Nottingham’s most prestigious Squash Club once again hosted this year’s Civil Service Team Squash Championships. All the main Departments were represented and overall the event attracted some 30 players from all parts of the country. The resultant line-up saw the six teams of three men and two ladies line-up into two groups of three teams playing in a ‘Round Robin’ format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to semi-final stages of the main Event.
Civil Service’s Annual National Age Group Squash event took place over the sunny days of April 8th and 9th 2011 in Nottingham Squash Club. The Event attracting many of the more ‘experienced’ squash players within the Civil Service saw the Men’s Age Groups of Over 35, Over 45 and Over 55, all competing for their relevant titles. In the Ladies it was the Over 40’s who had drawn up ‘battle lines’.
The Over 35 section was eagerly awaited and it was one of the early matches which attracted most attention for all the wrong reasons. The ‘ever youthful’ Stephen Burnett appeared to be well in control of his first round match against North-West’s Paul Lane when personal tragedy struck - Burnett collapsed in agony with a serious Achilles tendon injury. It took three hours before the player reappeared at the club but by this time he was sporting a new plaster-cast and a brand new pair of crutches! The disappointment as well as the pain was clear to see. The Competition, however, did progress and saw the no. 1 seed Dan Willets narrowly take the title by 3 games to 2 in a hard fought final against Peter Windram (9-4, 10-8, 5-9, 6-9, 9-4).
The Men’s Over 45 event then saw Windram appear in his second final of the day! This time, however, lady luck was more accommodating and Windram overcame the spirited opposition of his North East Dept of Education colleague, Anthony Wilson to retain his title.
The Over 55 Vintage Section was always destined to see a new Champion with all previous incumbents either injured or unavailable! It was nonetheless exciting – firstly when the no. 1 seed Chris Johnstone lost in his semi-final to ‘Veteran Vintage’ campaigner Jeff Carr. Carr had been fine form in early rounds beating the capable newcomer Jac Bazzard. The no. 2 seed Paul Angelides in the lower half of the draw was looking in impressive form, however, defeating the spirited opposition of ‘all-comers’ including the tireless Rob Shepherd. The final between Carr and Angelides was really decided in the first game when Carr threw everything at his opponent and stormed into a 6-2 lead. For a time another upset looked likely but eventually Angelides weathered the storm and came through a deserved winner to take his first Over 55 title 9-7, 9-6, 9 3.
The Ladies Over 40 final saw the experience of Ruth Kneeshaw pitted against the talented Racketlon player Carol Whittington. Ruth’s experience, however, was evident when she comfortably took the first two games 9-0, 9-2. Carol with her back against the wall appeared to lose all her early nerves and she put up a very spirited attempt at rescuing the match! It was not to be, however, as Kneeshaw hung on to win the third 9-6 and take the title for the second year.
All the losing players from the first round matches were entered into their relevant Plate events. The Over 35/45 Plate was won by Paul Lane who defeated Jim Fay 3 games to 1. The Over 55 Plate was won by Jac Bazzard who overcame Les House. The combined Over 55 Men’s and Over 40’s Ladies Plate saw a fine game of squash in the final which saw Ruth Kneeshaw narrowly defeat Jac Bazzard.
Following the extensive age group singles matches, informal Doubles matches were played and greatly enjoyed by the competitors. Doubles play has become a feature of the last few Age group events and is something that the CSSRA hope to expand more on in the future.
The prizes were presented by the vintage squash organiser Ian Lockey with colleague Peter Lee and all competitors returned to their homes happy and well exercised after not only playing in their own events but also in the friendly Doubles. The first evening’s social event was also well received by competitors who were treated to Nottingham Squash Club’s finest cuisine followed by a mind blowing Quiz!!
The next Civil Service Squash event will be the 2011/12 Graded National Singles event which is taking place as part of the CSSC Games in September 2011 in Loughborough – details on the CSSC website (http://www.cssc.co.uk). For information on other CSSC squash events, see the CSSC Squash website (http://www.cssc-squash.co.uk).
