Singles Championship 2006/07

Nottingham buzzed recently when dozens of Civil Service squash players of all ages and ability descended on the country's premier Squash Club at Nottingham to take part in the annual Civil Service Open Squash Singles Championships! The aim was to seek out the new Civil Service Men’s and Ladies Champions, including Veterans and Vintage Champions together with a sociable competition for all standards from the top level through to beginners.

The men’s was divided into six competitions, each one also providing a Plate Event for first/second round losers! No one would be allowed home without sore feet!! Four separate events in the main competition covered standards from International/county to beginner club level with further events for Over 45s and Over 55s. The ladies entry was smaller and only two events were held, a main event and an Over 40s event.

In the Men’s 'A' Event all four seeds reached their 'allotted quarter-final place'. The number three seed (and ex-champion) John McFarlane (MOD) faced the sternest test in order to progress against newcomer Tony Webb (DSTL). McFarlane, however, held his nerve and form to progress to a semi-final clash with CSSC National Team Captain Merv Davies (MOD). Fancying his chances McFarlane looked impressive against the younger Davies and was unlucky not to convert that effort into a least one game! Davies in the end, however, powered his way through 3-0.

In the top half of the draw the balcony was holding its breath when current Champion Marc Aldridge (MOD) was levelled at two games each against the very talented Tim Burrell (ONS) – a new entrant this year to the Competition! Having won the fourth game nine love, Burrell must have felt confident starting the deciding fifth game. Aldridge, however, would not give up easily and in a thrilling 'nip and tuck' encounter he managed to edge his way once more into the final to meet his old adversary Merv the 'Swerve' Davies.

This final once again was a credit to the game of Squash and to both players. Aldridge edged ahead taking the first 9-6, only to be pegged back in the second by the attacking play of Davies (9-6 also) – one game all! The stalemate remained well into the third game when Aldridge eventually managed to pull away and take it 9-3. Davies' strength had waned! Aldridge took the final game 9-1 to win his fourth consecutive Championship title.

In the Men's Veterans event for Over 45’s, last years runner up Tom Burton was in no mood for second best this year when he overcame previous Champion and Irish International player Geoff Irwin (HMRC) in their semi final clash. Burton's good form continued into the final where he defeated the current holder Philip Crane (Rent Service) three games to one.

The Men’s Vintage event for the Over 55’s was contested by some energetic and determined players, though none could knock Peter Lee from his perch and he retained the title without dropping a game.

In addition 3 further grades of competition were held for the men, catering for average club team standard, club league standard and for less experienced or casual players. All these events had Plate events for first round losers and were hard fought by all contenders. Winners of these grade events were B grade, Chris Dean (Prison Service), C grade, Chris Statham (OGC) and D grade, Jeff Carr (OFSTED). Full results are shown below.

The Ladies Event was divided into two separate competitions, with a Plate Event for first round losers – sore feet for the Ladies as well!

In the main event last year's Champion Heather Tweedle (HMRC) had arrived, flushed with the confidence of having recently been selected to play for the Over 40 Ladies England Squad. This confidence was to prove to be well founded as she breezed past the plucky Cynthia Crane (Rent Service) in their semi-final.

In the lower half of the draw the Seeding Committee had done their home work when the number three seed and CSSC Ladies Team Captain, Sian Hughes (HASSRA), duly met Helen Townend (CPS) the number two seed in the second semi-final. The resulting clash produced some fine squash but it was Helen who edged her way through.

The final itself produced some awesome Ladies’ squash when a determined Helen pushed the England International very close to the edge. Heather's experience, however, stood her in good stead and she took the match and her second Championship 9-5, 9-5, 9-2.

The Ladies’ Veterans was won by Heather Tweedle who beat Sian Hughes in the final.

To supplement the games for a few unlucky players whose opponents became injured or withdrew, a consolation mixed event was held. No names mentioned but the ladies won!

On the Friday evening following the first day's play all competitors were treated to an exhibition match between professionals Jethro Binns, the Welsh National Number 2 and Jaymie Haycocks, ex England Under 19. This top quality match lasted nearly one hour and was narrowly won by Jaymie Haycocks.

The Prizes were presented by CSSRA Chairman Linda Parsley. The package of squash competition, exhibition match and city centre hotel deal in Nottingham is not to be missed. The Nottingham Squash Club provides excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere and the competition is designed to suit players of all abilities from casual player to serious challenger. It is hoped, therefore, to repeat this whole Event in 2007 – all squash players watch this space – and the new CSSC squash webpage http://www.cssc-squash.co.uk/

A full list of prize winners is shown below: