CSSC Squash Age Group Championships 2010

A change of scene for the Civil Service Age Group Championship took some seasoned squash players to Sheffield on 19th and 20th March 2010. The venue this year was the well known Hallamshire Squash club, where a small but select group of players (regrettably affected by a few last minute injuries) put their collective experience together and enjoyed a couple of days of squash and fun.

The senior, “Vintage” members of this gathering – Men's Over 55 - played a round robin format with Phill Crane retaining his title. Tony Claydon put up the strongest challenge against him to take the runner-up prize but was giving away a few too many years to Phill to make much impression! Richard Kendrick was the middle runner of the group while the other two players, Les House and Rob Shepherd put on a brave face against these 3 but had the most momentous match of the tournament against each other. It was also the longest match of the event going finally to Rob 10-9 in the fifth game. Great smiles were on the faces of both players, even the loser!

The Over 35 and Over 45 (“Veteran”) events were combined and held as an initial knock out followed by Main and Plate round robins. Unfortunately neither of the 2009 Champions were present to defend their titles. New holders emerged with Jeff Carr beating Paul Wilkinson in the Over 35 event and Peter Windram taking the Over 45 title. In the Over 45 event Nigel Williams took the runner-up prize and newcomer to the competition, Anthony Wilson, took the Plate winners medal.

The Ladies Over 40 was also without its 2009 title holder. This left the door open for Ruth Kneeshaw from North Yorkshire to take her first CSSC title by beating Cynthia Crane.

The event concluded with some round robin social doubles, which presented a new challenge for some players but everyone quickly adapted and greatly enjoyed participating. Possibly helped by having previous doubles experience, Phill Crane and partner Rob Shepherd emerged the victors. Significant noise (laughter and cheers) was heard from the relevant courts, emanating from both players and spectators.

A superb hotel deal at the nearby Kenwood Hall (complete with lake and ducks) enabled players and guests (the tournament was particularly well supported this year) to relax and mull over the day’s play over dinner and a glass or two.

Prizes and trophies were presented by CSSRA Chairman Linda Parsley who congratulated all the players on their efforts and sportsmanship. A bonus for some players was the free draws for Countdown vouchers which were won by Patrick Gedge and Jeff Carr for “early entry” and by Peter Windram for bringing a new entrant.

Thanks were extended to Hallamshire Squash Club for their excellent facilities and friendly welcome. The club provided a bonus to CSSC players as World number 2 and recent winner of the Canary Wharf Classic, top international player Nick Matthew's was to be seen training on a court in front of their eyes on both days (with Wael El Hindi, World number 12 on day one!). Excellent treatment was received by many of the players from the Sports masseur/physio who had been in attendance to manipulate aching bodies and limbs back into shape. Also appreciated was the coaching (both singles and doubles) from Phill Crane, who managed to combine this with his own play – you just can’t keep him off the court!!! The players themselves gave the event a high rating, with the squash facilities, hotel, friendly atmosphere and good company as key aspects they had enjoyed.

CSSC's next Squash event is the National Singles Championship, a Graded event for all standard of player, which is planned to be held at Nottingham Squash Club on 19/20 November 2010.

Final positions: