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For really old news from newsletters first published 1981-87
see the archive.
28/12/2003
PRESTON HOP TO THE TOP
Grove
Park slipped to a second consecutive 3-2
away defeat to the Grasshopper's strongest lineup of the season.
As with Grove Park's defeat to Prestbury on their last outing, it was despite
winning at one and two.
Although Patrick and Yawar disposed of Chris Gordon & Dave Bradbury
with ease, there presence at the top was crucial in allowing Lambert, Laidler
& Gallagher to move down the order and proved far to strong for the
Grove Park lower order.
The win moves Preston to the top of the NWCSL
Division One.
Other
results
28/12/2003
LADIES END ON HIGH NOTE
After struggling to three consecutive defeats, the Ladies team bounced right
back to form with the return of No.1, Becky Botwright from the World
Open and the Qatar
Classic.
They just managed to beat 2nd placed Village Hyde, 3-2.
Becky overcame a strong challenge from Helen Easton to win 3-1 before both
Anna Vaughan and Hilary Kenyon came home 3-2 winners to take the match.
They now go into the 2nd half in 3rd
position with a number of teams hot on their heels but the return of
Christine Kenrick should strengthen the lower order.
10/12/2003
GP 16 - New Brighton 9
Grove Park held on for a narrow 3-2
win against New Brighton last night. Ammad & Liam won fairly comfortably
but the match came down to Yawar's incredible resilience.
Playing against the World No. 100, Duncan Walsh, he managed to hang on in
there for 90 minutes of gruelling squash until Walsh was forced to retire
hurt while trailing in the fifth.
Other
results
05/12/2003
PRESTBURY BACK ON TOP
Prestbury powered back to the top of the NWCSL Division One with a 3-2
win over Grove Park. Despite Patrick Foster and Yawar Abbas doing the
business at one and two, Prestbury's lower order was just too strong.
Liam Foster and Chris Matthews were well beaten by Ben Blocksidge, new to
Prestbury this year, and Nick Murrills.
But it was Ammad Jawaid who had a chance to take the match for Grove Park
but the experienced Glen Ragou just had too much for him and took it in
the fifth, despite a valiant effort from Jawaid.
With Preston losing out to Monton the top of the table
remains incredibly tight with only 12 points separating the top 5 teams.
Elsewhere, David Lloyd moved off the bottom of the table with a 3-2
win over The Northern, but the biggest upset came with Derek Ryan leading
Rochdale to a 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool.
Other
results this week
31/11/2003
TITLE RACE OPENS UP
The
race for the NWCSL Division
One title has opened right up. With long time leaders, Prestbury, losing
out again, Preston Grasshoppers have leapt into the top spot. Wins against
Rochdale
CLS (16-11) and David
Lloyd Manchester (19-4) in the last two weeks leaves Grove Park just
6 points shy of the leaders with Monton not far behind.
It makes this weeks encounter at Prestbury and Preston in two weeks time
all the more important. But without Jon Rooney, who showed his class by
dismissing the experienced Paul Hargrave in straight games last week, it
makes the task all the tougher .
31/11/2003
TITLE RACE OPENS UP
The
race for the NWCSL Division
One title has opened right up. With long time leaders, Prestbury, losing
out again, Preston Grasshoppers have leapt into the top spot. Wins against
Rochdale
CLS (16-11) and David
Lloyd Manchester (19-4) in the last two weeks leaves Grove Park just
6 points shy of the leaders with Monton not far behind.
It makes this weeks encounter at Prestbury and Preston in two weeks time
all the more important. But without Jon Rooney, who showed his class by
dismissing the experienced Paul Hargrave in straight games last week, it
makes the task all the tougher .
31/11/2003
HIGH FLYING BOTWRIGHTS
Grove Park Ladies player, Vicky
Botwright, has just broken into the top ten in the world rankings
at No.9, after claiming her fourth appearance in a WISPA final this
year in October. This could give Vicky, 26, a realistic chance of breaking
into the English National squad.
She will hope to move further up the rankings with a good run at this weeks,
big money, Qatar Classic.
WISPA
Rankings - DECEMBER 2003
Meanwhile younger sister, Becky Botwright (now world No.44), has
managed to join her in the first round at Doha, which is the richest event
of the year, after battling through qualifying. Becky did so after fighting
back from 0-2 down against World No.26, Wendy Maitland - beating the Scot
5-9 7-9 9-6 9-4 9-7 in 54 minutes to set up a first round clash with compatriot
Tania Bailey, the eighth seed.
However, with the Botwrights absent, the Grove Park Ladies team has
had it's winning streak broken with two consecutive defeats. They were unlucky
to lose out 2-3 to Cheshire CO after winning the top two strings with Kate
Oldale just losing out in the fifth at four. They were then well beaten
by Alderley Edge with only Anna Vaughan recording a win. It has been a lack
of strength in depth which has been their downfall but this should improve
with the return of Chris Kendrick, the continued improvement of the inexperienced
lower order and hopefully any new members taking advantage of the great
offers being offered for new female players joining the club.
12/11/2003
FIRST TEAM STRUGGLE TO VICTORY
It went right down to the wire in an intriguing 3-2 match against Chester
on Tuesday.
It started poorly for Grove Park as both Liam Foster and Ammad Jawaid lost
out 3-0 to Jonathan Clark and Grove Park old boy, Drew Williams.
But it improved as Yawar Abbas effectively contained the shot playing ability
of Grove Park favorite, Dave Campion and won without conceding a game.
Next came the main event as Patrick Foster, who is coming
right back to form after a slow start to the season, took on 5 times
World Champion and arguably one of the best female players of all time,
Sarah Fitzgerald.
 |
| Find out more about Sarah on her website |
Sarah showed her class with some excellent volley kills
but it was Patrick that controlled the match with a lob and drop game (old
man squash basically!) preying on Sarah's lack of height. Despite a very
tight third, Patrick took it 3-0.
The match came down to a tight 4th string rubber which Chris Matthews had
taken into a fifth game. Despite slipping down 7-3, Chris dug in and gutsily
clawed his way back into the game and eventually snatched it 9-7 to win
the match for the team.
(Match
Card)
12/11/2003
VICKY HELPS LADIES TO NORTHERN WIN
The Ladies continue their unbeaten streaked with the help of World No.11,
Vicky Botwright who
was debutising for younger sister, Becky. They came through 4-1 winners
against local rivals, Northern, with wins coming from Vicky, Hilary Kenyon,
Anna Vaughan and Sue Pettigrew, though Hilary took it into the fifth as
usual. Despite the win, Village Cheadle go one point ahead at the top of
the table
after a 18-6 win over third placed New Brighton.
(Match
Card)
05/11/2003
ROCKED IN BLACKPOOL
Grove Park First Team went down to only their second defeat of the season
against Blackpool outfit, South Shore. The only win came from Patrick's
creditable 3-2 victory over Paul Lord who was carrying a slight injury.
Despite losing, the rest of the team all contributed points to the 19-8
scoreline with Liam Foster unlucky to lose out 10-8 in the fifth.
Elsewhere, leaders Prestbury crashed to their first defeat of the season
at the hands of Preston and Monton also lost, leaving a cluster of about
6 teams still in the hunt for top spot in the table.
(Match
Card)
29/10/2003
GROVE PARK 3 - LIVERPOOL 2
Patrick Foster, who seems to have rediscovered the winning touch, brought
the first team home to a 3-2 (16-8) win against Liverpool CC, in a match
where both teams were short of a few players. Other wins came from Chris
Matthews and the young irishman, Dave Noone. The win takes them up to 2nd
position in the table,
just above Liverpool and Monton but will still be quite a long way off runaway
leaders, Prestbury.
(Match
Card)
25/10/2003
GROVE PARK TAKE REVENGE ON THE NORTHERN
Grove Park took their revenge on the Northern who denied them their first
Division One title last year, managing to pull off a great result at the
Northern with a below strength team. Patrick Foster went down 3-0 to Andy
Whipp after a tight first game but Grove Park came storming back with wins
in straight games from Liam Foster and Chris Matthews against strong opposition.
After which Dave Noone made his debut for the club. Filling in for Ammad
Jawaid, he just missed out in the first two tough games but came back strongly
to take the rubber 3-2 and secure the match. The result was decided before
Yawar Abbas took on Masambo Selisho, but it didn't stop it being a bruising
encounter with no quarter given. The Northern captain eventually taking
the game 3-2.
(Match
Card)
25/10/2003
LADIES CONTINUE REIGN AT THE TOP
The Ladies continue their reign at the top of the Cheshire
Ladies First Division with a 3-2 win over Wirral based Neston, despite
a weakened team. They don't have a game next week but when they return will
face a stern test from Warrington, who are the only other unbeaten side
but have games in hand.
(Match
Card)
15/10/2003
CONTARY TO POPULAR BELIEF ...
Contary to popular belief (and newspaper reports) Grove Park 1 beat Village
Hyde 14-8 (3-2) on tuesday night. The strong Hyde side included world no.
27, Nick Taylor, who overcame John Rooney in 3 games in a match that was
closer than the scoreline suggested. Yawar and Liam won comfortably
before Patrick recorded his first win of the season, against Paul Kelly,
in yet another 5 setter . Ammad Jawaid had earlier lost to the talented
Simon Pickering, who was formally a junior at Grove Park.
(Match
Card)
15/10/2003
LADIES FLY HIGH AT TOP OF DIVISION 1
By Sue Pettigrew
Following on from a very distasteful season last year, with the ups and
downs of whether we were going to get relegated or not on a technicality,
Grove Park Ladies have decided to show the League that they fully deserve
a place in Division 1 by topping the Division!
We have currently played 4, won 4 with wins as follows:
| Glossop (A) | Won 5-0 | 19-2 |  |
| Village Cheadle (H) | Won 3-2 | 14-8 | |
| Bowdon (A) | Won 5-0 | 19-1 | |
| New Brighton (H) | Won 4-1 | 16-5 | |
The highlight being the hard fought victory over local rivals,
Village Cheadle, which only came after an incredible match in which Hilary
Kenyon managed to come back from 1-2 down and 1-8 down to force a fifth
game. The final game was even closer with both players struggling to take
advantage of a number of match points but Hilary stood firm and eventually
prevailed in dramatic style, 10-9.
Revenge was particularly sweet over Bowdon and New Brighton who were both
strong supporters of kicking us down to Division 2.
The team comprises, Becky Botwright (currently ranked
48 in the world and who last week narrowly lost out in the final
of the BSPA Tynemouth Grand Prix event to Laura Lengthorn), Hilary Kenyon,
Anna Vaughan, Chris Kendrick and Sue Pettigrew. However, as Chris has deserted
us for Australia for 8 weeks, we have called on the resources of Suzanne
Sealy and new girl, Kate Oldale to help us out.
Long may the reign continue!
08/10/2003
ROONEY
LEADS FROM THE FRONT
Grove Park First Team were made to work hard for their 3-2 win against,
mid-table, Wigan CC. It didn't start well, as Chris Matthews went down 0-3,
his first loss of the season. Patrick, however quickly went two up and had
match points in a tight third game, but the match turned dramatically on
a few points. After just losing out 10-9 in that game the aftereffects of
last weeks illness really showed as Wigan's Nigel Willis came thought strongly
to win 3-2.
Things got better as Ammad came through a difficult match 3-1 before John
Rooney comfortably won 3-0. Making his home debut, the irish
international, 23, impressed with a combination of speed, disguise and
drops which were far to good for the tough Wigan No.1, Gary Thwaite. That
just left Liam Foster to wrap up the match in straight games. (Match
Card)
01/10/2003
FIRST LOSS
The first team went down to their first loss of the season away to a strong
Monton side. Jon Rooney made a strong start to his Grove Park career
with a 3-0 win (continuing his British Open
form). But Patrick missing out though illness, left the middle order vulnerable
and so Ammad just lost out 2-3 in the deciding rubber (Match
Card)
28/09/2003
ROONEY
ZAPS ZAMAN IN QUALIFIERS
The British Open men's qualifying competition is under way in Nottingham,
with Britain providing the top five seeds ...
Grove Park new signing, John Rooney, pulled off the only upset on the opening
day of qualifying for the 2003
British Open Squash Championships at Nottingham Squash Club when he
beat Pakistan's Shahid Zaman, ranked 47 places higher in the world, in straight
games.
Spurred on by local supporters, Rooney, who is based in Nottingham, beat
world No34 Shahid 17-15 15-8 15-10 in 45 minutes - and now faces Nottingham
club-mate Simon Parke, the world No18 who is a 'veteran' of 12 British Open
appearances since making his debut in 1989.
Irishman, John, is due to make his Grove Park debut against Monton (who
finished in forth place last season) on Tuesday night, just as long as he
doesn't go too far in the Open.
24/09/2003
EASY START FOR GP 1
Grove Park First Team cruised to their first win of the season last night
against a below strength Warrington side. Missing ex-Grove Park player,
Jon Kemp, at one, they struggled as Chris, Liam, Yawar and new boy, Ammad
Jawaid, strolled to 3-0 victories. Only Patrick, who was looking a little
rusty, was pushed and just lost out in the fifth to Steve Siveter to make
it 19-3. (Match
Card)
16/09/2003
CAPTAIN BOB SPEAKS!
Welcome to another year of high adrenalin, nail biting, team squash! It's
why we can't wait for the summer to be over!
There is lots to look forward to in the new season with some new players
at the club now getting involved in the teams and providing a welcome boost.
Derek Ryan has now moved on, but the club has secured the services of (another)
Irish international and World No. 81, Jon Rooney for a select number of
appearances this season. Ammad Jawaid (whose father, Aftab Jawaid was 3
times British Amateur Champion and 3 times British Open Finalist), John
Thompson and Murray Lonsdale are among those helping to strengthen the top
teams. Other newcomers include Jonathan Crossland, Anna Vaughan and a number
of new faces in the lower teams.
Our main aims for the season are for the 8th team to be promoted back to
division 4 for next season, to strengthen the Ladies Team and for the First
Team to emulate last years drama and excitement and possibly go that one
step further and win the Championship!
They start the new season on Tuesday, 23rd September at home
against Warrington and I hope to see as many of you as possible cheering
them on.
Have an excellent and enjoyable season!
Bob Howe - Club Captain
19/08/03
EXHIBITION SUCCESS
A fantastic night was had by a sellout crowd as two of the world's best
players visited Grove Park.
Peter
Nicol, the World No.1 and debatably one of the greatest players to have
played the game, graced Grove Park last Tuesday along with the World No.3,
John White.
With the show court seating filled to capacity, Peter Nicol got the exiting
night started by taking on the might of Grove Park, lead by the 9th team
captain, Dave Cochrane. It was first to five points... it didn't last long
(but it might just of been too long for Dave who was sweating buckets even
before he went on, Nicol it seemed might just have had an edge on fitness).
On came 
John
Bayley, Murray Lonsdale, Big Mike Andrews and Rod Boswell, but all were
served the same fate. Despite the massive difference in standard of the
Grove Park players, next to Peter Nicol, "quite frankly they all looked
rubbish", noted one observer. Not even Rod's dodgy comedy routine could
put Nicol off his game.
Meanwhile on court 5 the real quality squash could be found, as John White
took on the classy line up of Hilary Kenyon, Iain Stewart, Alastair Atkinson,
Stuart Henderson (and Nick Hague's mate who snuck on at the end). John White
was recently described as "the most lethal player on the planet"
which was justified by his brilliant win at the English Open at the weekend
and so was quite obviously the far harder man to play. Which just puts into
perspective the outstanding achievement in taking 2 points of him. A feat
that was achieved by myself.
(Reporting totally impartially of course) I could see that White looked
fairly confident and so in the first rally I cunningly drew him into a false
sense of security by running around like a lunatic and hitting truly awful
shots straight back at him. Sure enough White took the point, but it was
then I decided to strike. From deep in the left-hand corner it came, a thundering
backhand drive, it struck the front wall just millimetres above the red
(or was it green) and shot into nick and was dead before the World No.3
could react... game on!
Unfortunately
the next couple of points didn't go exactly to plan as White got
a couple of what can only be described as stuffy nicks (I almost saw one
of them). But I was back in form in the next rally, a couple of solid drives
almost got John to move (not quite) and then suddenly there it was again-
the low backhand drive kill, the crack reverberated around the court as
it drilled into the nick. It was even better than the first one (this one
even came off the strings) it was so good it could have been hit by John
White himself. John stood there stunned and the crowd were on their feet
(both of them, but probably because there weren't any seats). As for he
last two points, I forget.
I
should probably point out that other players might have managed to get one
or two points as well, but Nicol and White were probably just being generous.
It was then time for the main event, Nicol versus White. White started
the stronger of the pair with some brilliant attacking play, combining incredible
power with delicate drop shots. He went on to take the first game, but then
Nicol started to get back into the match by extending the rallies. There
was plenty of light hearted banter between the players and the local world
class referee, Tony Parke
r.The
crowd got involved as well with some choice one-liners as Nicol took control
and took the next two games. In the forth game the match really started
to hot up, which was unsurprising as it was nearly 30°C outside. The
retrieval play was awesome as both players made some stunning pick-ups,
but it was Nicol who was looking the stronger. It got to about 12 all, but
the pace of game and the heat (and obviously the harder matches earlier
in the evening) had got to a tired looking John White . A couple of loose
shots later and the World No.1 had won the exciting match, 3-1. It had been
a great demonstration of squash of the highest quality.
The unforgettable evening was rounded off by the players answering questions
from the audience followed by long cool drinks in the bar. (Did I mention
my two points against John White?)
Thanks again to Jim Hall for promoting the event, Prince Sports, everyone
who helped out and of course Peter Nicol and John White.
See more photos
of the night in the gallery
24/07/03
HEAD
TO HEAD:
PETER NICOL vs JOHN WHITE
Nicol and White have played each other ten times in major competition. Nicol
has generally had the better of the rivalry beating, John White seven times,
but White has won their last two encounters. See their complete record against
each other -
HEAD
TO HEAD RECORD
Find out more about the squash stars in the following profiles -
PROFILE:/ JOHN
WHITE
PROFILE:/ PETER
NICOL
You can get some great photos of John
and Peter
at SquashPics.com.
But you can see them for real on Tuesday 5th August.
The event will be sponsored by prince
squash and JIM HALL SPORTS.
11/07/03
LADIES TO STAY UP!
The Ladies team is now guaranteed to keep its place in the top division
next year! Despite finishing fifth, the team had faced relegation because
it couldn't field enough players for one match last October.
The team did appeal against the automatic relegation but the rule was upheld.
The team only managed to escape relegation due to other teams declining
to be promoted, though Grove Park were last in line to be to be offered
their place.
Unfortunately with a small (but talented) squad there will always be the
odd occasion when getting a full team out might be problematic. This is
why we are offering great membership offers for new
female members with the goal of introducing a 2nd team in the 3rd division.
Botwright fans will be pleased to know that with the place in Division 1
secured, Becky
Botwright (World #51) will again be playing for us in the coming season
with possible guest appearances again from Vicky Botwright (World #14 -
wasn't she famous for something??)
(Oddly enough, vicky botwright and thong appear
to be some of the most popular search keywords to get on to this site. You
know who you are, so put it down and come down to Grove Park on a monday
evening during the season and see them (and some great squash) in the flesh.)
02/07/03
NICOL & WHITE AT GROVE PARK!
See two of the world's best players at Grove Park on Tuesday 5th August!
The exhibition match between Peter Nicol and John White, the world no.1
and 3 repectively, will be followed by a doubles match and then a few lucky
members will get the chance to play against Nicol or White in what promises
to be a fantastic night.
For only £5 admission (free for under 16s) you will also be able to test
out all the latest prince rackets and even purchase one at
discounted prices. There will also be food available afterwards.
Tickets are available from JIM HALL SPORTS LTD. (0161 439 7394), behind
the bar or from Grove Park committee members. For more infomation please
email.
18/05/03 |
15/05/03
SEASON REVIEW - 2002/03
The year so nearly brought glory for the First Team, but was a tough
season for most of the clubs teams after the league restructuring.
The year's highlight had to be the First Team battling against Northern
for the NWCSL title on the last day of the season. Great atmosphere, great
squash - skilful, committed, exciting, but to win the match, end on equal
points and still lose the title - gutting!
The 2nd team couldn't quite replicate last years winning form but
finished mid-table, a couple of places above the 3rd's who had some
great wins against all the top 5 teams but had a few relegation worries
at the end as four teams go down from this very competitive division. It
will be only the second year the team has managed to stay up in Division
2 by right.
The story in the third division has to be the second half recovery of the
5th team. A demoralised team before Christmas, the team was turned
around when Peter Karwat stepped up from the 6th team captaincy to take
on the 5th team. Leading by example he only lost two matches, inspiring
his team to claw it's way out of the relegation zone and in the process
earning himself the Team Player of the Year Title for the best match record.
But it was the lower teams that had the hardest time after last year the
number of division 4 sections were reduced from 12 to 9 which significantly
raised the standard. The biggest losers were the 8th team who had
to compete in the tough southern section as they were relegated. Most surprising
was the 9th who dropped from consistently finishing about 4th in
Division 5 over the last few years to finishing bottom of their section
this time around. Both the 10th and the 11th dropped back
from last years positions but continue to introduce new players into team
squash.
Despite finishing in fifth place, their highest placing for a few years,
the Ladies team still face the prospect of relegation. This was due
to the small but talented squad, which includes World No.55, Becky Botwright,
not being able to field more than 2 players for a match during the first
half. The club failed in its appeals against this rule, so must now wait
to see if it is offered a place if a team refuses promotion.
The Cheshire Cup sides did well again this year but just lost out
by the narrowest of margins (a reoccurring theme this year). Both the Men's
Cheshire Cup and the Challenge Cup side lost out in the final and the former
losing 9-7 in the fifth of the deciding game.
So we can now look forward to next season when we hope to see a promotion
challenge from the 8th team, a more competitive year from the lower teams
and convert some of those near misses into success.
Summary of the 2002-03 season.
03/05/03
EURO TEAM CHAMPS
Grove Park players Derek Ryan and Patrick Foster helped Ireland to a successful
European Team Squash Championship
in Nottingham. Comfortable wins for both over Norway and Hungary lead to
Ireland topping their group and earning a play-off place against the no.5
seeds, Scotland.
In a match of high drama, Ireland squeezed past Scotland by a single point!
Martin Heath faced Derek Ryan in the final match, and with Heath two games
up both knew the score - Heath needed a 9-0 win while Ryan had to score
two points to create an upset for the Irish. Two points was what Ryan scored,
the second on a penalty stroke.
Ireland went on to record their best European finish for ten years, of 6th
place (as did their womens team) after beating Denmark but losing out narrowly
to Sweden in the 5th/6th place play-off.
The competition was however dominated by England, but they had to work for
it. In the longest men's final on record, they retained the European Team
Championships title after beating France by the narrowest of margins. Earlier
in the day, England defeated Netherlands to secure the women's title for
the 27th year in succession, but for the first time since 1988 dropped a
match in the final.
09/04/03
SO CLOSE!!
Grove Park First Team beat The Northern 3-2 in a fabulous night of dramatic
squash and drew level on points but lost the title on matches won.
A capacity crowd witnessed some exhilarating squash with enormous commitment
as both teams went all out for the title.
Yawar Abbas set an early example by combining intelligent play with some
incredible retrieving against Cornelius Musonda, who has only lost one match
all season. Yawar lead throughout the first game but couldn't quite shake
off the Northern No.3. He just couldn't take advantage of his three game
points and allowed Musonda to steal the opening game 10-9. But despite picking
up a knee injury in the first, such was desire to take the title from his
former club, nothing was going to stop him. He duly delivered with a 3-1
victory.
But
meanwhile on court 5 Chris Matthews lost out 3-1 to simon Brand and Liam
Foster went down to love against Northerns tough No.4, Masambo Selisho.
Patrick Foster however, made up for his first half defeat against Peter
Billson with a great performance to win without conceding a game.
The nights proceedings were brought to a conclusion by the No.1's, Derek
Ryan and Andy Whipp. The crowd were enraptured by this fantastic game of
contrasting styles. Derek took the rubber 3-0 to win the match, however
the scoreline hardy did justice to this keenly fought tie.
But
in the end the victory was not quite enough as The Northern were awarded
the NWCSL Division One Championship on matches won. Just one more game throughout
the entire season would have been enough to give Grove park its first ever
Title. But it was not to be and perhaps Masambo Selisho summed it up by
saying ".. well, we had more money!".
08/04/03
TITLE DECIDER TONIGHT?
Grove Park need to make up an eight point deficit if they are to take the
title from Northern in tonights head to head, but that may still not be
enough.
The task they face is a difficult one as a 4-1 win will probably be required
and even then Northern could still make it. But that will not be the end
of it as there are still various appeals that may affect the top teams and
will be only settled on the 15th April.
07/04/03
CHESHIRE CUP DISAPPOINTMENT
Both teams lost out in the finals of the Cheshire Cup competitions held
up at Warrington. The Cheshire Cup side cruised into the final with a comprehensive
defeat of reigning champions, Winnington Hall, without dropping a game,
while the Challenge Cup side got a bye through to the final when Knutsford
Sport pulled out.
The Final started well with early wins by Patrick and Liam Foster against
Warrington on their home turf. But the Cheshire Cup side, missing key players
down the order, couldn't capitalise on the good start, eventually losing
3-2. Paul Ashton came closest to sealing the Cup when he was narrowly defeated
9-7 in the fifth.
The Challenge Cup side (for players of Division 3 standard and below) sealed
a disappointing day for Grove Park as Steve Ward, John Bayley, Roger Shoesmith
and Mark Davenport lost aganist a strong looking team from Woolston. A late
win for Peter Karwat however, restored some pride.
02/04/03
TITLE DECIDER SHOWDOWN
A 20-1 win at Y-Squash closes the gap on The Northern to set up the showdown
on the last day of the season this Tuesday, 8th April. The Northern
are now just 8 points ahead at the top of the NWCSL Division One table.
Grove Park First Team cruised to victory to confirm relegation for Y-Squash.
Derek Ryan, Patrick Foster, Yawar Abbas, and Chris Matthews weren't troubled,
with only Liam Foster losing a game after picking up a minor injury.(View
scorecard)
The Northern drop points to a spirited Prestbury side but recorded a creditable
16-7 victory despite losing at No.1 to World Junior Champion, James Willstop.
(View
scorecard)
Make sure you don't miss this fantastic night of squash where the title
will be decided!
01/04/03
CHALLENGE CUP IN TO SEMIS
The Cheshire Challenge Cup Team joined the Cheshire Cup side in the semis
(see below) with a clinical 5-0 win over local
rivals, Stockport. Steve Ward, Terry Reid, Dave Smeaton won fairly comfortably
with only Roger Shoesmith being pushed to the fifth game by Stockport Captain,
John Cunningham.
Both semi-finals will be played this coming Saturday, at 2.00pm before the
final on Sunday at Warrington.
28/03/03
TITLE BLOW.
Disappointment as Grove Park narrowly lose to Grasshoppers allowing Northern
to move 12 points clear at he top of the NWCSL Division One table.
They desperately needed to beat Preston to keep the pressure up on The Northern
and with Preston's Irish International, John Rooney absent there where high
hopes. In fact, Rooney was one of the few brave (or possibly mad!) souls
to compete in the Qatar
Tour Event in Doha. Most players such as Rooney's teammate, Joey Barrington,
and Northern's No.1, Andy Whipp, pulled out of the event for obvious reasons.
Unforunately the hope started to fade as Chris Matthews, who was carrying
a foot injury, lost 3-0 despite his best efforts. After a bright start Irish
No.1, Derek Ryan started to labour against Jonah Barrington's son, Joey,
with what look like another injury. He didn't really look himself as he
went down 3-1. It picked up though, as Patrick Foster recorded his eleventh
consecutive win with some brillant squash at times and Yawar Abbas put in
a commanding performance to dismiss Preston's imported No.3. It turned out
that the critical string was at No.4, however Liam Foster lost out in the
fifth game 9-6.
Meanwhile The Northern took 19 points from Y-Squash who now look almost
certain to get relegated. This leaves Grove Park trailing by 12 points with
only one game to go before the big head to head on the last day of the season.
Realistically they now need Prestbury to take points of the leaders while
taking maximum points of Y-Squash in order to take the title, because while
they are capable of beating Northern it is going to be tight!
28/03/03
SUMMER SQUASH.
The North West Counties Squash Summer League starts on Thursday,
8th May. The number of teams we enter depends on the interest shown (up
to a maximum of three teams). The league is slightly more relaxed than the
winter leagues and is generally more local. All team standard players are
welcome to play.
So, if you are interested in continuing to play team squash through out
the summer months whether it is regularly or just occasionally, sign up
on the squash teams noticeboard. Or email
Alastair Atkinson.
28/03/03
CHESHIRE CUP LATEST.
A successful start to the Cheshire Cup campaigns. In the men's main event
Liam and Patrick Foster lead the side to a 3-2 victory over a young but
talented side from Crewe Vagrants. They will now face Winnington Hall in
the Semi-Finals.
The Challenge Cup* side also got off to a winning start as wins from Tony
Foulds, Terry Reid and Roger Shoesmith saw off Cheshire Oaks (who beat Grove
Park in the final of this competition two
years ago) before Paul Vale as ever decided to turn a two nil lead into
a 3-2 marathon in what was a dead rubber (as it were?). They will now face
Stockport at home in the Quater-Finals on Monday 31st March.
*The Challenge competition is open to those players who play below Division
Two level.
19/03/03
TITLE RACE HOTS UP.
A vital win at Liverpool keeps Grove Park title hopes alive, but it took
an epic comeback from Chris Matthews to beat the reigning NWCSL champions.
Marcus Berrett, who has been in outstanding form recently, proved too strong
for Derek Ryan at number one. But 3-0 wins for both Patrick Foster and Yawar
Abbas set the stage for Matthews' heroics. Coming back into the team after
a couple of weeks absence (and a poor result on the second team at Alderley)
, he then went two games down, but he never gave up. He fought back to 2-2
at which point the Marathon training must have started to pay off as he
went on to eventually take the tight final game, 9-7.
Meanwhile, The Northern were recording only their second victory in six
matches against second to bottom team, Dragons Chester. This will take them
to the top of the table by just a couple of points and makes the showdown
on the last day of the season ever more tantalizing.
But first the sizable obstacle of Preston Grasshoppers has to be overcome
in this weeks penultimate home fixture.
REMAINING FIXTURES -
| DATE | GROVE PARK | THE NORTHERN |
| 25.03.03 | Preston Grasshoppers (H) | Y Squash (A) |
| 01.04.03 | Y Squash (A) | Prestbury (H) |
| 08.04.03 | The Northern (H) |
Grove Park (A) |
12/03/03
GROVE PARK STAY TOP (JUST)
Grove Park narrowly lost (view
scorecard) to a very strong Monton side but still managed to stay top
of the table
as Northern lost (view
scorecard) at Preston.
The match was tighter than the 1-4 scoreline suggests with the top three
rubbers all going to five. The night didn't start well with Liam Foster
losing out in four, but it soon picked up as Yawar Abbas took an early two
game lead against the new British U19 Champion, Lawrence Delasaux. Meanwhile,
Patrick Foster, improving as the game went on, ended up winning fairly comfortably
in the fifth. Yawar, however just couldn't finish off the youngster and
started to struggle to keep up with his pace. He stuck to the task though,
but eventually lost in a keenly fought contest. The match was lost when
young Thomas Javanaud, who never really got going, was shut out by Vicky
Botwright 3-0, who ironically had been playing for Grove Park Ladies the
night before. But with vital points still to be played for, old adversaries
Derek Ryan and Paul Lord went on for the first string match. After trading
the first two tight games, Ryan, who was obviously very determined, started
to dominate and earned himself match point at 9-8 in the forth. But he was
denied by the referee who called a let when Ryan and the entire crowd thought
it was a stroke. He never quite recovered and lost that game and subsequently
went on to loss the final game 9-6.
However, The Northern couldn't capitalise on the slip as they lost even
more heavily to Preston Grasshoppers. Their only points came predictably
from wins by Cornelius Musonda and Masambo Selisho.
It all means that Grove Park extended their slim lead to three points but
are living dangerously as they have the tougher fixtures still to play.
(See below)
08/03/03
GROVE PARK HOSTS INTER COUNTY FINALS
Grove Park hosted the finals of the Inter County Team Championship at various
age groups. Grove Park stepped in at the last minute to hosted the event
for England Squash,
after the National Squash Center in Sports City was unable to hold it.
Some of the squash was of highest quality and with an enthusiastic crowd
it made for a great day. There was also local interest as Grove Park players
Rod Boswell and Dave Tweedle represented Cheshire in the Over 55 category.
Cheshire, however were knocked out when they were narrowly beaten 3-2 by
Middlesex.
Thanks again to all those club members who helped accommodate this quality
event.
05/03/03
GROVE PARK GO TOP!
Grove Park First team have just taken the top spot off The Northern at the
head of the NWCSL Division One
table.
An under strength Northern team went down 3-2 at home to relegation strugglers,
Village Hyde. As Andy Whipp and Peter Billson were away on National League
duty, Cornelius Musonda and Masambo Selisho had to step up to the top two
positions. However, they both showed why they are at the top of the Division
One Rankings
(each has only lost one match all season) as they quickly finished off the
Hyde pair. At four and five, Northern's lack of strength in depth was shown
up as Hyde took both rubbers comfortably. In the end it all came down to
the number threes and with eight points riding on it, it just had to be
a tight one. It didn't disappoint! Eventually it came down to the the last
game and then to the last point, but in the end Hyde's Mike Knight was just
able to steal the the fifth game 10-9. (View
scorecard).
Meanwhile Grove Park managed to take advantage of Northern's slip, up at
Warrington. Wins came for Derek Ryan, Patrick Foster, Yawar Abbas and Liam
Foster before talented youngster ,Tom Javanaud, (who is ranked seventh in
England at U17 level) was shown that experience counts by veteran Robert
Forde who won 3-0. The 17 point haul takes Grove Park to the top of the
table by just one point. (View
scorecard).
Next up is Monton at home on 11th March, all support is very welcome. It
should be a good one!
REMAINING FIXTURES -
| DATE | GROVE PARK | THE NORTHERN |
| 11.03.03 | Monton (H) | Preston Grasshoppers (A) |
| 18.03.03 | Liverpool CC (A) | Dragons Chester 1 (H) |
| 25.03.03 | Preston Grasshoppers (H) | Y Squash (A) |
| 01.04.03 | Y Squash (A) | Prestbury (H) |
| 08.04.03 | The Northern (H) |
Grove Park (A) |
03/03/03
WEBSITE RELAUNCHED
The Grove Park Squash Club Website has a new look for 2003. For prospective
members there is now more information on the club, how much it costs and
how to join. For current members we have made it
easy to follow the progress of the teams
as well as your own personal team performance. Also included is a new section
to help you to start finding out what the web
has to offer squash players and a section which describes the history
and achievements of the club. We hope you find the site useful and feel
free to add your comments or sign the guestbook.
27/02/03
TWO HORSE RACE?
With just six weeks to go, Grove Park 1 find themselves just eight points
behind the leaders, The Northern. However, they have still got the top four
teams to play in the coming weeks, culminating with a home match against the leaders
on the last day of the season. The Northern's run-in seems slightly easier
so it will be difficult for Grove Park as they can't afford any slip-ups
if they are going to take the title for the first time. Preston Grasshopper's
challenge took a major blow as they lost all the points gained from their
tie against Prestbury. Joey Barrington contravened the rules by playing
in the National League earlier that evening. That leaves them 31 points
behind the leaders, but they still could have a say in the championship
race as both Grove Park and The Northern have still to play this strong
team.
04/02/03
SPECIAL OFFER
All membership subscriptions are now Half Price until the end of
the season. However Ladies joining for the first time can get their
first years membership for FREE. For details contact Derek Shardlow-
Membership Secretary
01/01/03
FIRST TEAM IN TITLE CHASE
Grove Park First Team are again having a good season, they are currently
in second place chasing the leaders, the Northern. They lost ground on them
at the end of the first half after losing to them and Preston. But with
those tough top of the table matches all at home in the second half and
Irish No.1 Derek
Ryan set to play more, Grove Park still have a chance to win their first
NWCSL Championship.
01/10/02
BOTWRIGHT SIGNS FOR LADIES
Grove Park Ladies have lost U19 International, Sarah Kippax, who signed
for Warrington. However they have replaced her at No.1 with Becky
Botwright who is the younger sister of Vicky
Botwright who sprang to fame after releasing those controversial thong
photos. You can see the talented Becky, who is currently ranked 51 in the
world, along with the rest of the team on Monday nights. Vicky will also
play occasionally if Becky is unavailable.
01/09/02
SPECIAL OFFER
All ladies joining the club for the first time will get their first
years membership for Half Price. For details contact Derek Shardlow-
Membership Secretary
26/05/02
2nd TEAM TAKE DIVISION TWO TITLE
Grove Park 2nd Team have secured the Division 2 East Title for the first
time in their history. They finished with a comfortable 34 point lead over
Hyde CC 1, who faded in the last few matches. This means they could join
the First Team in the top flight next season. The team consisted of (from)
Liam Foster, Chris Matthews, Peter Brown, Carl McColgan, Chris Cope (Captain),
Paul Ashton and Brian Foster.
26/05/02
LADIES RETAIN CHESHIRE CUP
Grove Park Ladies have managed to retain their Cheshire Cup title, which
they won for the first time last year. England
U19 international, Sarah Kippax, Hilary Kenyon and Claire Ball overcame
the traditionally strong, Warrington SC, 3-0 in the final. After a bye in
the first round of the competition they had beaten Prestbury in the quarter
finals and then Woolston to get to the final.
Unfortunately the men's team couldn't retain their title as they crashed
out of the competition at the semifinal stage to a very strong Prestbury
side. The Challenge team managed to reach the semi of the plate competetion
before just losing out to Knutsford Sport, 3-2.
26/05/02
PAT GETS FIRST TITLE IN PRAGUE FINAL
Grove Park's No.1 Patrick Foster claimed his first PSA tour title
of his career at the Hi-Tec & Dunlop Open in Prague, without dropping
a game.
He beat unexpected finalist Ashley Flathers in the final, 15/8, 15/11, 15/7.
While Foster had eased past home favourite Jan Koukal in the semifinals,
Flathers beat Spain's Borja Golan, surprise winner of the Mega Italia Open
earlier this month.
Details
and photos from Prague
20/05/01
A CHESHIRE CLEAN SWEEP
Grove Park swept to victory as they took both the Men's and the Ladies Championship
of the Cheshire Cup 2000-01 (and came runners-up in the Cheshire Challenge
Cup, just for good measure). The Cheshire Cup is contested by the counties
top clubs, but they can only field players who are eligible to play for
Cheshire.
In the finals held at Warrington Sports Club, the Men's team, who were missing
their number one, Patrick Foster, pulled off a surprisingly convincing 5-0
victory over Chester Rugby Club. Chester, were beaten by a team consisting
of Drewe Williams, Chris Matthews, Liam Foster, Brian Foster and Chris Cope.
After the bottom three had secured the match, a great performance was rounded
off by Drewe Williams unexpectedly at number one in a tight five setter.
To qualify for the final they had previously beaten teams from Village Hyde,
Village Warrington and then Prestbury in the Semi Final ( View
full draw).
The Ladies meanwhile took the Ladies Championship with a narrow 2-1 victory
over a Warrington side playing on their home turf. Claire Ball gave Grove
Park a good start by winning at three but then Hilary Kenyon lost narrowly
in the second string match. However in the deciding rubber Sue Dalrymple
beat Warrington's number one to take the title.
The day didn't go all Grove Parks way though, as a the men's Challenge
Cup team 'lost narrowly' 5-0 to Cheshire Oaks in the final. The cup
is open to players who haven't played above NWCSL Division 3. The Cheshire
Oaks team included the world ranked and Cheshire Under 19 Ladies Champion,
Sarah Kippax, who was pushed all the way by Simon Bannister We were so impressed,
we decided to sign her up this year for our ladies team.
To confirm Grove Park's dominance of the county, in the Cheshire Closed
Championship, Patrick Foster won the senior men's title while Sue Dalrymple
retained her Senior Ladies Title.
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