James makes it a "double" and timeless Helen triumphs at last!

Squash was once again invited to participate in this year’s CSSC Multi-sport Games held at Loughborough University on 12th and 13th September 2013. It was the turn of the National Open Singles Graded event, for all standards of player.

The Men’s “A” event had attracted all but two of the “elite” Civil Service players - James Hodson had returned to defend the title he had won the previous year whilst Tim Burrell, last year’s losing finalist (and previous winner), was out to avenge that defeat. The remaining field of players included three previous winners of the event – Merv Davies, Marc Aldridge, and the veteran Champion John McFarlane – looking for his 12th title. Also along to “spoil the party” was John Ashton – relative newcomer to the top flight game.

The semi-final places were all keenly contested with 2 round robin groups, but it was Davies and McFarlane who couldn’t quite get past the finishing line with both players picking up slight injuries to hamper their chances. It was Hodson who had to face the newly found form of Ashton in the first semi-final clash and indeed a shock looked to be on the cards when Ashton took the first game 11-9. Hodson however dug deep and took the next two hard fought games 11-9 and 11-8, to edge ahead. Ashton’s form then took a dive and Hodson eased into the final 11-2. The other semi-final saw Aldridge rattle Burrell by taking their first game 11-8. Burrell realising he had a game on, focussed his efforts to take the next game 11-4 with Aldridge looking very much the loser. The third however saw another change in form with Aldridge looking unstoppable and taking the game 11-8 to go two one up. The fourth game was understandably edgy but eventually went to Burrell 11-8 with a run of three consecutive points to finish it– the match levelled at two games each. The fifth and deciding game was extremely tight in the early stages but once Burrell got his nose in front he raced to a 11-6 victory and yet another final.

The final itself once again underlined the high standard to which Civil Service Squash has nowadays aspired to. The gallery were treated to some top quality squash combined with a high standard of sportsmanship and fair play from both players. The first game was an extremely hard fought contest but it was Hodson who managed to squeeze it 11-8. Hodson was then pressed even harder in the second game before getting over the line 12-10. Burrell in the third very nearly started his comeback and indeed for much of that game looked the more likely winner but his errors proved costly and Hodson was not to be denied his second title in consecutive years when taking the third game 11-9. James had achieved a remarkable “double”.

The Ladies event looked on paper a more straightforward affair with last year’s winner Keeley Grindle surely winning her second title. The format was a Round Robin with stern competition waiting in the wings from Helen Midgley, Angela Kennedy, Ruth Sleigh, and newcomer Cheryl Bolla – no one could afford to slip up. After the first two rounds the front runners were Helen and Keeley who had both won their matches. With Helen on court first on the Friday morning the pressure was on not to lose to Angela and in so doing Helen would effectively be into the final. Angela however had plans of her own and promptly took the first two games 9-3 and 10-9. With Helen not looking in her best form it was time to get going or lose the chance of winning the title. This Helen did but not without some considerable effort - and in a remarkable turn around managed to take the next three games 9-4, 9-6, 9-4 with some excellent determined squash. Keeley then went on court knowing she must defeat Cheryl to play Helen in her last match - for the title. Keeley did this, winning the match 3-0.

So the expected final between Keeley and Helen was to happen and would decide the outcome of the Ladies event. Still on a high from her earlier remarkable comeback victory over Angela, Helen took the first two games 9-3, 9-4. Keeley realised it was now time for her to start her own comeback trail and she duly obliged by taking the fourth 9-5. The script for Keeley however then went astray when Helen once again rose to the challenge by taking the fourth 9-2 – and along with it her first Civil Service Ladies Championship. Having played in the event and supported CSSC squash for over two decades, this was a truly remarkable achievement and well deserved.

Men’s C, D and E graded events also took place at the Games and saw many enthralling battles take place on court. Last years C grade winner, Paul Lane, arrived much improved but without any B grade players for a challenge, he had to play again in the C grade event which he won comfortably, beating Paul Wilkinson (who had also won all his matches 3-0) in the final. Other places were highly contested with third place going to James Woodbine who defeated Robin Jennings in a third and fourth place play off. The Mens C Plate was won by Paul Clarke (an overall loser of only 3 games over the 2 days) with Jim Fay runner-up.


The Men’s D and E grade players played in the first round of the C grade event and then having lost their first match played a D Grade Round Robin which was won by Micky Gallagher with Richard Kendrick coming a close second.

Prizes were presented by CSSRA President Marian Holmes. Thanks were extended to Paul Clarke, qualified marker and referee for refereeing the Men’s A Final.

The next CSSC Squash Event will be the Team event to be held early in 2014 – keep an eye on the website for news. We are keen to see more teams of local players (offices, areas or regions plus individuals) not just departments, so could there be an opportunity for you?

For more photos please see the photo gallery: http://www.cssc-squash.co.uk/home/photo-gallery