"They think its all over!", says Brian Hargrave of Duffield's play-off chances. It will be but, not until 9 March ...
Benz Bavarian Duffield 2-3 Edgbaston Priory
Nick Matthew lost to David Palmer 5-9, 6-9, 8-10
Renan Lavigne beat Adrian Grant 9-5, 9-5, 9-6
Paul Hargrave lost to Del Harris 5-9, 9-4, 3-9, 5-9
Jonathan Kemp lost to Peter Barker 7-9, 5-9, 5-9
Cassie Jackman beat Isabelle Stoehr 2-9, 8-10, 9-6, 9-1, 9-5
Match Sponsors BEKO and Viceroy Restuarant
First on court was Cassie Jackman, world No 1 and National Champion, against a little dynamo named Isabelle Stoehr, ranked 12 in the world. The capacity crowd were almost stunned into silence as the talented French no 1 lady rocked the world No 1 with some very tight squash. Jackman, understandably was on a high after celebrating winning the National Championships for a record 6th time. Her opponent took the view she had nothing to lose and sensed that the time was right for an upset particularly after Jackman had let an 8-5 lead slip away in the second. Stoehr built a 6-2 lead in the third and a shock was on the cards. You sensed that Stoehr was already thinking about the headlines but Jackman has not become world No 1 without a great will to win. She gradually clawed her way back to take the third without conceding a further point. Jackman took full control in the 4th game hitting good lengths and tight drops to take the game 9-1. The determined Stoehr was far from finished and had Jackman on the ropes as she built a 4-1 lead in the final game before nerves set in. The Duffield crowd somehow inspired a weary Jackman to dig deep and the world No 1 responded by taking the game 9-5 after re-establishing good lengths to create the opportunity to go for the kill. Both players received a standing ovation for one of the most absorbing ladies match seen at the Club.
Jackman showed all the fighting spirit required to become No 1 in the world whilst I am sure Stoehr is a name to watch in the future, hopefully with the right spelling on her shirt.
On the adjoining court Peter Barker showed no reaction from having to dash on court after he and colleague Adrian Grant arrived late after being caught up in a traffic jam on the M1. Kemp built an early 4-1 lead but was gradually pegged back by an opponent who made very few mistakes. Barker edged the first 9-7 and never relinquished his grip on the rubber comfortably taking the next two games both 9-5.
Renan Lavigne, world 20, returned to the Duffield fold after an absence of one year and he faced Adrian Grant another former Duffield favourite ranked one place lower. Lavigne was still smarting from losing in the final of the French National championships to Gregory Gaultier over the previous week end whilst Grant was on a high after playing his best ever squash to reach the semi finals of the UK National Championships. Lavigne was quickest out of the traps whilst Grant appeared to be still stuck in the traffic. The French No 2 never let his opponent find his rhythm winning in straight games 9-5 9-5 9-6 with an impressive performance.
Plans to play the Paul Hargrave v Del Harris rubber as the third match on the show court were abandoned after the ladies rubber had gone the full distance. Harris controlled the first playing tighter squash and making few errors. Hargrave raised his supporters' hopes when he took control to take the second. Harris rolled back the years in the third and fourth and deservedly levelled the overall scores.
The stage was set and the script was written for the final showdown between the No 1's. It was rumoured that both players were carrying injuries. Certainly Matthew was not moving with his usual freedom whilst Palmer seemed to be taking no chances chasing lost causes. Palmer had the greater variety of shots receiving appreciation for some delightful winners from a biased audience. Palmer won the first two games 9-5 9-6 but Matthew build a 7-4 lead in the third only to see it slip away as the Duffield man went down fighting 10-8. No complaints - the Australian played quality squash and Matthew gave it his best shot.
On the night Edgbaston shaded the tie and probably clinched the second play of spot. Duffield would probably need to beat runaway leaders Manchester- Pontefract in round 10 and Edgbaston lose to Wolverhampton. Miracles can happen and pigs might fly.
At end of proceedings Cassie Jackman was made an honorary life member in recognition of her achievements on the world stage and for her invaluable National League services to Duffield Squash Club over the past six seasons.
To have the world number one player in your team for six successive seasons has given the manager the "buzz" to keep Duffield's NL involvement going. Cassie is truly professional in every way and sets an example to younger players on making life easy for the manager of a NL team. She always keeps in touch and makes a manager's job easy. The Duffield Club and supporters recognise and appreciate how privileged we are to have her in our team and to be able to introduce her on court at Duffield as world No 1.
Cassie is getting married on 12 March and the Club presented her and her fiancé, Matt Thomas with a Crown Derby dish as a wedding present as a small memento of her links with Duffield and Derbyshire.
Cassie's Sporting motto: "Enjoy yourself but work hard. I've seen people with all the talent in the world, but if they don't put the work in they will eventually be caught out".
On the night the Duffield players all put the work in but were still caught out. Never mind it is only a game and nearly 140 supporters had enjoyed an enthralling contest which ended with squash and Edgbaston as winners and Duffield as gallant losers.
The Duffield Manager is still reeling from the shock news that the Nottingham supremo Phil Songhurst is to step down and use his skills and knowledge acquired in his time at Nottingham Squash Club to assist the team who are overseeing the building of the £1.8m eco-friendly facility at this unique Nature Reserve managed in partnership with RMC Aggregates, the site freeholders, and Broxtowe Borough Council. It is proposed that the centre will open in March 2005 with Songhurst leading the team of workers and volunteers who will be aiming to put the flagship building firmly on the map as a major destination for tourists, visitors and nature & wildlife lovers.
The final tie is away to Manchester-Pontefract on 9 March. "They think its all over - it will be one way or another in March". It is nice to still be in with a mathematical chance of making the play offs in the final round .The crystal ball suggests that Wolverhampton deserve to win a tie 3-2 - what better time to do so. Manchester-Pontefract players have set a blistering pace and the Messrs Beachill and Willstrop should know that the only cure for bad blisters is rest. After those bad decisions in the Nationals it is surely time for Nick Taylor to take immediate retirement. Anyone intending to travel and enjoy "the buzz"of getting lost en route via Manchester airport should contact Stephen Milward.
Brian Hargrave - Manager
