Engaging, competitive, entertaining and memorable describes this years Stamford Squash Club Finals. Using the famous Giles Clawson format, involving all playing levels of the membership, age groups, Racketball and Squash Competitions, reached out to all members of the Club allowing for multiple entries into a variety of Competitions, played over March to April culminating in a semi finals week and Finals day.

The semi finals produced some epic displays and close fought matches, the consummate sports man Steve Roberts edged out the ever improving Aidan Norris over 5 games, with Steve taking it 11-6 in the fifth. Ferlin Barnard picked up a notable 3-2 win against Paul Curtis in the Racketball Plate. Eden Spooner overcame a 2-0 lead to John Cordeaux cutting out unforced errors, playing John deep into the back Court, took the next three games to reach the Racketball final.

Michael Catlin smoothly eased his way into the main Squash Final, beating Owen O’Hara in the Quarter Final and Neil Steedman in the Semi Final. Rob Vivian surprised the crowd with a victory over Eden Spooner, to set up a Final with Michael.

Neil Needham enjoyed particular success reaching 3 finals. First the O55 losing to Dave Spooner 3-1, the second succumbing to a focussed Owen OHara 3-1 in the B grade final, however he finished with a 3-1 victory against Ferlin Barnard in the Racketball Plate.

The Ladies Racketball Final was also an entertaining match, Sarah Jones going into a 2-0 lead, her opponent Jenny Herbage then decided to change her game and rally more, this proved highly effective taking the next 3 games to clinch the match 3-2. Mark Davies created Club history winning the O 65 against a spirited Tim Collins, having previously won at O45, O50, O55 and O60, an achievement not to be sniffed at, owing much to his great squash skills.

Adam Brown produced an effective performance against Greg Smith winning the B grade plate 3 – 1. Greg having to earn his place in the final via a tough match with Iain Mcewen in the semi’s. Steve Roberts had another nail biting epic against Kevin Dutton, Steve winning the C grade Final 3-1.

Jon Hand also earnt distinction by reaching 2 finals, the first of which he won a very close 3-0 victory against Paul Partington in the O45. The second of his finals though in the Racketball was against Eden Spooner who produced some sublime skill, looking effortless, winning 3-0. Last years Squash Champion and this years Racketball Champion earning well deserved plaudits from his fellow members.

Michael Catlin in his first Club Final, against multiple Club Champion Rob Vivian in the main Squash final. Michael dispelled any nerves taking the first game however Rob took the second. Michaels strengths came to the fore, moving effortlessly and putting pressure on his opponent, he took the next games and Club Championship, a truly deserved win for a Stamford new comer.

The Stamford teams performed creditably in the Cambridgeshire Leagues. Stamford 1 suffered injuries however earned a top 4 place in Division 1, Neil Steedman was awarded team player of the season for his outstanding performances this season. Stamford 2 endured a tough first half of the season but some stand out wins from Neil Cook and will Stuart Jones prevented a disastrous first half. The introduction of George Montgomery galvanised the team with Jon Oakley also rising to the challenge this team also finished fourth. George Montgomery earning Stamford 2 player of the season.

Stamford 3 provided the greatest achievement, made up of mainly new to team Squash players they won their league by 30 points and a game to spare, with undefeated Giles Clawson at one, Adam Brown at two, with effective support from Chris Perkins, Tony Cheales, Leigh Ford, James Quinn, Mark Ridealgh and Owen OHara all providing a tour de force. Joint Stamford 3 players of the season Paul Brown and Alex Boughton played the most games both only losing 1 match in that time.