Matt Suckling reports on the champions' winning start ...
Edgbaston Priory Vs Nottingham
Del Harris Vs David Evans
4/9, 4/9, 3/9
The opening match of the season saw a re-match of last years final. Unfortunately for Edgbaston it didn’t start as well as the final. David looked sharp picking off shots and consistently working Del tightly. David took a commanding lead early in the opening two games making it hard work for Del to recover and settle into any sort of rhythm. David was tight and efficient in his play and was the deserved winner.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald Vs Jenny Duncalf
9/5 9/2 9/3
Meanwhile, on court one Sarah and Jenny were battling it out as the first few rally’s were fast and furious, until a few nerves crept in and a few nicks were hit by Sarah which gave her enough to take the first. Jenny was playing well but was just that bit behind, it’s hardly suprising as Sarah has got everything in her game, her pace was a bit off but she is 34years (Sorry to mention it Sarah!). It will take a top player to beat Sarah still. Sarah took the next two 9/2 9/3
Hadrian Stiff Vs Sam Miller
9/3 9/4 4/9 9/1
This was Hadrian’s first apperence at Edgbaston and he wanted the fans to take note, which they have! Sam has picked up his game some what, but the way Hadrian was into him in the first Sam wasn’t ever really going to trouble him. Hadrian hit 8 winners (nicks!) in the first and pretty much the same in the 2nd, which Sam chasing everything and not being able to get forwards to dominate. Until the third game as Sam got the bit between this teeth and Hadrian had a five minute sleep! After a bucket of water being thrown at Hadrian he was a changed player. 3mins into the fourth and Hadrian was back on track and was 8 love up and match ball. Hadrian wanted that fourth game just that bit more that Sam. Great squash to watch!
Adrian Grant Vs Simon Parke
2/9, 9/4, 9/7, 9/11, 9/3
What a start by Simon who raced into a 9/2 opening game leaving Adrian barely having seemed to start. What a turn around in the second, Adrian woke up! Adrian started to gain control moving Simon in all directions. The extended rallies worked Simon who recovered some amazing balls, the crowd in awe of some of the pick up’s, Adrian though was too quick leveling the score at 1-1. A point for point third enthralled the crowd with some fantastic squash, again some awesome shot selection by Adrian, but some unbelievable recoveries from Simon. Thankfully for the home team Adrian closed out the 9/7 game.
Had Adrian done enough to finish his opponent comfortably in the fourth, not for one minute! Simon fought and clung close never letting Adrian take a big lead, although it seemed as though the home player had the control. At 8/6 match ball it seemed over, but a slight relaxation from Adrian allowed Simon to pounce, and pounce he did, saving 3 match balls at clawing out a 9/11 fourth to take in to the fifth and final game. Adrian regained focus and cleverly worked his opponent early on to take a good lead which proved too much for his opponent who seemed to tire, 9/3 and the match to Edgbaston.
David Palmer Vs John White
4/9, 9/5, 9/7, 9/6
An up and down the wall game, not likely! John started in typical John fashion smacking in shots all over the place coupled with debut nerves from the newly crowned British Open Champion. Those nerves settled early and David stepped up and took the ball amazingly early to level the score at 1-1.
The third, again was awesome, both players battling for the T, neither giving it up which resulted in some fast and furious squash and some phenomenal rallies which seemed physically impossible to complete, but these guys just kept repeating the same qualities over and over again. David sneaked a tight unbelievable game 9/7. The fourth continued in the same fashion but with David getting stronger, and boy is this guy strong! The debutant wanted this home win for his new side and he certainly didn’t let down the Edgbaston faithful, 100% professional, entertaining world class squash appreciated by the home crowd especially the Dunlop Associate Members, thank you guys who make this all possible.
Tonight’s match was at the highest level and the packed out crowd at Edgbaston enjoyed every minute of the Squash. Were looking forward to our next match with newcomers the Northern! Edgbaston’s next home match is on the 4th Nov, please book in advance as tickets are already selling well!
