squash scene - Roehampton Club

EQUIPMENT
SQUASH SCENE
Discounted to Roehampton members
(Issue 9) 2014/15
Planning permission granted…..
Shoes
The new Salming squash shoes are now available to order/purchase at the Roehampton Racquets Shop
or via [email protected].
Salming; currently taking the market by storm many pro players are signing with the shoe, including the
latest signing of Amr Shabana.
Men’s Range
Viper –
Race R1 2.0 –
R9 Mid –
Ladies Range
Race R5 2.0 –
MEMBER PRICE £90.00.
MEMBER PRICE £80.00.
MEMBER PRICE £80.00.
RRP & non member price £109.99
RRP & non member price £99.99
RRP & non member price £99.99
MEMBER PRICE £65.00.
RRP & non member price £79.99
And now after years of meetings, thoughts, ideas and suggestions the Squash
Committee submitted its final plans for the 6th court – which will include a doubles
squash court at Roehampton Club. The first step, after Board approval, was to apply
for planning permission from Wandsworth Council initially to see if the idea could
even be implemented......and, as of 29 May 2014, approval was given and
permission granted. The Club is now working with architects and engineers to
finalise the plans that will go to the Board for approval of funding. Once this has
been given, works will look to commence in April 2015 and by September the Club
will boast 6 singles squash courts, with the new 6th court having a multipurpose use
– singles show court, Doubles squash court and also the capacity providing a
multipurpose area. Exciting times ahead and drawings will be on show later in 2014
for members to see.
Rackets
Prince
Airstick 130 Warrior Rebel 03 Red Racketball -
The n
MEMBER PRICE £65.00.
MEMBER PRICE £89.00.
MEMBER PRICE £140.00.
MEMBER PRICE £75.00.
RRP & non member price £100.00
RRP & non member price £140.00
RRP & non member price £190.00
RRP & non member price £120.00
Ladies Squash & Racket ball mornings – amazing aerobic
exercise
An opportunity to try either or both sports.
“The ball that never ‘dies’/the competitive exercise that never stops” - Look out for
further information about new ‘taster’ session to be run during the day on
Wednesday – 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov & 3 Dec.
Racquets and stringing service available at the Club shop, opposite
Technifibre
Carboflex 125 Supreme 125 Supreme 130 Tonic Fit Racketball -
MEMBER PRICE £105.00.
MEMBER PRICE £110.00.
MEMBER PRICE £105.00.
MEMBER PRICE £40.00.
RRP & non member price £139.99
RRP & non member price £149.99
RRP & non member price £139.99
RRP & non member price £54.99
reception. Please come in to see the range on offer and ask any one of the coaching
professionals about purchasing a racket or restringing. They will be happy to answer
any questions you might have.
Tip: Most club players/members do not worry about their strings but it can make a
real difference to your game to have the correct tension or strings to suit your
game. Take the opportunity to find out what a difference it really can make!
Follow Paul on Twitter: @PaulLindsay10
Other rackets/shoes available on request
16
CONTENTS
THE BATH CUP FIXTURE LIST
Club Night & Events
Schools Squash Invitation
Roehampton Club University Cup
Coaching Page
Fixtures
Club Championship 2013
(page 2, 3 & 10)
(page 6 & 7)
(pages 8 & 9)
(page 11)
(page 3, 14 & 15)
(page 12 & 13)
Veterans Division - First Half
Christmas Club Night
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2014
ENGLAND
Wed 01 Oct 2014
Wed 22 Oct 2014
Wed 29 Oct 2014
Wed 05 Nov 2014
Wed 12 Nov 2014
Wed 19 Nov 2014
Wed 26 Nov 2014
Weds 03 Dec 2105
Home Team
R.A.C.
Oxford & Cambridge
Roehampton
Roehampton
Wimbledon Lakeside
Roehampton
Bath & Racquets
Roehampton
Away Team
Roehampton
Roehampton
Cumberland
M.C.C.
Roehampton
Queen’s
Roehampton
Hurlingham
ROEHAMPTON v RAC (Doubles Cup)
v
REST OF THE WORLD
6.00PM ONWARDS
Roehampton & RAC Doubles Cup……………………Yesssssssssss!
Leading 2-3 after the ‘away’ leg we needed a single game loss (2-3) or victory to ensure the cup stayed at its “rightful
home”…..Roehampton.
We had a strong team and, as usual RAC played the psychological game of suggesting that their team was weakened by
injuries/age/defections/infections etc.
My team was having none of it!
The ‘auld pairing’ of Heffler and Holland secured a 3-1 victory in the opening match, master tactician Holland ensuring
that they played on Heffler, until the former decided to hit unplayable winners, exhausting but exhilarating!
Unfortunately the Alma paring of Dearman and O’Driscoll got caught cold (Cavin was late and James had warmed down
before they played) and was beaten 0-3.
Dinner & Drink in the bar to follow
with spectators welcome.
v
We had high hopes for Bradley and Findlay, two of our rising singles stars, but they met the excellent RAC captain
Jonathan Bromley and got a “lefties lesson” in doubles play - I know they are already plotting revenge come November.
rd
st
Which left Club Doubles Champions Taylor and Lindsay (‘relegated’ to 3 string), and Alma 1 pair, Le Guern and
Crosthwaite to “bring home” the trophy - which they did in emphatic style!
Roehampton Club then enjoyed (not ‘endured’ as some wag suggested) a bar full of companionable ‘squashistas’,
followed by a superb meal and good fellowship.
And, of course, Roehampton received “our trophy”.
A super team effort in both squash and by Roehampton catering, an unbeatable combination when it works well.
Chairman of Squash
Ross Heffler
For further information please contact – [email protected]
2
THE BATH CUP FIXTURE LIST
Bath Cup Captains:
Bath Cup 1
Bath Cup 2
Bath Cup 3
Bath Cup Vets
CLUB NIGHT
To get started, members can find fellow members of similar ability or above at Club nights on a Tuesday - these nights go on
throughout the season (early September-May) and some members have been known to play on through the summer!
Steve Richardson
David le Guern
Tom Crosthwaite
Anthony Forshaw
Club nights are managed by the club professional, Paul Lindsay, and are on a pitch-up-and-play basis - from 6.00pm-8.00pm
and beyond. Guided by the professional, players are 'matched' and play two full games, after which partners are swapped
around - Paul is on hand throughout the evening to offer advice, tips and suggestions and will offer to play against members
and organise competitive doubles games!
Division 1 - First Half
Home Team
Away Team
Thurs 02 Oct 2014
Thurs 9 Oct 2014
Thurs 16 Oct 2014
Thurs 23 Oct 2014
Thurs 30 Oct 2014
Thurs 06 Nov 2014
Thurs 13 Nov 2014
Thurs 20 Nov 2014
Thurs 27 Nov 2014
Thurs 04 Dec 2014
Thurs 11 Dec 2014
R.A.C.1
Oxford & Cambridge 'A'
Roehampton 1
Queen’s 1
Roehampton 1
Roehampton 1
H.A.C
Roehampton 1
Bath & Racquets
Roehampton 1
Lansdowne ‘B’
Roehampton 1
Roehampton 1
Lansdowne ‘A’
Roehampton 1
Cumberland 1
M.C.C. 1
Roehampton 1
Oxford & Cambridge ‘B’
Roehampton 1
Hurlingham
Roehampton 1
Division 2 – First Half
Home Team
Away Team
Wed 01 Oct 2014
Queen’s 2
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
Queen’s 3
R.A.C. 2
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
Oxford & Cambridge 3
Wed 15 Oct 2014
Cumberland 2
Roehampton 2
Wed 22 Oct 2014
M.C.C. 2
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
Hurlingham 2
Wed 29 Oct 2014
Roehampton 3
Lansdowne 3
R.A.F
Roehampton 2
Wed 05 Nov 2014
Queen’s 3
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
Queen’s 2
Wed 12 Nov 2014
Roehampton 3
Roehampton 2
Wed 19 Nov 2014
Hurlingham 2
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
R.A.C. 2
Wed 26 Nov 2014
R.A.F
Roehampton 3
Roehampton 2
Cumberland 2
Wed 03 Dec 2014
Oxford & Cambridge 3
Roehampton 2
Roehampton 3
M.C.C.2
Roehampton 3
Lansdowne 3
Wed 08 Oct 2014
Wed 10 Dec 2014
14
Club Night Monthly Specials2014
September 9 Season Opener
October 7 Chairman’s Club Night
November 11 Wooden Racquets Evening
December 2 England v Rest of the World
SQUASH FRIENDLY FIXTURE LIST 2014
Home Team
Roehampton
Roehampton
Barnes
Roehampton
Roehampton
Sheen
RAC
Roehampton
Roehampton
Thursday 18 Sept
Thursday 25 Sept
Thursday 2 Oct
Thursday 16 Oct
Monday 20 Oct
Thursday 23 Oct
Thursday 13 Nov
Thursday 20 Nov
Thursday 27 Nov
Away Team
Lensbury
Wine Trades
Roehampton
Hurlingham
HAC
Roehampton
Roehampton (doubles)
Roehampton Uni
Old Wellingtonns
Jersey Tour Team
Please contact Nigel Clarke and James Dearman to register your availability for friendly matches and for further details.
SQUASH EVENTS 2015
*London Open Under 23 BSPA
*James Newell Doubles Invitational
*Schools Squash Invitation Division 2
*Roehampton Club University Cup
*Schools Squash Invitation Division 1
*Club Championship Finals Evening
*BSPA Grand Prix Final
9 – 11 January
11 January
18 January
7 & 8 February
15 March
8 May
May 27 - 29
*Due to restricted court usage during competitions please make alternative playing arrangements.
If you have any problems please contact Paul Lindsay.
Steve Richardson – Men’s Champion 2014
Please feel free to contact any members of the squash committee or
Paul Lindsay, Head Professional
Ross Heffler
Cavin O’Driscoll
Nigel Clarke
James Dearman
Paul Lindsay
Chairman
Captain
Friendly Match Organiser
Friendly Match Organiser
Head Professional
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
3
BRIGHT London Under 23 Open BSPA
January 10, 11 & 12 2014, Roehampton Club hosted the squash BRIGHT London U23 Open 2014.
The tournament, in its fourth year, and with sponsor, BRIGHT, gave members the opportunity to watch some of
the up and coming squash stars of the future. This was a rare opportunity for Club members to watch professional
quality squash and this year saw more general Club members take the opportunity.
Also, a 'thank you' to the squash playing section for supporting and attending the tournament, and for your
patience in allowing 3 or 4 courts to be in use for the tournament schedule.
After 3 days of packed squash and high class play, the finals saw great matches in both the Women’s and Men’s
draw
Finals
Men’s Open – Charles Sharpes bt Greg Lobban 11/9, 12/10, 11/2
Proving difficult to predict a winner from this match it had the potential to be very close. The first game showed
why these two young men have a bright future in the sport and are making their way up world ranking list. Fast
paced squash with high class retrieving skills meant both players finding it difficult to force an opening. Charles
looked focus and at 4-4 managed to open up a lead to 7-4 and even though Greg got it back to 9-9 Charles held on
to take the first 11/9. The second game saw players exchange point for point with a tough call on Greg at just the
wrong moment Charles won 12/10. Charles took a commanding lead in the third to 5-0 up and even with Greg
fighting to get back into the game Charles stayed composed to close out the game and match 11/2.
Ric starting quicker than Stuart and, to the crowd’s surprise, went 2-1 up in games as both began to feel the effects of
th
their efforts on court. Stuart dug deep making Ric play that one shot more and took the 4 to force a decider. Sadly the
th
5 was not to be completed, the near super human efforts from both had pushed the body to the limit and Ric was first
to crack, forced to retire in the fifth with a muscle injury, of course, both believed (and so they should) that had it
continued each would have been the winner. Well done Stuart, commiseration Ric. We look forward to “Round three –
this time it’s serious” next year.
The singles final was also a repeat – of the 2012 finals. Paul Taylor determined, and out to avenge his defeat, playing
superb squash over the last few months and Steve Richardson the current champ fresh from his ‘unbeaten’ home
internationals performance and looking good. The first game was the highlight of the evening for the packed crowd,
shot making from Paul and world class retrieving from Steve with Paul’s shot making taking a long close game 11/9.
nd
Some further high tempo rallies set the tone of the 2 game but as Steve was starting to warm up, Paul was now
starting to feel the effects of being moved around the court….this pattern of play suited Steve and his patience was
rewarded – 1 game all. Top quality squash continued to entertain the watching crowd but a fresher Steve, fit from
playing in the recent European Teams Championship, took the next two games and with it retained the Open title – four
in a row now! Well played both, and you are getting much closer Paul. An injury free season and strict training will give
you the chance you deserve. Good luck!
Meanwhile, I was back on court for the handicap doubles finals, with my brilliant partner Lizzie Barry, who had kept
Stevie Richardson ‘honest’ in a previous round and who was playing against one of her usual partners, David le Guern,
which confused her at first. Once again I thank the generosity of spirit of our opponents, David with Andy Nowell, the
brilliance of my partner, the encouragement of the spectators (who included Lizzie’s mum and dad) and a special
Mourinho-like congratulations to our umpire/scorer James Rowland Clark, who did our partnership absolutely no favours,
but was good value – eventually! This handicap proved to be correct, as Lizzie and I won!
By then it was 9pm and the doubles finals just started, so by 10pm some of the ‘crowd’ slipped away to dinner. They
missed a classic encounter between young David Le Guern & Seb Obieta and old(er) Paul Taylor & Paul Lindsay. Old won
out but it was doubles of a very high standard; the losers (just missing out in the fifth set). Congratulations to both sides.
And so to a late supper, a mercifully short, but heartfelt speech (by me) and so to the prize giving, with a shocked Jan
Menneken receiving the ‘best and fairest” (and in our opinion the most courageous) plus large smiles from “your
correspondent” and a gracious thank you speech from re-crowned singles champion, Steve Richardson!
Women’s Open – Tory Temple-Murray bt Chloe Mesic 11/6, 11/6, 11/1
The opening game saw Tory settle quickly and use her power to dominate from the front of the court. Chloe
seemed to be determined to do well and perhaps the pressure put on herself meant the free flowing movement
and shots seen in previous rounds was not there today. Tory by contrast was in control, mixing her shots and
applying pressure at every possible opportunity and took the first 11/6. The second games started closely till Tory
took at 5-4 lead and her line and length gave Chloe no time meaning a winning shot opportunity soon came about.
The third saw Chloe now unaware how to deal with Tory’s game as anything she tried was answered, Tory took the
game and match 11/1
Kind Regards
Paul Lindsay
Head Squash Professional
Over and above my ‘wins’ it was an exceptional, happy, evening, enjoyed by the most vibrant, enthusiastic, friendly
and growing section, with much to look forward to.
"Your correspondent” is delighted & proud to be the Chairman of a happy, united section that is really buzzing. Roll on
2014/15.
Ross Heffler
Chairman of Squash
RESULTS
Handicap –
Junior Under 13 –
Junior Under 19 –
Over 40’s Doubles –
Ladies –
Doubles Handicap –
Over 45’s –
Open –
Open Doubles –
Best & Fairest –
N. Wazir bt N. Clarke 15/12, 15/13, 17/14
S. Hill bt O. Kerr 3/0
R. Giddins bt H. Thorneycroft 3/0
R. Heffler & C. O’Driscoll bt J. Dearman & C. Gotla 15/11, 7/15, 15/8, 11/15, 15/9
K. Burke bt L. Barry 3/0
R. Heffler & L. Barry bt D. le Guern & A. Nowell 15/4, 15/13, 13/15, 15/6
S. Hardy bt R. Ford 3/2
S. Richardson bt P. Taylor 9/11, 11/7, 11/5, 11/6
P. Taylor & P. Lindsay bt D. Le Guern & S. Obieta 15/11, 17/14, 13/15, 7/11, 11/8
Jan Menneken
13
Roehampton Club Squash Championships 2014
Brilliant Squash Club Championships ‘finals’ night for everyone (particularly “your correspondent”!)
Modesty SHOULD prevent me from writing about last Friday’s Club Championships, and as so many of the section
have pointed out “Ross, you have much to be modest about!”
But anyway! It was fantastic to see so many of the section; finalists, competitors, parents, supporters and friends
come down for a genuinely packed programme of squash finals!
And seeing how late it all finished, we will be looking at how to speed up the proceedings for next year, allowing
for more socialising and dining time!!!!
Because “your correspondent” was actually involved in two finals, I arrived early to change and warm up, allowing
me to view how Paul Lindsay and the team had organised the evening. I think the drinks stand is a major plus and
certainly paid its way on Friday (can we have some wine as well next year Paul, some poor members and friends
missed some of the play by having to go “ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE BAR!”) and in truth it was picture perfect.
A marvellous new innovation this year was the introduction of a professional referee for all of the singles finals
and the open doubles. Smart move, Paul.
There was only one drawback; with so many spectators it was difficult for everyone to get a good view, maybe
some stand seating in the future…………………?
And so to the matches; my choice at 6.00pm was either the Juniors on court 3 or the Handicap on court 2. I went
for youth over experience and saw two junior games that were much closer, and more skilful, than the 3-0 score
lines suggest. The U13 final saw Spencer Hill use his hard hitting to the back of the court to beat Oliver Kerr in a
close fought battle, whilst the U19s saw last year’s losing finalist Rory Giddins take on Harry Thorneycroft. Rory
had learnt from the previous year reducing the unforced error count and digging in deep to take the title.
Meanwhile, Niall Wazir (Paul Lindsay’s “dark horse” for the competition – he beat me in the first round!) was just
too fast for my old sparring partner, Nigel Clarke (relative adjustments next year please handicappers), but overall
many, many five setters throughout the rounds, so well done.
And so to MY first final of the evening, the Over 40’s doubles, a new event inspired by the Vets Captain Tony
Forshaw. I realised that it was actually a competition for over 40” waist, rather than years and was delighted to
triumph over five gruelling sets, against James Dearman and Chris Gotla, inspired (some would say carried) by my
partner Cavin O’Driscoll.
Our victory was down to the following factors; the sporting nature of our opponents, the continuing injury to Chris
Gotla’s knee, my partner’s inspired play and advice from a “currently crocked” Tony Forshaw in the intervals.
Hoping I can repay you sometime, Tony!
The ladies final was being played simultaneously and, as you would expect, I was rooting for my handicap finals
partner, Lizzie Barry. Unfortunately for Lizzie, and happily for the Club, we are getting a larger influx of ladies
players; Roehampton University player, Katie Burke is one of them. Paul told to me this would be a good game
and by all reports he was correct. I understand a slightly nervous Katie took time to settle but once she had her
precision and movement proved too much for Lizzy. More than the result, I see an embryo top notch ladies team
in the making!!!
Reliable Networks British Squash Professional Association Grand Prix Finals
Daryl’s delight at Grand Prix Title
Daryl Selby took the Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals with a hard fought victory over fellow England
international Adrian Grant at the Roehampton Club.
A repeat of the 2013 Final it was Daryl who started quickly racing to 4-0 lead and this proved enough of a cushion
st
nd
to take the 1 11/5. The 2 game started closely as Adrian looked like he was now getting himself into the match
but a 5/2 lead was soon to disappear as Daryl took control to go 8/5 with a mix of determined rallying and
nd
wonderful shot making. There was no answer to this from Adrian in the 2 and Daryl took the game 11/6 and a 2-0
rd
lead. The 3 was a different story, Adrian looking focused and using his short kill shots to good effect, reeling off 6
points in a row to go 9/2 up, and some unforced errors from Daryl gave Adrian the game 11/4 and hopes to retain
th
his title. Into the 4 and both pushed early to find an advantage, Adrian seeming more confident hitting some
wonderful winners to go 3/2 up, but Daryl stayed patient and his retrieving combined with his excellent shot
making gave him an 8/3 lead. A spirited effort from Adrian to get back to 7/8 but Daryl took control and closed out
the game and match 11/7 taking the title. They both now prepare with the England Squad for this summer’s
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Daryl appropriately thanked those involved in the event at the Roehampton Club, including sponsors Reliable
Networks, and looked forward to returning next year to defend the title.
Daryl Selby beat Adrian Grant 3-1 (11/5, 11/5, 4/11, 11/7) 45min
Jaclyn takes Grand Prix Title
Jaclyn Kemp was clearly happy with her performance to win the
Reliable Networks BSPA Grand Prix Finals in a tough 5 game victory over
Alison Waters.
st
A fast start from Ali in the 1 racing to a 5/1 lead gave Jaclyn little time to settle, although Jaclyn was moving well
nd
st
and battling to get back into the game Ali took the first 11/6. The 2 seemed to be a repeat of the 1 game as Ali
led 5/1 but Jaclyn was now moving well, hitting good length and using her boast at the right time to take control to
nd
rd
go 8/5 up. The excellent play continued but Jaclyn held on to take the 2 game 11/9. The 3 was nip and tuck as
both players tired to take control and much to the crowds surprise Jaclyn took the lead 8/5 and remained there
rd
th
taking the 3 11/8. The 4 again was nip and tuck with the crowd applauding the squash on show, 3/3 became 6/6
th
then 9/9 and Ali dug deep to take the game 11/9 and force a decider. The 5 proved to be one-sided as Ali could
not find a way into the game, Jaclyn was relentless in her determination to retrieve every ball and move Ali around
the court. A ‘no let’ call at 6/2 seemed to take the stuffing from a tired Ali as her errors increased and Jaclyn closed
out the game and match deservedly 11/4.
Jaclyn was clearly delighted with the win telling the crowd how much more she is enjoying playing without any
pressure on her since her retirement from the Professional tour ‘thanking Roehampton Club and Reliable
Networks’ for the tournament.
Jaclyn Kemp beat Alison Waters 3-2 (6/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/9 11/4 (65min)
The next ‘big one’ of the evening was a return match between last year’s finalists in the over 45’s open.
Stuart Hardy v Ric Ford. This was always going to be a close match and it proved once again.
12
Paul Lindsay
Head Squash Professional
5
COACHING PAGE
ROEHAMPTON SCHOOLS SQUASH
INVITATION 2015
Div 2 – 18 JANUARY
ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG AND WATCH SOME
GREAT SQUASH
Junior Squash Coaching
Roehampton Club is an England Squash & Racketball Mini Squash approved Centre providing juniors with equipment and
coaching from ages of 5 upwards.
The Squash starts again in September so sign up NOW for the next five Junior Coaching Sessions
Each individual session costs £10.00 per child, however those who sign up for all four sessions, on or before the 13 September
will pay just £40.00
Forthcoming Dates: 13 September, 20 September, 27 September, 4 October, 11 October, 18 October, 25 October
PLAY WILL COMMENCE FROM 10AM
Times: 10am – 10.45am beginners, 10:45am – 11.30am intermediates
DIVISON 2
DULWICH COLLEGE
LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE
COLFS
SHERBORNE SCHOOL
TRINITY SCHOOL
WINCHESTER COLLEGE
WELLINGTON COLLEGE
RADLEY COLLEGE
Paul Lindsay, Head Squash Professional, Telephone: 0208 480 4227, Email: [email protected]
Private Coaching – Individual or Group
Why not arrange some coaching with Paul Lindsay, the Club’s qualified Level 2 England Squash & Racketball Coach.
All standards are welcome – whether you’re new to the game or simply want to develop your skills.
Lesson: £30 for a 45 minute session
For further information, or to arrange a coaching session please contact Paul directly.
Email: [email protected]
Team Training
Commences - Monday 15 September
This season Robbie Temple will arrange and organise a structured programme where you can measure your progress, helping
you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you see which areas of your game you need to improve.
Day
Monday
Time
18:30 to 19:30 or 19:30 to 20:30 (please state preference when signing up)
Dates
15 Sept, 22 Sept, 29 Sept, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 1 Dec.
£60 for 11 weeks or £10 per session.
For further details please email Paul Lindsay
Email: [email protected]
6
11
CHAIRMAN’S CLUB NIGHT
‘A night with Starsky & Heffler’
Roehampton Schools Squash Invitation: Division 1
What an INCREDIBLE day!
Last year the teams were to be congratulated for turning up – it was snowing! This year, Roehampton Club was
basking in the glow of spring sunshine and warmth, the competitors were having their team meetings on the lawns
and Roehampton Club was pretty as a picture, everything was set for a good days squash – but no one was
expecting it to be this good.
I have remarked before how nice it is to see parents of boys (and girls) turn up to watch their children compete.
Without being ‘soccer-mums and dads’. This year however there was an exponential leap in attendance by parents
and it was gratifying to see more members coming in to watch throughout the day as well.
Tuesday 7 October
And what a treat was in store. The difference this year was the strength in depth all the way through the teams from #1 to #5. In previous years, the team with the best #1 string has almost always won! This year the team with
the best #1 Alex Noakes (Wellington) was relegated. Three crucial matches in the round robin went down to the
rd th
final point and the final two teams, St Paul’s and Eton could just as easily have been playing in the 3 /4 play-off, so
close were the matches. The difference was the strength at #2 #3 and #4 with St Paul’s having the most consistent
trio, supporting their #1, a player well known to Roehampton Club (he plays here for one of the teams), Seb Obieta.
Seb will acknowledge how tough it was, he was beaten by both the Wellington and the Lancing #1 but put these
behind him and played a very controlled final to beat the Eton #1. The situation at that point in the final was finely
balanced. St Paul’s had to win both the #1 and #2 matches outright (2-0) in order to win the competition. At the last
gasp, Eton, last year’s champions, were just unable to pull it off, but it was almost unbearably tense.
Squash 6pm to 8pm
Dinner 8:30pm
£25 per person
(includes: main meal,
Cheese board & red wine)
A big ‘thank you’ to Charterhouse who finishing fourth (with chances to get to the final) stayed back to umpire the
finals. Classy!
This October sees Ross Heffler,
Squash Chairman, retire by
rotation from the Squash
Committee and as a Thank you
for all the effort and time he has
put in over the past 9 years we
would like to invite you to attend
a dinner to mark the occasion.
And Classy is also the adjective I wish to use for the organisation of the whole day by Paul Lindsay, our tireless Club
Professional and the rest of the Roehampton team. In a ‘change’ to the usual format, and in preparation for possible
disruption in 2015, it was decided to serve lunch in the garden room. It could have gone either way, the pupils could
have wrecked the joint or appreciated that the Club was putting on its ‘best face’ for them. From the comments
heard afterwards from both boys and masters they were blown away by the set up and acted with utter decorum.
Well done David and the rest of the catering staff.
As ever we publish the results below. The bare bones of it are that St Paul’s beat Eton in the final and that
Wellington, Radley and Winchester have been relegated. But that really doesn’t begin to tell the story of the day
which was a triumph for the schools, for squash and for Roehampton Club. Within 24 hours we have already had
congratulatory notes from some of the schools and they are well deserved. Roll on 2015!
To show your thanks and support please add the date to your diary and confirm your
attendance to [email protected] by Thursday 2 October.
St Paul’s – Winners
Eton – Runners Up
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ROEHAMPTON CLUB UNIVERSITY CUP 2014
ROEHAMPTON CLUB UNIVERSITY CUP 2015
Saturday’s play saw 16 teams divided into 4 groups of 4 and play a round robin with the top 2 from each group going
into the quarter finals on Sunday and the other competing Universities battling it out for placing, which determines
seeding for the following year.
Some new Universities participating for the first time included Kingston and Cork(over from Ireland), continuing the
main reasons to develop the Roehampton Club University Squash Cup by increasing the sport participation to a broader
audience of younger players. The event is clearly growing deeper and with stronger roots.
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 February
The gala dinner on Saturday, in the Garden Restaurant, will follow the exhibition match featuring
special guest Tom Richards, world high rank 12.
For Members & Guests who wish to attend the dinner the cost will be £20 per person.
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Places are limited, so please contact Paul by Tuesday 3 February.
The squash saw some excellent play, remarkable impartiality of the refereeing and the comradeship of the teams.
The conclusion of the university play on Saturday then provided players and guests with the chance to see two former
PSA touring professionals, Robbie Temple and Chris Ryder, compete in an exhibition match providing participants with
a real highlight.
The country’s leading Mixed team university squash tournament just gets bigger and better. Roehampton Club University Cup has
been expanded to increase participation and now covers an entire weekend, with 16 top university teams competing. Each university
will bring a 5 string team to provide a packed weekend’s play for the 80+ players, making it the biggest mixed University squash
tournament in the UK & Ireland.
Showing the Club and its facilities in the best possible light, the exhibition match between Robbie and Chris was ‘packed’ with
members and participants making it a ‘standing room only’ event, but thanks to our very accommodating sponsors, Reliable
Networks, streaming the game to the upstairs bar the ‘overspill’ crowd was able to see the match.
The Gala dinner followed the exhibition match and a wonderful Q & A from Chris gave a real insight into top level
University Squash – Chris having been World University Champion in 2006 when representing Loughborough and how
he coped with life on tour.
Sunday’s play saw the placing matches battle throughout the day, with the semi finals fought out between King’s
College London (KCL) v London School of Economics (LSE), and Bristol v Imperial. Bristol managing a 4-1 win whilst KCL
managed to find a way past a strong LSE team by virtue of the count back system – drawing the match 2-2.
The final match result seemed one sided (4-1 to KCL) but this was not a fair reflection of the on-court battle between all
the strings.
The 2015 competition takes place for the sixth successive year at Roehampton Club, London’s premier multi-sport club, with the
continued support of BUCS (British University Colleges Sport) and sponsorship from Reliable Networks, one of the UKs fastest growing
IT support groups.
A highlight for students, competitors and spectators during the 2014 event was the showcase exhibition match featuring Chris Ryder,
2006 World Universities Champion, and former World number 33. This year the exhibition match will feature Tom Richards, (highest
World ranking 12).
Tom Richards, PSA Professional said: “Looking at the list of past exhibition competitors, I am really looking forward to supporting the
Roehampton Club University Cup. It is great to see so many students taking part”
Roehampton Club, Head Squash Professional, Paul Lindsay said: “Providing University Students the opportunity to play competitive
squash with a tournament developing a reputation and heritage within the sport is something I am proud to organise. Peter Nicol as
Patron and Tom Richards’ support for 2015 shows the increasing reputation of the Cup outside of the University calendar as well as
within”.
Congratulations to KCL on going one better than 2013 and winning the title.
Simon Tunley, BUCS Squash Chair said: "University squash is very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in such a
prestigious event kindly hosted again by the Roehampton Club. The event is a great addition to the university squash calendar and
provides valuable opportunities to play more team squash during the season against mixed teams from all around the UK."
I look forward to welcoming back the Universities involved, and maybe some new ones.
Paul Lindsay
For more information or details please contact:-
Paul Lindsay
Head Squash Professional
London
SW15 5LR
Telephone: 0208 480 4227
Gala Dinner
KCL - winning team
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