21/03/2004
FIRED UP FOR THE PLAY-OFFS
Brian Hargrave goes 'inside' again to preview the semi-final first legs ...
INSIDE THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
semi-final preview from Brian Hargrave
First leg of the National League Semi final.
22-Mar: Manchester/Pontefract v Chichester
23-Mar: Edgbaston v Broxbourne
Reverse fixtures 06-Apr
The Group rounds have been completed and the four strongest teams on paper, with the strength in depth, have edged out their
nearest rivals. In Group A, Manchester- Pontefract completed their group fixtures with a 100% record, establishing a 14 point gap over runners up Edgbaston.
In Group B, Chichester secured a play-off place
for the second season running with a morale boosting win over Broxbourne who won the Group by 3 points.
Manchester-Pontefract Chichester
1 Lee Beachill v Peter Genever
2 James Willstrop v Tim Garner
3 Nick Taylor v Tim Vail
4 Marcus Berrett v Ben Garner
5 Vanessa Atkinson v Linda Charman
It is the first time a Manchester team has reached the play offs
and it represents the culmination of sixth months of matches and
reward for consistent performances from the squad. It is also a
just reward after several frustrating years for team manager
Yawar Abbas, one of the nicest guys in squash.
Chichester who have performed consistently well in the NL over
many years hare managed by another gentleman of squash Pete
Genever who operates on a tight budget but retains great loyalty from his players. Chichester has the added bonus of the words from NL team reporter of the season Peter Crabtree to inspire the players from the Deep South. Chichester has great strength in depth and will represent a significant challenge over the two legs.
Vanessa Atkinson has recently achieved her highest ever world
ranking at three and defeated World number 1, Cassie Jackman in
the prestigious Qatar WISPA event. Her opponent, Linda Charman is the current world number 7 and this should be a tight match which could go either way.
At four, Marcus Berrett will have his 100% record tested by the World number 46 and young England star, Ben Garner who is starting to make inroads into the PSA rankings. Berrett has continued to perform outstandingly in leagues and tournaments this season, so an intriguing match is in prospect with Berrett the favourite.
The recently "retired" Nick Taylor will face Chichester Captain Tim Vail. The Vole, who is one of the better shot makers in the game lost to another old stager Danny Meddings in round 10 and the outcome could depend on which player is the fitter on the night. Manchester's favourite son, the experienced Taylor, possibly has the edge provided he does not allow the odd
refereeing decision to upset him.
At two will be the Lancashire -Yorkshire consortium's other 100%
man, James Willstrop against former world top twenty player Tim Garner who is now coaching and working in event promotion (Tim's Canary Wharf Classic starts on Tuesday).
Willstrop will start as a strong favourite following his recent
moves up the world rankings.
Leading the home team is world number four and Bermuda Open champion Lee Beachill, who has been called upon to win the match on many occasions this season and has produced the goods every time! He will take on the hard-hitting and athletic Peter "Jelly" Genever who himself has put in some notable performances for his team this campaign but Beachill must be a strong favourite to establish a 4-1 lead for the Group A team.
Every point of every game will be fought for tonight, as the tie will be decided over two legs.
Edgbaston v Broxbourne
detailed preview to follow
5. Isabelle Stoehr v Alison Waters
This should be a comfortable winning rubber for Priory
4. Pete Barker v Danny Meddings or Alister Walker
Pete Barker must start as a strong favourite whoever the opponent
3. Del Harris v Alex Stait
Del should still just have too much experience for Alex provided
those legs hold up.
2. Adrian Grant Mark Chaloner
Adrian should just edge this one but you can never write Mark off
1. David Palmer v Greg Gaultier
David could be quite tired after his exploits in Bermuda and a
mad dash up the M1 after kicking off the Canary Wharf Classic.
Mark this one down to Broxbourne to keep the second leg alive.
Contributor: Brian Hargrave