2019 CSSC Games - Squash

Eight players entered the Squash event on 13^th September at the 2019 CSSC Games on the Loughborough University Campus. Unfortunately, one of these was taken ill on the morning of the event resulting in 7 players to contest for the medals. Good to see were four returning players plus two who were new to CSSRA squash events. Despite the small number and range of standard a vigorous competition was played, enjoyed by all. For context the Mens and Ladies Civil Service National Teams were paying matches in Nottingham on the sae day so were unable to pla

The 6 men and 1 lady were initially separated into two groups, one of 4 players and the other of 3 players. A round robin format was then used whereby each player in a group played all the others using a timed format with organiser Ian Lockey ably using his whistle to define the start and end. All points were counted to produce a 1 to 4 (or 3) ranking.

The top 2 players from each group then played a knockout (semis and final) to find the overall winner and runner up. The remaining 3 players played a Handicap Plate event again in a round robin format with a handicap based on the earlier matches. Both these competitions were played as one game to 21 points.

This Plate Handicap produced some very close matches, all resulting in a 21-16 score line. Newcomer Trevor Laley emerged the winner over Graham Cole (a regular at CSSC Squash events) who took the runner up medal.

The final in the main event was between Micky Gallacher and Ben Young, both of whom had played in the CSSRA singles in Nottingham last November. The match looked like being a close contest which was indeed what it turned out to be. Ben got off to a good start leading Micky by a small margin all the way up to 19-16. Micky then took the next 2 points to shorten the gap to 18-19, but Ben won the next to give himself match ball at 20-18. The spectators were tense in anticipation as Micky levelled the score at 20 all. The scoring required 2 clear points for a win, so Ben had more work to do if he was to secure the match. With Micky now having the serve he maintained the advantage and his nerve, playing percentage squash to win the next 2 points and take the match 22-20 and the winners medal. An exciting match which both had deserved to win.

The medals were presented by the CSSRA organiser Linda Parsley who thanked all the players for their sportsmanship. Several of the players were new to CSSC squash but the friendly (though competitive) atmosphere created by the regulars and the organisers ensured an enjoyable day for everyone. This combined with all the other sports being played at the Games, involving many competitors and volunteers, and the excellent social scene of the CSSC Games resulted in a fantastic event for all.

Squash Medal winners