September Newsletter

Hi everyone!

Summer has only just been and gone and I've already seen two TV adverts for Christmas! Surely it's too early to start thinking about Christmas? Having said that I've said Christmas three times in this Newsletter and we've just got started.

Make sure to check out where you are in the September internal Leagues which are now on the website.

First of all we want to congratulate our new:

SSC Player of the Month

You may remember that Alexey won this prestigious award in June and due to the summer break we allowed him to keep hold of the Trophy for an extra month.

So with Alexey ready to hand over the trophy we are pleased to announce that August's's Player of the Month is Ian Thompson!

Ian has captained the Antiques Roadshow summer team (currently 5th in the summer leagues) expertly leading the oldest squad in the leagues!

He continues to play at a good standard (he is currently in league 4) and has won many of his summer league matches. He often gives away over 40 years to his opponents - many of whom he manages to ‘out fitness’ in the last 5 minutes of play!

Ian has also being quietly helping to manage the Summer Leagues. He has taken down all scores (having understood and correctly applied the fiendishly complicated scoring system!) for all teams and sends out an email update to everyone the next evening.

Ian continues to play on Sundays at Club nights and is always a great competitor in all games. He has also been supporting the junior players.

Ian was nominated for this award by not by 1 member but by 3, Guy rutter, Peter Rickard and Chris Ferriday.

Other Nominations for Player of the Month were myself from Neil Manley (I don't owe you that £10 now Neil as I didn't win) and Max Ball from Mark Collins.

Start getting your nominations in now for September's Player of the Month. Please submit all nominations to scottbass@hotmail.co.uk or by text to 07875296697. Remember to give your reasons for the nomination and the better the story the more likely you will win.

Keep a look out for the wirte up Interview with Ian and once again Congratulations.

Alan Boswell Trophy

Shropshire Squash Club hosts the “Alan Boswell Trophy” golf challenge day on Friday 4th October 2019 at Arscott Golf Club. The first T is 12:30. The day will include a round of golf “Individual Stableford” followed by a meal. The winner will be presented with the “Alan Boswell Trophy” in memory of one of the great characters of Shropshire Squash Club. There will also be prizes for two “Nearest the Pins” Remember this is a fun day out to try your hand at a different sport.

All members and past members welcome. Cost per individual is £25.00. If your interested please contact Jim Quinn by 21st September. Mobile No. 07971196057 or Email address (jimquinn393@gmail.com)

Shropshire Squash Club host primary schools

June and July saw 4 local primary schools coming to the squash club for 2 training mornings each and then a festival of squash tournament involving 48 players in mixed teams.

Greenfields, Radbrook, The Grange and Mount Pleasant primary schools each sent 12 of their most talented sports pupils to learn about the game of squash and prepare for the finals event with junior club coach Ben Schur. The finals involved 2 teams of 6 from each school competing in a round robin league. Overall winners were Greenfields primary school, taking home the inaugural Shropshire Squash Primary Schools Cup.

Thank you to Shropshire County Squash for funding the coaching programme and to Peter Rickard for allowing pupils in the schools time out of their usual school sports.

Summer Sunshine League Match SSC v Brookside Home on 11 July 19 Report

Seed 10: Alastair Henman v Wesley Rowley 3-0 (11/8, 11/8, 11/5)

Tight 1st game start with low boasts and drops to give Al an early lead, when Wes picked up a gear Al powered on, searing across court like a charging rhino to take the first game. Into the 2nd, Al back on court already brimming with confidence and lashings of hope. Poised like a tiger hunting a tired gazelle. Rapidly the hope became a despairing battle of wills. At 6-5 down, Alastair bravely challenged the ref – to no avail. However, one bad return later and it was up to 7-6!! Like 2 gladiators on the eve of battle, both me prepared for the next shot… Alastair crumbled like an overcooked pie into the last few points before pulling a minor miracle out of the hat, swaggering off court like the only gay in the village, he claimed the 2nd game 11-8. The Henman took game 3 in his stride! Never a doubt. More lets than a crap estate agent, but at 11-5, who cares!

Seed 9: Andy Lawrence v Dan Pierpoint 0-3 (10/12, 7/11, 9/11)

Dan started service taking an early lead with some good drops, forcing Andy to push forward to cover the front court. With an impression of a gymnast doing the splits, Andy managed to retrieve some ridiculous shots to pull it back to 10-10, but unfortunately failed to pull off the game. In the 2nd, Andy worked on his running endurance as Dan pushed him round the court like a hamster on a wheel, building up an early lead which Andy was unable to whittle down. A more settled 3rd game where Andy tried instead to increase the length of shots to put pressure on, sadly it appeared that Dan had read the same memo. Instead making a switch in tactics mid game, Andy started to utilise a drop game with improved success and pulling the score back, but alas too little too late.

Seed 8: Neil Manley v Joe Connolly 3-0 (11/4, 12/10, 11/8)

A strong start out the blocks saw Neil target the front then back corners to make Joe run diagonal sprints to warm him up, with a consistently measured length, Neil easily took the 1st. Having woken up and warmed up, Joe looked much livelier in the 2nd, although Neil countered with a series of steady holds followed by devastating drops. An exciting series of rallies ensued with neither taking a decisive lead until 10-10, when a killer boast and an unforced return out by Joe gave Neil the victory. Trying to close the gap from behind, Joe got the bit between his teeth to storm ahead with some well-placed shots. Neil answered with tighter squash and some brilliant front court retrieves to claw back from 4-8 down and take the match!

Seed 7: Peter Rickard v Jason Pierpoint 2-3 (11/6, 8/11, 3/11, 11/7, 8/11)

Jason, back on court following a shoulder injury, set off on a quick start, but Peter pulls it back. 1st game played in great spirit, with Peter pulling through and JP showing signs of shoulder pain. JP takes an early lead in the 2nd again, putting Peter under immense pressure, both players hitting some great lengths, Peter claws his way back to 7/8, but JP takes it 11/8. Again, JP storms out in front, some great rallies with both players making use of the front, but JP is too strong. A tighter 4th game with both players winning points on the drop. JP misjudges with some unforced errors and Peter pulls even with the games at 2-2. Everything to play for in the 5th, with good use of angles and some lucky nicks. Peter reads JP and anticipates his return, taking the lead, JP fights back with great effort, a disguised drop and Peter levels at 8/8, but JP has just enough in the bag to pull off the win. Hmmm, the shoulder appeared fine after as well…

Seed 6: Richard Ewels v Seb Pierpoint 3-2 (11/9, 14/12, 11/13, 6/11, 11/9)

Rich started service looking sexy and took an early lead with Seb fighting hard to get a few points back. With tidy squash from both players, Rich took the 1st game. Starting strong out the blocks again, Rich pulled off some nice drops to lead from the front. Seb countered with good lengths to catch Rich out and pulled the score back to 11/11,

Rich, clinging on by fingernails, manages to hold on to the win 14/12. The tide turns in the 3rd with Seb out front and Rich digging in to get the scores level at 9/9. Both players looking less than fresh and playing some dodgy shots into the nicks, with Seb just getting the upper hand to take it 13/11. Seb took advantage of the fact that Rich was now looking somewhat similar to a limp lettuce, to take the 4th. With sweat streaming off both players like Niagara Falls, they girded their loins to find a second wind in the 5th. The floor boards took a pummelling as both players pounded up and down chasing the ball like spaniels on speed, this is where Rich is at his best though, with seasons of experience in grinding players down in a similar fashion, he edged ahead of a winded Seb to take the match.

Seed 5: Dan Jackson v Ian Pitchford 1-3 (11/6, 5/11, 9/11, 9/11)

These 2 fight tight! Power shots aplenty, but causing a few loose shots along the way, 1st game 11/6 to Dan was quickly followed by a 5/11 reverse to tie the fixture into game 3. Ian started the 3rd with the upper confident hand, but quickly loosing ground to Dan. The game evened out at the halfway point though: 6/6! With each point being countered, 8/8, 9/9, before Ian steals it to pull the games back to 2-1. Dan has everything to play for in the 4th. The games starts out with both players neck and neck even, then Ian starts to take the ascendency. Dan sucks air through every orifice to chase down each ball and drag the score back to 9/10. With shots flying everywhere and both players racing round like greyhounds, Ian just manages to get a lucky racket to the ball to send it behind Dan to sneak the match. Both yellow spots were found to be missing on the match ball after...

Seed 4: Nigel Jackson v Tim Ledden 3-1 (17/15, 11/13, 11/9, 12/10)

Even start 2/2 as both players found their feet. Competitive rallies with the ball staying in play. At 4/4, Nigel is dominating with cross courts deep, but Tim is getting everything back. With game point in hand at 10/8, Nigel misses his chances and clings on for 10/10, as Tim pulls it back with a well taken back hand drive. Back in front at 11/10, Nigel tins game ball. At 12/13, Tim tins a back hand. Following the back and forth ding dong, finally Nigel puts a fore hand volley drive down the line to win 17/15 - we could be here all night! Nigel starts strong in the 2nd, taking a comfortable lead 7/2 after finding his length and using effective lobs. A few miss hits though and Tim senses his chances to take it to 10/10. Tim hits out at the back of the court giving Nigel a chance at 11/10, but Nigel hits wood instead and then gives a stroke for Tim to take 13/11. Even start in the 3rd, long lengths and cross court rallies, Nigel pulls ahead 7/5, but Tim digs deep to keep it level point for point 9/9. Nigel takes a fantastic game point with a drive down the fore hand, having covered every inch of the court! 4th game, both players again trade points with long rallies. Tim manages to pull away 9/5 with drops working well. Nigel takes the next 2 points, but then concedes a stroke leaving it 10/7, all Tim has to do is put it away! Nigel holds firm to inch it back to 12/10 in a very closely contested match!

Seed 3: Elaine Radcliffe v Simon Pierpoint 0-3 (6/11, 3/11, 8/11)

Both players turned up on court wearing matching leggings – who wore it best!?! Elaine manage to get ahead int he 1st with some well-placed lengths. With some scrabbling drops, Simon pulls it back. A tiring rally at 6/3 leads to 2 lets, leaving Elaine flat footed, power and relentlessness sees Simon win the 1st. 2nd game started with a mammoth rally win, E taking spoils. More tremendous tight fought and long rallies followed. Great movement and fitness from both players, but Simon managing to push forward and put the pressure on taking the 2nd. In the final game, Simon was just too fast, powerful and accurate with his drops, taking advantage of Elaine tiring at the back of the court. Elaine lifted the ball to pull back, but too little too late and losing out.

Seed 2: Max Ball v Daniel Blackney 0-3

Max shows up in his yellow and blue ‘Rough runner’ T-shirt as a plan to intimidate his also left handed opponent. The start of the game show promise with some decent rallies from the off, but Dan collecting all of the first 6 points. Mid way through the game and both players decide hitting the tin is rather fun, with the game ending rather quickly and Dan up ahead. 2nd game and Max comes out the blocks fast, with crowds gathering all around the world to see

the match that promised so much on paper, sparks start to ignite…. Unfortunately, Max was unable to finish due to rolling over on his ankle.

Seed 1: Cameron Parry v Adam Pierpoint 3-1 (11/7, 11/7, 9/11, 11/3)

The final game to decide the overall match, Brookside leading 5 – 4 in matches, with games at countback 18 – 15. SSC needed to win 3-0 to draw, no pressure Cameron!

Cameron to serve, each point highly contested by Adam, but Cam had the edge all through to win the 1st. 2nd game started much the same way, long rallies for each point, but Cam comfortably taking the lead with good use of length into the back corners. Adam fought back with more front court play, helped by a couple of unforced errors from Cam, but then Cam stepped up a gear to clinch the 2nd. 3rd game, no less contested, Adam kept the pressure on to keep it nip and tuck to 8/8, a controversial point next, where the away crowd jeered the ref to help him change his mind, giving Adam the mental positivity. Cam then put a serve out and with the momentum firmly in Adam’s favour, he clinched the game 11/9 and the away crowd erupted. Cameron composed himself in the 4th and took the early advantage, controlling the game comfortably for an emphatic win to seal the match.

A very close result between both teams, matches even at 5-5, but Brookside just sneaking the win with a game countback of 19-18. Good squash played by all and a nice social down the Olive Tree after, overall a fantastic match night.

AGM News:

The Shropshire Squash Club AGM will be held before the end of November (within 15 months of the last AGM). This early warning notice is to give members time and opportunity to consider whether they would like items on the agenda for discussion.

We have had a very successful year both in terms of changes to the club; both individual and team squash achievements; and most notably membership which continues to rise:

i) membership up 50% on last sept (222 vs 149);

ii) increased number of teams in the Shropshire league;

iii) record number of players in internal leagues;

iv) record number of female members..

The committee continue to work on improvements and suggestions raised by the membership and are committed to being as transparent as it possibly can be regarding the business of the club. Committee meetings are held monthly and the membership of the committee stands at 10 strong with each member contributing to the whole club as well as taking a lead in specific areas.

At the moment the Committee stands at 10 members

Daniel Aimer: Club Captain

Max Ball: Bar and Marketing

Scott Bass: Communications

Andrew Black: Membership and Accounts

Andrew Lawrence: Marketing and Digital

Elaine Radcliffe: Summer Team Captain and Women’s Events/Membership

Ben Schur: Junior Coach

Ian Tanner: Safeguarding and Welfare Officer

Tracey Waldron-Pegge: Women’s Events/Membership

For the year 2018/19 we have not had an appointed or elected chair and as such following last year’s AGM a number of members were approached and asked if they would take the role of “Acting Chair”. As most of you probably know Carl Griffiths agreed to take this role on but one of the roles of the AGM is to:

See if existing committee members wish to continue in their existing role and if so re-elect.

If they do not then nominations are requested for their role and if more than one nominees are put forward then a members vote is taken. As Acting Chair I have asked all of the Committee Members whether they wish to again stand or step down. As soon as I know if any roles are outstanding then members will be notified.

But in terms of the ‘Chair’ it has only been filled as an acting role and therefore it is already a vacant role on the committee. Nominations will therefore be sought for this role and I would ask that if you are nominating someone into this role then you gain their agreement.

New Year

Saturday morning coaching will start again on Saturday 7th September. It is open to all juniors from 4-19 years old so if you know a youngster who might like to try the fastest racquet sport in the world then bring them down. The first session 9am-10am is for beginners, 10am-11am for developing players and the advanced group runs from 11am-12:45pm. Sessions are run by club coaches and pro-coach Miles Jenkins and special squash equipment is provided. All enquiries to Ben Schur: benschur@zoho.com

Check out club pro Miles Jenkins’ progress in the PSA challenger tour event in Madeira from 4th to 8th September. Information on the draw and results comes through on: https://psaworldtour.com/tournaments/view/9846

Georgie Lincoln Roll of Honour

Congratulations on her international call up to Georgie Lincoln. A presentation was made at the summer league finals. Hopefully her framed shirt will provide inspiration to others both young and older players at the club.

Team Lineups Announced :

Check out this terms team lineups below:

Division 1

Team 1

Craig Heath, Phil Caudle (Captian), Paul Matherson, Ben Schur, Nick McGuirk, Cheryl Evans

Team 2

Cameron Parry, Daniel Aimer, Ashley Peale, Max Ball (Captian), Linda Pritchard, Richard Alison

Division 2

Team 1

Tom Flint, Steve Nankivell, Tim Pratt, Ashley Jones (part games), Steve Marsh (Captain) , Colin Jenkins

Team 2

Rich Smith , Nigel Jackson (Captain), Dan Jackson, Chris Ferriday, Richard Ewels, Steve Holland, Oliver Delamont

Team 3

Rob Nayman (Captain), Mike Kirby (part time), Paul Dixon, Guy Rutter, Alexey Golovatyu, Brad Vaughn, Ian Thompson

Pool:

Ben Deegen, Marl Parsons, Myles Harding, Dave Wray, Ben Nimo

Division 3

Team 1

Alistair Perkins, Andrew Cox, Scott Bass, Andrew Black, Rachel Pritchard, Neil Manley, Andy Lawrence (Captain), Mark Collins

Team 2

Pete Rickard, Maurice Pritchard, Alistair Henman (Captain), Finley Aimer, Dan Jones, Tom Hyde, Chris Tranter, Becky Wright

Spare pool

Steve Owen (occasional)
Andina Chandra (occasional)
Glyn Davies (occasional)
Kieran Thomas (occasional)
Harrison Combrie (would like to be in a team)

Miles Pro Coaching times and Dates:

Miles has the following dates and times free for pro coaching. If you are interested contact him on

Tuesday 10th September 17:15 - 21:45. 19:30 - 20:30 squash fitness.
Saturday 14th September 12:00 - 13:30
Monday 16th September 16:30 - 21:00. 19:30 - 20:30 squash fitness
Tuesday 24th September 17:15 - 21.45. 19:30 - 20:30 squash fitness.

As always if you want to book a coaching session please contact miles on 07809155120 or milesjenkins@hotmail.co.uk

02/09/2019