Herts_SQUASH

_{County Cup 2006}

Cup Finals – Thursday 20th April at Potters Bar Squash Club

Stortford & Biggleswade On Top

This years Cup Finals were once again a success. The senior teams were the defending champions and division one champions, Bishops Stortford against this years hosts Potters Bar, a second division team. The junior cup, for divisions 3, 4 and 5, was contested by Biggleswade and R3 3rd team.

A high standard of squash was expected from all teams and as a result there was a crowd of about 60 to help make the occasion. In the senior cup first on court were the number ones, Paul Carter against Daryl Selby and the number two Jago Nardelli against Iain Higgins. Paul started strongly taking the first game 9-2. Daryl came back in the second to take it comfortably 9-2. This took its toll on Paul and Daryl was always in control finishing the match with some spectacular shots.

On the other court, Jago was in a battle with Iain providing great entertainment for all supporters. Iain took the first game 9-5 with Jago then coming back to level the score but Iain was just too strong and took the last two games 9-7, 9-5. This put Stortford 2-0 up. Then came the forces for Potters Bar in the guise of the Waller brothers. Adrian playing at number three was up against Neil Hitchins. Adrian started strongly and took the first games 9-6, 9-1. Neil then came back to take the next 2, 9-5, 9-6. At the same time Neil Waller had taken the first two games against John Macfarlane, 9-3, 9-0, John then equalised taking the next two 10-8, 10-8. Both final games were contested fiercely and coincidence or not both Waller brothers managed to win and finished at the same time. This left the match at 2-2 with only the fifth strings Oliver Dixon for Stortford, to play Peter Newman. Oliver rose to the occasion to beat Peter 3-0 to give Stortford a 3-2 victory and their second win in two years.

The Junior cup was also very closely contested on the other two courts. First on court were Nigel Deboeck for R3 against Richard Anthony from Biggleswade. Both players started well but Richard started to take control and took the first 9-4. He then went on to take the second 9-2 but in the third Nigel made a comeback but was unable to take the game and Richard won 9-7. At number four Kieron Todd from R3 played Nigel Gazeley. Kieron was always in control and took the match 3-0, winning 9-5, 9-2, 9-5. This put the match at 1-1. Next on court were Steve McKeown from R3 and Martin Wright from Biggleswade. Steve took the first game 9-6 and Martin replied taking the second game 9-3. Steve took the third 9-6 and wrapped up the match 9-5 in the fourth. At the same time Simon Gray was on court against Paul Hunt from R3 in a very hard fought match. Both players were evenly matched but Simon came out on top winning 9-6, 9-3, 9-7. This put the match at 2-2 with only Pat Offei from R3 to play Jon Cole-Edwards from Biggleswade. The first game showed all the qualities of both players but Jon managed to take the game 10-8. At this point Pat was running out of steam and Jon took the next two games 9-1, 9-2. Biggleswade had won the Junior Cup 3-2. Another exciting match that kept the crowd entertained until the end.


Senior Cup

Bishop Stortford 1 versus Potters Bar 1

Darryl Selby versus Paul Carter: 2-9, 9-2, 9-4, 9-6 3-1

Iain Higgins versus Jago Nardelli: 9-5, 7-9, 9-7, 9-5 3-1

Neil Gettins versus Adrian Waller: 6-9, 1-9, 9-5, 9-6, 6-9 2-3

John Macfarlane versus Neil Waller: 3-9, 0-9, 10-8, 10-8, 6-9 2-3

Oliver Dixon versus Peter Newman: 9-1, 9-1, 9-0 3-0

Bishop Stortford beat Potters Bar 3-2


Junior Cup

R3 Stevenage versus Biggleswade

Pat Offei versus Jon Coles-Edwards: 8-10, 1-9, 2-9 0-3

Paul Hunt versus Simon Gray : 6-9, 3-9, 7-9 0-3

Steve McKeown versus Martin Wright: 9-6, 3-9, 9-6, 9-5 3-1

Kieron Todd versus Nigel Gazeley: 9-5, 9-2, 9-5 3-0

Nigel Deboeck versus Richard Anthony 4-9, 2-9, 7-9 0-3

Biggleswade beat R3 Stevenage 3-2

Many thanks to Potters Bar Squash Club for hosting a great evening of squash and to all the teams for their support of the event.

INVITATION

Dear All

Just a reminder that the Cup Finals are being played at Potters Bar Squash Club tomorrow night starting at 7pm. Everyone welcome, come along and enjoy an excellent evening of squash.

Surprise finalists in the Senior Cup are division 2 stars Potters Bar who have managed to beat all their division 1 opponents so far. Can they use their home advantage to outwit the division 1 champions in the final? Some outstanding matches are expected.

Junior Cup Final – Biggleswade v R3 Stevenage 3
Senior Cup Final – Stortford 1 v Potters Bar 1

Hopefully see you there.

Sal & Dom

PS. A small buffet will be provided for spectators/supporters as well as normal team food for players. The evening starts at 7pm.

Congratulations to those of you who have made it through to the quarter finals! May I remind you that any player playing in the cup has to have played a minimum of 2 matches in the Winter League.

Contact list is attached – please make contact with each other immediately and book your courts for every week (you can always cancel if the worst happens!)

Get all your team involved, matches take us right up to Easter so make sure you don’t let anyone take any holidays!

Teams marked with an 'h' are the nominated home team – marking to be shared

Normal league rules apply

Players must play in the order as per their website rankings

Players must have played AT LEAST 2 matches for the specific team (or lower team) to be eligible to play

Hospitality is down to the 2 teams to agree - food is optional

All expenses should be shared between the 2 teams

Finals night will be on Thursday 20th April at a venue to be decided.

Last year we had a fantastic evening with some great squash, so even if you think your team are unlikely to make it through the draw please come along and show your support

Please send match card in as usual