The inaugural Head North West Counties Cup and Divisional Playoffs, followed by the first league presentation evening formally closed the season for the world’s biggest squash league.
Whist the eight teams competing in the traditional end of season playoffs battled out their respective matches, the top teams from the first division played in a quick fire ‘Express’ squash knockout competition. The brainchild of Yawar it is one of the first competitions in the world to try to limit the number of lets.
Grove Park 1st Team collect Division 1 Championship Trophy from NWCSL President Bernie Gill
The whole event lasted just over two hours with a strong Grove Park First Team beating the Northern in the final 58-44.
Although the First Team were comfortable winners in the end, the match was still live when number ones Lawrence Delasaux and Andy Whipp took to the court, although Whipp had the unenviable task of winning 11-0 to secure the match. (I think he was fairly confident he could do it!)
In the event, Delasaux scored the point his club required early to clinch a league and cup double for Grove Park.
Later Yawar, Laurence, Morgan, Ky and Liam received there Division 1 Championship Trophy and Simon Burgess collected the Division 5 South trophy on behalf of the 7th team.
The quickfire competition was played out under the following rules;
* Four teams of five players
* Two semi finals, a third / fourth playoff and final
* Matches to consist of each player playing single games to 11 against their opposite number (no setting or clear points)
* Each TEAM is allowed a total of FIVE lets. Once used only strokes or no lets can be awarded
* A ‘powerplay’ is available for each captain whereby they nominate one of their team to score double points
* Team with most points at end is the winner
Read more on Squashsite –
http://www.squashsite.co.uk/2009/nwcslplayoff2010.htm