Cambs Squash

Cambridgeshire Squash Cup Finals were held this weekend at Hunts County Squash Club with some highly competitive matches to entertain spectators.

The Hereward Cup for Division 3 and 4 players was between Portugal Place and Abbotsley Squash Club. It was always going to be a tough match with Abbotsley, Div 3 winners for the season, going for the double.

Abbotsley won the first two matches 3-0 but Portugal Place’s Simon Hudson, looked promising for his side at No 3. Simon won the 3rd game keeping Portugal Place in the match but Kevin Hewitt of Abbotsley clinched the match and cup by winning the 4th game 11-9. With great cheers from the team and spectators Abbotsley celebrated in style. The No 1 and 2 strings playing a dead rubber were no less competitive with Adrian Peck from Portugal Place beating Abbotsley’s Tony Gay 3-1. Abbotsley No 1, Matt Nankivell vs Nick Armitage, Portugal Place, took full advantage of the crowd going to 5 games. Armitage did all that he could but couldn’t stop Nankivell finally winning in the 5th 11-3. Abbotsley beat Portugal Place 4-1

The Ladies played for the Portway Perpetual Cup. Fenland who had knocked out holders Comberton in the semis had to face Hunts County on home ground.

No 5 string Glynis Fenwick (Fenland) went 2-0 up but let the 3rd slip to Lol Lewis (Hunts) opening up the match. Experience came through with Fenwick winning the 4th 11-5. Ex county champion, Lisa Smith, at No 4 for Fenland had to play Hunts County’s youngster, Katie Hastings. Hastings was going to have the fitness but would she be able to cope with Smith’s excellent control. Smith was too accurate and able to dispose of a loose ball and won 3-0. Fenland now 2-0 Hunts had to do something special. It certainly was special with Nicky Hastings (Hunts) and Margaret Chambers (Fenland) neck and neck for the whole 5 games. Hastings snatched victory to keep her team in the cup winning the 5th 14-12. A fantastic game for everyone watching. Pressure still on Hunts not to loose another match but with their No 2 Carol Hargreaves on good form beating Fiona Bedford 3-0 it was suddenly 2-2. Nervous No 1’s Alex McFarlane (Fenland) and Nikki Mounter (Hunts) took to the court to decide the match. McFarlane started well winning the 1st 11-8. Mounter replied with a convincing 11-3 win and looked the more dominant player at this point. McFarlane came back with a more determined approach driving the ball deeper winning 11-9. Mounter kept her cool and won the 4th. The 5th could have gone either way but Mounter stuck to her game and finally brought home the cup in the 5th 11-6. Hunts beat Fenland 3-2.

The Light Blue Travel Cup for Division 1 and 2 players was going to be highly competitive. Hunts County were runners up this year in Division 1 and were looking to overturn winners, Peterborough Town.

No 5 string, Adam Stevenson (Hunts) vs Giles Clawson (Peterborough) saw Stevenson win 3-1 followed by a win from team mate Colin Griggs against Tom Moorehouse. Griggs lost the first 2 games but came back to win the 3rd 11-1. Moorehouse struggled to keep with him and Griggs finished the match winning 3-2. Hunts just needing one more match to win the cup did just so with the No 1 strings, James Powley (Hunts) vs Daniel McGinn. Powley stuck to his game and forced McGinn to make errors and create opportunities for his opponent. Powley won 11-6/11-6 and 11-2. A hugely disappointed Peterborough Town carried on and won the No 2 string match, Peter Dickinson vs Daniel Soar. Soar played well winning 3-2. The No 3 strings didn’t play. Hunts County won the cup 3-1.

Trophies were presented for the Cup Finals and also League Presentations were made to the following teams:

Division One
Winners : Peterborough Town
Runners up : Hunts County I
Division Two
Winners : Dome Wizards
Runners up : Fenland
Division Three
Winners : Abbotsley II
Runners up : Comberton II
Division Four
Winners: Hunts County IV
Runners up: St Neots
Ladies Division One :
Winners : Comberton I
Runners up : Hunts County I
Ladies Division Two
Winners : Next Generation
Runner up : Hunts County

Rebecca Moore II – Competitions Organiser