Kent Open
Our own James Hall has been over in Maidstone this weekend, playing in the Kent Open. A great win against the higher ranked Gary Nisbet has rewarded James with a tough second round against Phil Nightingale tonight. Good luck James.
2015 Select Gaming Kent Open
Update 30/6/2015 - Prelims
Wonderful opening day of the 2015 Select Gaming Kent Open with an entertaining programme of matches in the first round of the pre-qualifying competition.
It was great to see so many Mote members and friends from other Kent clubs involved and pitting their skills against some extremely talented county players and professionals.
RESULTS
Select Gaming Kent Open
Pre-Qualifying Competition
First Round:
Phil Nightingale (Surrey) beat Scott Bailey (Mote) 11-4, 11-5, 11-6
James Hall (Knole Park) Gary Nisbet (Bexley) 11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 3-11, 11-7
Hany Taleb (Bexley) beat Adam Ward (Canterbury) 11-3, 13-11, 6-11, 11-3
Sam Ellis (Bristol) beat Ryan Avison (Mote) 11-1, 11-3, 11-2
Robert Dadds (Colchester) beat Paul Adam (Mote) 11-5, 11-3, 11-2
Matt Cook (Surrey) beat Ben Goodayle (Mote) 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8
Joe Magor (Canterbury) beat Paul Jenner (Mote) 11-2, 11-3, 11-3
Emyr Evans (Wales) beat Simon Humphrey (Mote) 11-3, 11-7, 11-4
MONDAY SCHEDULE:
Pre-Qualifying Second Round:
6pm: Nightingale v Hall
6.40pm: Taleb v Ellis
7.20pm: Dadds v Cook
8pm: Evans v Magor
Open Championship 2015 - Finally the Final
A reasonable crowd for a Tuesday - largely due to the 2nd team match following - saw the long-awaited grudge rematch from two years ago of Pete 'Wings' Sykes, whose career is about to take off to Paris, and David Falconer, who has a great future on the Over 50s scene.
Just as well it wasn't Par 11 American scoring, as there were 22 Hi/Hos before the score reached 3-all in the first game. David then stretched a small lead to 8-6 thanks to his usual early sharpness, and a few rusty tins from Pete who appeared to be just below his best fighting condition. However, Pete nicked four points in a row with maybe a small amount of good fortune to take the game 10-8.
The importance of that squeak home was emphasised as David raced through the 2nd game 9-1 with barely any resistance from Pete. It would take a change of shirt and maybe a change of tactics to stop the flow away from Pete, as David at 3-0 up in the third looked the fitter and a better bet for the longer distance. Again Pete dredged his memory for touch and tricks - a triple boast screw lob smash didn't trouble David too much, but may have signalled Pete's new determination. Six points on the spin for Pete to 6-3, before David pulled him back to 5-6. David not quite so accurate with his early takes and drops; Pete fewer tins and harder ball striking. So 9-6 in the 4th to Pete; 2-1 up in games. And the trend continued in the 4th game - Pete doing just enough to keep his nose in front, one or two errors from David and maybe a half yard less pace. As they say, only a sheet of Bronco between them, but 9-5 to Pete marked the changing of the guard on the Honours board at KPSC.
Mark Johnson of Sevenoaks Sleepers present the winner's bowl and cup to Pete Sykes (England Hockey) and the Runner Up's Bowl to David Falconer (Kent Over 50s)
Tournament Finals 2015
Not on schedule; but on – we are two thirds of the way through the long-awaited Finals showdowns.
First up on Tuesday 5th May – John Creek v Gary Mitchell in the Plate (the Losers final, if you like). John had been giving Gary a hard time in their recent encounters and neither are getting any younger. Gary, though, is rapidly recovering his fitness and match sharpness. Expecting a slow start from Gary, John raced to 7-3 up in the first, before Gary clawed it back to 8-7 in his favour. A second effort from John gave him game ball at 9-8, before his touch let him down and he missed a sitter. Gary needed no second asking and nicked it 10-9. A similar pattern followed in the second game, although this time it was Gary who took the lead – getting to 7-4 before John fought back to 7-all. Again, the winning post was just out of reach for John, with a determined Gary pushing over if 9-7. That was as far as John could go and a tame 3rd saw Gary take it 9-4 and crowned Plate Champion. The permanent trophy will be returned by last year’s winner Mark Fleming shortly (he was unable to defend this year, due to his success in the main Open competition).
David Falconer presents the winner's goblet
The second match saw Stefan 'Sherlock' Reichenbach take on Pete Brightwell in the Open Handicap. Stefan had been given a generous handicap based on his absence from the scene at the start of the season and lack of early match fitness. So he started 10 points ahead of Pete in a first-to-25 encounter. Pete did the right thing at the beginning, winning the first 7 rallies to eat into Stafan's lead and quickly got to 13-all and 22-16 ahead before Stefan got into his stride. Pete took the 1st game 25-22 and it appeared that the handicapper's fears of a mismatch were unfounded. He continued his early run in the second, getting back to 7-12 before Stefan managed to string some points together.
Stefan can hit the ball hard and accurately once he has his eye in, and doing just enough to keep ahead of Pete, he pushed on to the target of 25 with Pete only managing to get up to 17. The third was evening up - Stefan managed to keep the handicap intact until 18-8; then Pete pulled back the gap to 6 points then 3 points at 21-24. But 4 game balls were too much and Stefan converted the first to go 2-1 up. Stefan raced to 16-3 in the fourth game. Pete then had a run of 10 points to level it up 16-all. As so often happens in handicaps, though, the effort of catching up takes more out of the pursuer than the pursued. Stefan got a second wind and pulled ahead again to 20-17 and then eased to a 25-22 (3-1) win. He will certainly have his wings clipped for the next Summer handicap up shortly.
Stefan (mug) and Pete (goblet) show off their glassware.
Phase 2 of the 2015 finals last night (Tuesday 12th May) saw Gary and John split their efforts between finals but with similar results.
Gary took on Jarrod in the Veterans Handicap - Gary this time on the end of a 12 point deficit (first to 27). The handicapper was again worried, having fixed the odds before Jarrod embarked on his training course with Jason Barry (w.i.p.). Jarrod started the crisper (or maybe luckier), extending his lead to 18-5 before Gary got into gear. In two bursts, Gary had hauled it back to 18-20 (clearly the coach hasn't covered serving and straight drives yet, Jarrod). Jarrod pulled away to 26-22, however, and it took a typical Gary run of tight shots and focus to save the 5 game points and sneak the next to go 1-0 up (27-26). A sigh of relief from the handicapper, which was slightly undone by the efficient way Gary repeated the trick in the next two games. He took the 2nd 27-18 with little resistance, before a blip in the 3rd allowed Jarrod to force a 23-13 lead. It looked like going further but Gary came back from being 'done' to eat up all the lead and more. In the end a comfortable 27-25 (3-0) win, with Jarrod learning a few lessons about avoiding cross-court shots and reading his opponent's game.
Jarrod still smiling
The spoils of Vets Handicap 2015
John Creek v Chris Morgan next - for the Seniors (Over 55) final. Over 55 this year because David Falconer is too good for it - having held all 3 major titles last year. David will have to wait at least another 3 years before being eligible for the new age. John was hopeful of taking home some more glassware, having been thwarted for around 7 years since his last club success. Chris was nursing several injuries and excuses for unfitness - and smarting from being relegated to League Division 2 recently. Chris was far the more controlled and aggressive for the first two games and kept his nose in front for both of them in spite of John's strenuous efforts. 9-5, 9-5 (2-0) and tto use that well-worn cliché - a mountain to climb for John. A slight foot off the pedal in the 3rd and John from 5-all John strung four winners together to pull the lead back to 1-2. With Chris appearing to tire and looking older by the minute (from where I stood anyway), John had high hopes of at least forcing a decider. A determined Chris would have none of it and pressed again to a comfortable 9-6 (3-1) win. As the marker said afterwards - John, you kept hitting the ball back to him [that would explain it then].
A lack of entries (no old players left) and meagre funds meant no Runner Up trophy, so Chris takes all the booty.
Just the Veterans and Open finals to go. David Falconer to contest them both as defending champion. Coming to a court near you sometime soon.
Keeping fit
During the 'off season' when most squash players are either hiding or injured, some keen souls keep fit by doing odd things - like our own David Falconer, last seen stiffly trudging through transition at the Sevenoaks Triathlon
And at least he seems to have brought his check list to make sure he has two of everything - 222.
Club Championship Semi-finals 14th April 2015
A select crowd witnessed the club's top four players battling for a Final spot last night - and very bravely they fought too. Especially Peter Sykes and James Hall (pictured below), who both put everything into their match for an hour and a half, in spite of physical difficulties.
Pete arrived suffering from a breathing illness and James a number of private infirmities (foot, cake and pasta-related, between you and me).
A ding-dong first game with James going 7-2 up but 14 hand-outs followed enabling a resolute Pete to claw back the deficit and just shade it 9-7. He was clearly in a hurry to finish the match as fast as possible. And a sharper exhibition of shot-making in the second helped him to a 9-0 game and a 2-0 lead.
In a typical Sykes gesture, though, Pete announced that he would need to win the third game or 'be finished'. No surprise then, that James sensed his opponent's weakened state and pushed harder, gaining parity by taking the next two 9/6, 9/3. Some slight disagreements during this period of play - both with the fair and consistent marker (Mark Johnson) and occasionally with each other - were signs of the increasing tension and the desire of both players.
A change of shirt for Pete seemed to help him gather strength in the 5th game as he jumped out to an early 3-0 lead - but again niggling disputes and the strain of a long five-setter began to affect the quality and smooth flow of play. James pulled back four points, before Pete edged ahead again to 8-5 and four match points. James was not to be outdone though and in spite of several incidents resembling handbags being flung, he regained parity at 8-all. Fortunately for the crowd, the marker and the players, 10 more hand-outs and some good rallies, ended with one of the best and cleanest rallies of the match, with Pete prevailing 10-8 (3-2).
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After a delay of an hour from the scheduled start, David Falconer and Niall Anderson were able to show off their skills - David sporting his Kent Over 50s team shirt and both wearing a fetching pair of blue shoes with olive green laces.
David proved too sharp for Niall, however. He ran out a comfortable 9-5, 9-2, 9-1 winner - without any discussions of the rules being necessary or sought.
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The FINAL will be on Tuesday 28th April at 7:30, provided that both Pete and David are well enough. Should be a corker.
Canary Wharf 2015
Four of our illustrious members have been showing their faces and going through the paces at Canary Wharf, home of the 2015 Classic.
Niall Anderson had the good fortune to play himself (a win for him although he found the lower 17" tin still too high). And some good KP kit publicity:
James Hall had a less active role - a box seat for the semi finals - and found the marker's sense of humour to his liking:
and Mike and Connor Wright had an even better seat for the final:
Evasive action
Knole number 1 David Falconer had a moment last month against Cup rival Tunbridge Wells, when his usual composure deserted him. Unfortunately, the cameras were not there to record his heart-stopping moment. However, the following clip illustrates the perils of a moment's inattention:
David's opponent failed to jump!
So, Mind how you go, squashers.
January rising
The key to league success for Knole Park Squash teams is to do better in the second half of the season than in the first.
So far, with two matches gone since New Year - job done. KP1 move up to third in Division 3 as they garner 25 points compared with 17 in the first half against the same opposition. That is in spite of a tough 0-5 wake-up call from Maidstone last week. With none of the first half matches having produced maximum 20 point returns, there is much scope for further improvement in the run up to Easter.
Life is a little tougher for the 2nd team, though. In spite of 35 points from 2 wins since Christmas - compared with 25 points first half - KP2 stay in 5th spot firmly mid-table. They will have to win well in all their remaining matches to emulate the high-flying 1st team boys.
You can keep up with progress by following the link to the Kent Leagues at:
http://kent-squash.countyleagues.co.uk/
Population
Just a bit of fun - the ages of KPSC members today:
Let's Go David
Kent's adopted son (and our Club Champion), David Falconer, travels to Nottingham this weekend for the finals of the Inter-County Over 50s tournament. Knole Park Squash Club wishes him well (he won't need luck).
Up in 2015
Knole Park Squash Club is looking forward to a great year in 2015.
Membership is again increasing - we are up to 75 adult members and 25 Juniors.
Our 1st team is sitting on the shoulder of the 2nd placed team in Division 3 Kent North West - only just outside an automatic promotion place. The second team hope to better their first half performance with most key players back from holidays and injuries.
One of our top players, Peter Sykes, who we thought we had lost has secured a posting to Gatwick, so we hope he will be around to help us push on in Division 2 in the Summer season.
The Juniors, under the guidance of Coach James Hall are about to start their own leagues and inter-club matches - a great boost by James from virtually a standing start last year.
Good luck and good squashing to all in 2015.
Look away now
Coach and 1st team stalwart James Hall tries out a new design for t-shirts and eyewear (too much red, James).
Back to winning ways
After a slow start to the Winter season, both Knole Park teams recorded wins this week.
First up, the 2nds - with the help of Mike Wright on loan from the 1st team - did a solid job of repelling Bexley by 4 matches to 1.
Then the 1st team gained their first win of the season on Wednesday with a close win 3-2 over Tunbridge Wells.
David Falconer had a rare bad night, but is no doubt saving himself for the weekend. On Sunday David will represent Kent Over 50s in the inter-county tournament against Surrey at Wimbledon. We wish him luck as he fights for his recently adopted home county.
Teams down to Earth - October 2014 - Winter season
Knole Park 1 & 2 started the Winter season this week after a reasonably successful Summer – but both failed to record a win.
Without several key players, KP1 went down 1-4 to a strong Maidstone side.
The 2nd team fared a little better, losing 2-3 away at Blackheath, with the help of David and James from the 1st team regulars.
Wrap Up
Final league table
For the avoidance of doubt ....
Champions! KP1 v Beckenham 16/09/2014
Predicting Priory (sorry, I mean North West) outcomes has always been tricky, especially in the Summer. And objective 1 has usually been to turn out a full team – with objective 2 being to give everyone a well-matched and enjoyable game.
Give full credit then to Beckenham for turning out a side, when they must have been bitterly disappointed that their top 3 were unavailable for a critical relegation battle.
Knole, on the other hand were still smarting from the previous week’s drubbing at the hands of promotion and title rivals Bexley. Knole had recalled Peter from his foreign flying careers (in Dubai and Scotland) – just as they were taxiing down the runway. Super-sub Ben had sped in from Surrey duty and slightly-injured James Hall was standing by to push his poor paw to the limit if pressed.
Real-time posting of the result was in place, so the NWK website could come alive – and in the hope that the results from elsewhere came through to ease the home team’s worries.
All of the Knole players were ‘up for it’ – the news that Beckenham were light at the top did little to reduce the adrenaline flow. Apart from at 1st string, where Knole’s youngest, Pete found the burgeoning talents of Alisdair a handful early on. Pete was a little too relaxed and his idea of rallying in the first game played right into Alisdair’s hands. A slight doubt crept in for the supporters, but Pete managed to up his game sufficiently to overpower a tiring Alisdair – who nevertheless had done enough to impress those who hadn’t seen him play since the first half of the season.
Alisdair sends Pete to the front wall
Unfortunately for Beckenham and for the enjoyment of all, the rest of the Knole team were keen on winning every possible rally, even after David had brushed off Ian and Mike had slotted in the league-winning points against James.
The moment when James prepared to hit the league-winning tin against Mike. Niall looks on in awe.
James was able to rest and Pete could tick one thing off his bucket list - #2 being the result of his interview earlier - we wish him well with whichever flight path he takes.
Meanwhile - the 2nd Team 11/09/2014
Knole's 2nd team have been plugging on in Division 5 against some tough opponents most weeks. They are now firmly established in 6th place out of 9 and enjoying their squash accordingly.
On Thursday, a fine advert for the spirit of the game saw runaway favourites for the league (until they fell foul of the rules) Bromley Lawn Tennis Club do just enough to shade a close match - incidentally a closeness engineered by the sporting approach of the two managers.
BLTC dragged their sorry carcasses off their bikes after a charity ride from Paris in aid of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund - albeit two days late for the match. But their cycling team stayed together as a man, in spite of saddle sores and 'rustiness' and provided entertainment and a few tips for the losers.
BLTC after their ride but before the squash
Tim sportingly refused a stroke that would have given him game ball in the third - no one is quite sure why he disobeyed team orders! Then managed to lose to a Gary who clearly had trouble knowing which end the pedals were on.
Mark W, as usual, bullied the frail Gareth off the court - but was very nice about it afterwards.
Mark J, making his first appearance for about 2 years managed to hobble around the T long enough to show that his tight lengths have not deserted him. Chris ignored his coaches' advice to the effect that Mark was unable to limp beyond the halfway line.
Brian slammed his way to a 9-0 1-0 lead before JJ had woken up - then proceeded to miss all of John's boasts (he complained afterwards that this was unfair as John had told himself to stop boasting - I lied, sorry!).
Finally, Pete held us up by trying to stay with a lazy display by the Parisian 'Map Man'- although he made up for it by hitting the ball straight back to Keith at every possible opportunity. [You should have sent him a map, Keith.]
All in all a very pleasant evening with nothing much at stake.
Looking fresh
Still waiting
The 5-0 loss to Bexley 3 means that the league title is still tantalisingly just at the tip of our grasp. A 'simple' win against Beckenham in the last match will give KP the league; 6 points will guarantee promotion even if the nearest challengers do not drop any points.