. Doesn't happen very often and even more rarely at Wolverhampton.
First two games featured Sarah against Dominique. Always likely to be a difficult one for us to win and so it transpired. In just under 30 minutes Sarah triumphed 3-0 though after a shaky start was made to work to get the next two games. Dominique will never lie down and die and so Sarah found out. All of the men's matches had the potential to go either way and the match between Joey and Paul Lord proved to be the decisive one of the evening. Both players are natural battlers and it was inevitable that this would be one of the longest matches of the night. From an unpromising one nil down Joey found himself at 7-5 in the second but was denied 8-5 by a somewhat generous let to his opponent. Having lost the next rally, he faced serve from Paul---- straight into the backwall nick! 7-7. The next rally also went to Paul and Joey faced game ball. Yes you have guessed, straight into the backwall nick again a feat Paul repeated two games later so proving that practice makes perfect.
From 2 down the match swayed our way and at the end of the 4th Paul looked tired but a series of errors in the 5th plus some real courage gave him the match. Meanwhile on the next door court Mark Cairns clearly decided that becoming the British over 35 Champion on Sunday meant that he should now win more or less everything and after an opening game lasting 28 minutes going to 14-12, with both Mark and Del having game points, Mark finished off the remaining two games in style winning in just over 50 minutes. At 2-1 down the crowd got behind Scott in his match against Adrian but the young left hander was on fire and in a largely uncontentious match despatched Scott in 38 minutes, so gaining his revenge for the 3-1 defeat that Scott inflicted at Edgbaston.
With Edgbaston needing every point to make the play-offs the final match was bound to be something to remember with the current World Champion David Palmer taking on world number 5, Stewart Boswell who until the night had only one defeat in the League in 3 years. In what was the best competitive match ever seen at the club, both men showed an enormous range of shots and an ability to retrieve balls from impossible positions producing some colourful language from the lady on my right who found s*** the most appropriate description of some of the shots.
The first three games lasted 51 minutes and showed David leading 2-1. Stewart did look a little tired at the end of the fourth but by then most of the audience was exhausted also. Stewart started the 4th game with a series of spectacular nicks and raced to 3 up. But he couldn't maintain it and gradually David reeled him in with some equally inspired shots. A 62 minute match had everyone on thier feet at the end with both players providing a magic end to the evening.
Edgbaston brought over some 20 plus supporters, many of whom found thier way to the bar in the 30 minutes remaining at the end of the evening. I think that they were happy!
On to Duffield for the last match which will be without our number one as he has a pressing engagement in his new adoptive country of residence, Bermuda. After the forthcoming Masters in New York he probably needs a rest as well.
04 Feb 03 - Week EIGHT
Wolverhampton 0 - 5 FPD Savills Nottingham
Mark Cairns lost John White 2/9, 9/5, 2/9, 4/9
Scott Handley lost Simon Parke 6/9, 6/9, 4/9
Liam Kenny lost Renan Lavigne 9/3, 4/9, 6/9, 7/9
Chris Ryder lost Sam Miller 4/9, 9/5, 9/3, 7/9, 3/9
Stephanie Brind lost Tania Bailey 3/9, 0/9, 4/95-0 ... to them
Stephen Russell reportsI've always sort of fancied a 5-0 result but to be honest I would have preferred us to win rather than lose by that amount. Before the night we knew that it was going to be tough as Nottingham, having fielded a weakened team for the last match brought a full side to Wolverhampton tonight. On form perhaps 4-1 to the visitors or maybe 3-2.
But the ever reliable Chris Ryder had his first off night of the season so the most likely point went out of the window. The reason that a very disgruntled Chris gave was, in part, that he had been training for the past two weeks and that he had overdone it. I can understand this and as a former student, albeit of some time ago, I recommended that he goes back to the more traditional alcohol and sex routine that has served him so well so far this season.
Stephanie was always up against it in her match against Tania Bailey though the scoreline of 3-0 does not do justice to what was a hard match of over 30 minutes of playing time. Liam Kenny, making his long awaited debut for Wolverhampton after some 4 months of illness put real pressure on Renan Lavigne, taking the first game and threatening in the 3rd and 4th. In each of the last two a couple of points, disputed by Liam on each occasion proved decisive.
The crowd were nevertheless pleased and looked forward to seeing more of Liam during the next season. Scott, fresh back from honeymoon started well and pushed Simon all the way in the first. Game point produced a shot from Simon that struck Scott's racket en route for........ well it might have been the front wall or the side wall. The decision went against Scott though general opinion from both sides thought that a let was probably fairer as it was far from clear cut. However, that really did not effect the outcome of the match as Scott visibly tired in the 3rd and succumbed to the effects of a heavy cold.
With the game well and truly lost Mark cairns went on against the World number 4, John White. Although somewhat different types of players with equally different styles both do try to entertain and indeed this proved to be the case. Mark justly took the second game playing some of his best squash for a while and coping with the raw power that John can produce, seemingly at will.
The outcome was, unforunately, inevitable and a 3-1 loss ensued. So a first whitewash, but the crowd enjoyed the evening, at least half of the players did and by and large so did the officials.
Two weeks time we have our local derby with Edgbaston, who will undoubtedly be looking for points. We just want to win. Should be good!
28 Jan 03 - Week SEVEN
Manchester/Pontefract 3-2 Wolverhampton
Nick Taylor lost David Palmer 8/10, 6/9, 9/6, 6/9
James Willstrop beat Mark Cairns 9/6,9/6, 4/9, 9/4
Marcus Berrett beat Joey Barrington 9/4, 9/6, 9/7
Andrew Whipp beat Chris Ryder 9/7, 9/5, 9/5
Rebecca Botwright lost Stephanie Brind 4/9, 4/9, 7/9Yet another 3-2!
Stephen Russell reports
Some one must be making a fortune with the bookies in predicting our results as we seem to be destined this season to gain 3-2 victories or defeats. Still it makes for an interesting night, who really wants regular 5-0 victories anyway! To the night. Even with Lee out injured it was always going to be close as Manchester have a real depth in strength and can replace middle order players with equally good talent. Chris and Joey were always going to struggle both from the quality of their opponents and from the unfamiliarity of the courts. Although 3-0 in both matches the actual results were close with both Wolverhampton players making those one or two unforced errors at a crucial time. Stephanie, recently back from America, had a competitive match against Rebecca Botwright and really had to battle in the third from 7-2 down to win in three. The court that they played on seemed slightly "dead" and ultimately helped Steph who had a far greater range of shots requiring her younger opponent to do most of the running.
The match of the tie was probably Mark Cairns against James Willstrop. One with all the experience and guile, the other with youth and expectation. James took the first two reaonably comfortably but tired rapidly in the third failing to reach most of Mark's short shots. James came out in the next game with the intent of finishing it quickly and went for some outrageous kills from the beginning. And they all came off! Next time who knows but it was enough. The last match featured Nick Taylor against David Palmer and if anyone ever was seen to give his all it was Nick. Chasing everything and playing some inspired squash at times he ensured that David had to work though the audience sensed that there was always something in reserve in David's game. After going two nil down Nick took every chance in the third to take the match to four games. At this point David took control and although there were some points which Nick won with remarkable shots the eventual outcome was clear to all.
Overall a disappointing evening from a result point of view but always entertaining. Having the chance to witness the draw for the "Nationals" first and before anyone else gave those people so inclined an opportunity to get thier bets on first. Me, I was still wondering whether we could sneak a 3-2 win. Oh well, as one of the team said, there is always next season!
06 Jan 03 - Week SIX
Wolverhampton 3-2 Hallamshire
Mark Cairns lt Nick Matthew 11-9, 7-9, 6-9, 4-9
Scott Handley bt Hadrian Stiff 7-9, 10-8, 5-9, 9-4, 9-4
Joey Barrington bt Adam Stevenson 7-9, 9-5, 9-4, 10-8
Chris Ryder bt Peter Hughes 9-6, 9-6, 9-2
Dominique Lloyd-Walter lt Jenny Tranfield 2-9, 3-9, 2-9Wolves avenge first round defeat
Stephen Russell reportsIn front of a vociferous and very partisan crowd Wolverhampton gained revenge for the defeat against Hallamshire in the opening match of the season. This time no late withdrawals nor injuries occurred so the Managers blood pressure was largely under control until Scott Handley contrived to go 2-1 down in the third match on court. Fortunately some determined and inspired play corrected the situation and my blood pressure returned to its usual, but somewhat high level.
The previous day our number 4, Chris Ryder let me know that due to a rescheduled exam he couldn't leave Loughborough until 5.00 pm so could be a bit late! Fortunately, both Nick Matthew for Hallamshire and our MRC were willing to agree that provided Chris arrived before the end of the first men's match then everything would be OK. Not a good start but not a disaster either. In the event Chris arrived by 6:35 but it had been agreed that he would go on second regardless. Panic number one over!
The first two matches featured Dominique against Jenny Tranfield and Joey Barrington against Adam Stevenson. Dominique, playing her first game for us started nervously but with the crowd behind her began to contest every rally. Although losing to her more experienced opponent by 3-0 the match lasted 33 minutes with a wealth of excellent shots coming from both players. Joey on the adjoining court lost a close first game to Adam 7-9 and for a while looked as if Christmas was taking its toll.
However, the next two games proved a the opposite with 9-5 and 9-4 wins respectively. A close fought fourth produced a 10-8 win for Joey so levelling the match at one all. Despite rushing across from University Chris went on court with his usual cool approach and continued in what has been a rich vein of form since the begging of the season. Continuing to prove that student life is really suiting him he took the first two games 9-6 and so dominated the third that Peter Hughes was reduced to asking for more and more lets, most of which were turned down. A 9-2 win in the third put us 2-1 up.
Scott Handley has ahd some excellent wins during the first half of the season against higher ranked opposition but a niggling injury just before Christmas had stopped him from training and it really showed in the first game. Although only losing that game 9-7 Scott really did not look at all happy and the vision of a 3-1 lead in the match began to evaporate. A fighting 10-8 in the second appeared to herald a come back only for the third to disappear 9-5. Blood pressure getting high again so I went back to watch the end of Chris's match. When I returned, Scott had not only won the fourth 9-4 but was 7-4 up in the fifth! Although tempted to go away again in case I put him off I stayed and saw two winners give us a 3-1 lead in the tie. 4-1 is always better than 3-2 and the final match between Mark Cairns and Nick Matthew could easily have given us the 4-1 result. In the event, Mark went down 3-1 but in his 64 minute match played some of his best squash this season. Just one or two shots that clipped the tin and a desire to finish the odd ralley too quickly led to his undoing.
The home supporters had much to cheer, all saw 5 very competitive matches played in an entertaining and fair way so causing very little trouble for the officials. Clearly a better start to the second half of the season, we have moved off bottom place and with a few more wins can still challenge for one of the two semi final places.
Stephen Russell.
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, 5/9DUFFIELD CLAIM FIRST WIN ...
Stephen Russell reports
A packed house including a bus load of enthusiastic Duffield supporters saw a tense match go finally against the home side.When looking at the revised Duffield team it was clear that Mark Cairns was going to have his work cut out against Alex Gough in the absence of David Palmer, the Wolverhampton number 1. The match would be won or lost in the first two games and so it was. Chris Ryder at 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. But the damage was done in that game as Kevin worked hard for his points and Chris's greater control and fitness gave him the match although by his own standards it was not one of his best performances.
On the adjoining court Stephanie Brind got off to a good start winning the first quite easily but lost her way in the second before coming back from 5-8 down to win 10-8. This should have dispirited her opponent but it seemed to spur Pam Nimmo to greater heights and it was soon 8-2 to Pam. Whether she thought that the game was in the bag is unclear for a series of poor shots suddenly produced a position of 7-8 with Stephanie serving. Would we get our second win of the night. No. From 7-8 Stephanie post 9-7 and then, as if demoralised, tamely lost the next two games for only 8 points to lose the tie.
Paul Hargrave and Joey Barrington have been having some close games but on the night Paul started at a tremendous pace and took the first two games reasonably easily, though using up a fair amount of energy. The third went backwards and forwards with neither player dominating but at 8-7 to Joey his drop shot just clipped the tin so denying him the game. The next two points took a long time to complete and included a number of lets but finally Paul produced the winning shot. Had it gone to a fourth it could have been a different story as Paul confessed after that he was very tired!
Scott Handley has been producing some excellent results and his game seems to be improving all the time. In his match he took control from the off and did not allow Jean-Michel to settle at all. Renowned for his ability to retrieve most balls it was Scott who was playing the wider range of shots and he finished off his higher ranked opponent in only 39 minutes.
The final match featured Mark Cairns against Alex Gough. In the same fixture last season Alex won 3-0 and this year threatened to do the same but some inspired play gave Mark 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 sigh of relief that at last his side had scored a victory.
Two weeks ago we achieved a slightly unexpected victory 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 distance to watch her. I can only say well played Pam.
19 Nov 02 - Week FOUR
Edgbaston 2-3 Wolverhampton
Del Harris bt Mark Cairns 9/6, 7/9, 9/7, 9/4
Adrian Grant lt Scott Handley 6/9, 9/2, 5/9, 4/9
Davide Bianchetti lt Joey Barrington 5/9, 5/9, 9/6, 7/9
Paul Lord lt Chris Ryder 7/9, 6/9, 12/10, 10/8, 9/11
Sarah Fitz-Gerald bt Stephanie Brind 9/3, 9/3, 9/3Outside chance = first Victory!
Stephen Russell gets a birthday gift from his team ...An outside chance of a win was converted to a tremendous 3-2 result for Wolverhampton when three of our players overcame higher ranked opposition to produce a real upset.
Before tonight Edgbaston were unbeaten and certainly on paper looked to retain that position. One of the many good things about squash is that paper does not always count, whereas determination and self belief certainly do.
With Sarah Fitz-Gerald at five, Edgbaston were always likely to record a win and although Stephanie fought hard and ran down every ball Sarah always had that something extra which marks her out as an all time Champion.
But before that game we had already moved towards a winning position. First on the show court was Scott Handley against Adrian Grant, a player some 20 places above him in the world rankings. From the beginning Scott looked as if he knew he would win and forced a series of mistakes from Adrian. Although dropping the 2nd game this was the pattern of the match and from 5-2 down in the third a series of errors, brought about by the pressure that Scott was exerting produced a 9-5 result. The 4th was almost a repeat performance as Scott raced to a 7-0 lead. Adrian clawed back a few points as Scott tried to finish the match too quickly with a couple of spectacular attempts (failed) at outright winners. But the best man won.
On the outside court Chris Ryder took on Paul Lord. Since Chris has found student life and alcohol he is much more relaxed about squash and as a result is playing much better. So much so that he raced to 2-0 up, got to match ball in the 3rd and promptly lost that game! A close 4th saw the match at 2-2. An equally close last game finally gave Chris the win as a very tired Paul went for winners that didn't quite come off.
As Chris's game had taken nearly 75 minutes Sarah was well on her way to winning to make the scores 2-1 to us so Joey's match was likely to be crucial. Joey started much the better and took the first two games reasonably easily. A major rally in the third saw a result for Davide so setting up a tense 4th game. This was the longest of the match with rallys going on for ever but on those few 50-50 situations Joey's determination to win produced the win to give the team a 3-1 lead.
At last a win, the manager is safe for another game. (Actually no one else seems to want the (unpaid) job for some unknown reason.) Last on Mark Cairns against Del Harris. Mark, having only recently returned from 2 weeks holiday looked tanned and fit against a pale looking Del. Unfortunately, the pale Del had been playing a bit while Mark was on holiday so settled into the pace of the game that much quicker.
Despite some sterling retrieving, humourous banter with the crowd and with officials the match went on the night to Del though it must have cost him a fortune in rackets as he disappeared every few minutes or so to get yet another one due to broken strings, cracked frame etc. Seriously, a good match to end the evening which clearly was a good one from Wolverhampton's point of view but was also enjoyed by a capacity crowd.
It's now 1 am on the 20th November and it's my birthday. Thank you team for making it a very good one.
05 Nov 02 - Week THREE
FPD Savills Nottingham 3 - 2 Wolverhampton
John White lost David Palmer 9/7, 9/7, 7/9, 9/11, 7/9
Renan Lavigne bt Scott Handley 9/6, 7/9, 3/9, 9/6, 9/3
Simon Parke bt Joey Barrington 11/9, 9/4, 9/1
Jason Nicolle lost Chris Ryder 5/9, 9/5, 3/9, 9/7, 3/9
Tania Bailey bt Stephanie Brind 9/2, 9/4, 9/2ALWAYS THE UNDERDOGS ...
Stephen Russell reports
Always the underdogs, Wolverhampton went into this match on paper expecting a 4-1 loss. In the event only three shots clipping the top of the tin in the 2nd string match denied what would have been a remarkable victory.The first two games featured Joey Barrington against Simon Parke and Chris Ryder against the experienced, though older Jason Nicolle. Joey put everthing into the first game and had a real chance of taking it at 9-8 only to go down 11-9. The effort had clearly taken it's toll as the next two games were over fairly quickly. On the adjoining court, Chris Ryder showed tremendous speed and fitness round the court by overcoming the current British open over 35 Champion in 5 games. Now a full time student Chris seems more relaxed on court and even claims to be fitter though how that stacks up with what I remember students doing is a mystery. An excellent win put the match evenly balanced.
Tania always looked too strong for Stephanie and so it was. Dominating the centre of the court, Tania loooked rarely in trouble and ran out an easy victor.
In what turned out to be the key match, Scott Handley, ranked over 40 places below Renan in the world, came back from a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1. At this time he was moving his opponent all over the court and Renan looked completely lost. The turning point came at 5-5 in the 4th when Scott just clipped the tin to give Renan the lead. Two more similar points plus a fierce drive gave Renan the game and he took the last fairly easily.
With the match lost but points at stake the two number ones took the court. In a game lasting well over the hour John White demonstrated why he is the hardest hitter of the ball around and David Palmer showed why he is the World number 3 with an awesome display of retrieving brought about by a keen desire to win. The match was played out in great sporting fashion with David even refusing to accept a point when his ball struck John on its way to the front wall (not sure whether he can refuse this but it was a very nice gesture). At 6-7 down in the 5th, John broke his racket and then proceeded to hit his own foot with the replacement while attempting a return. By this time, although tired David looked in better nick and took the last point to give us the game.
Overall an excellent night with good hospitality, real excitement and very nearly our first win of this season. It will come!
22-Oct-02 - Week TWO
Wolverhampton 1 - 4 Manchester
Mark Cairns lost Lee Beachill 10/8, 4/9, 7/9, 5/9
Scott Handley lost Nick Taylor 7/9, 10/8, 7/9, 5/9
Joey Barrington lost James Willstrop 7/9, 9/7, 9/11, 8/10
Chris Ryder lost Marcus Berrett 4/9, 6/9, 1/9
Stephanie Brind bt Kirsty McPhee 9/6, 9/2, 9/3ALL YOU NEED IS ... LUCK
Stephen Russell reports
A capacity crowd saw an understrength Wolverhampton side nearly produce what would have been the shock result of the season so far. All that was needed was a bit of luck which, in the opinion of the crowd was denied them by some unusual refereeing decisions at crucial, game points.
Everyone can have a bad day and it was just unfortunate that we managed to pick one! Individually, Stephanie Brind gave us the expected start with a comfortable win over Kirsty McPhee. Kirsty battled well in the first game but as soon as Stephanie upped the pace and increased her weight of shot her younger opnonent had no answer. On the other court Joey Barrington fought out a 50 minute match against James Willstrop. At one all and 9-8 Joey was denied a clear point which would have taken him 2-1 up. At this stage James was making mistakes and not moving as well as he can and the point was crucial. James came back well to take this game 11-9 and in a see saw 4th just edged it 10-8.
On the second court Chris Ryder took on a formidable Marcus Berrett. Some days earlier the Manchester manager had suggested that Marcus could be considered to play ahead of James and his play on the night showed why. Although largely in control throughout the match, Marcus still had to work hard for the first two games before the effort took its toll of Chris in the third. The next match turned into a one hour battle between Scott handley and Nick Taylor. Again, Scott could have found himself 2-0 up instead of 1-1. With Nick looking a bit tired at the end of the second a 2-0 score line could have been interesting. Both players helped out the officials during the 3rd game by stopping playing when balls were out or down so that decision making was easier. Nick, having overcome his apparent tiredness began to take control during the 4th and a slight muscle strain around the middle of the game put paid to Scott' chances.
In the final match two Champions took the court. Although we had already lost the tie, Mark cairns put everything into it and after a first game lasting 20 minutes took that game 10-8. This seemed to upset Lee Beachill as he came out strongly in the next to win it 9-4. A closely fought 3rd saw Leee snatch a 9-7 win and the writing was on the cards. Overall the match lasted about 70 minutes before Lee ran out 3-1 with a disguised boast at the front of the court ending Mark's efforts. Two weeks ago, Mark reckoned that he needed three matches to get back to form. On tonight's result he is already there.
Although a defeat, the crowd enjoyed the evening with some still in the bar late into the night ...
08-Oct-02 Week ONE
Wolverhampton lose opening match
This tie will be remembered in part for the number of injuries and illnesses that affected 4 out of the original 5 players selected for the match.The match was always going to be close with either side capable of producing a 3-2 win, but the late withdrawal of Stephanie Brind and Joey Barrington on the previous afternoon definitely gave the advantage to Hallamshire. On the night it soon became apparent that Scott Handley should not have been on court as after the first game he could hardly breathe having succumbed to a chest infection on the Sunday which had not cleared up. Then to lose David Palmer with a calf strain mid way through the 4 game made it a night to forget for the small band of travelling Wolverhampton supporters.
Nevertheless, the evening did have its share of excitement with Chris Ryder, drafted in at the 11th hour producing an excellent win over Mike Hokins and, once he remembered what it was all about, Mark Cairns produced another stirring performance to push Nick Matthew all the way. Having cleared the cobwebs, Mark will once again be a difficult player to beat in the League.
Lisa Mckenna was always going to struggle against an in form Jenny Tranfield and so it was and the combination of illness and injury robbed the other two games of some of their bite.
All in all not the best of starts and there will be other difficult matches to come but hopefully we have used up all our misfortune in the one match!
So near but not quite!
Stephen Russell's end-of season report
If there has to be a grand stand ending to a season it must be one where the whole season hangs on the result of the last possible game.Wolverhampton and Edgbaston went into this last match with the winner making the semi-final and Edgbaston got off to a flying start. On the show court, Mark Cairns took the first game quite comfortably but was gradually worn down by an inform Del Harris who took the next three games. One nil to Edgbaston.
On the second court Joey Barrington had an edgy start making a fair few mistakes to allow Jason Nicolle a two game start. A determined rally in the third saw Joey win 9/2 and for a while it looked as if the match was turning but years of experience came to Jason's help and he ran out also a 3-1 winner. Two up to Edgbaston. Scott Handley playing his 8th game for the club started very well against Joey Kemp, who had been drafted into the Edgbaston team only that morning. However at 6-2 up the wheels sort of came off and Scott inexplicably lost the first game.
At this stage his manager was getting more than a little nervous. At 8-7 down in the next game the nervousness was nearer heart failure but a couple of mistakes by Joey gave Scott the game. From that point all went well and the match was quickly concluded, 3-1 to Scott. Edgbaston now only 2-1 up!
On the show court Wendy Maitland, fresh from her triumph in the Swiss Open took on Alison Wray. A long first game produced an Edgbaston win and the managers nerves returned. A close and hard fought second game could have gone either way though Wendy felt that she had won it twice before being asked to replay points. On the third attempt she produced a low drive that Alison could not return. Wendy started the third game at a higher tempo and Alison began to look more than a little tired. At about halfway through the game Alison decidedly slowed and on losing the game 9-1 retired with a pulled achilles tendon.
This left the match poised at 2-2 with John White to take on Stewart Boswell, a man who had so far gone 22 matches in the National League without defeat. John took the first reasonably easily and looked in fine form. The second was a complete reversal with Stewart returning everything and forcing errors as John attempted delicate drop shots. Yes really.
The third also went to Stewart though by now the strain of following a ball travelling so fast was beginning to tell on the referee. Several "moments" occurred with both players contesting the decisions. Unfortunately, what had been an enthralling match somewhat petered out after a more than controversial "no let" at 7-3 to Stewart in the next game. Although in the better position this decision produced match ball and after a brief but very entertaining last rally the game, match and semi-final place went to Edgbaston. There is always next year.