NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 11th.April, 2008
The final games of the season produced three good wins for the Northern. 1st team had an outstanding 3-2 victory against second in the table Y Squash 1, with David Cain and John Sumner both winning, it left (Road Runner) Mick Henderson to win the final rubber to gain a deserved victory. 2nds had a 4-1 win over from Xaverian 3 to be crowned Division 3 North West Champions, with Alex Cunningham, Matt Davies, Steve Atkinson and Heather Tweedle all victorious. 3rds won 5-0 to take maximum points from Dragons 2, Gary Powell produced a good performance to beat his opponent 3-2. 4ths suffered yet again and lost 5-0 to a much superior Chester Rugby 4. 5ths were beaten 4-1 by top of the table David Lloyd Knowsley 1, with only Martin Wright enjoying a 3-1 win on the night. The 6th team had a rare 5-0 defeat by Liverpool Cricket 6, but have still managed to gain second spot and promotion to the 4th Division.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 4th.April, 2008
In the penultimate week of the season, Northern's 2nd and 6th teams clinched their respective promotions with vital wins. The 2nds took on fellow hopefuls Y Squash, having lost the corresponding fixture earlier in the season. Matt Davies gave Northern the best possible start and Heather Tweedle staged a dramatic fight-back to win a close five-setter. With the match standing at 2-2, Tom Stevenson grabbed a possible league winning rubber with an exciting 3-2 win. A good victory in the last fixture will ensure the title. The 6th's success against Formby 2nd, thanks to Dave Draper, Mark Griffiths and Andy Duncan, means the team will be playing in a higher division next season. The 3rds accounted for visitors Victoria Leisure 2nds with the Powell brothers, Gary and Ian, in outstanding form, while late stand-in Tom Mealey's victory completed the 3-2 win. The 5th's promotion challenge took a knock at Victoria Leisure 2nds. Only Steve Noakes and Andy Beasten were in winning form though Steve Murphy had the chance to settle matters before losing 3-2. The 1sts lost away to Heswall 1sts, where Steve Nemo produced the only win, while the 4ths , who have faced tough opposition all season, went down to a strong Heswall side.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 27th.March, 2008
It was a good week for the Northern Club in the North West County Squash Leagues and the 1st team lead the way. They ended their recent barren run with a 3-2 win over visitors Warrington. Despite defeats for David Cain and John Sumner, young debutants Alex Cunningham and Gary Powell levelled matters allowing Mick Henderson to seal the much-needed victory. The 2nds kept on course for honours by overwhelming South Liverpool 1sts 5-0, as Steve Atkinson, Heather Tweedle, Matt Davies, Kevin Morrison and Tom Stevenson were the players in form. There was a fifth straight win for the 3rds at Liverpool Cricket Club, where Jack Riley, Brian Martin and Harry Vidal were the victors in the 3-2 victory but the 4ths, bottom of the division, met top team New Brighton 2nds lead by former Northern player Sean Hendry and suffered the inevitable white-wash. In the 4th Division, the 5ths, currently lying 4th, took on second placed Formby 1sts and thoroughly deserved their 3-2 success.Youngsters Jason Cunningham and Amy Barnes produced outstanding displays to win in close five-setters before the experienced head of Roger Kenyon sealed matters. The 6ths were back in action to resume their winning ways and strengthen their push for promotion as Jimmy White, Dave Draper, Andrew Duncan and Mark Griffiths all starred in the 4-1 victory.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 20th.March, 2008
Northern's 1st team succumbed 3-2 for the seventh successive week when losing away to Cheshire Officer 1sts. With the top three players losing, Mick Henderson and Steve Lewis could only rescue two consolation points. By contrast, the 2nds made it eleven wins on the trot to strengthen their top spot, completing a 5-0 demolition of visitors Whiston 1sts. Alex Cunningham, Heather Tweedle, Tom Stevenson, Gary Powell and Harry Vidal were the victors. The 3rds enjoyed a 4-1 success over Xaverian 3rds when Kevin Morrison, Brian Martin, Roger Kenyon and Alex Mannion all had the beating of their respective opponents. There was more misery however for the 4ths, beaten 5-0 away at Warrington. The 5ths regained second spot in the division in their push for promotion by overcoming Burscough 2nds 3-2. Despite defeats for Jimmy White and Bupa Grainger, youngsters Amy Barnes and Mark Griffiths joined veteran Steve Noakes in securing the vital wins. The 6th team had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 13th.March, 2008
A below strength 1st team were found wanting in the 3-2 defeat against visitors Tattenhall 1sts, though Heather Tweedle maintained her unbeaten record in the premier team this season and debutant Gary Powell was awarded a walk-over. The 2nds cemented their top spot in Division 3 by overcoming second place Kirkby 1sts. Alex Cunningham, Matt Davies and Kevin Morrison were the stars in the 3-2 success. The 3rds proved too good for Y Squash 2nds and, despite an early defeat for Ian Powell, had Brian Martin, Mark Halliwell and Jason Cunningham on hand to claim the win. Young Jack Riley added to his growing reputation by starring in the 4-1 victory. Bottom of the division, the 4ths, looked to be on course to record their first success of the current campaign, as Harry Vidal and Ian Gazelle levelled matters following defeats for Mike Cunningham and Andy Beasten. Suzanne Rutherford fought back from 2-1 down in the deciding rubber with strength and skill only to lose a very close fifth set. The 5ths and 6ths had no fixtures
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 6th.March, 2008
Despite huge selection problems for club skipper, Jimmy White, Northern teams managed three creditable victories in this week's fixtures, though it was the teams at home who achieved success. The 1sts travelled to Warrington 1sts and suffered their fifth successive 3-2 defeat, Mick Henderson and Steve Lewis earning the two points, while the 2nds extended their long winning run with a maximum points win over Huyton 1sts. Matt Davies, Alex Cunningham, Mark Noakes, Kevin Morrison and Heather Tweedle, who came back from 2-1 down, all hit top form. South Liverpool 1sts had no answer to the 3rd's power play as they returned to winning ways with a resounding 5-0 success. Ian Powell, Roger Kenyon, Harry Vidal and Brian Martin were joined by young Jack Riley, making his debut at this level,in the points haul. There was more agony for the 4ths, beaten 4-1 at Widnes 1sts where veteran Andy Beasten was the lone winner while the 5ths suffered a setback to their promotion hopes, losing 4-1 at Whiston. Jason Cunningham gained the consolation point but the scratch team put up a sterling performance, none more so than Bupa Grainger, who stepped out of retirement to play. There were wins for newcomer Colin Wightman and young Mark Griffiths as the 6ths overcame neighbours Crosby 1sts 3-2. Steve Noakes clinched the vital rubber.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 28th.February, 2008
A new name was added to the Honours Board at the Northern Club when David Cain claimed the Men's Championship title by overcoming three times winner Peter Stanton. Heather Tweedle won the Ladies' Crown for an amazing tenth time with Suzanne Rutherford the runner-up, while Ray McGee retained the Veterans' title with a victory over Alan Hendry. Young Jack Riley was the Plate winner and Steve Noakes rattled challenger Ian Price on his way to the Veterans' Plate. On the League front, victories for David Cain and Steve Lewis were not enough to secure a win for the 1sts against Chester Rugby 1sts, but the 2nd's unbeaten run was extended to eight with a 4-1 success over University Staff 1sts. Alex Cunningham, Matt Davies, Mark Noakes and Steve Atkinson all hit top form. The Powell brothers, Gary and Ian, were the victors for the 3rds at Whiston 1sts but the team lost 3-2 and Mike Cunningham was the only success in the 4th's tussle with Deeside 1sts. The 5th's top of the table clash with Lancastrian 1sts ended in a deserved 4-1 victory as the experience of Steve Noakes, Andy Beasten, Roger Kenyon and the youthful exuberance of Jason Cunningham proved vital. The 6ths had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 21st.February, 2008
After defeats for Peter Stanton and John Sumner, victories by Peter Wake and David Cain restored parity for Northern 1sts against Liverpool Cricket Club and set up the opportunity for the in-form Mick Henderson to clinch the match. Alas, Mick had the night off allowing the visitors to take the points. The 2nds travelled to Bridgefield 1sts and enjoyed a 4-1 success. Despite a loss by Steve Nemo, victory was assured by Steve Atkinson, Tom Stevenson and Alex Cunningham, while Matt Davies romped to a 27-0 win, a feat rarely achieved by a player at this high level. Top of the league Kirkby 1sts took on the 3rds and claimed a 4-1 success, though the result fails to reflect the closeness of the contest. Jason Cunningham raised hopes with a deserved win only for Heather Tweedle, Ian Powell and Brian Martin to all go down in close five-setters. There was yet more despair for the 4ths, beaten 4-1 at Barnston 1sts, a Mike Cunningham win the only consolation. Jimmy White, however, lead the 6ths to victory against Liverpool C.C. 5ths, ably supported by Mark Griffiths, Tom Mealey and Dave Draper. Surprisingly, young Jack Riley suffered his first defeat of the season. The 5ths had no fixture. The Finals of the Northern Championships take place this Saturday,1st March, with the first match scheduled for a 7p.m.start.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 7th.February, 2008
After a promising start to the 2nd half of the season, Northern 1sts suffered a second successive 3-2 defeat this week losing at Xaverian 1sts. Still missing their number 1 player, the team had victories for in-form Mick Henderson and David Cain to celebrate. Unfortunately,defeats for Peter Stanton, Steve Lewis and Steve Nemo proved costly. By contrast, the 2nds recorded their 6th consecutive victory, defeating Xaverian 2nds 5-0. There were 3-0 wins for Alex Cunningham, Kevin Morrison , Heather Tweedle and Tom Stevenson while Matt Davies had to overcome a 2-0 deficit. The 3rds recovered from last week's set-back to win 3-2 at Huyton 1sts. Harry Vidal and Mark Halliwell hit top form and there was a rare victory for Brian Martin after Gary Powell and Mark Noakes had both lost their encounters. It looked as if the 4ths were on course for their first win of the campaign when Nadine Randells and Mike Cunningham cancelled out the defeats of Robin Gazelle and Suzanne Rutherford. Alas Ian Powell failed to raise his game in the deciding rubber and victory went to New Brighton. The 5ths opponents were forced to cancel their visit and the 6ths had no fixture. There are no fixtures on 14th February as the National Championships are taking place in Manchester.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 31st.January, 2008
Northern first team's recent run of success came to an abrupt end against visitors Saints 1sts. The home team could only muster two victories, courtesy of Mick Henderson and Steve Lewis, while there were defeats for Peter Stanton, David Cain and Steve Nemo. In Division 3, the 2nds took on the 3rds but the 5-0 scoreline in favour of the 2nds does not reflect the closeness of the contest. Although Alex Cunnningham had the measure of Kevin Morrison and Steve Atkinson overcame Gary Powell 3-1, the remaining games all went to the wire. Tom Stevenson, Matt Davies and Mark Noakes were the victors over Brian Martin, Harry Vidal and Ian Powell respectively. There was more misery for the beleaguered 4ths away at Chester, where the in-form Amy Barnes gained the consolation point in the 4-1 defeat while the 5ths were dominant at Y Squash. The experience of Steve Noakes, Andy Beasten and Colin Walker combined with the vigour of youngsters Jason Cunningham and Jack Riley to produce an impressive 5-0 victory. The 6ths had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 24th.January, 2008
A below strength Northern 1st team still had enough fire power to brush aside the challenge of Dragon Club 1sts as Mick Henderson, Steve Nemo and Steve Lewis claimed the victories in the 3-2 win and Dragon Club suffered further as their 2nd team were outclassed by Northern 2nds. There were comfortable wins for Heather Tweedle, Matt Davies ,Steve Atkinson and Tom Stevenson, while Alex Cunningham recovered from 2-1 down to win a decisive fifth set 9-0 as the team registered a fourth successive victory. The 3rd's visit to Bridgefield 1sts ended in a 4-1 success. Although Harry Vidal had a struggle to claim a five set victory, Mark Noakes, Gary Powell and Nadine Randells all had relatively easier passages. Unfortunately, Brian Martin was again on the wrong end of a long five-setter. There was more misery for the 4ths, up against a strong Wrexham first team. Ian Powell came close, losing 3-2, while veteran Andy Beasten and Mark Halliwell claimed consolation points in the 5-0 defeat. Buscough 1sts could only muster a three man team for their visit to tackle Northern 5ths but they soon established a 2-0 lead. Colin Walker lost a five-setter 10-9 in the decisive set and Justin Cunningham also suffered a 3-2 loss. But Amy Barnes clinched the match by holding her nerve and form against her young Merseyside County player. Club skipper Jimmy White lead his young braves in the 6th team to a 4-1 victory at Y Squash. Jack Riley, Mark Griffiths and Dave Draper joined Jimmy in the victory celebrations.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 17th.January, 2008
It was almost a perfect week for Northern Squash Club with five out of the six teams in action registering impressive wins. The 1sts entertained Southport and Birkdale 1sts and proved too strong for their visitors. Despite a John Sumner defeat , Peter Stanton, Mick Henderson and Peter Wake, making a rare appearance, all had the measure of their respective opponents, while David Cain, in particular, was outstanding in overcoming a former county champion. The 2nds' visit to Southport ended successfully as Steve Nemo, Alex Cunningham, Tom Stevenson and Heather Tweedle were the stars in the 4-1 win. Xaverian 2nds were no match for Northern's 3rd team with Gary Powell leading the way, ably supported by Mark Noakes, Kevin Morrison and Harry Vidal in the 4-1 success. By contrast, the 4ths are finding life in Division 3 hard going, having failed to record a single victory so far. Alas it was the same old story at Neston 1sts, where Suzanne Rutherford, Mark Halliwell, Ian Powell, Jason Cunningham and Colin Walker were unable to savage a single point. The 4-1 victory for the 5ths against Xaverian 4ths doesn't reflect the closeness of the contest. Steve Noakes had to battle hard to overcome a 2-0 deficit to triumph in the fifth and Andy Beasten just edged a close five-setter. With Steve Murphy losing 3-2, it needed a return to winning ways by Amy Barnes and a powerful display by Ian Gazelle to secure the win. The 6ths rounded off a successful evening with a 3-2 victory at Dragons Club. Youngsters Jack Riley, Mark Griffiths and Davie Draper were the victors.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 10th.January, 2008
Northern's top two teams started the second half of the season in fine style recording comfortable victories against their respective opponents. The 1sts travelled to Liverpool Cricket Club 1sts and, despite a defeat for the club's number one, John Sumner, the team rallied as Peter Stanton, David Cain, Steve Lewis and Mick Henderson ensured the win. The 2nds took on Liverpool Cricket Club 3rds and had Tom Stevenson, Matt Davies, Alex Cunningham and Kevin Morrison to thank for the 4-1 win. Heather Tweedle lost a close five-setter by the narrowest of margins to deny the team maximum points. Impressive victories for Harry Vidal and Steve Nemo for the 3rds at University Staff 1sts proved insufficient as the third vital win eluded Gary Powell, Brian Martin and Mark Noakes. A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Heswall 3rds was the fate of a mainly young 4th team but the performance of the evening was undoubtedly the 3-1 success of super veteran Andy Beaston over his young county player. Roger Kenyon, Steve Murphy and Ian Gazelle were the victors in the 5th's 3-2 win at Southport and Birkdale 2nds but the 6ths were unfortunate to suffer a narrow 3-2 defeat against St. Helens 1sts. An impressive 3-2 success for young Jack Riley and a battling performance by Dave Draper gave Bill Slocombe the opportunity to clinch a team victory. Alas his fitness was found wanting and the chance was lost.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 13th.December, 2007
Team selection posed a major problem for squash captain Jimmy White in the last round of fixtures before the Christmas Break. With so many players unavailable, it was no surprise that only two teams recorded victories. The 1st's visit to Y Squash ended in a 5-0 defeat, the team's first white-wash of the season. David Cain went all the way to the wire while Mick Henderson lost the fifth set by the narrowest of margins. The 2nds, however, rose the occasion to overcome visitors Xaverian 3rds 5-0. Alex Cunningham, Matt Davies, Kevin Morrison, Tom Stevenson and Heather Tweedle were all in commanding form. Suzanne Rutherford, drafted into the 3rd team at the eleventh hour, lead the way with a 3-2 success to join Gary Powell and Harry Vidal on the victory trail to defeat Dragons 2nds 3-2, but the 4ths remain bottom of the division following their 4-1 setback at Chester Rugby. Only Mark Halliwell had the beating of his opponent to claim a consolation win in the 4-1 defeat. Young Jack Riley enhanced his growing reputation with a fine victory for the 5ths at David Lloyd. Alas, none of his team-mates could match his success as the host club claimed the 4-1 victory. Liverpool Cricket called off their match with the 6th team. Fixtures resume on 10th January.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 6th.December, 2007
Despite the 4-1 defeat, Northern 1st's contest with Heswall 1sts was a close affair. Peter Stanton can count himself unlucky to have lost the fifth set by the narrowest of margins 9-8, while David Cain was also on the losing end of a long five-setter. A Mick Henderson victory was eventually the only consolation. The 2nds also suffered defeat losing 3-2 to Y Squash when wins for Kevin Morrison and Matt Davies proved insufficient for the winning points. A 3-2 success against Victoria Leisure 1sts ended a recent slump in form for the 3rds, as Gary Powell, Mark Halliwell and Brian Martin were the worthy victors, after defeats for Ian Powell and Pop McKenzie. Bottom of League 3 and without a win so far, the 4ths continue to struggle against the strong opposition. Ian Gazelle's deserved 3-1 win was the only cause for celebration against Heswell 3rds following defeats for Suzanne Rutherford, Nadine Randells,Andy Beasten and Colin Walker. Visitors Victoria Leisure 2nds were no match for the 5th team as Steve Noakes, Roger Kenyon, Jason Cunningham and a rare outing by Dave Draper produced an unassailable 4-0 lead. In-form Amy Barnes lost a close-fought five-setter to deny the hosts maximum points. The 6ths travelled to neighbours Formby 2nds and recorded a 4-1 success thanks to victories for Tom Mealey, Bill Slocombe, Jack Riley and a debut win for young Mark Griffiths.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 29th.November, 2007
Northern's top two teams were in commanding form in this week's North West Counties Squash Leagues. The 1st team travelled to Warrington and returned with a 4-1 victory as John Sumner, David Cain and Mick Henderson all put in impressive performances and Heather Tweedle registered her maiden win in the top flight with a five set triumph. The 2nds proved too good for visitors South Liverpool 1sts and Steve Atkinson, Alex Cunningham, Brian Martin and Tommy Stevenson all celebrated 3-0 successes. Matt Davies battled back from 2-1 down only to lose a close fifth set. The 3rds had no joy against Liverpool Cricket Club 3rds and Kevin Morrison, Pop McKenzie, Gary Powell, Harry Vidal and Mike Cunningham were all second best on the night. Bottom of Division 3, the 4ths, met top team New Brighton and were trounced 5-0. The honours in the local derby involving Formby 1sts and the 5ths went to the host club, despite resounding victories for Andy Beasten and in form Amy Barnes, while the top of the table clash in Division 4 featured the 6ths and University Staff 1sts, currently holding first place. Jimmy White's team had experience and class to take the match 5-0 as he was joined in the victory by Tom Mealey, Steve Murphy, Roger Kenyon and young Jack Riley.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 22nd.November, 2007
With so many players unavailable, squash captain Jimmy White faced difficult selection problems this week, but, nevertheless, was able to celebrate three team victories. The 1st's encounter with Cheshire Officers 1sts proved a close affair. A rare defeat for Mick Henderson and yet another set-back for Peter Stanton looked ominous, but a winning appearance from Peter Wake and a return to form for David Cain left John Sumner's five set victory the crucial result in the 3-2 win. The 2nds rediscovered their winning ways with a 4-1 success against Village Whiston 1sts. Matt Davies, Brian Martin, Tom Stevenson and Harry Vidal were the players in form. The 3rds had only a Mike Cunningham victory as consolation away at Xaverian 3rds; but Ian Powell and Pop McKenzie both came close before losing five-setters, while Mark Halliwell's 3-2 defeat by his female opponent proved disappointing. Warrington were the visitors for the 4ths and they left with the points after a 4-1 success, as Amy Barnes claimed the solitary win, while the 5ths were too good for Victoria Leisure 2nds with Steve Noakes, Tom Mealey, Roger Kenyon and young Jack Riley all recording victories. The 6th team had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 15th.November, 2007
It was a forgettable week for Northern Squash Club with all 5 teams in action failing to register a victory. The 1st's recent winning streak came to an end at Tattenhall were a controversial defeat for Peter Stanton proved crucial as David Cain and John Sumner also lost. Mick Henderson and Steve Lewis provided the consolation wins in the 3-2 defeat. The 2nd team suffered a similar fate against Kirkby 1sts after Alex Cunningham had given them an encouraging start. Defeats for Heather Tweedle and Matt Davies handed the initiative to the visitors while Brian Martin surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose a contentious five-setter. In form Steve Atkinson proved too good for his opponent in a late winning performance. Visitors Y Squash had too much fire power for the 3rd team whose recent mini revival ended in a 5-0 whitewash. Only Gerry Halliwell and Gary Powell came close, both losing five-setters. Sue Rutherford and Harry Vidal were in sparkling form for the 4ths at Winnington, but 3-1 defeats for Andy Beasten, Mike Cunningham and Pop McKenzie proved decisive. There was no joy for the 5ths at Wigan Cricket where Steve Noakes, Nadine Randells, Jason Cunningham, Colin Walker and Ian Gazelle all finished second best. The 6ths had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 8th.November, 2007
Northern's 1st team recorded a 4th win on the trot to dispose of visitors Warrington 1sts though it proved a close affair. A 3-1 defeat for Peter Stanton and yet another setback for David Cain looked ominous before Steve Nemo provided a quality 3-0 performance and Mick Henderson levelled matters. Steve Lewis grabbed the glory and the points with his 3-1 success. Huyton 1sts delivered only the second defeat of the season for the 2nds who had both Heather Tweedle and Matt Davies in sparkling form. Unfortunately, Tom Stevenson, Steve Atkinson and Brian Martin all failed to secure the vital third win to secure the victory. There was success for the 3rds against South Liverpool 1sts as Mike Cunningham, Pop McKenzie, Gerry Halliwell and Kevin Morrison all enjoyed winning form in the 4-1 win. The 4ths came close to their first victory of the season but eventually went down to Widnes 1sts. Sue Rutherford and Andy Beasten raised hopes but, after defeats for Nadine Randell and Jason Cunningham, Ian Gazelle missed the golden opportunity to snatch the points. A weakened Whiston team proved no match for the 5ths who were 4-1 winners thanks to Roger Kenyon, Jack Riley, Colin Walker and Steve Murphy while Crosby 1sts suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the 6ths. Club skipper Jimmy White was ably supported by Bill Slocombe, Tom Mealey and Martin Wright and Brian Bennett, both of whom were having their first outing of the season.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 25th.October, 2007
Northern's top two teams maintained their winning form in this week's squash fixtures but the lower teams fared less successfully. The 1sts triumphed 3-2 at Liverpool Cricket Club where defeats for Peter Stanton and John Sumner were cancelled out by wins for Steve Lewis, Mick Henderson and David Cain, who is currently enjoying a rich vein of form. Bridgefield 1sts travelled with a weakened team to take on Northern 2nds and the contest was soon over as Steve Nemo, Tom Stevenson and Kevin Morrison wrapped up the victory, allowing lan Powell and Jerry Halliwell the easiest of evenings. There was little for the 3rds to celebrate at Kirkby 1sts as Harry Vidal, Pop McKenzie and Andy Beaston all failed to impress. A walk-over for Nadine Randells was small consolation in the 4-1 defeat. Bamton 1sts proved too strong for the 4ths with Colin Walker the lone victor. Mark Noakes, playing at number 1, was unlucky to lose a close five-setter. Club skipper, Jimmy White, lead by example in the 6th's contest with Liverpool C.C. 5ths and he was ably supported by young Jack Riley. Unfortunately, team-mates John Wells, Tom Mealey and Tricia Byrne all tried in vain to secure the third vital point necessary for victory. The 5th team had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 18th.October, 2007
Northern Squash Club enjoyed their most successful week so far this season with 4 out of 6 teams registering wins. The 1sts welcomed back Peter Wake from semi-retirement for his first game and he demonstrated his own unique style of play to romp to victory- Mick Henderson, David Cain and Peter Stanton were all in sparkling form to overcome Xaverian 1sts 4-1. Not to be outdone, the 2nds defeated Xaverian 2nds by a similar score as Brian Martin, Alex Cunningham, Tom Stevenson and Kevin Morrison all starred in the 4-1 success. Pop Mckenzie and Jason Cunningham both registered their first wins of the season for the 3rds, but their efforts proved insufficient to defeat Huyton 1sts as lan Powell, Sue Rutherford and Alex Manion failed to provide the vital third win. After 4 successive 5-0 defeats, the 4ths got points on the board as lan Price impressed in his 3-0 victory, while Amy Barnes was unlucky to lose 3-2 and Bill Rice earned a further point in his 3-1 defeat at New Brighton. The 5ths moved into 2nd spot in Division 4 with an emphatic 5-0 success at Xaverian 5ths, thanks to winning form from Steve Noakes, Bupa Grainger, Davy Draper, Colin Walker and Jack Riley and the 6ths completed a miserable night for the Xaverian Club by overcoming their 6th team 4-1. Club skipper Jimmy White was ably abetted by Bill Slocombe, Tom Mealey and Tricia Byrne in the deserved victory.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 11th.October, 2007
Northern 1sts had little reward to show form their trip to Wales to play Saints 1sts, apart from another winning outing for David Cain. John Sumner can count himself unlucky to have lost a long five setter after putting up a sterling performance. The long awaited clash between the 2nd team and the 3rds in Division 3 was always going to be a close affair and so it turned out. Kevin Morrison and Brian Martin dented the 2nd's pride with victories over Gary Powell and Steve Cook-Atkinson respectively before Heather Tweedle's win against Pop McKenzie, Matt Davies' 3-0 success over Mike Cunningham and Alex Manion's victory against lan Powell turned the match in favour of the 2nds. Following last season's promotion, the 4ths are finding life in the higher division difficult as this week's visitors, Dragons Chester, condemned them to yet another 5-0 whitewash, lan Price had a 2-1 lead before eventually falling to the same fate of his team-mates, Sue Rutherford, Nadine Randells, Andy Beasten and Bill Rice. An early defeat for Jason Cunningham was the only set-back for the 5ths in their match with Y Squash 3rds. The in-form Amy Barnes and the experienced campaigners, Steve Noakes and Harry Vidal, turned the contest round. Even Chris Burr managed a win in the team's 4-1 success. The 6th team had no fixture.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 4th.October, 2007
There was a welcome first win of the season for Northern 1sts as visitors Southport Dragons 1sts were beaten 3-2. Despite further defeats for John Sumner and Peter Stanton, it was fortunate that Mick Henderson, David Cain and Steve Lewis had enough fire power to clinch the win. By contrast, the 2nds lost their unbeaten record, losing 3-2 away at Dragons 2nds. Matt Davies and Gary Powell were the Northern successes but Heather Tweedle, Steve Atkinson and Alex Manion all failed to provide the vital third victory. The 3rds lost a close contest against Bridgefield 1sts. With only an Andy Beasten win to counter the defeats of Pop McKenzie and Brian Martin, Gerry Halliwell and Kevin Morrison both had to win to claim the points. Alas only Kevin managed to rise to the occasion. It was a similar story for the 5ths, 3-2 losers at Burscough 1sts, where Jack Riley and Amy Barnes were the victors, but the 6ths enjoyed a 4-1 success against Y Squash 4ths . Tom Mealey, Steve Murphy, Andy Duncan and club skipper Jimmy White, who barely broke sweat, were the points winners. The 4ths suffered a third successive wipe-out at Wrexham, as Bill Rice, Sue Rutherford, Nadine Randells, Ian Powell and Ian Price all went down to 3-0 defeats.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 27th.September, 2007
For the 2nd week in succession Northern 1sts found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline away at S + B 1sts. Despite the inclusion of ray McGee to strengthen the team, wins for David Cain and Mick Henderson were the only successes. The 2nds enjoyed another 4-1 win against S + B 2nds. Steve Nemo again failed to fire, but Steve Atkinson, Heather Tweedle, Tom Stevenson and Matt Davies ensured the points. A disappointing 3-2 defeat was the outcome of the 3rd's visit to Xaverian 2nds. After wins for vice-captain Gary Powell and Kevin Morrison, Brian Martin had match point to clinch the match. His 3-2 defeat however proved crucial. Neston 1sts proved too strong for the 4ths as the speedy Ian Price, Nadine Randells, Sue Rutherford, Ian Powell and Bill Rice all suffered 3-0 setbacks. Steve Noakes provided the experience and youngsters Jack Riley and Amy Barnes the zest as the 5ths triumphed 3-2 at Xaverian 4ths while Jimmy White's 6th team just edged out a strong Dragon 3rd team. Colin Walker and Tom Mealey levelled the match to allow Steve Murphy to grab the victory.
NORTHERN CROSBY MEN'S SQUASH REPORT
Thursday, 20th.September, 2007
The new squash season got under way at the Northern Club but, with only two teams out of six in action recording victories, it wasn't the start new captain Jimmy White was hoping for.
The 1sts entertained Liverpool C.C. 1sts and despite victories for the club's top two players, Peter Stanton and John Sumner, defeats for David Cain, Steve Lewis and Mick Henderson gave the visitors the points.
There was happier news for the 2nds, who enjoyed a successful night at Liverpool C.C.3rds. Although ex-skipper Steve Nemo went down, wins for Steve Atkinson, Heather Tweedle, Matt Davies and Tom Stevenson ensured a winning 4-1 start.
A narrow 3-2 defeat was the outcome of the 3rd's contest against University Staff 1sts. Kevin Morrison and Mike Cunningham were in commanding form but Alex Manion, Pop McKenzie and Gerry Halliwell all failed to press home the advantage.
There was little consolation in the 4th's 5-0 thrashing away to Heswall 2nds with Ian Price and Ian Powell the only Northerners to avoid a 3-0 defeat, while the 6ths lost a close 3-2 encounter at St. Helen's 1sts. where Andy Beaston and John Wells were the two victors.
The 5ths had a 4-1 win to celebrate when Chris Bear, Barry Lewis, Bill Rice and Jack Riley all proved successful against Southport and Birkdale 3rds.