CSSC National Singles Championship 2018

The annual CSSC National Graded Squash Singles took place on 23rd/24th November 2018 at the excellent and always welcoming Nottingham Squash Club. It was again a highly successful event with a wide variety of squash players from all over the country.

As a graded event there were competitions for all levels and all were played in a friendly sportsman-like atmosphere. The top grade was a very high standard, while the lower grades enjoyed a friendly yet equally competitive two days of squash. 28 men and 9 ladies entered – one of our highest entries in recent years. Again it was good to see several newcomers entering the men’s event. Event T-shirts were again provided to give a swathe of purple on court (and possible confusion).

The number of lady entries was higher than in previous years, no completely new players though at least one returning after an absence – and who has been enthused to take up squash again and join a club – keep it up Carol. However the quality of the squash was excellent. The Ladies Competition was split into 2 grades, A/B and C/D, both being held as round-robin events. Unfortunately in the A/B event, Helen Midgley strained a calf muscle during her match with Becky Campbell and Keeley Grindle found herself unable to travel to the club, so this allowed the current holder, Becky Campbell to retain the title with little time on court.

The Ladies C/D event had 6 entries and was held as 2 round-robins followed by knock-out semis and finals. Here CSSC Squash Chairman Siân Hughes, after some close matches, showed her squash skills (and some very precise drop shots, as noted by Shena) to beat Shena Ferrie 3-1 in the final.

This year the entries for the top grade of the men’s event exceeded all past tournaments. Thus it was not possible to combine A and B for the first round. Instead an almost full 16-man draw was created with A’s and “wannabe A’s”. This was run as a knock-out competition with several Plate competitions held to keep all players on court after each round. Unfortunately the current holder of the Men’s trophy, James Hodson, was recovering from injury and not able to play. However CSSC men’s captain, Tim Burrell still had to work hard to take back his crown with a strong challenge from newcomer Tom Metcalf, a match watched and enjoyed by many of the players, which Tim won 3-1 in the final. Worthy of note also are Tony Webb who gave Tom a hard time in the semi-final (Tom won 3-2) and Tim’s semi-final opponent the ever youthful, Marc Aldridge.

A series of Plate events in the A grade were played. These were won by Jonathan Simpson (1st round losers), Frazer Richards (2^nd round losers, Frazer narrowly beating Chris Mason-Thom 3-2) and David Nethercott (1st round Plate losers). In this David paid credit to his opponent Dan Willets for not giving up and making him work for his win, despite Dan struggling with a shoulder injury from the previous day.

There was a separate B grade event with the 6 players playing 2 round-robin groups followed by knock-out semis and finals. Here the final was a tremendous battle between Imran Bashir and James Powell, which James won by 3 games to 1. (James is a “wannabe A” for next year, I believe.) Reported in the match between Imran and Sam Farnham, was one player’s “shot of the tournament” - a cross court kill that ended up lodged in the side wall/floor nick.  In the B grade Plate Sam Farnham emerged successful over newcomer John Cooper.

Eight players were entered into the C/D event so a first round knock out was held. After some hard fought first round matches the 4 winners went into a C grade round robin competition and the 4 losers into a D grade round robin with all playing all.

The C grade produced some close matches. Robert Frame from Wales spent most time on court with 2 tough 5 setters, against Ben Young which Robert won and Chris Smith, which Chris won. The match with Chris deserves a mention as it was one of the marathons of the tournament, going to 5 with only a couple of points separation in each game. Afterwards Robert reported being “gutted not to win that one, but will be back for the challenge next year”. The eventual winner in the C grade was Chris Smith who won all his matches, Robert coming 2^nd.

The D grade competition was also very competitive but suffered from a drop out by one of the players following car trouble on Friday evening. The final winner was Fred Sanders who was taken to 4 games by runner up, CSSRA Treasurer, Jim Fay.

The customary social evening was held at the club on the Friday evening to relax everyone after a hard day’s squash. The club provided supper and organiser Linda ran a light hearted quiz. This, as always, has found to be a great way to relax and bring people together after a hard day’s exercise. It was mentioned by many of the players as a highlight which together with the friendly atmosphere, and the chance to meet and play new players and old friends contributed to their enjoyment of the event. The sports massage therapist available on the Saturday to attend to tired bodies and muscles was again much appreciated by the players.

Presentations were made after the excellent men’s final by CSSRA President, Marian Holmes, who had played in the tournament herself. She thanked the Squash Club for their hospitality and Linda, Ian Lockey and Jackie Codman for their effective organisation. Finally, she thanked all the players for their excellent attitude that helped to make this such a friendly but competitive occasion.

The CSSRA held its AGM on the Saturday, which enabled players to comment and discuss relevant issues around squash events in CSSC. Openings for committee positions were discussed with the current Secretary, Peter Lee, and Treasurer, Jim Fay, suggesting new volunteers or assistants for these positions would be welcome. Ideas for improvements in the events were also discussed.

TROPHIES / PRIZES

Becky Campbell, Ladies Champion	Siân Hughes, Ladies Grade Winner	Shena Ferrie Ladies Grade R-up
Tim Burrell, Mens Champion	James Powell, B grade winner	Imran Bashir, B grade runner-up
with Ladies Champion, Becky Campbell and President, Marian Holmes
	Fred Sanders, D grade winner	Jim Fay, D grade runner-up
Jonathan Simpson, A Plate winner	Frazer Richards, AA Plate winner	David Nethercott, AA2 Plate winner