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17th European Squash Club Championships
Linz, Austria September 15th – 19th 2004.
Colet’s men’s team qualified to represent England in the 17th European
Club Championships by virtue of our victory in the English National
Knockout earlier this season. Colets were harshly seeded at four due to
the idiosyncrasies of the rating system and although Paderborner, the
German Champions and current title holders were considered favourites and
first seeds, experienced commentators felt we would be making a strong bid
for the title.
This 17th annual tournament was an official European Squash Federation
event and witnessed a strong assembly of international talent, even if
most of the top twenty players in the world were otherwise engaged in US
Open duties. Colets were able to participate as English Champions largely
due to the generosity of our main sponsor, Robin Rotherham from
Accountancy Options Limited. Without Robin’s sense of pride in our club
and country its doubtful Colets and England could have afforded to field a
competitive team in this prestigious championship.
Travelling to Austria as National Squash champions the atmosphere was very
positive. Alan Hague picked us up in a hired minibus from the club and
despite having to make a number of detours we made Stansted in good time
despite Nigel Coopers repeated assertion that we should have gone through
Bushy Park. The playing team was missing Mark Cairns who was enjoying his
honeymoon, but was packed with experience right down the line and our team
of supporters was equally packed with experience, and friendly banter.
Lee Drew was representing Colets in Europe for the first time, and this
likeable young man, with a current world ranking of 43 was our first
string player. Scott Handley, currently in the 60’s for world ranking but
certainly a top thirty on current form, was our nominated number two.
These two were backed up by a player almost revered by the others in the
squad and held up by them as the exemplar of beautiful stroke play; Danny
Meddings. Clive Ewins, complete with excellent tan, provided an impressive
final member of the first four, which was supplemented by living legends,
Alan Thomson and Greg Pearman – both of whom International team captains
in their time and sharing 86 years experience, as Greg so modestly put it.
Dave Peck organised the participation and ably partnered by Andrea ensured
players and supporters alike got from A to B over the course of the four
days (and the twelve months of qualifying for the National championship
which enabled our participation) without too much mishap. It is worth
repeating here that without David, Colets would not have the international
recognition it does, nor the ability to attract the right kind of players
- and he performed admirably again throughout. It was David who was
representing the club at the managers meetings in the bar and when called
upon to referee some of the round robin matches he was also happy to
oblige, along with Nigel Cooper, who deserves our gratitude once again.
As is always the case Colets brought along a loyal, vociferous and very
official support group of club members including a number of club
stalwarts. The supporter’s party included, Martin Bronstein as official
journalist, Nigel Cooper as official voice of experience, Brian Hurst as
official CORGI registered supporter, Don Tate and his enthusiastic wife
Veronica as the official responsible persons, Gerry Stacey as official
speed-walker (and she got a creditable silver medal in the Danube mini
triathlon challenge – ask Roger!) and Andrea Peck as official Laundry
organiser.
Indeed, Andrea was ever busy helping players keep organised - even at one
point doing the boys kit washing in the hotel basement and packing Alan
Thomson’s suitcase for him whilst he was, ahem, helped into the shower on
the last morning lacking leg strength. Vicki and Graeme Bern and Andrew
Lee were all official singers, arm wrestling coaches and nightclub
inspectors at various points of the Championships.
The venue was the Pueblo Club in Linz, located just a ten minute tram ride
from the centre of what is one of Austria’ main cities on the Danube. The
club has nine glass back courts with two/three being in “show” condition
with tiered seating, a good sized bar and eating area, gym, small pool and
reception area – a venue really geared up for squash playing and which had
the additional benefit of being located only a six minute walk from our
hotel- the Summerhaus.
Al1 the National Champions from the European Squash Federation qualify to
participate in the Tournament. The Champions of Switzerland, Austria
Germany, England, Belgium, Ireland, Holland, Hungary, Liechtenstein,
Finland Luxembourg, Sweden, Croatia, were all present plus Paderborner as
holders and the Pueblo club themselves as hosts. Fifteen champions clubs
from around Europe were congregated in Linz to settle who was the overall
European Champions and, as always, the Ladies tournament was held at the
same time.
The draw placed Colets in a four-man group with matches against Gothenburg
– the Swedish champions, Club Vaduz of Liechtenstein and the Belgian
champions, Club Impulse, on the following day.
As per Colet’s tradition, Alan had the honour of being first on court by
playing against Mats Olsen, whilst on the adjacent court Danny was playing
against Carl Henrik Ronge. Danny played a supreme match to win 9/0,9/2,9/1
but Alan was not having it his own way. Olsen took the first 5/9 only for
Alan to power back 9/5, the third went to Olsen 10-8 despite Alan lobbing
him into the back court so many times he could have taken up residency
there….Alan reached deep into his reserves to take the fourth 9/4 and put
the match into a fifth game decider but it was ultimately the younger
Swede who took advantage of some cramp in Alan’s right leg just when it
looked like Alan had got the ascendancy. The final 4/9 loss against a
talented Olson was Alan’s first ever defeat in European tournaments!
Lee Drew was next on court against Mads Korsberg, the big Swedish lead
player and won in four sets 9/0 9/10,9/7,9/1. Scott took even less time
and was efficiency itself in defeating Patrick Rylen 9/0,9/4,9/1.
The 3-1 victory for Colets was a hard fought one and the score perhaps
does not show that – but the Swedes were a strong standard of opposition.
Alan Thomson 5 9 8 9 4 Danny Meddings 9 9 9
Mats Olsen 9 5 10 4 9 Carl Henrik Ronge 0 2 1
Scott Handley 9 9 9 Lee Drew 9 9 9 9
Patrick Rylen 0 4 1 Mads Korsberg 0 10 7 1
Match score: Colets 3 Gothenburg 1.
The second match was a few hours later against Vaduz of Luxembourg.
Beforehand some of the players and most of the supporters gathered in the
dining area, showed our tournament meal tickets and tucked into some
typical squash player fayre. The meals, which were all included in the
touring party price, were generally a protein (schnitzel/fish/burgers), a
couple of complex two carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread and potatoes) and
a good selection salad bar along with fresh fruit and Austrian cake
delicacies for dessert. The food was certainly of a good standard and
there were no complaints.
Dave Peck, a notoriously fastidious eater, broke the club record for most
bread rolls and wiener schnitzels eaten over the course of a tournament;
an impressive 12 schnitzels in 72 hours, which works out at one every 6
hours, night and day…Alan Thomson was later to beat the “most hours
without solid food” record after a brave attempt at a totally liquid menu
once his competitive participation was complete. Veronique Tate eventually
gave up on guessing the contents of an apple seeded pastry dish – but it
was good anyway!
Clive Ewins started off the second match for Colets against Roger Bauman
whilst on the adjacent court the evergreen Greg Pearman was playing Ralf
Wenaweser. Clive took the first 9/5 and then produced a sensational
corkscrew shot in the second that drew big smiles on and off court, and
certainly knocked the stuffing out of his opponent before going on to win
9/1, 9/2 for a straight sets win. Greg meanwhile was giving his opponent
plenty of problems and indeed his disguise and cross court play forced his
opponent to constantly change direction so rapidly that Wenaweser ended up
turning his ankle quite badly.
Despite the football style scream and rolling on the court floor, Greg’s
opponent still managed to finish off the game, even though advised by Alan
in his capacity as team physio that it was unwise. Greg took the match
9/1,9/5,9/0 in controlled manner. And denies that he trod on his opponents
foot at any stage.
Scott and Lee came on to play their second match of the day and both
showed great class in efficiently disposing of their opponents. Winning
games with the minimum of exertion but so comprehensively shows great
skill – and undeniably they both have great skill.
Greg Pearman 9 9 9 Clive Ewins 9 9 9
Ralf Wenaweser 1 5 0 Roger Bauman 5 1 2
Scott Handley 9 9 9 Lee Drew 9 9 9
Michel Fleug 2 0 2 Marcel Rothmund 2 1 0
Match score: Colets.4 Vaduz 0.
Friday 17th September 2004 and there stood two matches between Colets and
a place in the final. David decided to put out his strongest team against
the Belgian champions, Club Impulse, who were seeded at five.
Clive played a Rod Stewart clone named appropriately enough, Rod Vlassaks,
whilst Danny was playing against Piedro Schweetman. Rod was certainly
“sailing” close to the wind with his physically confrontational style,
nobody, least of all Clive thought he was sexy, and the 9/3,9/1,9/1 score
suggests that he really should have taken his own advice about it being
late September and going back to school
Danny had managed to stub a toe on his right foot the night before in his
hotel room and his blood stained socks showed it was no small matter. He
needed some emergency repairs with help from Greg after the first game
before he could continue to take a 9/3,9/2 9/3 win.
Indeed a factor of all the matches was the selection of the
“trainer/coach” for each player. In this instance it was Greg for Danny
but at other times Alan would counsel Clive, or Scott might - but overall
the players showed an excellent team spirit in applying themselves to the
cause in this way, and it is certainly a factor in our squad strength. Our
experienced players watching from the sidelines would often give vital
information and assistance to a team-mate, which might not always be
apparent to them in the heat of the match.
Lee Drew was on next against Dylan Bennett, WR 77. A comfortable straight
sets win for both Lee and Scott against Callum O’Brien saw Colets through
to the semi-finals
Clive Ewins 9 9 9 Danny Meddings 9 9 9
Rod Stewart 3 1 1 Piedro Schweetman 3 2 3
Lee Drew 9 9 9 Scott Handley 9 9 9
Dylan Bennett 3 5 3 Callum O’Brien 5 4 2
Match score Colets 4 Impulse 0.
It seemed like only moments later, though it was at 7.30pm after our
lunchtime matches and Colets were playing in the semi finals of the
European club championships against Paderborner. For many this was the
final and it could go either way.
Danny was first on against a player he knew very well – Tim Garner, who
also plays for St. Georges in the Surrey Leagues. To say Danny was awesome
was an understatement. Tim just did not get a chance; when a player of his
quality gets beaten 9/1 9/7 9/1 it says it all.
Clive was playing Stefan Leifels WR 105 and lost a close first game 9/7 ,
he found his touch with some delightful drops in the second to even it out
4/9 but it was the German who came back stronger to take the next two
games 9/5,9/3.
After two matches it was one all, but Colets had a slight advantage on
games. Lee drew went on court against Ben Garner and just could not find
consistency, it was quite simply, a match in which he could not get going,
but it was over very quickly in straight sets, 3/9 4/9 1/9
At the same time Scott was on Court and had taken a tough first against
Lars Harms 10/8, the second followed with another great exertion 9/5. An
uncharacteristic lapse in the third, perhaps following realisation of the
implications of Lee’s defeat allowed Lars to come from 0-2 to win 9/2 and
that effectively sealed our fate. Scott took the last 9/1 but his 3-1
victory over a strong opponent was not enough.
A silence descended as the referees added up the match score 2-2, then the
games score 7-7 before the points score showed an advantage of 89-91 in
favour of Paderborner…..
Danny Meddings 9 9 9 Clive Ewins 7 9 5 3
Tim Garner 1 7 1 Stefan Leifels 9 5 9 9
Scott Handley 10 9 2 9 Lee Drew 3 4 1
Lars Harms 8 5 9 1 Ben Garner 9 9 9
Match score: Colets 2 Paderborner 2. Games 7-7 points 89-91.
Friday night was commiseration night and several of our party did not get
back to the hotel until 7am via four night clubs, at which point a mini
table tennis tournament challenge was announced between myself and Alan,
during which I took advantage of Alan’s blurred vision to record an
unlikely-to-be-repeated victory before squashed ball stopped play.
There was no denying the mood of despondency at having lost out yet again
on points count back yet Colets supporters did the team proud and the
rousing chorus of “Heigh ho Heigh ho its off to work we go” as they exited
the Pueblo squash bar seven dwarves style showed typically British
eccentric defiance in the face of adversity.
Saturday 18th September afternoon and it was a subdued but determined
Colets team that took to the courts for the bronze medal match. The boys
all had a point to prove and the match against USC Neudorf, the Austrian
champions, was the chance to put the Paderborner result behind us.
First on was Greg playing against Andreas Freudensprung after Clive had to
withdraw having strained a groin in his gruelling semi-final match the day
before. Greg started well and took the first 9/5 with some long rallies -
but it was Freudensprung who battled through the next three to take the
match 9/5,1/9,4/9,7/9.
Next door it was Danny Meddings playing his fourth match in just over two
days after almost five months without competitive play. Despite this and a
toe injury Danny proceeded to dismantle his opponent 9/2 9/0 in the first
two games. The third went to Czaska 4/9 – and perhaps for a less mentally
strong player at this stage of the tournament that might have been the
signal for Danny to drop his standard. Not so, and Danny forced himself
into a 9/6 win in the fourth to level the overall semi-final score at 1-1.
This was yet another outstanding performance from Danny which had
commentators wondering “what if” he had been competitively training –
certainly neither Scott or Lee would have enjoyed a comfortable time
playing him in this form.
The lead match, and the one which attracted most interest, was Alex Gough
against Lee Drew. Lee was smarting from his defeat the previous day and a
match against the Scottish player currently ranked 23 in the world and
Colets new signing for the summer season was certainly a challenge big
enough for him to forget his nightmare against Ben Garner.
Alex Gough is a Scot in the Alan Thomson mould, very likeable, very
professional on and off court - with a friendly face always willing to
spend time with other players and supporters alike. And not adverse to a
social beer after the match either!
Lee Drew first blood, and took the first 9/3, one could see confidence
returning with every point he won, and it was not too long before he took
the second 9/7. It was as if Lee had got an extra yard of pace plus his
accuracy and length of his shots had returned and the slightly jaded Alex
Gough could not stay with this revitalised player with a point to prove.
Alex did take the third 3/9 but Lee was not to be denied a confidence
boosting victory by winning the fourth 9/4.
Scott meanwhile was on court in what would be his last tournament match
before he played in the Spanish Open next week. His 9/5 9/2 9/3 straight
sets win against Andreas Fuchs was yet another superb example of
controlled squash. On this form, even though seeded five he would be very
hard to oppose in Spain.
Greg Pearman 9 1 4 7 Danny Meddings 9 9 4 9
Andreas Freudensprung 5 9 9 9 Leopold Czaska 2 0 9 6
Lee Drew 9 9 3 9 Scott Handley 9 9 9
Alex Gough 3 7 9 4 Andreas Fuchs 5 2 3
Match score: Colets 3 USC Neudorf 1.
So Colets managed to take third place in the tournament, yet again leaving
it without actually losing on games. The Germans of Paderborner went on to
win the final 3-1 and it is indeed they who will host next years European
Club championship in what is promised to be a great venue.
This was yet another good tournament performance from our team, not quite
good enough or lucky enough to be crowned European champions but really
result aside, we really are so lucky to have such a great set of players
proud to be associated with Colets. The club supporters as always made
friends wherever they went and Colets reputation as a friendly club with a
definitive bias towards partying was again enhanced. One more big thank
you to Robin without whom Colets strong participation would have not been
possible – but, now we have to do it all again, starting with the National
Championships!
Giordano Orsini.
General Manager.
21 -09 –2004
PS.
If you have the ability to make a special contribution towards Colets
squash teams at any level through financial sponsorship please feel free
to have a chat with David Peck /Giordano Orsini about the various
possibilities and options.
Most of the club sponsors prefer to keep a low-key approach but we are
able to put together a variety of cost effective packages to enhance your
local profile if required. This may include in house magazine advertising,
membership deals, guest passes, corporate days, court advertising,
reciprocal arrangements and other spin-off activities.
So, if you want to help, and have the ability to do so – please ask!
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