Matt Suckling and Nick Hynes reflect on victory for Edgbaston in the final ...
What a night and what a way for Edgbaston Priory to finish the season as National Champions! I was asked to predict the score, to which I answered 3-2 either way which is the same prediction as many others had said but I was not expecting as others, that the players would perform to such a high level. They were superb! The crowd was making some serious noise especially the Nottingham crowd but that was soon to change.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald v Jane Fletcher 9/2, 9/0, 9/0 (16 minutes)
Jane was up against probably the finest women’s squash player ever! Jane started well with a few good shots to take a couple of early points, but it wasn’t long before Sarah stepped up the pace and was on to everything Jane threw at her. A brave performance, against a first class opponent. Sarah has now won 22 matches for Edgbaston Priory on the trot and amazingly she has only dropped 3 games!! Sarah will be back for the next season.
Adrian Grant v Renan Lavigne 9/5, 9/4, 11/9 (39 minutes)
This being one of the crucial matches. We needed Adrian to reverse the last 3 results he had against Renan and take control of the match. Adrian was looking dangerous as he dominated Renan early on when he took control of the T and used his “death” touches to manoeuvre Renan out of position and either force a mistake or create an opening to finish the rally off. Adrain did this brilliantly taking the first 2 games but as we know Renan is not one for sitting back as he fought hard in the third. This just wasn’t enough as Adrian was looking confident which put him in control to finish off the match 11- 9 in the third. Adrian's form at the moment is superb a lot of supporters stated “that it’s the best match he has played for Priory”, I replied that he is only going to get stronger and stronger, who knows what is in store for him next season? Great things!!
Paul Lord v Jason Nicolle 10/8, 9/6, 9/7 (36 minutes)
As the players knew this could be the match that could determine who won the national title the pressure grew on both players. With some very structured squash, both players waited for their openings to take the ball in short. It was no surprise that the first went 8-8 all. A loose ball gave ‘Lordy’ the opening as the referee gave a stroke his way to clinch the first 10-8. A few deep breaths to steady the nerves and a slight change of game plan put Paul up in the second, he twisted and turned Jason and with a few flick shots at the front of the court he found himself two up.
Jason is a very gritty player, he always has been as he took an early lead there was a slight chance of a comeback on the cards. Paul had other ideas he stayed strong and took himself to Championship ball, Jason got back to 7-8 as a couple of let balls came in. Deep breath again, as Jason served as Paul steadied himself and went all out on a forehand kill which Jason missed! Paul Lord had won the match and made the Edgbaston Priory champions. A brave performance from both players under great pressure. ‘Lordy the Ledgend’ will be back!!
Del Harris v Simon Parke 4/9, 4/9, 0/9 (29 minutes)
With the match already won you would think that the players would ease off somewhat but this was not the case for Simon. Simon happens to be experiencing some great form and will be pushing the top, top players in the game again very shortly. There is only one word for his speed, lightning! Del couldn’t get on a firing song as Simon was onto everything. Simon won player of the year for Nottingham simply because he has won every match this season and with his form. Del was finding this hard work but he has played a big role this year as Captain. Del will definitely be back to entertain the crowds with his outrageous play next season.
Stewart Boswell v John White 9/7, 8/10, 2/9, 9/3, 9/7 (49 minutes)
As this could have been the deciding rubber the world number 4 and 5 were to put on a class display of squash with some comedy moments. The first saw both players hitting at a ridiculous pace with trick shot after trick shot. ‘Bozza’ sneaked the first 9-7. White then changed tactics to the exhibition style. He made the crowd laugh the referee and even ‘Bozza’ with his one liners and then his tactic of taking as much time as possible between rally’s. This worked to take White 2-1 up but ‘Bozza’ clawed his way back as White started to tire. Nip and tuck to 7-7 in the fifth as ‘Bozza’ hit a nick and White makes a mistake which gave ‘Bozza’ his win and gave Edgbaston Priory an amazing 4-1 win!! A superb display of racket ability from both players.
We wouldn’t be able to field a World Class side if it wasn’t for our sponsors:
- Gary Davison - Davisons Solicitors
- Alan Purnell - Harben and Barker
- John Miller - Stewart Miller McCulloch
- John Gannon - Terraquest
We thank you and look forward to another successful year for the Edgbaston Priory Club and your companies.
It’s been a tough season and could not have been possible without many people behind the scenes at Edgbaston Priory our thanks go to:
Nathan Graham and Mac, Simon Delves all the girls on reception, the restaurant and the bar staff. Phil Templar, our General Manager and Bob Malden, Press Officer.
And last of all from myself, Nick Hynes and the team we would like to say a special thanks to the fans at EPC plus Bob Keeling and his merry men who cheer and shout for us at every opportunity. Many thanks and let’s have a great 2003/2004!!
