June Newsletter

Hello Everyone

Lots to cover in June's Newsletter but it's well worth a read so make yourself a cup of tea and take 5 to catch up on everything.

Firstly I wanted to do a quick segment on what it's like to be on the committee.

Prior to last year’s AGM I was asked if I was interested in joining the SSC committee. In all honesty I was hesitant at first as I work fulltime and have young kids etc I thought when would I have the time to help out? I thought about it and decided to give it a go and see if I would be able to fit in helping the club around life’s other commitments.

After my first committee meeting I was shocked to realise just how much the committee do for the club. So much goes on behind the scenes that as an everyday member you just don’t realise. Prior to being on the committee things at the club just seemed to happen and someone would be running something or an event would be happening but I had no idea how much work went into everything.

This past year I’ve helped in events, promotions, décor, social media, coaching, newsletters and articles, email bulletins, networking with newspapers and introducing new ideas to the club. I’ve really enjoyed every part of it and getting to meet new people and understand the sport I play in greater detail. It’s not just a club to me anymore and I feel a lot more passionate about the sport and promoting the club. The more I invested my time into helping the club, the more I got out of it and quickly realised that like most things in life if you want to make time for them, you will.

Inadvertently I’ve also found that my actual Squash game has improved over the last year. Being around like minded people and talking about your game makes a big difference and I’ve certainly found that I think about my game more than I used to. Before, during and after I approach the game different to how I used to and I analyse a lot more than I used to. I certainly feel this has been influenced from being on the committee.

It’s been really nice to play a part in making decisions about the future of the club and the direction we want it to go in. It’s all member focused and I think that’s why the club is progressing so well. The committee are a really great group of people too. Everyone helps and supports each other and we have a laugh too. When I first joined I thought I would be a bit out of place as I’m not as good at Squash as the other committee members but I quickly realised that this has no impact on the committee and that everyone is treated equally and has input and a voice, just the way it should it be.

Everyone who volunteers their time makes a big difference to the club and I’m really pleased with what we have achieved and there is plenty more in the pipeline.

If you want to know more or get involved I would strongly suggest you give it a go as you will get more out of it than you put in.

Scott

Summer Leagues

Summer Leagues have begun and you can find updates and League tables on the website as well as any fixtures updates that are made.

Summer Sunshine League 2019

Shropshire Squash Club v Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club Away 30 May 2019

With a prompt start at 6.30 and the team briefed on sports journalism as opposed to squash match play, the matches got underway!

First up Finley took on the old and bold Cath Grinsell; with quick movement out the back, dominating with speed onto the ball and good length, he successfully closed out the first game. This fuelled his opponent’s determination and Fin had a harder task in the 2nd game, but with speed as his ally, he managed to dominate the second half to win. This set him up well for the 3rd game which he took easily, proving the stronger player who is now hunting for a tougher challenge.

Tracy faced seasoned Jane Turner, who had been playing since squash rackets were first invented. A few nerves at the start caused some unforced errors, but she regained control of the game and evenly contested, only just losing out. In the 2nd game, Jane again took an early lead, but Tracy deftly responded with some great drops to win. Unfortunately, experience started to show through in the last 2 games with Jane playing lots of boasts to close out the match, despite Tracy putting in some epic efforts at retrieving. An all-round entertaining match.

Mark stepped on court against Paul Williams and both set of with lots of attacking squash in a tight 1st gaome, with Mark’s length improving throughout to win. This momentum was carried into the 2nd game, Mark taking a strong lead and finding the back corners and punishing with quality boasts. With a repeat performance in the 3rd game and a huge early lead, Mark proved too strong, with his opponent unable to read his boast, he stormed through to victory.

Peter had a shaky start against Simon Newell, struggling to settle his shots and making a few unforced errors that allowed his opponent to dominate the ‘T’ to his advantage. 2nd game showed much improved length and some long competitive rallies, Peter really started to build pressure and stretch – although not yet overcome - his opponents ball picking ability. At 2 games down, Peter started the 3rd much more tactically astute, taking the ball early to put pressure on, added to some well-placed drops saw him take the game. Unfortunately unable to repeat in the last match, although plenty of pluck in pulling back points, a couple mistakes early on allowed his opponent too big a lead to overcome.

Bradley v Peter Roberts was a bit like watching David v Goliath, with Bradley controlling the points early on against a very powerful opponent and putting any loose opportunities away with aplomb. His consistency in length and width paid off, forcing errors from his opponent and Brad easily sauntered to victory in the match.

Richard and Stuart Hobbs must have misplaced the memo reference a squash match as it appeared they had turned up to a marathon instead! Stuart took the 1st game with an aggressive start, taking advantage of Richard’s returns that lacked power. Richard turned this around in the 2nd with more depth and hard running. His opponent jumped straight back into a very tough 3rd game, with some weird angle serves and taking a risk on every chance to pinch a win. Ultimately though Richard rallied consistently through the next 2 games, employing some good hold and drops and volley drops, added to nail-biting pick-ups of his opponents boasts and more importantly never stopped running, to eventually take the victory in the 5th, by which point all spectators were completely exhausted.

Paul had a tough match against Beth Grinsell; with some excellent returns of serves, boasts and drop shots, Paul just had the edge to win the 1st match. Beth then edged ahead in the 2nd with good width and loll-pop lob serves. The 3rd was a tight affair with some good play from both, but after a controversial call at 11 all, Beth pipped ahead to win. The 4th was again a tightly contested which could have gone either way, unfortunately Beth once again nosed it over the line at 12-10.

Elaine was drawn against Stef Walczak – 2 different styles, which player will get the upper hand? With Stef to serve, there was a 1st point collision! This was a going to be keenly fought. An early lead for Stef, which was pegged back by Elaine, although the points continued to see-saw. Game points saved on each side, but Elaine just managed to take the 1st. 2nd game in, Stef tins an easy ball and the crowd goes ‘OHHH!’. She regains composure to take an early lead, but Elaine again manages to peg her back and close out the game. Stef changes tactic to slow down the game, making less errors and manages to take the win. She then starts off well in the 4th, taking an early lead and even with Elaine attempting a comeback, Stef holds on to prevail, making it 2-2. Elaine manages to find her rhythm and take

the lead in the 5th and even with Stef digging in, Elaine manages to remain composed to close out the match. Great win.

Stephen took an early lead against Peter Langston with a couple of lovely volleys. Peter edged back with drop shot winners, but long balls and fine running forced errors, enabling Stephen to win the 1st. With a similar pattern again, Stephen took an early lead, with consistency paying off to set up the killer finale. Superb anticipation and execution in the 3rd left in no doubt who was the better player when Stephen stormed into victory.

The number one seeds played last and provided the gallery with an entertaining game. Both left hander's Jordan Evans started quickly and dominated the tee. Max was unable to move him around and a series of sharp winners saw Jordan win the 1st set.

The same pattern followed in the second. Max trying very hard to get a foothold but Jordan always in front. A very good game but Jordan continuing to dominate.

At 2 - 0 down Max needed to try and change things. He started to hit the ball to a better length down both sides and all of a sudden it was Max in the ascendancy with mistakes coming from Jordan as he was moved away from the tee. An energy sapping game saw Max get a lead and hold onto it.

Max continued to hold his concentration at the beginning the 4th. He took an early lead but then a combination of a big effort from Jordan and some nervous play from Max saw the points level at 7 all. Both players giving their all. Max regained his composure and won an exciting game.

So 2 all and the audience really enjoying a very good match. Max took an early lead but Jordan came back with a series of quick winners, taking a momentary lead. However, it was Max who looked the stronger at this stage with Jordan unable to maintain his pace. Max kept him out of his comfort zone and took control to win a very good match.

The evening finished with a very companionable team dinner, SSC players were well hosted and were magnanimous following a solid 7-3 win. A great first team match result!

Seed SSC WLTSC Score

1 Max Ball Jordan Evans 3-2

2 Stephen Nankivel Peter Langston 3-0

3 Elaine Radcliffe Stef Walczak 3-2

4 Paul Dixon Beth Grinsell 1-3

5 Bradley Vaughan Peter Roberts 3-0

6 Richard Ewels Stuart Hobbs 3-2

7 Peter Rickard Simon Newell 1-3

8 Finley Aimer Catherine Grinsell 3-0

9 Mark Collins Paul Williams 3-0

10 Tracy Waldron-Pegge Jane Turner 1-3

Overall Score SSC v WLTSC 7-3

Dates for the next feature are below. Elaine is still looking for players, especially those who have not played team squash before so please get in touch with her if you are interested.

Next Squash 101 Session will be on Friday 14th June

Our 101 Squash sessions are proving to be more and more popular. If you are new to the club or sport and want to get to some free coaching as well as the opportunity to play some competivite games and learn some new skills this is the perfect opportunity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get people involved in the World's healthiest Sport. Pass it on to your family, friends and co-workers and bring them along to what has already proved to be a fun, easy going and free opportunity to play this great game.

Email Dan Aimer on captain@shropshiresquashclub.co.uk if you are interested in going or want to know more.

Upstairs Revamp

You may have noticed that there are more things up on the walls upstairs in the club? Big thanks to Andy Lawrence for giving the upstairs bar area a revamp and adding some pieces to give the place a better feel.

Whilst on the subject of the bar area we have a bif favour to ask all members:

We are in need of support from all members to help clear and recycle bottles from the bar area as we have run out of space to do this. We will bag up the bottles and leave them by the bar area so if you are at the club and see a bag full of empty bottles we kindly ask if members could take them home and recycle them and bring the bags back to the club. Please bare in mind that we are volunteers and need support from all members at times so if everyone can get on board with this it would help us a lot.

Many thanks

New Regular Feature: SSC Player of the Month

A new monthly feature is now here! As of June each club member will be part of SSC Player of the Month competition.

How it works:

Each month the committee will vote on nominations for SSC player of the month. Nominations can come from any club member but you can’t nominate yourself (even if you played really well). If you want to nominate a member for the player of the month simply email scottbass@hotmail.co.uk and tell us who you are nominating and why. The more information you give as to why your nomination should win the more chance that player will have on winning. It can be for an absolute beginner or a seasoned veteran. We want to hear about your epic games and hard fought come backs.

The committee will then review the nominations and declare the winner in the Newsletter.

What do you win?:

Apart from insurmountable respect you will also win a trophy! It’s your responsibility to keep and look after the trophy for a month before handing it over to the next winner. Maybe the previous winner buys the next a drink at the bar?

What will life be like after winning SSC Player of the Month?

Probably the same but maybe a little bit better.

We look forward to hearing from you and good luck to whoever is our first winner. If you can't wait to see the Trophy check it below.

Updates to the Club

Our thanks to the School for the completion of the upgrading of the lighting on courts 2 and 3. The lighting on all four courts is now excellent and well above England Squash recommended levels for club squash.

The Facilities Department tell us that the Water fountain should be in place and operational by the end of May. It is to be placed on the wall in the corridor to Court 3 - on the left before you get to the Ladies Changing Room. It is there for all players who need a quick bit of rehydration before, during or after games.... in fact, at any time!

Squasholiday

As some of you may be aware Guy has arranged a number of Squash Tours over the last few years (Malta, Guernsey and Gibraltar) - all of which have been very successful interns of enjoyment!. This year Alexey, Guy (and wives) have booked to go to Madeira - Wed 13th Nov to Wed 20th Nov.

They are staying at the Vidamar Hotel but there are loads of other deals available (To give an idea we would guess that it would cost under £500pp ALL inc).

Weather wise it should be very pleasant (around 70 most days) there is some chance of rain - sorry!

Squash Wise - Guy is now arranging this with the local Club - the organiser there has promised games against locals and a tournament if we want it.

If anyone is interested please get in contact with Guy at guyrutter1@gmail.com.

Ladies Nights

Another well attended Pizza & Prosecco night on the 17th May with “Squash Girls Can” as the theme(hence the butternut squash prizes). With Tracy WP unable to attend, club members Jan, Katy and Wendy ably took control to ensure it was a fun and and active night.

Big thanks go to our lovely coaches Elaine and Dan.

With ladies nights every 3rd Friday the next one is set for 21st June kicking off at 6:45pm. As usual please RSVP to Tracy on 07854 544732.

Sunday Morning Training

Lastly we want to let everyone know that anyone who wants to improve their fitness is welcome to come and join in with the Sunday Morning Training sessions. The sessions start at 8.30am (in the morning) and last about 1 hour. There is no charge.

If you want further details contact Guy Rutter at guyrutter1@gmail.com

Many thanks for taking the time to read through the Newsletter. Good luck to everyone through June with all your Squash endeavours.

See you at the club

Scott

04/06/2019