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The big day arrived - April 20th - a Friday night - the final of the Club chamionship and Plate.
 
On court 1 Liam vs Chris Smith
A highly competitive game with high speed action from both players. At 2-1 up McIlveen had a match point only to find Smith battling away with a ferocity John Terry would be proud of. No sendings off here though despite Smith dispariging comments to our able Referee Tony Hindley. Lets face it decisions are always hard to be correct every time and Tony arrived half cut beer glass in hand. It was going to be a long night......or so we thought. In the 4th game McIlveen came bounding on with more energy than the balcony, downing the free booze, could muster all together. Straight in with a no-nonsense approach and within no time he was agian at match point. He wasnt about to lose it this time and finally won the game. 3-2 to Liam. Well done.
 
On court 2 The plate final was between Gary Cashmore and David Waring. Again started off level pegging ably marked by Gwynn who was not prepared to allow any dodgy lets called by Waring. Gary started off well but a few errors ultimately lost him the first game. Waring took advantage of this and pursued the drop shots relentlessly and gained the 2nd match. By the 3rd game boith Gary and David eyeing the free beer had quick fimnal game. David won 3-0. Good match though.
 
 
Great competitions and thanks to all competitors. Trophies were handed out at a very enjoyable eveining in the club - thanks Steve. Thanks alos to Tony for his IT operations!   

As some of you may know, Tony Hindley and Steve OHare are in the process of preparing a five year development plan with a view to moving the club forward. With this in mind, Tony Hindley and I, with some welcomed input from John Cartmel and others, have produced a membership questionnaire which I have attached to this email.

It would be really helpful if each and every one of you could complete the questionnaire which can be completed online following the instructions,and  forward it when completed to me by email or by leaving in the pidgeon hole at the club by 1st May 2012.

It is anticipated that the results will be included in a short report. Please do your best to complete the questionnaire, its your club and your views are important and do count.

On that note, I shall sign off, thanks for your co-operation and I shall look forward to seeing everyone on Friday and reading your comments when I recieve your completed questionnaires.

For the link to the questionaire Click below

Squash Club Questionnaire

Kind Regards

Neil

LAST HURDLEBATTLESEES UNLUCKY THIRDS PIPPED TO THE POST IN BID TO BEAT RELEGATION

After a mixed season, Knutsford thirds travelled far to Alsager to engage in a last match of the season battle for survival with high hopes but events took their toll and Knutsford were not quite up to the mark.

Tony Hindley started the ball rolling with an excellent performance against the skills of Paul Loundes. Hindley was definitely up for it as he blasted his opponent off court to take the first 9-4. The second was an even better performance as Hindley took complete control of the game forcing errors along the way to take the second 9-0 and a two nil lead. The efforts of the first two games told as Loundes came back strongly putting Hindley on the back foot to take the third 9-1. Hindley however was not to be beaten and having rested in the third, came outs guns blazing, catching his opponent off guard and blasted his way to a 9-4 win and first match. A man of the match performance, and great start to the night for Knutsford.

Next on Gwyn Pickering, a last minute replacement and always willing to give his all up against the tricky Pete Lovatt. The game began evenly with the trick Lovatt asking for everything. Gwyn started well enough and had the advantage, but a few tins saw him miss out on some important points. Lovatt kept up the pressure to take the first 9-5. The second followed much the same pattern withPickeringmaking the errors and Lovatt taking advantage as he took the game 9-4. The third was Pickering's last chance but today it was not to be and although battling hard the experienced Lovatt took full advantage as he put on the pressure taking the game 9-2 and match 3-0.Unlucky Gwn but today's performance was second best.

Robo at three against the hard hitting and pacey Brian Spearman looked an interesting match. The first started evenly but Robo put in a few too many mistakes as Spearman took the first 9-2. The second followed the same pattern. Robo had his chances, but too many times mistakes gave his opponent the advantage as Spearman took the game 9-3. The third saw Robo perform much better as both players battled for each and every point At 6-6 it was anyone's for the taking but Robo just didn't have enough in him a Spearman took the game9-6 and match 3-0. Too little, too late from Robo tonight against a tough higher ranked opponent.

Ian Hopkins, suffering from a back injury but willing to turn out, had another battle on his hands at two against Andrew Fish who normally plays at 1.  Packed with painkillers, Ian stated with a bang, pushing Fishy to the limit retrieving and playing some great winners. At 8-8 it was anyone's for the talking but Fish just edged in front to the first 10-8. The second was another battle but Ian could not keep it up as Fishy dominated to take the second 9-3. The third followed the same pattern with Ian struggling after the valiant efforts of the first as he went down with a fight 9-2. Great effort Ian , unlucky not to take the first.

Hoping to salvage a few more points, last man of the night Dave Smith, who had been ill all week, at one taking on Chris Riley started well enough, matching Riley stroke for stroke in some demanding rallies that forced both players to give their all. Smithy certainly did pushing Riley to the limit in the first losing out 9-7 but the mammoth effort took its toll. Smith had given his all against a much higher ranked player who then began to show his class. With Smithy tired out, every point was telling as he lost the next two 9-0, 9-0. And match 3-0, 10 out of 10 for effort Smithy unlucky not to snatch a game.

Overall, a fantastic effort from everyone concerned against a much stronger team who were always looking to come out on top. However, events elsewhere were not too kind as Bollington andClubAZwhilst both losing, secured enough points to see Knutsford relegated with only three points in it. Some great performances from all concerned but mixed form and losing too many players too often to the seconds meant it was always going to be tough. Lessons learned can only make for a better effort in the future.

For Match scores Click Here

David Smith, John Evans and Roger Snape joined Steve Costello and Keith Edminson in the seconds this week against Sandbach 2.  Sandbach were looking to avenge their defeat earlier in the season.

John got a good start against Ian Turpin at 4 and was set to take the 1^st game, he had the lead until he stopped playing deep and allowed Turpin to attack the front corners, it was then that John at 7-8 down suffered a calf strain and could not continue.

Keith Edminson played Matt Oakes at 2. Keith wasn't put under much pressure by Oakes and soon won the 1^st  (9-4). He played the younger left hander around the court closing down on his opponents weaknesses.  Oakes played some good squash at the front and hit some nice volley drops but Keith matched everything he had (2-0). Oakes came out for a fight in game 3 and increased his length and found more winners from the T.  From 2-1 up Keith reasserted his control and exposed more weaknesses; Oakes lost his width and Keith made him lunge and stretch with little reward, 9-0 to Keith and the match was tied.

David Smith at 3 faced Tony Taylor. Smithy challengedTaylorwith his hard hitting and got some good lengths and forced Taylorto play his best squash, any loose rallies and Smithy blasted the ball into the c/c nick by the service box.  HoweverTaylorhad too much variation and didn't get drawn into a slugging competition. ( 9-3, 9-2, 9-1).

Roger Snape next against Mike Mulliner, Rog was another Knutsford player with a good start winning it (9-4).  Mike stormed back using his accomplished style to great effect. Hard to beat on his day, Rog probably gave him too much of the ball and paid for it losing the next two games (9-4, 9-0).  A good come back in 4 though, (3-9). Roger controlling the game and demonstrating some good squash to leave Mulliner out of attacking court positions.  The 5^th was super close; unfortunately it went to their man 10-8. Roger fought all the way but Mulliner got the final winners taking the match for Sandbach.

Steve Costello Vs Nigel Scott. Didn't know what to expect from Scott tonight and suffered similar problems to the previous loss at Prestbury.  Steve was reluctant to go forward in the early stages and tried to hold his position in the back of the court. This proved vey ineffective and Scott mercilessly drove the ball down into the side wall whilst Steve was frustratingly trapped behind him.  Having applied no sustained pressure Scott was left free to c/c from the b/h side and Steve being at the back for too long ran into some unforced errors from good positions that on a different night could have led to a better match, not good.  Scott looked sharp throughout winning (9-2, 9-2, 9-1). 

19-5 to Sandbach:  Another loss, Knutsford relying on points gained earlier in the season.

For match scores Click Here.

CLASSY PERFORMANCE BOOSTS THIRDS BID FOR SURVIVAL NOW DOWN TO LAST GAME OF THE SEASON

A much improved thirds finally got their act together to chalk up a well deserved win against a strong Prestbury line up and more importantly put 19 points on the board.

First on this week, Robo, versus the awkward Pat Hunter who had a point to prove following last week's heavy defeat to Smithy. Robo Started well enough taking the first 9-4 but Hunter soon got into his stride and after some long and hard rallies, Robo seemed to tire losing out 9-6. The next started evenly with both players punishing the others mistakes but Rob faltered as Hunter took the game 9-5, and a 2-1 lead. Robo had it to do and digging deep piling on the pressure, clawing back the fourth 9-3 to make it a final game decider. Robo was up for it and quickly took the first few points leaving Hunter on the back foot before finishing it off 9-3. Great start, first game to Knutsford and all still to play for.

Gary Cashmore, was next out of form recently and needing to put in a confidence building performance. He was not to disappoint as his opponent Rupert Richards was to discover. Cash started like a rocket driving dropping and getting the nick quickly taking the first 9-2. The second followed the same pattern and although Richards fought back, chasing every shot down, Cash took control and the second game 9-5. Richards fought back to take the third with Cash making a few unforced errors but the fourth was the decider. Cash needing to get back on track did so with style and although Richards didn't make it easy, Cash held his nerve to take the game 9-5 and second match to Knutsford. Great confidence building performance, well done Cash, you deserved it.

Mark Strefford at one was up against the difficult Rob Thorneycroft whose recent form meant that anything could happen. Streff stated like a rocket driving dropping with pace and power and throwing in the odd nick just to mix it up. Thorneycroft struggled to keep up the pace losing the first 9-2. The second was a much more even affair as Thorneycroft began to settle in returning from all over the court, frustrating Streff along the way. At 9-9 it was there for the taking but Streff just lost out, one a piece. Streff was frustrated in the third and mistakes appeared as Thorneycroft continued to retrieve at times the impossible and a series of errors gave Thorneycroft the game. Streff knew he had a game on and came out guns blazing and although even at times edged in front to take the fourth 9-6 setting up a last game decider. The fifth started very evenly with none giving in but Streff frustrated by awkwardness found himself edging behind. Alas the efforts of the last game took their toll as Streff went down 3-2 after giving his all. Great match unlucky Streff, two one to Knutsford.

With the match in sight, Greg Marshall at four was next on against Barry Gordon. Greg stated like a rocket, storming ahead to take the first 9-0, with is opponent nowhere in sight. The second was a little more difficult involving some long tough rallies but soon went to Greg 9-2. It was looking good, but Gordon was not to give in easily, and as Greg began to look tired, took advantage. Some long rallies followed, but Greg had eased off and Gordon took the game 9-4. Greg knew he had it to do, coming out in the fourth like an express train, catching Gordon by surprise. Greg maintained pace, power and accuracy and as Gordon struggled, took advantage to take the game 9-3 and match to Knutsford.

With the match in the bag, Steve O Hare at 3 following a tough week at work and a lot of travel behind him, knew he would have a tough one against Paul Bartle, but never one to give in, started how he meant to carry on. Bartle was slow at first and O'Hare took advantage recovering everything to frustrate his

 For Match Scores Click Here

opponent into a series of mistakes, taking the first, 9-4. Bartle fought back in the next, but O'Hare with the bit between his teeth kept up the momentum to take the second 9-5.

Overall, a great win, much needed but still plenty to do to ensure survival. Two nil up, O'Hare looked like he was cruising but Bartle, not one to give in started to fight back. O'Hare's errors didn't help as Bartle upped his game and soon edged ahead, to take the next game 9-1, with O Hare struggling to match. The fourth a battle from start to finish with O Hare regaining the form of the first two games. Bartle was also up for it and some momentous rallies followed. At 8-8 with both showing signs of tiring, it was all to play for, but O Hare so close was not going to give in and pushed on to take the game 10-8 and match 3-1, great gritty performance, four one to Knutsford and 19 valuable points bagged.

Overall a great performance, much needed win as it all goes down to the wire on the final game of the season.

The Minutes of the Sports Club AGM have been posted on the website.  All members should take note!!!  To see the minutes click here  or go to the Sports Club web page  Members  Members information.

In 2010, the squash club's AGM decided to abolish court fees, raising the annual subscription rate to maintain the club's income. At around the same time, the club's web-site was introduced, which eventually included the very successful online court booking system. Unfortunately, abuse of the club's guest rules by a few members is having  financial implications which, if it continues, is likely to affect ALL of us, as it will almost certainly become necessary to raise the annual sub.

All members are asked to consider whether they have played against, but not paid for, any guests since the abolition of court fees. If you have, please will you make the necessary payments of £2.50 per court using the envelopes that are provided to the left of the black box (just inside the squash area). If you would like to know how many time that you are assumed to have played with a guest then this information is availble upon request.  Please write your name on the envelope, together with the date and time of the court and your guest and place them in the box.

From now on, please use an envelope to pay the fee each time you play a guest - it is vital that you record on the envelope your name, the name of the guest, and the date and time of the game so that it will reconcile with the booking data and avoid further address. You must also include details in the visitors book (located in the same place).

Provided that members follow these rules, we should avoid embarrassing situations, which could include the suspension or expulsion of persistent offenders. It should also remove the need for a large increase in the annual sub, which, if applied, would be detrimental to all members.

Remember that the booking system records those courts where a member has not specified an opponent, or has specified a non-member as an opponent - checks will be made to reconcile the booking system statistics with the guest fees received.

For your information, these are the official Club Guest Rules:

Any member shall be entitled to introduce guests to the Squash Club provided that no person whose application for membership has been declined or who has been expelled from the Squash Club or Main Club shall be introduced as a guest.

The senior member introducing the guest shall enter the name and address of the guest together with his own name, and details of the booking, in a book, which shall be kept at the clubhouse, together with an envelope which should be posted with the guest fee in the black post box by the entrance. A fee will be charged (determined by the Squash Committee). Guests are limited to a maximum of 3 games a year with a senior member only.

Members and officials of visiting teams engaged in competitive activities with teams representing the Club and the guests of members and officials of visiting teams, may be admitted to the premises of the Club, and intoxicating liquor may be sold to such persons by, or on behalf of, the Club for consumption on the premises from the time that they arrive on the premises to the end of the permitted hours on that day.

Keith Edminson opened the match against 5th string Mark Beale. Beale played Greg at our place when we met last.  Keith back from injury had the better of Beale and walked away with an easy 3-1 win; knocking the ball around with serene confidence and collecting an early drink from the bar.

Next on was our 1; Perry Russell and young gun Dan Mayer. Mayer dropped down from their 1st team was on good form and with his attacking might Perry did well to get back into the match after losing the first (0-9). However 5 points in game 2 were never enough to unsettle Mayer who's power, skill & strength were unmatchable on the night. Perry tried his best open the court to his advantage but lost too much of the front court action and the match was levelled, one all.

David Warings opponent was Mike Quartley. Dave had a Mr consistent head on and pushed Quartley all the way in the tightest match of the night, winning the first 10-8. Quartley dug in, pulled out all the stops and hounded Dave in the next 2.  The Prestbury man proved to be as sharp as ever and continued to keep Dave under pressure looking for the slightest weakness to exploit. Dave battled on and won some good rallies with disguised lobs but lost points to a countered drop boast at the front. Quartley looked like he might falter but held his nerve to get over the finish line 10-8  giving the home team the advantage. Well played Dave it will be interesting to see this match up again, 3-1 to Mike on the night.

Steve Costello stepped up next with Keith Tolley. Steve looked confident and hit the ball nicely in the warm up. Having swapped marking duties with Perry there could be no excuses fro not delivering an equaliser for Knutsford. The opening exchanges were won by Steve and he raced ahead by a couple of points with tight squash and neat footwork. Then after a chasing a brief spell of drops Steve carelessly played the ball into Tolley's fire path and Tolly greatfully opened up an insurmountable lead that couldn't be pulled back despite some brilliant rallies and more tight squash.  In 2 worryingly the fight never came from Steve and he made far too many mistakes losing (0-9). Again shockingly the 3rd game went the same way (1-9) Steve just couldn't apply any pressure and Tolley punished the loose ball.  Blame it on the early starts eh Steve!

The final match was played for pride, Knutsford had lost and Mark Strefford didn't want to let that ruin his chance to impress the home crowd. Melia playing 3 this week made no easy opponent and it was difficult for Mark to find his rhythm and he struggled to sustain a run of points, melia took the first game. In the 2nd Mark got a vital break, seeing more of the ball he was able to contol his attacks and came back with a (9-4) win. Melia flew out of the blocks in 3 running away with the game; he forced errors and finished rallies mercilessly. Mark tried to keep in touch but the tally of points was just not enough (1-9). Spurred on by the spirit of a knutsford revival Mark got right back into it, he knew where his weakness laid and set about reversing the play to eat into melia's game.  The free flowing squash from Mark was unstoppable and he won (9-3) match levelled at 2 all. The decider was even stevens for the victor, both players looked like they might be tiring and both were big hitters. However it was Mark that made the most unforced errors and Melia drew hope from this, still it was in within Mark's grasp to win and it wasn't until after a long game Melia found enough energy to play some cracking drives that put Mark out of touch with the T. Pressure off, Melia helped himself to the Match (9-5).

So an 18-6 loss to top of the league Prestbury drops us firmly behind the leaders, we are now chasing 2nd place.

For Match Scores Click Here