It was a welcome return to the prestigious Nottingham Squash Club on the 28/ 29 March for the 2014 CSSC Squash Masters Singles Championships. A favoured venue for many CSSC squash events and the club and its staff as always gave a warm and friendly welcome to the players and guests.

Entries were spread across all the categories on this occasion with the number of total entrants remaining about the same as in previous years. There were also several new players to the competition. By combining some categories it ensured that all entrants played at least three matches over the two days. Each competition was hard fought and played in a sporting and fun-like manner.

Mens O35

Mark Cullington became the new name on the O35 trophy, coming through a series of very challenging and tight matches. This competition was also played in a round robin with all competitors having the opportunity to play each other. Mark’s fitness and skill brought him through undefeated; although a couple of 3/2 results could have gone either way. Paul Lane finished runner-up in the group just pushing Imran Bashir into third spot. Jim Fay and Jonathan Pidcock completed this group.

Mens O45

Another trophy with a new name attached – this year saw Geoff Watson make a return and defeat all comers. Geoff was runner-up in 2012 and returned in fine form to take the title. Fred Sanders (2012 O55 Champion) finished second in the round robin, with James Woodbine and Martyn Sharp playing within the same group. Although the trophy will bear a new name, it has yet again returned to the North East for the fifth consecutive year!

Ladies O40

Sheena Ferrie took first place in the round robin mixed group competition which resulted in her being the winner of the Ladies O40 title and was presented with her trophy.

Ladies O50

Marian Holmes came through a series of round robin matches in a mixed group, overall finishing second and emerging as the Ladies O50 winner.

Mens O55

A very strong and competitive group saw Nigel Williams pull out all the stops on the last day to gain a couple of notable victories and emerge as O55 Champion. The competition was played in a league format which meant that all entrants played each other. Although Nigel lost 2/3 to Tony Claydon (last year’s O65 Champion), results against other players meant that Nigel finished top of the group. Stephen Bullamore, the 2013 O55 Champion finished in third place. Charles Walmsley and Keith Hayes completed this group.

Mens O65

The competition now in its second year saw a new winner with Rob Shepherd just edging out Les House in a five set thriller 9/7 10/9 2/9 7/9 9/4.

CSSC Racketball Singles 29 March 2014

The one day Racketball tournament attracted a slight increase in numbers, and also the surprise entry of 2013 CSSC Squash Singles Champion James Hodson. James wanting to take on the challenge of developing a new skill and playing something other than squash.

The event was based on a two league format with players split between the leagues. Play-offs then took place for those finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their group. As there would be up to 4 matches to play in the day (more for some who’d also entered the squash events) the format was based on the best of three games, PAR 11.

After the group matches there were play-offs for:

5th and 6th Linda Parsley 2 v Jim Fay 0 (11/7 11/6)
3rd and 4th Paul Clarke 2 v Jim Woodbine 1 (11/5 7/11 13/11)
1st and 2nd James Hodson 2 v Phill Crane 0 (11/3 11/5)

The speed, stamina, shots and agility of James were simply too good for Phill who said that he’d ‘enjoyed every minute of the experience’ - (once he’d got his breath back and could talk). Everyone said that they thought the competition had been great fun. There were also several comments on how good it was to see a player of James’s calibre taking part in the event.

Social

Everyone was kept busy for the two days and in addition to the battles on court, a meal and a quiz were organised within the club for the Friday evening. The fayre was excellent and the team quiz saw a collaboration between Jonathan/ Diane Pidcock and Martyn/ Wendy Sharp just pipping the other teams to take the top prize. As ever, it was fun meeting up with old friends and making some new ones.