Match Report/Results (Portsmouth 6th & 7th January 2012)

Friday

The annual Civil Service Men’s Squash Team fixture against the Royal Navy was held at HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth on the 6/7th January 2012.

Disaster struck early before anyone could step onto a court, with an injury to illustrious Civil Service Captain Merv Davies. The Naval Rules of Engagement state that if the Captain is lost or injured at sea, control of the vessel passes to the Executive Officer. Unfortunately for the Civil Service Team, a person matching the required character traits couldn’t be found, so First Seaman Tim Burrell stepped up to sail the team through the treacherous waters ahead. First Seaman Burrell’s first duty, to deliver the sad news on the health of the missing Captain raised a few eyebrows amongst the team; we were informed that the injury involved eight tendons in the foot! Captain Mervs injured tendon eight weeks previous had failed to heal fully resulting in him missing his first fixture against the Navy for over 20 years. It did however give an opportunity to bring in alternative players which meant, encouragingly, the “Mens Team” (more on this later), had the lowest average age in the past 20 years!

The Quadrangular Tournament for 2011 was again held at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club, The Park, Nottingham. Male teams from the Combined Services, Civil Service, Police and Fire Service, together with Female teams from the Combined Services, Civil Service and Police competed over the period 09-10 September 2011.

Simply the best!

This year's CSSC Games in Loughborough produced simply the best ever squash entry with over 45 players from all corners of the country converging on one of the country's premier sporting locations. It was not, however, just the numbers which impressed the organisers but more importantly the overall standard and depth of play!

The Men's A competition really epitomised this principle with no less than five previous winners of the title all competing. The most senior of these, John McFarlane, with a record of 11 previous titles to his name soon dispelled the rumour that he was only "here for the beer" when he disposed of a very able opponent Freddie Milles to reach the quarter-final stage – a really “stella” performance!

The Squash SRB (Sports and Recreational Body) has recently been successful in winning the CSSC Hayward Trophy for the Best Sports Body in 2010 This was presented to the Squash SRB Chair, Linda Parsley and committee member and past Secretary, Ian Lockey, at the CSSC Conference in June by the Chairman Sir David Bell. The award was won not for any specific achievements in the year but for a consistently high level of achievement and good management over a number of years.

Nottingham’s most prestigious Squash Club once again hosted this year’s Civil Service Team Squash Championships. All the main Departments were represented and overall the event attracted some 30 players from all parts of the country. The resultant line-up saw the six teams of three men and two ladies line-up into two groups of three teams playing in a ‘Round Robin’ format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to semi-final stages of the main Event.

Nottingham’s most prestigious Squash Club once again hosted this year’s Civil Service Team Squash Championships. All the main Departments were represented and overall the event attracted some 30 players from all parts of the country. The resultant line-up saw the six teams of three men and two ladies line-up into two groups of three teams playing in a ‘Round Robin’ format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to semi-final stages of the main Event.

In the first group defending champions DSRA (Defence) came top with excellent wins over RCSL (Revenue & Customs) and HASSRA ‘B’ teams. RCSL in turn grabbed the runners up spot with a fine 4-1 win over HASSRA ‘B’.

The county’s premier squash club which nestles in the shadows of Nottingham’s famous castle once again hosted the Civil Service Squash Singles Championship. It had attracted a record entry of players from all parts of the country and of all playing standards and was set to produce more than a few surprises.

The annual Crown Services tournament between CSSC, Police, Fire Service and Combined Services was played at the Nottingham Squash Club on 10 and 11th September 2010. The Fire Service did not field a ladies team, so the ladies opponents were the Police and Combined services (Army, Navy, RAF). The CSSC matches were both played on Friday 10th September.

The Civil Service Men's Squash Team arrived at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club sporting another strong side although this year missing the youth of Tom Power.

Our first match was against the Combined Services, with John McFarlane and myself on court to get things underway. John played extremely well, calling on his wealth of experience to come out a 3-2 winner while I lost disappointingly 3-0. Next up were Marc Aldridge and Tony Webb. Marc was keen to make up for losing all 3 matches the previous year and now that he is almost semi-pro, won easily 3-0. Tony Webb made hard work of a match that he probably should have won but eventually went down 3-2. This meant the match score was 2-2 with just Tim Burrell left to play, however he was up against the arrogant ex-professional Sam Miller. Tim played some marvellous squash and at times Sam was looking worried but eventually superior fitness was the key and he secured the win 3-0.