SWIZZELS MATLOW TROPHY COMPETITION
Thursday May 15th 2003 BACK TO SQUASH CLUB PAGE
Oh what a night, so close
for Hughsie but victory for occasional team player - Dave Cartwright (pictured
far left being presented with the trophy).
It was great to see Wally Anderson and Christine over from Sri Lanka especially for the tournament (plus his son's wedding). Sadly Wally couldn't go home with the cup but hopefully enjoyed the night.
Last years winner, Malcolm Balls turned up to support the event having not played for a while but ended up a beaten semi finalist. When Dave Aitkin, Nigel Carson and Colin Ramwell failed to turn up Malc kindly stepped in and proceeded to knock Wally out and then beat me (like he did last year). The semi Final proved too much though with Dave Cartwright winning a close game.
Paul Hughes reached the final with some real cavalier stuff, getting to some almost impossible shots with Ian Johnson and Aidan Sullivan pushing him to the limit. His match in the Semi Final with Charlie Bishop was a real humdinger with both players giving their all.
The Final itself between Paul and Dave
Cartwright was a match too far for Paul who was beaten by a fitter and much
lighter opponent. This was no mean feat for Dave who lacks the experience of the
team players but he stuck to his task and took advantage of Paul's tiredness.
The five shot start proved the difference but Dave was a worthy Champion on the
night and took the trophy and the Wilson Squash Racquet for 2003.
In the Plate competition the contestants also put in a splendid effort. The final was between Gill Brooke and Aidan Sullivan. Aidan confessed before the game that he didn't like losing to lady players so would have to by on his guard. Gill fought well and won the first game on the last point. Aidan took the second by a whisker but drove on to take the decider with his trademark cross court backhand drop shot as the winner.
Thanks to the rest of the players for supporting the event including, Phil Wheatcroft, Martin Howe, Pete Goodwin, Jan Butler and Steve Hollick plus the Leisure centre staff - Kaye, Michelle and Freda for all their help.
Group picture above - Left to right Malc Hough, Wally Anderson, Phil Wheatcroft, Aidan Sullivan, Gill Brooke, Malc Balls, Charlie Bishop, Steve Hollick, Dave Cartwright, Ian Johnson and Paul Hughes
Aidan receives his Skillet Restaurant Vocher -
Champaigne for Gill
Hughsie gets well earned runners up.