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INTER-COUNTY SQUASH MATCH REPORT

Ladies 1st Team 12th-13th March 2005.

Match Report by Naomi Duthie (Capt)



The Team: Susie King, Louise Clark, Flavia Roberts, Naomi Duthie (Capt), Kate Russell and Alex Clark.
After a bad start to the inter-counties arranging a club to host the event, it soon changed when Seacourt said they would allow us to use their club for the event.
Everyone went into the weekend with high expectations and hope that we would win the weekend to gain promotion into the Premier but there was no illusions we knew it could be a very tough weekend of squash.
Match 1:
Hants beat Essex 20-3 		Playing Essex first we knew this could potentially be the toughest match of the weekend. However, with Essex having a much-depleted team we were already one string up before the match even started with Essex having no 5th string. Naomi very quickly made it 2-0 having a very convincing win at 4 dispatching her opponent very quickly in 3, 9/4 9/2 9/0. With the 3rd string going on at the same time, it was a match tougher affair with the result being another victory for Hampshire. With Flavia winning 3/2 we had won the tie, but no sitting back there were still more points for taking, and take it is exactly what Hampshire did. Louise put on a good performance at 2 winning 9/5 9/4 9/2 in a very measured and controlled game. Then on went the number 1's. This was a good match, not lasting quit as long as Flavia's with Susie winning 3/1. It was a more physical match with long rallies, and some immense hard hitting by both players. In the second Susie's opponent was romping ahead with a 8/0 lead, then something inside Susie clicked, the game changed with Susie not dropping the serve winning 10/8. A slight hic up and lapse of concentration by Susie in the third gave Essex hope winning 9/6. A quick regroup and Susie went on looking determined and played a good game to finish the match winning 9/6 and giving Hampshire maximum points.
20 - 3 to Hampshire. Hampshire made a great start, with very quick matches; the other counties, Avon and Oxon, still had strings waiting to play!!
Avon and Oxon in their first match had a much tougher time with some very close matches with no one winning taking a game 3/0!! Nevertheless, Oxon came off on top winning 16 - 9. The time difference between the finishing time of the matches could have potentially been a problem for the food, and hence usually only a buffet is laid on. Not this time! The food was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all with the meal being cooked, prepared and served for each county when required. With a good choice of meals from a specially prepared menu, there was something for everyone. So a big thanks to the chef at Seacourt, for the great food.
Match 2:
Hants beat Oxon 18-3 		For the second match of the day Hampshire faced Oxon the victors in the Avon v Oxon match. Kate had a tough match at 5. She narrowly won the first game, at 8-8 her opponent chose set one and that was quickly game one over and a victory for Kate. Unfortunately, this was not to continue, with some excellent rallies and some great running Kate was not able to convert the points. The result was a 3-1 victory for Oxon. Flavia soon came off court having a good performance at 3 out playing her opponent and gaining a 3 -0 victory. On went the 4th and 1st strings. Placing her opponent all around the court forcing her from corner to corner and good use of pace Naomi simply out played her opponent with a near faultless performance. With a very quick and convincing victory of 9-0 9-0 9-3 it was now 2-1 to Hampshire. No sooner had Naomi finished off came Susie with another win for Hampshire having displayed some impressive racket control and talent. Once again, a match win for Hampshire but more points were still available. Louise had a good match at 2 with some great rallies, and her opponent picking up many shots that most would not even bother to run for! With good concentration and control Louise kept on placing her opponent around the court and the victory soon came 9/5 9/7 9/6.
In the other tie Avon play Essex, and it was a close run affair with Essex despite having only 4 players gained a 3-2 victory. A great days work for Hampshire by the whole team on Flavia's sons birthday; it shows great dedication that Flavia was able to turn out to support the county team.
Match 3:
Hants beat Avon 20-1 		The last match of the weekend we faced Avon. Kate had another tough match at 5, hitting good length she was made it a 3-1 victory. Another good performance from Flavia brought another victory for Hampshire. On went an anxious Alex at number 4, but after a great knock up and good start the match up 8-2 her opponent came off injured! 3-0 Hampshire. Both Susie and Louise played well once again delivering a professional and controlled performance to claim two more victories for Hampshire.
and finally: What a weekend, and what a win for Hampshire. Premier division here we come!!! Hampshire in first place with 58 points, the closest opposition was Essex with 31. Well done everyone, some great squash, I personally cannot wait for next season.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Seacourt for allowing us to host the event at the club. Any captains wishing to host Hampshire based events please do not hesitate to give them a ring and speak to Dan Jones, Racket Manager, they were very helpful and what a unique club; I could watch the Real Tennis for days (and still not understand it!).
I would also like to thank those who came and supported us over the weekend, so thanks to my Mum, Dad and Grandma, Trish Macdougall and Sarah Giles and her husband. Thank you for your support, we hope you enjoyed the squash.
And a final special thanks to Graham Dawes, a qualified referee, who assisted with the marking of the Sunday matches.
Final Standings
Hampshire 58
Essex 31
OxonA 27
Avon 16


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