Team News

This years Quadrangular  2024 tournament was held at the Prestigious  Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham.

The matches kicked off on time and the early Friday session produced some shocks... 

with POLICE v FIRE

it was very close FIRE winning that 3/2.

While on ct 1 it was..

CSSC v UKAF

CSSC was well organised and far too strong for UKAF winning that match 5/0.

After launch into the late afternoon session ..

POLICE v UKAF.

This was straight forward for the very strong POLICE. winning 5/0.

Much more exciting matches  between CSSc v FIRE

CSSC came through 4/1 winners.

Meanwhile there was a thriller in the ladies match between POLICE v UKAF.

POLICE won that 3/2 and with that also the overall event.

Friday evening meal was very well organised and excellent food thanks to Priory kitchen...there was plenty to eat .

some had 3 helpings.

Saturday  Morning.

Everything to play for POLICE v CSSC

with a slight change to CSSC team, weakened at the top of order..it was great effort by the boys..

CSSC only win came via Matthew winning 3/1 at No2.

FIRE had an easy run as UKAF were 2 players short but did manage to sneak a rubber which turned out to be crucial in the final tally of points.

FIRE won 4/1.

Also must mention Mike Edwards head coach at Priory and all the Priory ladies who turned up on Saturday morning to give the POLICE ladies team a match. It was close with POLICE ladies winning 3/2....

SO the score on the board revealed POLICE at the top and CSSC second FIRE in third place and then UKAF.

Summing up it was an excellent weekend and thanks to al our players for making this event a great one and hope it continues to be successful.

Collis.

22nd June 2024: Social squash match CSSC vs Fire Service vs GB Vets

Following the success of the 2023 event, the Civil Service, GB Vets and Fire service squash teams all headed to Nottingham to take part in a friendly 8-a-side squash match.

First up were CSSC against the GB Vets who boasted none other than Nick Gollaglee, British Over 65s champion, in their ranks, along with a host of other national players. The civil service, however, were boosted by being loaned Nick Sheppard from the GB Vets and local Nottingham player Noah Duckworth. Despite these additions, the civil service found it tough going yet managed to put on some excellent performances against tough opponents. James Hodson was star of the match for the Civil Service managing to get a win against the talented John Simpson. Special mention also goes to Tim Burrell and Imran Bashir for getting a game each while the others all lost encounters closer than the scorelines suggest – Nick Sheppard and Paul Clarke particularly unlucky not to win a game.

Despite some heavy legs going into the 2^nd match it didn’t show. Mike Plant had a very good win in a tight affair while Richard Chubb and David Jacobs, playing his first CSSC squash event, also managed to come out on top. Imran Bashir and Paul Clarke were both unfortunate to be on the wrong end of 3-2 scorelines – just not having enough to get over the line. James Hodson, Joe Shil and Noah Duckworth played well but ultimately were bested by their opponents.

In the remaining match once again there were plenty of tight matches with the Fire Service just managing to narrowly beat GB Vets.

Following the squash all the teams retired to the bar to enjoy some food before heading home having thoroughly enjoyed the event. 

CSSC Quadrangular 2023 – 1-2 September 2023.

With last year’s event cancelled the Civil Service were very pleased to resume their annual fixture against the Police Force, Fire Service and UK Armed Forces. The CSSC men’s team travelled to Edgbaston Priory and it was good to have a few new faces in the team with some young(er) players joining the old stalwarts. The team featured new players Joe Shill, Craig Webb and Ben Mann joining James Hodson, Tim Burrell and Ethan Thornton.

CSSC vs Police Force

The first match was against the Police who had won the event for the past few years, and are always well stocked with good players. This year was no different and the CSSC team knew they had a tough task. First on were Ethan Thornton (5) and Craig Webb (4). Ethan never really hitting his stride was taken out by his talented opponent. Craig put up a good fight and after settling into the match almost took the 3^rd game. It was all too late and Craig also went down 3-0. Looking to get CSSC back on track were Ben Mann (3) And Tim Burrell (2). Ben lost 3-0, a score line that didn’t reflect how close the match was. With Tim losing the first game it was looking like his match would follow suit but he managed to take the next 2 games and sneak over the line in the 4^th to take a 3-1 win. Finally CSSC had some points on the board. Last on was James Hodson (1). Much like the previous matches James put up a good fight but couldn’t quite squeeze a game from his opponent, going down in a close 3-0 match.

A 4-1 loss to the Police Force with 2 matches left to play.

CSSC vs Fire Service

Having suffered a brutal defeat earlier the CSSC team were looking to get back on track. Joe Shill came in at number 5 and immediately got the team off to a winning start, comfortably seeing off his opponent with some determined running and skilful shots. Craig Webb and Ben Mann continued the teams winning ways with Craig running out a 3-0 winner and Ben, having suffered a little wobble to drop the 3^rd game, came out on the right end of a 3-1 win. That meant CSSC had won the match, all that was left was for James and Tim to play the remaining matches. Tim managed a close 3-0 win while James had a real tussle at the number 1 string. James lost the first only to draw level at 1-1. A close loss in the 3^rd was followed by a comfortable win in the 4^th from James to take the game to 2-2. With nothing between the players as they each traded points it was only at the very end of the game where the Fire Service player just edged ahead with some canny winners to take the game 11-8, and match 3-2.

A 4-1 win for the CSSC.

CSSC vs UK Armed Services

With a win and a loss CSSC were looking to win their last match while hoping the Police Force would slip up against the Fire Service. First on were Joe and Craig. Joe started slow but after just about winning the first took control of the match to win 3-0. Craig had a very tough match but managed to keep his nose ahead throughout, winning 3-0 in a very close encounter. With Ben also winning 3-0 each of the debutants had an excellent couple of days. Last on were Tim and James looking to wrap up the win, which they duly did - each winning 3-0.

A 5-0 win for CSSC but not enough to catch the Police who, having won all 3 matches, were once again crowned champions. CSSC came a very creditable 2^nd with the UK Armed Services in 3^rd and Fire Service in 4^th.

Final scores:

Police force: 58

CSSC: 42

UK Armed Forces: 21

Fire Service: 8

Just over a year has passed since the first match between the Civil Service and GB Vets took place and here we were, back in Nottingham for the rematch. This time we were joined by a team from the Fire Service, keen to join the party. We had booked the four main courts at Nottingham (7-10) all the way from 12 noon until 6pm. This may have seemed a bit conservative on first glance but some cracking matches meant that a full day of court time was almost completely used.

GB Vets vs Civil Service

With four courts in action it really was a case of dipping in and out but in the first round of matches :

(2) John Simpson was too strong for an injured Craig Webb (pulled adductor, first injury of the day) who had to drop out afterwards. 3-0 to John.

(3) John Parkes just seems to get fitter and faster with age. Anyone who plays him is in for a tough examination and Marc Aldridge was no exception with John coming through 3-1

(5) On a really hot court 10, Peter Lonsdale was made to work hard against the willing running of Joe Shills. Joe is really fit and that brought him through against Pete in a hard, sweat inducing 3-1

(6) Rob Reid raced away from Ethan Thornton in the first game with very controlled accurate placement of the ball only for the complete reverse in the second game with Ethan dominating the court. Rob regained the upper hand in the next two for a comfortable 3-1 win

So 3-1 to the vets and the second matches on.

(1) Nick Hargreaves and Tim Burrell put on some show. Both players chasing down the ball time after time with great shot making and retrieval. Tim came through for the Civil Service but it looked as though the effort had taken a lot out of him with the next match following on soon. 3-0 to Civil Service

(4) Chris Mason-Thom is a tall rangy player who covers the court really well and looks to extend rallies. This set up a good test against the hard attacking squash that Ray epitomises. Chris did work incredibly hard and a 0-3 result doesn’t reflect how much he put into the match. 3-0 to GB Vets.

(7) Nick Sheppard and Dan willets played the same match last year. That time Dan had a torn rotator and couldn’t play anything high. This time Nick came into the match nursing a back strain and with more than limited mobility. Nick took the first game but a bumping together at the start of the second aggravated his back strain (Nick withdrew after the match, second injury of the day). Despite pushing in the third, Dan was able to run out to a 3-1 win for the Civil Service.

So after almost exactly two hours play we had the first match result, a 4-3 win for the GB Vets

Civil Service vs Fire Service

(1) Neil Cross had a long drive from Colchester in the morning and it seemed to have had an effect as he made an uncharacteristic number of errors in going down to Tim Burrell, rallying for his second win – two impressive matches from Tim. 3-1 to Civil Service

(2) Travis Tatum travelled up from  Colchester with Neil and seemed to have the same car legs at the start of his match with plenty of unforced errors against Marc Aldridge. From then on Travis rallied and showed what a capable and graceful player he is with languid unhurried movement around the court and some wicked wristy angles on shots. 3-2 to Fire Service

(3) Mike Plant is a tall and very fit athlete with a long reach, very similar in fact to Chris! The difference between the two on the day was the work Chris had already put into his match earlier and with both players able to retrieve the ball consistently it was that tiredness that gave Mike the edge. Chris made a valiant effort to hold on in the third but to no avail. 3-0 to Fire Service

(4) If we could hook Joe Shills up to the national grid we wouldn’t need to worry about power generation in this country ever again. Fresh from a hard match with Peter Lonsdale, Joe was back on court to face Ross Bingham another player whose game is based on fitness. In so many respects an evenly matched pair but it was Joe who came back from narrowly losing the first two game to win the match while Ross then withdrew injured (third injury of the day). 3-2 to Civil Service.

(5) With Craig Webb dropping out, Peter Lonsdale volunteered to fill in for the Civil Service with his opponent, Steve, agreeing the make their match a double header for the Vets vs Fire Service which was due to follow. Another long match with Peter eventually taking the win. 3-2 to Civil Service

(6) Ethan had recovered from his experience against Rob Reid and was able to show off his normal level of racket skill in beating Shaun Cramer. 3-0 to Civil Service

(7) Karl Mullins must be well over 6 ½ feet tall with a reach to match. Karl also normally plays racketball and his shot choices favoured a lot of Australian boasts and other angles with not a lot hit straight. Dan had enough control to stay in front and take the match but admitted afterwards he was more than a bit confused by where the ball was going. 3-1 to Civil Service.

Again almost exactly two hours play and a 5-2 win to the Civil Service but some hard matches within that.

GB Vets vs Fire Service

(1) Neil continued to look a bit out of sorts against a really in form Nick Hargreaves and although he took the first game it always looked like Nick was the stronger player on the day. 3-1 to GB Vets

(2) Travis had definitely shaken off the car journey but John was just too quick and accurate to be wrong footed by Travis wristy shots. 3-0 to GB Vets

(3) So if you have played two hard matches in four hours do you really want the next to be against a rested John Parkes? Joe showed amazing stamina to come out and play hard again and kept the match tight against John who had just enough experience to see him home. 3-1 to GB Vets.

(4) Despite a hard fought win from Ray, Mike and Ray had enough in the tank to stay on and play each other again straight after. 3-2 to GB Vets.

(5) This was played earlier during the Civil Service vs Fire Service

(6) Rob Reid again showed accurate length and line hitting, putting the ball in difficult places for Shaun to get it back from. A well controlled win for Rob. 3-0 to GB Vets

(7) With Nick withdrawing, Peter Lonsdale stepped in to play Karl in what was a very dead rubber. As Peter joined in the racketball shots and eschewed drops it made for a very entertaining and close match, much to the hilarity of Karls sons who were trying to get embarrassing video clips of his rallies from the balcony.

So, final result 7-0 to the GB Vets but yet again there were some great 3-2 matches in there.

Unfortunately, the threat of rail strikes meant that most players were keen to get home on the Saturday rather than stay over for a night investigating the bars of Nottingham like last year so pizzas and drinks were taken at NSRC before everyone made their ways home. Many thanks go to NSRC for again hosting this event. It is clear they are struggling through some difficult times and we all wish them the best of luck and hope they can come through it intact and viable. Also big thanks to the other captains, Nick Shepherd and Neil Cross for bringing out players who really got into the spirit of the day and made it all thoroughly enjoyable. I would like to thank all the Civil Servants who came out to play. A date is being arranged for next year and there is interest from a fourth team in joining in.

The CSSC National Team Squash Event has once again returned to the popular Nottingham Squash Club which is now under new management. This year six teams entered with HASSRA once again fielding a strong line up of three teams in an attempt to retain the Title they had won last year. Last year’s runners-up North West however had arrived with a strengthened Team in the form of a new number one player Craig Webb and had plans of their own to steal the Title away from HASSRA. The remaining two teams saw the long-awaited return of DSTL together with a new Team “Spare Rackets”, Captained by our CSSRA President Marian Holmes. The Event was run on a Round-Robin basis of three teams formed into two separate groups giving all players two games to play on the Friday. On the Saturday the Winners of Group A would play the Runners-up from Group B and similarly winners of Group B would play the Runners-up of Group A. The winners of these matches would face each other in the Final whilst the two losers would play each other for third place. The two teams placed third in Friday’s games would face each other in a play-off for the Plate Trophy.

In Group A the opening matches saw HASSRA A play their C Team which despite Mickey Gallagher, Jim Fay, Jo Jones and Rob Frame’s valiant efforts went predictably to the A Team with a 5-0 result. HASSRA C’s next match against DSTL was a more hard-fought affair but ended with a similar 5-0 match score line against the in-form DSTL’s Stu Scourfield, Ian Frampton, Kevin Walters, and Carol Stone. DSTL’s success against the HASSRA C Team however was never going to be enough against the HASSRA A’s strong line-up, although Ian, Kevin and Carol did all pick points before going down to a 3-1 score line. The overall match result was another 5-0 to the HASSRA A Team.

In Group B the opening match between HASSRA B and Spare Rackets was a hard-fought affair, the standout game being between the second-string players which saw Spare Rackets’s Craig Blurton edge past HASSRA’s Chris Rowsbury in a thrilling five game match. Further wins by Joe Shill and James Dand secured their Team’s overall win 3-2. Spare Rackets then had to face last year’s Runners Up Northwest. Spare Rackets’s earlier taste of success was soon to be dampened when they went down to a hard fought 5-0 score line. The final match between North West and HASSRA B produced another 5-0 score line for the Northerners, although HASSRA’s Carol Whittington nearly chalked up a win for her Team when eventually only losing in a superb match 9-11 in the fifth game to Shena Ferrie.

Saturday’s first semi-final saw HASSRA A play Spare Rackets. This proved to be an uphill battle for the Rackets Team who went down 5-0. Rackets Team Captain, Marian Holmes however did put up some excellent opposition to HASSRA’s Ruth Sleigh eventually losing 3-1. The second semi-final between North West and DSTL was a hard fought match which produced a 4-1 victory for North West to progress into yet another Final. DSTL’s Ian Frampton was their only winner against Dan Willets whilst DSTL’s number one player Stuart Scourfield did also put up some spirited opposition against North West’s Craig Webb before losing 3-1.

The final between HASSRA A and North West saw the two strongest players in the Tournament face each other.  North West’s Craig Webb got his Team off to an excellent start by taking the first game 11- 6 against James Earles who is currently ranked 40 in the England Squash rankings. That success was however turned around when the next three hard fought games went to the HASSRA player. This pattern was repeated when both Jonathan Simpson and Imran Bashir produced excellent wins against Dan Willetts and Paul Lane. North West’s Shena Ferrie had a close match against Ruth Sleigh eventually going down 3-1 whilst HASSRA’s ever reliable Sian Hughes chalked up another win against Deb Atkinson to retain HASSRA A’s Title with a 5-0 match score line. HASSRA B continued to highlight HASSRA’s overall success story by defeating HASSRA C in the Plate Final. In the third and fourth playoff DSTL defeated Spare Rackets 3-1.

Congratulations once again go to HASSRA and their Team Captain Sian Hughes for assembling such strong line ups to win both the Main Event and the Plate Competition. A special thanks goes to all the players who participated and in particular to James Earles’s first outing in a CSSC Squash Event - he is bound to add strength to our National CSSC Squash Team. Thanks also to Nottingham Squash Rackets Club for both hosting our Event and for providing their support. Thanks to Linda Parsley for once again running the Friday Evening Quiz and to Jackie Codman for her help in running this Event. The prizes were presented by the CSSRA President Marian Holmes.

The next CSSC Squash Event will be the National Squash Masters and Racketball Open Competitions on the 19^th and 20^th May 2023 at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club.

       Top Left:Marian Holmes presenting the winners trophy to HASSRA's captain Sian Hughes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Top Right:HASSRA A's winning team: Imran Bashir, Ruth Sleigh, Sian Hughes, Jonathan Simpson & James Earles                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Bottom Left:North West Runners Up Team; Deb Atkinson, Craig Webb, Paul Lane, Dan Willets & Sheena Ferrie                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bottom Right:HASSRA B Plate winners: Chris Rowsby, Michelle Hodds, Carol Whittington, Peter Fielding (Marion Holmes) centre   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                          

                 2023 Players and Organisers                           

On Saturday 19^th March a team of Civil Service squash players travelled to Nottingham to play the Veterans Club of Great Britain. This social fixture was organised for a range of standards with an attempt to match people up to opponents of a similar level. This worked out fantastically as there was some great squash played with 5 of the 9 matches going the full distance to 5 games. The Civil Service ran out 6-3 winners.

Following the initial match games we played a series of second matches and overall for the day 14 matches were played, with the score for the day being 8-6 to the Civil Service.

This was the first friendly social Civil Service match played for a few years and a fixture we hope to keep in the diary for years to come. This is an opportunity for all squash players! If interested, please contact Tim Burrell, the team captain. 

Overall score:

• Civil Service 6
• GB Vets 3

The annual Crown Services Quadrangular Tournament was cancelled in 2022 out of respect for the passing of the Late Queen Elizabeth II. 

In September 2019 the CSSC men’s and women’s representative team played the annual Crown Services Quadrangular squash tournament against the Police Force, Fire Service and UK Armed Services. 

Ladies Team Results

This year, the Ladies team consisted of 5 players: 

• Rebecca Campbell
• Helen Midgley
• Keeley Grindle
• Ruth Sleigh
• Sian Hughes

Our first game was against the UK Armed Forces who in past years have been really close games. This year was no different.

Keeley and Helen got the games underway. Unfortunately, both matches resulted in a 1/3 loss but again both games could have gone either way. Becky and Ruth were up next – unfortunately again both resulted in a loss. Becky lost 1/3 and Ruth lost 0/3. The score does not reflect the quality of the matches. Both great games ladies. Last but not least was Sian. Sian played amazing really getting “stuck in” and managed to pull off the first win for the Ladies CSSC team. 3/2 Well done Sian a great game to watch. Final result CSSC 6 UKAF 19

Fresh as daisies the Ladies team were ready for their Saturday morning match against the Police – The social side was not after all compromised. Unfortunately, the Police only had 4 players so Sian managed a 100% win in the tournament

Again Keeley started. She managed to start the team off with a 3/0 win, no hangover present! Followed then Helen. Helen battled away with a long-time nemesis Chrissie. Chrissie was just too strong (and sober) for Helen. Result was 0/3. Becky played next and was up against the Welsh number 2 (no pressure Bex!) The result was as envisaged nether the less Becky played really well and tried her heart out.  Next up was Ruth. As in previous years it always seems that our last matches are 2 all with everything to play for. Ruth didn’t disappoint with all the team behind her. Ruth managed to keep us all on the edge of our seats at 2 all. The last game was so hard fought but unfortunately just missing out on the game 13/15. Really well played by Ruth.Final result Police 14 CSSC 8

Final Results in the Ladies Competition: 

Men's Team Results

Once again the individual standard on show at this event was exceptionally high. The Civil Service team went into the event with two injuries hampering the usual squad, regular number one James Hodson and stalwart Ethan Thornton both out  of selection this year. This did mean we were very pleased to welcome a new member, Sam Levin, to come in at number one and make use some of the more experienced squad members could play lower down the order.

This year the Civil Service had put together a strong consisting of:

• Sam Levin
• Tim Burrell
• Tom Metcalf
• James Whelan
• Mark Aldridge
• Adam Lavis

Civil Service vs Police:The Police Service are always a tough fixture and this year was no different. With good wins for Marc and James, both 3-1, and a couple of tough losses for Tom and Sam – who both fought very hard with little reward – the match was finely poised 2-2 with the last match to go on court. Tim won the first game but couldn’t quite get over line despite game balls in the 3^rd and 4^th games before losing 3-1; and with it the Civil Service lost 3-2.

Civil Service vs Fire Service:Adam Lavis came into the team for this match and played well to win 3-1. A fantastic 3-2 win from Sam at number 1 coupled with unfortunate losses for James and Tom again left the match at 2-2 with Tim last on court. Once again Tim found the match hard-going and despite a good performance which produced game-balls in the 2^nd and 3^rd games he went down 3-0. The score-line does not reflect how close the match was as again the Civil Service lost a close match 3-2.

Civil Service vs UKAS: Another very close match. Again, Adam played well to get a 3-0 win while Tom managed to notch his first win of the weekend. Losses for Sam and Marc meant for the 3^rd time in the weekend it was 2-2 in matches with Tim last on court. This time however he was able to get the win. With this the Civil Service won this match 3-2 and secured 3^rd place in the overall standings.

This year's men's event involved some very talented players, including ex-world ranked players Joe Green (Police, ex no. 105) and Sam Miller (UKAS, ex no. 70). In the face of such tough opposition the team still managed to improve on last years performance by coming 3^rd overall. All the matches were close with just 4 points separating the teams in 2^nd to 4^th. The Police Force won the event having only just beating the Civil Service team 3-2. 

Match scores and overall positions:

1. Police Force (50)

2. Fire Service (30)

3. Civil Service (29)

4. UKAS (27)

In September the Ladies and Mens CSSC Teams competed in the annual Quadrangular Tournament against the Fire and Rescue Services, the Combined Armed Forces and the Police Services.

Ladies Team:

This year we were able to field a team of 5 players although one or 2 players were nursing injuries!!! The Ladies team consisted of:

• Rebecca Campbell
• Helen Midgley
• Nicola Beachill
• Keeley Grindle
• Sheena Ferrie

Our first game was against the UK Armed Forces who in past years have been really close games. Helen started be ball rolling with what can only be described as breezes with a 3/0 win against Chrissie Miller. The game score was 11/8, 11/8 and 9/11. Safe to say that Helen was “on fire”!

Next up was Sheena who was feeling very nervous. Sheena had a really close game with Nicola Whitehead which the score line didn’t reflect. First game getting to 10-10, but unfortunately loosing 12/10. The second game was also fought really hard with managing to get 8 points. All to play for in the third, and everyone on the edge of their seats at 10/10, 11/11, 12/12, again unfortunately just missing out on the third game 14/12.

Next up was Keeley, Keeley who is always nervous to start with played Amy Whitehead. These players had never met before. Keeley took the first game 11/8 after a shaky start, and also managed to take the 2^nd game 12/10 after a 10/10 knee shaker!!! Unfortunately the 3^rd game went to Amy who was mounting an enormous come back and had upped her game, but with expert coaching from Helen and Nicola Keeley managed to take the 4^th Game 11/7. A good game to watch.

Whilst Keeley was playing becky was up against Elaine Radcliffe. Again these players had never met before. Becky played really well in the first game but unfortunately just missed out loosing 9/11. Becky dug deep and managed to take the 2^nd game 11/9. The rallies in this game were fantastic and told on Becky in the third game as she lost 2/11. Becky back to fighting fit really tried hard in the 4^th game but wasn’t successful on this occasion. Becky lost the match 3/1.

Only one match left which was Nicola against Annabel Freeman. Nicola had unfortunately missed heard the team score and thought she was playing a “damp squib” thinking we had already lost the match. This was soon put right after the warm up and told that the match rested on this game!!!!! Nicola started slowly as she was playing with “dodgy knees” and hadn’t been on a squash court for 9 months. She lost the first game 9/11 but came off court assuring me that “she felt ok” Nicola came back to true form winning the next 3 games 7/11, 7/11, 2/11. Some amazing shots that showed real talent.

Final result Armed Forces 8 CSSC 15

One match in the bag and all to play for……………………………….if only it hadn’t been the police left to play!!!!!!!!!

This year the police were fielding an amazing team with everyone back from injuries or having babies!! Some of which were very vocal during their parent game! The lady that played at 1 last year was this year playing at 4 which goes to show just how strong their team were.

Nether the less in true CSSC style we all got “stuck in”. Helen again was up first against Chrissie McMullan. These 2 have met on numerous occasions and have very good games unfortunately the score line has always been the same. Helen played well but lost 2/11, 5/11/ 10/12. Helen really tried hard to seal the third game but Chrissies strength shone through.

Next up was Becky playing against Elin Harlow. Elin plays for Wales and is currently ranked 92 on the world circuit! Safe to say that poor Becky had her work cut out! Becky still tried her best but the score line was as expected 3/11, 6/11, 4/11.

Keeley was up next playing Gemma Barber (who was last year playing at one for the Police) again the score line was as expected 2/11, 2/11, 7/11 again Keeley did try her best but unfortunately Gemma was just too strong.

Nicola who was still managing to walk (thankfully) played Rachel Cooper. Again another player who plays for Wales returning from maternity leave. This was a brilliant game to watch, Rachel taking the first game although very hard fought 11/8. Nicola came back with some amazing drop shots to win the second game 11/8. The third game saw Rachel’s biggest and loudest supporter making an impact on the game (her 9 month old daughter) encouraging Rachel to a 11/6 win. Still all to play for in the fourth but unfortunately Rachel’s fitness made an appearance leading her across the finish line with a 11/9 victory

Last game to play (and the closest in this match) was Sheena up against Joyce. Both similar players utilising the “lob and drop” . Sheena fought hard narrowly missing out on the first game 9/11. Sheen displayed true determination taking the second game 12/10. The third game not so close with Joyce using the boast to trick Sheena, Sheena lost that one 3/11. Sheena came back to life to take the fourth game 13/11. All square with the last game to play. Both Sheen and Joyce fighting for their lives. No one wanted to win at 10/10/ 11/11 12/12. Both teams watching this match were intrigued with Joyce just stealing the win at 14/12. Again another fabulous match to watch with both players showing true spirit.

Final result Police 20 CSSC 3

We all had an amazing day with everyone really trying. 2^nd place again but at least we haven’t gone down. The one thing about the CSSC ladies team where we win hands down every year is the “social award” it was lovely that all our team members were able to stay and socialise with other team members on the Friday evening. No other team had all their players out with the Police only having Gemma representing them (don’t worry we took her under our wings and looked after her)

Thanks to everyone for playing.

2018 Ladies Quadrangular Tournament

Mens Team: 

Once again the individual standard on show at this event was exceptionally high and the Civil Service team did well to compete at this level. It was good that the team could welcome a new face to the team as well include some of those that have long played in the Civil Service events and are well known from the playing over the years.

This year the Civil Service had put together a strong consisting of:

• Tim Burrell
• James Whelan
• Tom Metcalf
• Mark Aldridge
• Adam Curry
• Adam Lavis
• Dan Willets

The first match was against last years winners, the Police Force. First on were Adam Lavis and Mark Aldridge. Both players put up strong performances. Mark was finely poised at 1-1 but could not quite get over the line while Adam didn’t quite get the game his performance deserved. Next up were Tim and Tom, with Tom making his first performance for the team having recently joined the Civil Service. With Tim on one court going 2-0 up, on the other court Tom was taking a slightly different path going 2-0 down. At this point both matches swung, with Tim’s opponent coming back into the match to level at 2-2. At the same time Tom was doing the same – he also dug in to level at 2 games each. With a couple of civil service wins it would put the match at 2-2. Alas it was not to be and unfortunately the Police managed to come out on top in both fixtures. Last up were James and Dan. Both fought gamely but were unable to trouble the scorers, with James going down 3-0 and Dan 3-1. So a tough match to start and the overall score line not quite reflecting how close some of the individual matches were.

Next up were the UKAS, always a very tough proposition, and so it proved again this year. The UKAS are always strong and with Tim unable everyone had to move up one place. That said, the team put up some excellent performances and almost managed to score a victory. Mark in particular playing well to score a 3-1 victory and Tom winning a brutal match 3-1 in which every game was decided by only 2 points. Overall a 3-2 loss but a performance to be proud of.

By the last game everybody was finding their form. Adam Curry had stepped into the team and almost managed a win against the fire. Similarly, Tom was once again outstanding and unlucky to lose 3-2. Adam Lavis at 5 was able to sneak a 3-0 victory while the morning excursions from James, Mark and Dan took their toll and they could not quite get a victory.

It was a very tough weekend but with a slightly depleted team the Civil Service put on a strong showing.

QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT 7^{th - 8th} September 2018

In September 2017, the Civil Service Ladies and Mens Teams competed in the Civil Service Quadrangular, and annual event between the Civil Service, the Combined Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Fire and Rescue Services

Ladies Team:

Unfortunately this year both Nicola Beachill and Ruth Sleigh were unavailable So Shena Ferrie and our CSSC captain Sian Hughes stepped up to the mark.

Our first game was against the police who last year claimed the title so we were a little apprehensive to say the least! However the Police were only able to field a team of 4. Sian had a reprieve and wasn’t required to play (I have to say she seemed more than happy at this prospect). Next up was Shena who was feeling very nervous however managed to win the match 3-0 with her opponent Sara only managing to score 5 points in every game. Shena played amazing getting the team off to a flying start. Keeley was next on court with an old rival Alicia. Keeley and Alicia have met in previous years with the games being very close. This year Keeley managed a 3-0 victory at ease putting the team at a win – No pressure then Beckie or Helen?????? Beckie was on court next with what I have to say was the match of the day, an epic battle. The first game Beckie managed to steal, getting to 10-10 and fighting to take it 12-10. The second game went much the same way with another 10-10 this time Beckie narrowly missed out losing 12-10. The third game another 10-10 but Beckie just couldn’t manage to win with another 12-10 lose. The 4^th game and all to play for. Beckie had fire in her belly managed to take this game 11-7. 2 games all and no one with any finger nails left! Beckie tried really hard but I think fitness was telling in this game the final result for the game was 6-11 with a match score of 2-3. I can honestly say Beckie gave it her all and played some amazing squash. There was nothing left in the tank. Last but not least was Helen. On first look at Helen it would seem she was feeling the effects of the previous night however she managed to put her heart and soul into the game. Helens opponent Debbie was just too strong taking the game 3-0. Amazing games and a win for CSSC

After lunch and with full bellies we were up against the UKAF. The UKAF hadn’t dropped a game against the police so we definitely had something to prove!! We were off to a win to start as unfortunately one of their players had to leave, leaving them with a team of 4. Sian again was not required to play (poor Sian but her face again was one of pure delight! – think she may be trying to tell me something) . Shena again was up first- nerves had her in the first game as she lost 4-11 however the second game she managed a win with a score of 12-10 (this is the first game the UKAF had managed to drop – well done Shena) unfortunately her opponent Sian came storming back to take the next two games 11-5 and 11-2 with a match score of 3-1. Next up was Helen looking a little more peaky and ready for action. Helen gave her all again but unfortunately lost 3-0 with games scores 4-11, 5-11 and 3-11. Keeley was up next playing Yvette fantastically close games not reflecting the 3-0 score. Getting to 10-10 in the first game but just not having the stamina to get over the finish line losing the first game 12-10. The second game and nerves had gone, 10 all then 11 all but again just not being able to get the last 2 points losing 11-13. With nothing left in the tank Keeley tried her best but lost the final game 9-11. Next time Keeley will have this!!!!! Last on court was Beckie (she needed a longer rest after her epic first game). Again a well fought match against Rosie! Beckie just missing out on the first game 8-11 but came back in the second to take it 11-9 (another game dropped for the UKAF!) unfortunately the effects of the first match told on Beckies legs losing the third and fourth game 3-11 and 4-11.

We had an amazing day with everyone really trying and only just missing out (Sian it was the best I have seen you play ;) ) A steady 2^nd place again but at least we haven’t gone down. I have said it every year that next year will be ours so this year I am keeping my mouth shut and we will see what happens! Thanks to everyone for playing.

Quadrangle Women's Tournament finishing positions

Mens Team:

The individual standard on show was exceptionally high again with ex world ranked players competing for both the UK Armed Services and Fire Service.

This year the Civil Service had put together a strong consisting of:

• James Hodson
• Tim Burrell
• Ethan Thornton
• Mark Aldridge
• Adam Lavis
• Jon McFarlane

The first match was against last years winners, the Fire Service. First on were Adam Lavis and Ethan Thornton. Adam played well to win 3-1 and record his first with for the National Civil Service Team. Ethan had it tough playing at number 3 and despite working some good positions, especially in the 2^nd game, he could not convert and went down 3-0. Next up were Tim Burrell and Mark Aldridge. Again, the 2 matches followed different paths. With Mark Looking good at 1 game-all and 10-7 up he somehow managed to lose that game and the match 3-1. Tim fared better on the other court and won 3-0. This left the match poised at 2-2 with the last match on – numbers 1’s with James Hodson against National Over 40’s champion Pete O’Hara. Despite a strong showing and winning one game, he couldn’t quite win the match. A close 3-2 loss to start.

Next up were the Police Force. The Police are always string, particularly in depth and unfortunately the Civil Service had little to show for their efforts at strings 2-5. All put up a good fight but Adam the only player to win a game. Lastly James at number 1 managed to put the rest of the players to shame by winning his match 3-0.

Last up were UKAS. Civil Service needed a win to avoid coming last. First up were Ethan and Mark. Ethan had a marathon match, playing exceptionally well to come back from 2-1 down to win his match 3-2. Mark did not have as much success and went down 3-0 despite having some chances. Next up were Tim and Adam. Tim began slowly, losing the first game. By the second he had settled down and managed to win the match 3-1. Despite close games Adam could not overcome his opponent and went down 3-0. So once again it was down to James at number 1. Unfortunately, against another ex-world ranked player, he was unable to get the victory and the team ended with a 3-2 loss.

So, after 3 tough matches the Civil Service ended up losing all 3 matches very closely. The event was excellently hosted and run the Police Force, with the Police Force team also coming out as eventual winners of the event.

QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT September 2017