Tim Topples the Top Two & Heather Hammers Home a Third

Nottingham Squash Club set in the prestigious ‘Park’ area of Nottingham and close to the famous Castle hosted the seventh Civil Service Squash Singles Championship over two days on 2nd and 3rd November 2007.

Over 40 players of all standards varying from beginners to international duly arrived for a weekend’s bonanza of squash – they were not to be disappointed!

In the Men’s A event the talented Tim Burrell at only his second attempt managed to lift the coveted Men’s title by beating ‘en route’ both the no. 1 and no. 2 seeds (Marc Aldridge and Mervyn Davies). In fairness the semi final between Burrell and Aldridge, a repeat of last year’s epic battle, did not produce the same quality squash with Aldridge, the current holder, having earlier picked up an injury which hampered his movement. Burrell breezed into his first final with a 3-0 victory. Men’s national team captain and second seed Mervyn Davies, however, had to fight all the way to reach the final with a difficult first round win over Darren Nalton 3-1 and an even more torrid affair in his semi-final clash with Tony Webb. Having led Webb by 2-1 Davies started to look a tired man as Webb rallied his way back into the match with a well earned 9-7 win to level the battle at 2-2. Davies, however, dug deep and edged his way in front at the start of the deciding game and from there never lost the initiative. The final now started to look an interesting contest with the fitness of Burrell pitched against the awesome power of a tired Davies. Big Merv seemed to have recovered this power, however, when he shot into a 6-0 lead in the first game. Burrell stayed calm and helped by some untimely errors on Davies’ part edged the first game 9-7. Davies, furious at losing from such a strong position, fired his adrenaline up to storm the next game 9-4 and then continuing in this rich vein of form also took the third game 9-6. All went down hill from there, however, as tiredness brought a number of unforced errors from Davies which combined with Burrell’s talented play saw both the next games go to him 9-0 and 9-1 and along with it his first National Championship title!

The Ladies A event was also a keenly contested affair with eight players all eyeing up the National Ladies Singles Trophy. There were no surprises, however, in the early rounds when all four seeded players found their way into the semi-finals. England Over-40 international and no. 1 seed Heather Tweedle faced an ‘over the border’ raid from Wales in the form of Angela Kennedy. Heather, however, weathered the early storm from Angela and from there never looked liked not making the final. In the lower half of the draw the no. 2 seed Helen Townend had to survive a close match with Kay Dalton in the opening round before facing the ‘in form’ CSSC Ladies captain, Sian Hughes, in their semi-final clash. Helen’s relentless play, however, proved too strong for the disappointed ladies captain. The early stages of the final between the no. 1 and no. 2 seeds looked for a while likely to see an upset when a determined Helen took the game to the champion and established a 3-0 lead in the opening game. Heather, however, under the pressure of this onslaught managed to find her best squash and turn the table around to take the first game 9-5. Helen from that point was always chasing the game and Heather emerged as the winner and once again Champion for the third time in succession.

In the Men’s Veteran event (Over 45s) last year’s winner Tom Burton saw his chances of retaining his title enhanced before even hitting a ball with the unfortunate late withdrawal of the no. 2 seed Philip Crane due to injury. Burton was to have no ‘cake walk’, however, with both Nigel Williams and Mervyn Nichol severely testing him before eventually emerging as the winner for the second year in succession.

The entry in the Men’s Vintage event (Over 55s) was lower than in previous years and was played as a round robin. Chris Johnstone, eyeing up the trophy this year, unfortunately had to retire before completing his matches leaving Paul Taylor the overall winner.

The Ladies Veteran event (Over 40s) with only a small change of challengers resulted in the final being a repeat of the Ladies A final with a similar outcome – Heather Tweedle defeating Helen Townend.

Alongside the main trophy winners there were also a number of graded and plate events to cater for all levels of player and ensure no one went home without having been ‘stretched‘! These results are shown below.

Competitors were also treated to an exhibition match of the highest quality squash between a couple of ‘up and coming’ young professionals, Eddie Charlton and Lewis Walters, whose fitness and speed around the court was impressive. Eventually after nearly an hours enthralling play Charlton emerged as a fifth set winner. These are names we are sure to hear more of in the future and both players deservedly received the applause of the spectators.

The prizes were presented by CSSRA’s President Frank Krinks and the players, new and old, of all standards, made their way home after a very enjoyable event. The package of squash competition, exhibition and excellent hotel deal make this an event not to be missed. Watch the Website (www.cssc-squash.co.uk) for details of next year’s Championships.

A full list of prize winners is shown below: