Newsletter Issue 34 June2014

We have devised a new initiative for getting news to you. From the Essex coaches database we have selected email addresses and are sending newsletters to club coaches who can then print locally for notice boards and copies for club members. We are happy to add to this list any individual wanting a personal copy. We will continue to print a consignment for distribution at the county closed and AGM. This is a repeat message so that you all know how to get a copy. Your editor is retiring at this issue having seen the production of all but the first two of this series; published bi- annually. Newsletters come and go in the history of our Association and my heartfelt hope is that this series will continue as it is by far the longest run in county history. I had the temerity to include some less than self-congratulatory remarks in the last issue. I feel the need to strike a chord when something is less than ideal and hope that most readers would accept mild critical views and more would be welcomed to strike a balance to our county’s performance in advancing the game we all love obviously! There needs to be more ‘letters to the editor’ via our website www.essexsra.com.

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OUR ESSEX CHAMPIONS A GLORIOUS YEAR FOR ESSEX Our sincere thanks to CIRCLE SERVICES, SOUTHEND for the fine printing services AND RACKETBALL Can you believe it…? Essex have at last won some silverware and not just once. And to support them there have been some really fine performances from other teams.

Two intercounty titles, yes 2!!

We are so proud to tell all about our team successes in succeeding pages but for now look on……… Essex o40 racketball county champions: Captain Pete Goodings flanked by Patrick Osborne and Mike O’Brien O40 racketball National champions U19 boys National champions Senior men National runner up Senior ladies National No4 U15 girls National No3 U13 boys National No4 U15 boys National No 4 O45 mens premier promotion

ESSEX CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS There is no closed report as it has been rescheduled for the autumn in deference to the winter weather. There should be less excuse for Not entering for the tournament which comprises many aged group events and you will be guaranteed at least two matches Remember the date OCTOBER 4-5

Essex u19 Boys County champions Dave Webster and his squad

Essex Squash Newsletter 1 LADIES INTER-COUNTY FINALS sponsored by 305squash

Keeley Taylor reports:- We took a strong team to Wimbledon for the inter-county finals on May 3-4, with Lauren Briggs of Connaught at No.1. Unfortunately neither Lauren Selby nor Anna Kimberley was available this year, but we welcomed back Sarah Neller after her long spell out with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Elise Lazarus, Sophie Lemom and myself completed the team. Our first match was against Kent, who were strong at 1 and 2 but were weaker at 3, 4 and 5. Sarah Neller went first and won a comfortable 3-0 followed by Sophie and Elise. Lauren Briggs was too strong at 1 and won 3-0 and I went on at 2 and lost 3-0. So a 4/1 victory to Essex. Our second match was against the number 1 seed Cheshire. Again Sarah proved too strong for her opponent and won 3-0, Emily Whitlock was too strong for Lauren Briggs at No.1 and beat her 3- 0. Sophie won 3-0 comfortably and Elise had a very close match and lost 3-2 after coming back from 2-0 down. I again lost 3-0. So a narrow 2/3 defeat for Essex. Our final match on Sunday was for 3/4 playoff against Gloucestershire. Sarah lost a very close 3- 1; Sophie got us back to 1-1 winning 3-0. Lauren put us up 2-1 winning comfortably, but then I lost 3-0 and Elise had another tough match which could have gone either way but finally lost 3- 1. We had a great weekend, and made our seeded position finishing 4th. ESSEX SENIORS INTERCOUNTY RUNNERS UP

Our senior side played as one top eight counties in the Inter County Premier Finals in May at the Wimbledon Racquets Club. Dave Lazarus county team manager led the team against the top county sides in and his report follows. Our team in order were Ben Coleman, Richie Fallows (our No1 u19), Youssef Abdalla, Rory Pennell and Jack Jago). This was a very young team but Dave had high hopes

Against Yorkshire, first to go on was Youssef Abdalla at No. 3 and Jack Jago at No. 5. Unfortunately Jack's opponent was 30 minutes late, but we all saw Youssef use his unique display of dazzling shots and overcame a disillusioned Taminder Gata Aura 3-0. Ben Coleman preceded Youssef and easily overcame James Earls 3-0. Meanwhile Jack's opponent arrived and Jack lost a hard fought 3-2. Rory Pennell was far too strong and powerful for Alex Hodgetts and had a 3-0 easy victory. Last to go on was Richie Fallows who also won 3-0 against a very tricky Dominic Hamilton which resulted in a 4-1 victory to Essex.

So to a Semi Final against Surrey This looked on paper a very close match and it certainly lived up to expectations. Surrey veteran Neil Frankland took a hard first game with Jack and then came through the next two to win 3-0. Youssef levelled the tie and he beat James Simpson 3-0 with his superb racket skills with James not knowing what to do. Rory then took Essex ahead with a great display overcoming Phil Rushworth leaving the reigning champions needing the last two rubbers to win the match. Ben Coleman had a great hard fought match just losing 3-2 against Jolee in an eighty six minute marathon. Everything then rested on the 2nd strings, Richie for Essex and Charles Sharpes for Surrey. The tension was palpable both on and off the court with the gallery packed to the rafters with home and away supporters. The first match was extremely tight with Sharpes edging it 12-10. Both playing in an extremely aggressive style and Richie took the second 11-7. Sharpes took the third 14-12 and did extremely well to hold his game together. Fallow's stepped up the pace in the fourth and took ti 11-9 to set up a nail-biting final game. Passions were close to boiling both on and off the court throughout the final game, which swung one way and then the other. Richie finally took it 11-9 to the delight of his Essex team mates but to the frustration of the Surrey supporters and squad making Essex 3-2 winners and a place in the intercounty final for the first time in recent history.

The Final Essex v Hertfordshire First to go on was Jack and Youssef. Jack's match was always going to be close and both Joe Green and he pummelled the ball to the back of the court constantly making the game last to well over an hour to where Green edged Jack out 11-5 in the fifth. Youseef started brightly against Angus Gillams but couldn't sustain the rallies due to his ankle injury and lost the match 3-1. Ben then went on to play . Ben was 2-1 up and winning at the start of the fourth before Waller wore his opponent down and won the match 3-2. Rory lost to Nick Mulvey after beating him a week ago but never had the legs due to the previous day. Last match on Richie played the experienced Chris Ryder where experience overcame youth and Chris took the match 3-1. Even though Essex lost 5-0 there were three 3-2 wins for Herts.

So Essex were thwarted in the end having beaten last year’s winner and got to the final. Overall the Essex men put in a great performance and with youth on their side they must be ready for another good run next year.

Essex Squash Newsletter 2

INTERCOUNTY NEWS All the masters’ events reported here with the highlights being the Racketball intercounty title and promotion to premier for the o45 men ESSEX ARE INTERCOUNTY RACKETBALL CHAMPIONS….see front page At this event the Open and Over 40 Racketball Finals were staged at the Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame on February 22=23. Our Essex team was contesting the o40 finals. The semi between Warwickshire and Essex was a close affair and Patrick Osborne in the crucial 3rd string spot got Essex got off to a flyer. A tough battle between the two number 1’s Pete Goodings and Andy Murray (not that one…) was eventually won by the midlander to draw Warwickshire level. Mike O’Brien held his nerve in the deciding 2nd string rubber to beat the experienced Mo Sarwar 3-1 and put the Essex Boys through to the final against Yorkshire who beat Dorset On Sunday Patrick Osborne gave Essex just the start they required in this 3 man final, beating a tricky opponent in Yorkshire’s Janak Malkani 3-1 in the 3rd string match. Pete Goodings showed excellent reach and movement to overcome David Lord at 1st string 3-1 and in doing so clinched Essex’s first ever county racketball title. Yorkshire won the dead rubber 2nd string match. Marc Thornley was in the team until the final when Mike O’Brien replaced him so we are grateful to Marc. ------LADIES VETS... NO PROMOTION Essex v Berks; Hopes remained high that with a good win over Berks -who were missing their top 2 strings for this match- the On Sunday 12th January, Essex ladies travelled to Dunnings, East Grinstead to play the final match of the 2013/2014 season. Essex team could still win the weekend . Francis and Dave duly Unfortunately we were unable to field such a strong team this time, delivered two 3-0’s and although starting slowly, John gradually as Jackie Gregory and Kath Harrison were unavailable. overcame his opponent 3-1 through his accurate short game. was very tough and inevitably the first four Essex players (3 of Andy then battled hard to secure another point for the cause whom were playing up 2 positions) succumbed to Surrey's might. before going down 1-3. With Essex requiring one more point to go Woman of the match was undoubtedly Elaine Buss of Epping Club through Nigel then started fast winning the first game and who had a thrilling 3-2 battle with Julia Whitehead giving Essex eventually made the win more comfortable after coming back to their only 2 points of the day. The full team was Lisa Tolhurst win his match 3-2. (Kingswood) Elaine Chubb (Redbridge) Kerry Munn (Kingswood) Essex 4 Berks 1; Essex 18pts; Berks 6pts Maureen Duke (Woodford Wells) Elaine Buss (Epping) Other results contributed to Essex finishing top and VINTAGE LADIES promotion was achieved well done Essex! No prizes for our o50 team this year. Jackie Gregory, Sue Thanks to Redbridge for the facilities. We march on to Premier –if Vine and Elaine Chubb played in the Premier Division and you are over 45 and want to join the squad let me know. managed to stay in the premier division for next season. Thank to: John McFarlane, Nigel Bacon, Francis Engerer, Andy Russell, and Dave Lazarus

Men’s O35’s withdraw from stage 2 INTER COUNTY OVER 50’S MEN-no team This is a difficult team to get out and with relegation looming after The over 50’s were in trouble not managing to get a team out and stage 1 a team was not raised and so the relegation goes with a Essex had to withdraw. Any hard work keeping a league position is fine for withdrawing and a bottom status if and when a side is forfeit. entered. VINTAGE TEAM- Geoff Went VETERANS Lost again.. Too many injuries and top players out of the Essex Men’s O45’s hosted Berks, Kent and Hants at Redbridge in country. The first match against Devon snatched defeat Stage 2 of Division 1 Captain Nigel Bacon reports that with a bare jaws of victory. New boy Martyn Ballands had an easy game minimum squad of 5 fit players (4 of whom are over 50) we won 3/0 Charles Allat at No1 was 2-0 up and lost 3/2. Brian prepared for a challenging weekend. Clay was 2-1 down pulled back to 2-2 in games 8-5 up in Essex v Hants; With Hants only fielding 4 players confidence was 5th four match balls and lost 10/9. John Fowles had good high in the Essex camp that we would get off to a good start and game and lost 3/1; now has a groin strain. It just went downhill after that. Paul Newbury and I played as Charles we duly exceeded even our wildest expectations when the 4 Essex and John were too tired for the second match. players all won comfortably 3-0. Still on the bright side Paul Newbury is prepared to run the Essex 5 Hants 0: Essex 20pts; Hants 0pts o55 for at least two years. Essex v Kent; Nigel joined the squad to face Kent, who had beaten Ed Thank you Geoff for your support it comes to us all! us 3-2 in Stage 1. Kent duly repeated that score line but it could so . very easily have gone the other way with Francis playing a blinder o60 Men against Jason Goodayle before succumbing 7-9 in the 5th and Andy An unsuccessful weekend reports Geoff Went. ‘It is difficult running out of steam against Gary Marshall going down 2-3. Dave with only a limited number of players and the other teams proved Mr Consistent coasting to a 3-0 win with his opponent, fielding new players for every match. However we did finish on a win where I won against the Worcs no#2. Roger unable to move him off the Tee. At No. 1 Colin Payne, fresh from Hilson, Geoff Went, John Fallows were our heroes. coming runner up in the British Nationals Closed O50s, had too much fire power and accuracy for John, and despite starting off Questions will be asked as to whether the range of aged teams well and winning the first game, Nigel found Clive Landon’s should be supported. Entry brings an obligation to raise a team and lobbing game too much of a challenge. some will ask why they were not asked or added to a reserve list. Essex 2, Kent 3; Essex 9pts; Kent 16pts

Essex Squash Newsletter 3 Connaught COACHES Pentony O’Hagan (Connaught) and Carey Adams (Epping) organised a one- CORNER day Ladies’ Handicap Connaught tournament in Further mention must be made of Dave Webster’s April. There was support of the u19 boys’ team that lifted the lots of fun for all Championship this year. Congratulations Dave and some delicious home-made food County coordinator Chris Vine on sale. A profit Chris reports regularly about his junior leagues which have of £120 will be now been run out and active in three partnership groups. The used to support first was NE of course, but now south east and west are Essex Junior girl going. Events have been run at Woodford Wells, Connaught players. and Kingswood. Redbridge, Walthamstow A & B, LA Fitness Woodford Wells, Epping and Connaught were involved on Brentwood The third Alan Paul Memorial Tournament – to remember Alan May 3 for the 3rd round of the West Essex Junior League. and to raise money for Cancer Research - was held in Brentwood Central region is now targeted to early in May – and the club’s leading player Paul Cousins won it complete the concept. for the third time, despite starting each of his matches from a very long way back! Paul Kirby was runner-up; the 2 losing semi- ESSEX CLUBS IN THE finalists were Hugh Sigrist and James Love. A total of £436 was SPOTLIGHT raised for Cancer Research UK, including a donation from Royal Mail. Triangles-Quiz night back Wanstead-Letter to our Chairman The ladies group held their annual quiz in April and raised some Dear Dave money for county funds. Ian Sanderson was an excellent I note from the Jan. 2014 Newsletter (p.4) that the Men’s League now has just 36 teams and was founded in the late 60’s. quizmaster, deputising for Sue Woodhouse. Great fish and chips at To fill in the early history, I took over the running of the London Squash the interval with the odd sherbet made the evening go well. League in 1961. Two years later I formed the London Summer Squash League. Junior tournament at Marconi At the time I was playing at Wanstead Squash Club. Players there asked the On Saturday 26th April with 5 girls and 33 boys entered, the Essex Committee to approach me to form an Essex Winter Squash League. younger boys were asked for a volunteer to join the girls in a They did, and I set up the League in 1966. Chris Vine (still on the Committee) was involved but I can’t now round-robin so that the event would be left with two groups of 16 remember how. to enable Monrad events. As the final stages approached the girls In 1968 I was also asked to set group, plus Josh, was getting close and in the end it came down to up a Summer League, which I a play off between Elli Barratt and Josh Stevens, which Josh did. In the 1970’s, Kingswood narrowly edged 2-1, a nail-biting 12-10 in the third. In the under 11 awarded me a Life Membership and 13′s, Harry reached the final without too great a challenge and to the club, which I have never then faced number two seed Vishal. Harry was just too strong, used due to the distance from my home. In 1981, John winning 2-0. The under 15 and 17′s semi-finals were close and saw Innocent, who had taken over Will Salmons, originally seeded 4, defeat Michael Newell. In the the Essex League, presented me other semi, Harvey Russell narrowly lost to James Garwood in a with an impressive plaque on thrilling match that produced some amazing squash. In the final, behalf of the Essex Squash Association. the effects of a tough semi were clearly evident for James and Will I sent this e-mail previously to emerged the victor. The tournament could not have happened the essexsra.com address but it without sponsorship and thanks go to Lathcotes Farm, Abercorn was returned so I’m trying again on the bt.com address. I’m Nurseries, CM Rent, Rumour Hair and City Flooring for their also trying to send a couple of financial support. Also to Mantis Squash rackets who supported the photos but my camera won’t talk tournament with prizes. to my pc (!) and that, too, was The Marconi Club has junior squash club on Thursdays between returned. I’ll have to wait for a grandson to sort it out - hopefully, soon. 4.30pm and 6.00pm. If you are interested, contact Andy Russell on Regards, Cecil Leighton 07796 581809.

Ed we did get the photos reproduced here thank you Cecil.

A great scene for the records at the NEW Marconi courts >>>>>

Essex Squash Newsletter 4 NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR ESSEX Our top stars at May are Peter Barker, 8 in the PSA list; more or less static for the year and is 10. Lauren has retained her spot and has supported Essex this year in the Intercounty. Image if our male stars did that we would be home and dry for Champions! It has defeated the editor to get senior English rankings and we may have misled readers in the past. Looking at the juniors though we note that Ellie Hewes has replaced Elise at No 8 whilst Elise has moved to No 1 u15 whilst being only 13 at present! Ellie is just 12 so should make a higher ranking and will play for u13 next season. Richie of course is out of the junior ranks shortly but has already played 2 for our senior side. Under-11 Boys: Joel Braddock (5); Harry Martin (25); Michael Tallentire (28); Max Hyde (33), Yusef Sheikh 69. Under-11 Girls: Mikayla Mann (28); Ruby-Mae Hudson (35). Under-13 Boys: Timothy Bacon (16); Oliver Green (23); Joel Braddock (40). Under 13 Girls: Ellie Hewes (8); Eleonor White (36); Amy Aspinall (45), Elli Barrott (51). Under-15 Boys: Joseph Blackmur (16); Ben Richardson (43); Haydon Smith (48); Harry Kitchens (98). Under-15 Girls: Elise Lazarus (1); Alice Green (15); Ellie Hewes (49); Paige McCoy (78) Under-19 Boys: Richie Fallows (1). Under-19 Girls: Collette Whittington (52) PRESS RELEASE FOR ESSEX SRA APRIL Essex Newsletter Essex Junior Squash has launched its own website to help promote the The current series has been going continually since 1998 sport. So how did it begin? None other than Chris Vine our local To ease the load on the senior site, the junior committee recruited squash coach and professional started it whilst he did a turn on web-builder Lucie Selby and journal ist Lee Horton to kick-start the committee. Two issues were published under his guidance EssexJuniorSquash.com to publicise the fortunes of the junior game when he was our Development Officer (little changes in and the growing legion of Essex players currently playing at county squash!). Brian Clark became secretary about that time having and national level. retired and took over editing and publishing the letter that you The site is currently featuring Alice Green and Richie Fallows who have seen every 6 months since. We are at No 34 now which landed English National titles this month, world champion Laura brings us to 2014. We have reported some high times and low Massaro and Jenny Duncalf’s exhibition at Connaught in support of times. Essex Junior Squash, plus the latest England rankings featuring our This issue is a high times issue with two winning teams but players. both men and ladies have given us cause for rejoicing in the There’s also full details and entry form for the Essex Junior Open past. which is being held at The Garrison in Colchester on April 19 No 4………….. Ladies vintage I/C champions 1999 You can also follow the team on Twitter @EssexJnrSquash No 6………….. U19 Boys I/C champions 2000 Check them out on www.EssexJuniorSquash.com No 6………….. Ladies vintage champions 2000 No 20………… senior ladies I/C champions 2007

Our County Secretary’s Farewell Brian Clark is retiring from squash administration after years of supporting the game he loves. Chairman Dave Neller offers some thoughts… Brian has devoted some 15 years plus to the County Association in his role as County Secretary. His experience as player, team captain and coach has proved invaluable in managing county affairs and keeping the committee in line. This has been particularly difficult over the last few years with the decline in squash popularity, a factor that Brian has diligently worked to arrest in Essex. Brian took up the game at the late age of thirty just as it started to get popular in the 70’s. After hockey at Marconi and Chelmsford he found that squash suited a young family getting lots of sport in less time! He was involved in squash from near the start of the Essex league running two Marconi teams which participated from 1970. Brian was club champion there five times before moving to Chelmsford where he won their first title in 1975. Brian joined the county association way back in the 70’s. During the 80’s he organised the county cup competitions and took over the o45 county team which he played in for 10 years before moving on to the o55’s, then managing, and playing in, both teams. They won the Intercounty Championship, 045’s in 1982 and o55’s in 1992. On retirement from work in 1999 Brian accepted a role as county secretary as he had time to give the role some body. Over the years he has created county records, documenting the past and current intercounty, league and closed events. He initiated the first website and became writer, editor and publisher of the county newsletter. Brian stopped playing competitively once he retired from work, which disappointed him, however he found new fun playing golf regularly, and still coaches his grandchildren. Brian says farewell to the game he most enjoyed, and we thank him for his long and dedicated service to the Association, the County, and of course the game of squash…..Thank You Brian!

Essex Squash Newsletter 5 Smith and Clayton Hunt. JUNIOR NEWS The finals were held at the It is impossible to miss out Dave’s wonderful report in full. What impressive Surrey Sports Park, and enthusiasm to inspire… Paul Allen and Lauren Selby kept a watchful eye on the boys. The first U19s County Finals weekend of 18/19th January 2014 Essex match was against the No 1 seeds, County Coach Dave Webster Reporting Yorkshire. Quite a challenge and York The core of this team showed their potential at Under 13 and went through with a 5-0 victory. The through the years there have been frustrations during the highly boys then set their eyes on 3rd place, competitive county area preliminaries and even semifinals; this year but they had a tough task ahead the team fulfilled their potential and came together for the Semi against Surrey in the playoff, as they Finals at the Priory Club, Edgbaston on18/19th January 2014.. had previously lost 3-2. This time it The favorites Yorkshire took out a good side in Gloucestershire 5/0 was 4-1 but the boys should be and we played Merseyside. First up Richard and Jags showed some proud of their efforts and positive approach to their matches. This isn't stern competition, two of Richard’s games going all the way 11/13 the last you will hear of this team, they will undoubtable have many and 10/12, Jags was on fire attacking from all angles and we stand more successful years ahead. Report by Lauren Selby at 1 all with Richie and Dan taking to the courts. Ritchie faced an on -form Patrick Rooney with the second game going to 15/13 enabling Under 17 Boys' from Gary Nisbet Ritchie to go up another notch in the third taking it 11/8 in 30 "We had 3 debutants on the day, including young Harry Burr called minutes. Dan had a real fight going to 5 games and we stand at 2 all up on late notice from the u15s squad. It was a tough outing for the with the No2 left to settle the finalists. Now the Essex crowd come boys, competing against some fantastic players. With the into their own, one match between us and the final with Yorkshire. other counties fielding a number of top nationally ranked juniors, Owain’s looking strong with Connor Sheen trying to climb into him or even with our strongest team qualification for the finals would have fish for a stroke, the ref was sound and Connor was bouncing off. A been a tough ask. The boys dug in and displayed great slight drop in concentration in the second game but Owain was too determination and fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming strong and the cheers erupt. We’re through to the final to a very adversity however, and hopefully the experience will stand them all loud chorus of Happy Birthday for Owain who was 18 on the day! – in good stead for next season. Well done and thanks to Alex Shuter, he’ll remember that Birthday! Connor Sheen looked bemused and Rob Pearson, Thomas Regan, Will Salmons, and Harry Burr on the club was rocking with Essex cheers announcing our arrival into representing the county with a great display of effort and the final on the Sunday. sportsmanship" U13’s Boys another finalist We had a great time Saturday night with a little relaxation for the In two stages this team finished 1st and 1st which took them to the birthday boy sitting down to dinner with about 30 of us all together, national finals. So Essex boys are well placed for the future. In the and Sunday after a lay-in we faced Yorkshire. The boys looked a final we finished 4th that is No4 nationally! Well done. Timmy Bacon, little nervous having looked at the shield the last Essex win was Harry Kitchens, Charlie Martin, Oliver Green and Joel Braddock. back in 1999. Dan had a leg muscle twinge, some top boys in the U15 Girls another finalist Yorkshire side looking strong through the order. I had to put our A young team of Elise Lazarus, Alice Green, Ellie Hewes, Paige McCoy, strongest side out again and Richard and Jags take to the courts. Eleanor White and India Webb worked hard in the earlier rounds and secured Well if Jags was on fire Saturday he topped it in the final, he was themselves a place in the Inter-County Finals in January. The girls headed to attacking from all angles and playing safe when it mattered. A Surrey Sports Park ready for their semi-final match against Sussex. Eleanor strong had no answer, Jags takes it 3/1 a star White was up against an experienced youngster. but Eleanor made her work performance. Richard gave it his all and at 3/1 Yorkshire draw level. hard for her victory. Next door Ellie Hewes at No 3 had an epic match but in Ritchie had a long first game against the Yorkshire No 1 who was the fifth game Ellie couldn't quite clinch the match. Paige at No couldn't quite find her rhythm and pulled her but she carried on in true warrior style losing covering the court well. The first game took its toll with Ritchie 3-0. Elise was still playing against Sussex number 1 Jasmine Hutton. Elise winning 17/15 and his strength coming to the fore with a 3/0 win glided around the court with ease and certainly made Jasmine work in every against a plucky challenge. Dan had had a remedial massage off me rally. The 3-0 game scores were close but Elise always looked to be in 2nd before entering into a tremendous match. He responded to a very gear. mobile opponent that seemed to be getting his racket on everything Essex had already lost the tie but Alice is always ready for a game and still Dan could throw at him, would his leg hold out? His mum Claire and played with grit and determination and in 15 minutes Alice thumped her I could see he was favoring his good leg and not reaching some opponent off court. The following day the girls faced a 3/4th playoff against Surrey. The team was balls he would normally return. Dan dug deep and matched desperate to secure the 3rd place position and it showed in their Yorkshire game for game. His true grit told it the fifth when at two all performances. Eleanor White played out of her skin and came back from a Dan turned the tide and a thrilling game took the pressure off Owain game down to win 3-1. Ellie Hewes dispatched of her older opponent in no to a crescendo of noise, Essex has won just as Owain is receiving time at all. Elise played Rawan El Kalawaay and cruised to victory. Elise's the first serve and he could relax, well he thought he could after an pinpoint accuracy left Rawan lost for answers and Elise won 3-0. Celebrations easy first game he faced an in form Jack Cooper, hungry for a result had already started but Paige was next door playing the match of her life. The coming back strong in the second. Ami and John, at 2 all, said to a No 4 string was volleying and moving her player around the court excellently and won two tie breaks to win 3-0, a brilliant result. Alice used her physical tired looking Owain- do you really want to lose this one? Result a 4/1 advantage to good effect and powered her opponent off court in just 16 Final win for Essex. Charlie enjoyed a run out with the reserve, minutes. Brilliant boys, I knew you all had it in you and this was a fantastic To finish 3rd in the whole country is a fantastic achievement especially team performance. The guys gave me their all and were there for considering we have such a young team. I would like to thank the parents for each other throughout. I’m made up, what a pleasure to be the all their support this season; I am already looking forward to next season! coach; all our hard work has paid off. Thanks to the Parents, our Lauren Selby supporters and the background work of the committees and coaches that have made this team what it is. I’ve had this team to work with Under 13 Girls 3rd in Trophy finals for a few years and it was part of me out there on the weekend, it Chris Chitty travelled with the Essex Girls in the minibus driven by Steve was magic! Aspinall on Saturday 18th Jan to Pontefract Squash Club. We had to be Essex National Inter-county U19 Boys Champions 2014 ready for 9am Sunday morning to play Buckinghamshire, Yorkshire and a Richie Fallows, Owain Taylor, Jagpal Sehmbi, Daniel Wheeler, combined counties team. First was Bucks, everyone was feeling positive and Richard Horswill, Charlie Belcher and Guy Tallentire (non-travelling) after a team talk was ready for action. Unfortunately Bucks were just that bit too strong for us even though Amy and Elli both took their matches to five Under 15 Boys another finalist games. We then played the combined counties team which proved stronger The Essex U15 Essex boys’ team worked their socks off to reach the still resulting in a loss and finally playing the favourites Yorkshire who were Inter-County Finals in January and proved why they deserved to be clearly a very tough team on their home turf. However, the girls dug in and placed in the top four counties in the country. Our team is still young played their hearts out without their heads dropping finished a creditable and relatively inexperienced but over the course of the season their third. Amy Aspinall (Harwich), Elli Barrott (Ardleigh), Piper Tatum team spirit has been inspirational. The squad includes Aaron (Wivenhoe) produced their best on the day and played with great attitude and Allpress, Conor Adams, Joe Blackmur, Ben Richardson, Haydon sportsmanship

Essex Squash Newsletter 6 ESSEX MENS LEAGUE RESULTS

PREMIER LEAGUE P W L Total Maldon 16 13 3 264 Kingswood 17 13 4 252 Redbridge 17 11 6 236 Connaught 15 11 4 225 Summer 2014 season The old runs from Week commencing guard is giving way to Springhealth 16 7 9 192 Monday 16th June through to Maldon and a resurgent 17 7 10 183 Week commencing Monday Kingswood. Ongar Love Lane CONGRATULATIONS Clements 17 6 11 155 1st September. PARK DRIVE!! Epping 15 5 10 143 LA Brentwood 9 1 8 74 Springhealth 2 7 0 7 44

DIVISION 1E P W L Total DIVISION 1W P W L Total Old Brentwood 11 8 3 158 Redbridge 4 9 8 1 161 Kingswood 2 10 7 3 150 Bishop Stortford 9 8 1 153 Triangle 10 6 4 143 Woodford Wells 9 5 5 131 Maldon 3 10 5 5 124 Redbridge 2 8 7 1 124 Clements 2 8 5 3 104 Epping 2 10 2 8 74 Maldon 2 10 2 8 74 ECC 10 2 8 61 Springhealth 3 9 1 8 63 LAF Warley 8 0 8 29

DIVISION 2E P W L Total DIVISION 2W P W L Total Clements 3 7 5 2 99 Connaught 2 12 10 2 205 Kingswood 3 5 5 0 94 Woodford Wells 2 11 7 4 153 LAF Thorpe Bay 6 3 3 74 Connaught 3 11 8 3 147 Springhealth 4 5 1 4 35 Epping 4 11 5 6 131 Tilbury 5 0 5 9 Redbridge 5 10 5 5 114 Woodford Wells 3 12 3 9 112 Epping 3 10 3 7 91 Next Seasons Squash Dates Redbridge 3 9 2 7 60 The Autumn 2014/Spring 2015 season will run from Week commencing Monday 13th October through to Week NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY commencing Monday 6th April. With Christmas break between 23rd November 2014 to 12th January 2015. COUNTY SENIOR CLOSED

October 4-5 2014

Venue t. b. a. A NEW EVENT PLEASE NOTE GRADED & AGE GROUP CATEGORIES Essex Inter Club Cup ALL ENTRIES WELCOME...... CHECK WEBSITE FOR ENTRY …..will be weekend of 30th November/1st

December 2014 - Venue t.b.a.

ESSEX LEAGUE FEES FOR 2014/2015 PAY FOR ALL TEAMS BY SEPT 1 HIGHER FEES WILL BE CHARGED AFTER THIS DATE ESSEX LEAGUE FEE INVOICES FOR NEXT SEASON (starting with the autumn leagues).WILL IS SENT TO YOUR CLUB IN JULY. PAY FOR ALL SESSIONS UP FRONT GETS YOU LOWEST CHARGE

Essex Squash Newsletter 7 ESSEX LADIES SPRING LEAGUE KINGSWOOD and EPPING are our divisional winners, same as last spring, but Redbridge prevented a clean sweep by taking the autumn round: thank you to League Secretary Liz Downing for her support.

DIVISION 1 HT FT DIVISION 2 HT FT KINGSWOOD 30 75 EPPING 1 57 108 REDBRIDGE 1 42 68 BISH STORTFORD 50 106 REDBRIDGE 2 30 66 LA FITNESS/DRAGONS 30 60 WOOD WELLS 26 42 EPPING 2A 19 49 CONNAUGHT 2 4 20 EPPING 2B 27 42 EPPING 2C 21 35

YOUR ESSEX COMMITTEE This has been your elected Committee for 2013-2014, working on behalf of Essex Squash on a multitude of tasks in an honorary capacity. There will be some vacancies at this AGM in June. Some long servers will be calling it a day (shown bold). Thanks to them for supporting the county organisation over many years. Pete Goodings made an impact from day one, but unfortunaely is off to new pastures; we wish him well ; in such a short stay thanks for the great contribution to juniors and racketball! Chairman Dave is planning changes and the committee jobs are likely to change giving persons smaller, easier to handle responsiblities. Hopefuly this will encourage people to offer some help and do at least a small turn at helping out. We would remind all how much enjoyment they have received from this great game! Now is the time to put something back. We need some fresh blood to support our game in Essex alongside some great people already doing dedicated work with the leagues and juniors and promoting squash and racketball developments.

HELP YOUR COUNTY PROMOTE OUR GAME---PUT SOMETHING BACK--- 4 VACANCIES Contact our committee members Position Name Tel. Club Chairman/ SRA Council Delegate David Neller 07808 895715 Kingswood Deputy Chairman/ Treasurer Elaine Oddie 01702 352094 Clements Junior Representative Chris Vine 07768 067044 Frinton League Secretary David Harris 01376 619554 Clements League Support Lyn Stiffell Ladies Co-ordinator Barbara Sanderson 01708 347367 LA Fitness Brentwood County Secretary Brian Clark Chelmsford Marking/Refereeing Co-ordinator Sue Woodhouse 0208 505 7094 Woodford Wells Website Philippa Neller Kingswood County Development Officer Carl George Woodford Wells Senior captain Dave Lazarus 07956 340351 Redbridge Racketball (Co-opted) Pete Goodings

Ladies League Liz Downing 0208 500 4410 Epping Junior Committee Chairman Chris Vine 07768 067044 Frinton Junior Secretary Karen Selby 01206 736924 Child Welfare Officer Matthew White 01245 266081 ESSEX WEB SITE: www.essexsra.com JUNIOR WEB SITE: essexjuniorsquash.com

LYN STIFFELL CARL GEORGE The County Squash Leagues (founded in the 70’s and at that time run Carl joined our committee in 2006 and after a couple of years mainly by John Innocent), are a fundamental part of Essex Squash assisted in the role of looking after county coaching (Carl is a level 3 activity. Lyn joined forces with John in 1997 and the pair supported coach). Around 2009 the County Association recognised that Essex the men’s league until John retired in 2005. Lyn continued to manage Squash needed a plan, and Carl stepped in as County Development the leagues through some very difficult times, keeping them as officer to assist with establishing and managing a County vibrant as possible despite a steady decline in the popularity of Development Plan for both squash and racketball. During this time squash. In 2013 Lyn decided it was time to move on and identified a Carl helped establish the racketball league and organised the Essex suitable replacement in the form of David Harris, whom he mentored Squash & Racketball 75th Anniversary Dinner, in addition he up to fully handing over in 2014. We would like to thank Lyn for supported the successful quiz nights and closed championships. We the years of dedication to the leagues, from the County offer our thanks to Carl for his years of dedicated service to association and all the squash players in Essex Thank You Lyn! county squash & racketball. Thank You Carl!

Our sincere thanks to RECYCLEPRINT,ROCHFORD for the fine printing services, www.recycle-print.com

Essex Squash Newsletter 8