08/02/2004
TAKING STOCK - TWO ROUNDS TO GO
The Crystal Ball is much clearer now, as Brian Hargrave goes inside the National League once more ...
In Group A Manchester –Pontefract have secured their place in the play offs after a 5-0 whitewash of weakened defending champions Edgbaston Priory. The Lancashire-Yorkshire combination has a 100% record and with a line up which includes Marcus Berret at No 4 must be red hot favourites to take the championship title.
Benz-Bavarian Duffield capitalised on the Edgbaston set back with a thrilling 4-1 away victory against FPD Savills Nottingham before a full house. Most of the spectators stayed to watch the final rubber between John White, world No3 and Nick Matthew, World No 12 which did not go on court until 10.45pm. The rubber went in favour of Matthew. Nottingham manager Phil Songhurst said “It is great to see another young Englishman who can live with the world's top players. He proved this and it was great outcome for Duffield”.
The tie was much closer than the final score suggests and was on a knife edge throughout. The crucial NL tie between Simon Parke and Dan Jenson was a privilege to watch and voted one of the best ever seen with both players giving their all. The Duffield management remained tense even when new world No 1 Cassie Jackman went on court with task of clinching the tie. Natalie Grinham pushed her all the way in the first two games before Jackman turned on the style to take the third without dropping a point.
The big pendulum swing sees Duffield go two points clear of Edgbaston and the two teams meet at Duffield on 17 February. The prize for the winner will almost certainly be the second play off place. In the final round Duffield travel to Manchester- Pontefract who are determined to maintain their 100% record. Priory end with the ”local derby” against Wolverhampton who are unlikely to do their neighbours any favours with Birmingham pride at stake. The calculators will still be on hand in round 10 even if Duffield manage to reverse the 3-2 defeat suffered at Edgbaston in the first half of the season.
The defending champions have been badly hit by injuries to their top players. It is impossible to predict the final outcome but Duffield are fortunate to be able to replace the in form but unavailable Dan Jenson with Renan Lavigne, world No 20 in rounds 9 and 10.
In Group B, Lee on Solent ended Unisport Guilford play off hopes with a narrow 3-2 victory which went all the way to the wire. The “Brad Attack” Bradley Ball just had too much firepower for the retired Stephen Meads. It was nevertheless described by Guilford manager Ian Robinson as “a terrific night with drama and quality squash in abundance” despite the absence any top world 25 men players.
Ian reports that “The women actually carried the evening to a large extent which is encouraging as well”. This tie demonstrated that not everybody needs the top World Class men players to enjoy a good night's squash.
It is also a two horse race for the second play off place in Group B between old rivals Team Chichester and Lee on Solent. TVS Broxbourne are assured of one play off place but need another victory from their remaining two ties to clinch the top spot and avoid Manchester- Pontefract in the semis.
Broxbourne travel to Guildford in round 9 and end with a home tie against Chichester. Chichester secured maximum points against Bicester in round 8 and a victory against Lee on Solent in round 9 would almost certainly be rewarded with the appetising opposition from Manchester-Pontefract. However, a victory for Lee on Solent against Chichester might see them edge out their rivals as they finish with a home tie against Bicester.
It would also be calculators to the ready if Lee manages to prevail in round 9 which would surely leave the intrepid reporter from Chichester, Mr Crabtree, lost for words (no, I don't think so ... Ed)
Contributor: Brian Hargrave