Cambs Squash

VALIANT EFFORT FROM CAMBS FALLS JUST SHORT

Played out to a full balcony at Histon Road the Cambs “Girls” made a valiant effort to reach another National Finals in the 2nd weekend of matches.

Squash followers will be aware of the boom in Masters Squash in recent years and the standard of play in the Age groups is becoming higher and higher every year. And so it was over the weekend with a variety of current and former international players (including one of our own) taking part.

With bodies holding together (well just about) we were able to field our strongest side against Essex; Oxford and Hants in an attempt to make up lost ground and make the National finals.

In the opening match against Essex Margaret Chambers got us of to the ideal start with a fine 3-0 win against Jan McCall. Showing great form and confidence Margaret staved off a close 2nd set fight back before running away with the 3rd.

Jacqui (Jax) Storey up next but despite a battling performance she couldn’t prevent Essex’s No1 Sue Vine securing a 3-0 win to level the match.

So all down to Sue Rich to save the day and after a tense 10-8 opening set Sue ran away with the match with 2 crushing sets.

So one up to our Girls and all off to the Bar to re-hydrate or was it to rest achy limbs and something to wash down the Ibufren?

The mid day match between Oxford and Hampshire had no less than 4 Age group internationals on view and the squash was a seriously good level with Oxford securing a 3-0 win.

So to the last fixture and would it be a case of the still warm but tired Hampshire prevailing against the refreshed but stiffened up Cambs girls.

Margaret on court first but unable to show the exceptional morning form and despite every effort a 3-0 loss to Hampshire’s Gill Hall.

So come on Jax we need one of your specials – and so it was that Ms Storey produced a blinder that transported us back in time to remind us of what a terrific player she was (and still is- back injury permitting)
A terrific 4 set win over Ros Hurrell and its one-all.

Having seen Hampshire’s Gwen Issacs play a stormer against International Anne Terry surely it’s too big an ask to expect Sue Rich to win this one for us
to finish the weekend unbeaten?
Inspired by Jax performance - who knows? but the former County Champ also pulls one out from the memory banks and gives poor old Gwen an absolute pasting. 3-0 to Sue!!!

So the cambs girls finish joint first with oxford for the weekend but regrettably the points tally is not enough to take them to the finals!! ( xxxxx it)

Still a terrific effort and an enjoyable weekend made so much better with fantastic support from Janet Banks, Annie Cant and Glynis Fenwick ,who marked without commenting “ We made the finals when we played” and also Nicky Hastings who I hope was thinking – we’ll make it next year when I’m eligible.

Sarah ( I’m still far to young to play for this side) Howlett provided endless Coaching support , ran for drinks , sorted out food , kept the scores – anything we missed? And Simon Stokes ran the bar all day. It’s a tough job Simon but someone’s had to do it.

Report by Bob Maison

Download the match card below