Bishop's Stortford Welcome PSA President
Players at Bishop's StortfordBishop's Stortford Squash Club managed to find a last minute replacement for Sarah Fitz-Gerald (women’s World Open, commonwealth games and British Open Champion) in Rodney Durbach (south African No1 and World 32) and Mark Chaloner (world No12 England No3 and PSA president) so the show could go on.

With the club looking forward to a night of spectacular squash and seeing how our own players match up to the best in the world, the atmosphere was electric. The nights proceedings saw the club watch Rodney Durbach play 1 game American scoring to 15 with Keeley Peacock (England Under 17 No 11) and Emma Abegglen (Ladies team Captain). Mark Chaloner played Michelle Cooper Essex 1st team player, before Mark took on Club 1st team player and Over 35’s Hertfordshire Champion Martin Geear in a best of 3 match. After a short break and seeing the tin lowered by 2 inches to the Pro’s more traditional height of 17 inches, we witnessed a best of 5 match American scoring first 9 match.

Keeley Peacock on first showed us her true potential in not being overawed by the player or the occasion hitting tight and attacking shots when allowed. Being able to see the difference in recovery and speed around the court the professional has over the club player is impressive but more than once Keeley showed her skill in hitting the nick where however good you are you can’t get the ball back. Michelle Cooper and Emma Abegglen also showed great ambition and skill in keeping up with the pace of the modern day pro. Martin Geear went on court against Mark Chaloner and we saw an increase in the pace of the game and the accuracy the professional can achieve. Although Martin could again compete with array of shots the time he had on a shot was nothing compared to the time Mark had, more than once Mark played a fake shot and hit it on the second attempt.

Game scores as follows:
Rodney Durbach V Keeley Peacock 15/13
Mark Chaloner V Michelle Cooper 15/9
Rodney Durbach V Emma Abegglen 15/13
Mark Chaloner V Martin Geear 15/8 15/6

After a 15 minute break for the players to prepare and the tin to be lowered to competition height Rodney Durbach and Mark Chaloner went on to court for a best of 5 match. Refereed by Doug Walker a Bishop's Stortford Squash Club member and National League Marker.
The Club was then Witness to a full array of shots from all around the court. Retrieving to attacking shots from all corners. Several times we saw one of them dummy shots and take it on the second and even third attempt. Volleys taken round or over the back. Not only was the game competitive but it was a great exhibition of the enjoyment and exercise one can gain from squash.

With the match at 2-1 in Mark Chaloner's favour we came to the unusual situation when scores were tied at 8-8, at this point to win the game you have to finish 2 points clear. With the shots and pace picking up the rallies ebbed and flowed and the spectators witnessed some shots that you just had to be there to believe. Finally Mark Chaloner completed a 3-1 win winning 9/6 7/9 9/7 11/9, both players walked off to a standing ovation and the club looks forward to the next event.