TVS Broxbourne maintained their lead in Group B of the National League on Tuesday night with a dazzling display at Bicester, writes Ian Taylor ...
With the prestigious Canadian Open on the immediate horizon, manager Geoff Long was without top seeds Gregory Gaultier and Professional Squash Association President Mark Chaloner, but the strength in depth at the Mill Lane Close-based club came to the fore, with a resounding whitewash victory over the league newcomers.
Broxbourne made their intentions clear in the opening match when in-from world number 36 Alison Waters crushed Sue Wright 9-1, 9-5, 9-2.
It was the first meeting between the pair and Waters looked at ease against her experienced counterpart, a former world number three and four-times British National Champion.
Long added: "This victory ranks amongst the best in Alison's short career.
"Having beat world number 17 Pamela Nimmo in the States a few days earlier, we knew she'd be up for it but to play so well against such an experienced opponent really bodes well for the rest of her season.''
Meanwhile, fourth seed Danny Meddings was making short work of his encounter with Mike Elford.
The charismatic Broxbourne veteran used all his experience and know how to wear down his opponent, cruising to a 9-5, 9-3, 9-3 win.
Alistair Walker, like Waters before him, was making his first start of the campaign, but he looked like he'd never been away, taking the initiative in the opening exchanges with a series of deadly winners that left opponent Clive Ewins floundering.
Having taken an early two game lead, Walker suffered a minor set-back with a 10-8 reversal in game three, before recovering in scintillating style to wrap up the tie and the match with a 9-3 triumph in the fourth.
Broxbourne were in cruise control and Alex Stait, largely regarded as one of the countries most talented up-and-coming stars, continued the onslaught.
The talented 23-year-old wasted no time in getting to grips with Chris Clare, orchestrating the pace of the rallies with a blend of attacking and defensive shots beyond his years.
He duly went on to complete a three game triumph, winning 9-6, 12-10, 9-1.
Bicester number one and ex-Broxbourne representative Scott Hadley looked as if he was capable of providing the Oxfordshire crowd with a treat in the final match, but he was unable to convert his 2-0 lead against the dogged South African number one Rodney Durbach.
Durbach, fresh from some impressive performances for the Springboks in the World Team Championships, clinched a 4-9, 5-9, 9-2, 9-4, 9-3 victory to secure maximum points for Long's side.
"Everyone at the club is buzzing now the ball is rolling,'' added Long.
"To record such a conclusive victory without Gregory, Mark and US-based World number two Natalie Grainger is highly impressive.''
