“Let” It Be

We all know it: Squash is a brutal sport. It’s vicious on the body, cruel on the lungs, challenging on the mind, yet somehow when all of these aspects are melded together, it’s emphatically euphoric and addicting. We suffer through the agony of oxygen deprivation, the misery of lactic acid build up, the torture of sore muscles and joints, and keep on coming back for more and more. However, as much as we all admit to being squash junkies, the one single theme that members grumble to me more about than anything else is… refereeing.

Never do I see our members get more incensed with each other than when arguing over a ‘let’ call. Since you play just about every single match at the DAC without a ref, I am often called in to make a decision over a situation I haven’t even witnessed, based on the ‘biased’ testimonies of both players pleading their cases and are unable to even agree where they were standing on the court at the time of the interference, let alone where the ball was. The “he-said-she-said” conflicts are literally impossible to resolve, especially when both players are as stubborn as my wife who insists on putting broccoli into every meal. And this happens during practice matches as much as it does in league.

Ultimately, the only solution to this ‘dilemma’ lies with you, the player. The ‘unwritten’ rules of squash have to apply here, etiquette needs to take over, honesty must come to the fore, and compromise is a requirement. Otherwise, the player who can shout louder for longer will win.

You all know when your opponent is in your way and prevents you from making a ‘normal’ shot. You hold back with your swing or you have to run around them or you have to change your aim; either way, some form of interference has occurred. Given that you would have retrieved the ball had your opponent not been standing there, you are at least entitled to a “let”. When the shoe is on the other foot - you are the one causing interference - arguing that you are not, is entirely futile. The “let” would not have been asked for in the first place if your opponent didn’t think you were in the way. So the ‘discussion’ is one of “let” or “stroke”.

I am not getting into the written rules of squash – to learn more about the ‘real’ rules, I will be conducting a refereeing clinic late September. This is about avoiding the heated debates that go on court all the time and cause nothing but bad sentiments and leave a nasty taste in the mouth afterwards.

Squash is ruthless enough without having the added burden of having to make a case after every other rally. Even if interference is slight, squash etiquette demands that the gentleman thing to do would be to offer your opponent the “let” or, if the obstruction was severe enough, a “stroke”. Your (hopefully honest) opponent would then either take one or the other, or decline a “let” altogether if they think they didn’t deserve one. Using this tactic – a ‘preemptive strike’ so to speak - should circumvent any squabbles that otherwise may arise. Generally, compromises are reached quickly and painlessly. You may think to yourself that you have been ‘robbed’, but always understand that how you see the circumstance from your angle is not the same as how your opponent sees it from theirs. What makes you think that your angle is the correct one?

From my own personal experience, practicing with fellow pros, this happens all the time. Almost to the point of being too nice about it, but it keeps the game flowing, the disputes non-existent, and the camaraderie alive. And I can always count on being asked to play again when the opportunity presents itself. Because no one wants to play you if continuously butt heads and carry-on like a four year old every time a “let” situation pops up.

The attached poster is a list of the DAC 20 Commandments of Squash Etiquette. Common sense stuff? Sure. But I am sure all of you have seen at one time or another at least one of these rules broken. How many are you guilty of?

THEN THERE WERE TWO…

“Bitter Lemons” left feeling sour
Just as I predicted it would be, the semi finals were close. Very close. The “Bitter Lemons” and “Sour Grapes” swapped results all the way. Each team won two matches 3-0, and each team won two matches 2-1. The difference? You guessed it: bonus points. One bonus point to be exact. “Sour Grapes” had 6; the “Bitter Lemons”, 5. The one result that sticks out as the ‘difference maker’ was the first result to come in. Todd Baker (“Sour Grapes”) and Tom Fabbri (“Bitter Lemons”) exhausted themselves in the three games they played, leaving it until the last rally to decide the winner. At 14-all in the 3rd, the sudden death point fell Todd’s way. Had it bounced in Tom’s favor, the 18-17 final score line would be reversed. But before Tom starts crying into his golf clubs that it’s his entire fault, I am sure his 7 team mates are also wondering where they could have picked up that extra point! A special mention goes to Mike Rock (“Bitter Lemons”) who is in his first league season. His initiation into the league was met with a resounding 3-0 loss in round 1 to Mike McCuish (“Sour Grapes”). Mike R. can be rather pleased with his improvement and progress and the proof in the pudding showed as he gave Mike M. back all the medicine he dished out by beating him 3-0 this time around.

“Pickled Onions” true to form
The “Pickled Onions” picked up right where they left of at the regular season: refusing to lose any (or very few) matches. Only one loss to speak of in the semi-final and that was Matt Jarboe going down in a rare “Pickled Onions” 3-0 loss (just the second of the season) against Jim Stroh (“Going Bananas”). A surprise result really, considering Matt beat Jim 2-1 in round 5. With 2-1 victories for Rich Stimson, Sean Moran, Peter Fortune and Brian Rosman, that the close results are all landing in the “Pickled Onions” favor are the saving grace for this team. Without these wins – or even if just three of them were reversed – relying on bonus points to get them through would be a failing tactic. Only four of their eight players showed up – something they better be careful of next week for the final.

Prediction
Even if the “Sour Grapes” get all 8 of their members to turn up, I still think the “Pickled Onions” will take the title. If you look back at the regular season result between theses 2 teams, the “Pickled Onions” won 6 of the 8 matches played. In fact they won with an overall score line of 19-9 – more than convincing. Given, four of those results were 2-1, but even reversing all of those wouldn’t make up the difference. I am more than happy to be proved wrong – in either case; I hope it’s closer than the first time around. Also, the finals are a funny beast. Winning when it really counts can have mysterious influences on people.

TEST YOUR BALL CONTROL

Think you can keep your balls down the wall? Can you keep your balls out of the gutter as well? This event is designed to test your athleticism with your ball control! Combining squash and 10-pin bowling, we will assess your ability to manage balls of different sizes, weight and density; your knack of smacking a black rubbery ball and your aptitude of rolling a huge shiny smooth one.

Together with our good friend that lives in the bowels of the DAC - Tom Reaume (Bowling Manager) – on Thursday, August 19 we will be running the “Racquets, Balls & Pins” Tournament. As always, the event is designed for players of all levels. Being placed on one of two teams, you will be matched up with one opponent to play a full best-of-five squash match, and then matched up with another opponent to play 2 games of bowling. Tom and I will do our best to match you up in both events with someone of equal playing level. (Handicaps may be applied if we cannot find an equal challenger.) Don’t fret if you don’t know how to bowl – the concept couldn’t be simpler. Roll (do NOT hit it with your racquet) the big shiny ball down the wooden aisle and knock over as many pins as you can. Easy-peasy.

Every squash game and bowling game won will count towards a point for your team. The team with the most points at the end of the night wins! A keg will be provided. Squash matches will start first at 5pm and then the keg will be bought downstairs for the bowling afterwards. Registration deadline is Monday, August 16. We will need a minimum 14 registrations to run the event. (Depending on the amount of entries, the event may run until 9pm.)

SUMMER LEAGUE FINALS SET

Even though a decent amount of matches were played in the final week, it wasn’t exactly a nail biting, stomach fluttering finish to the finals. The only real question to answer was which of two teams were going to end up 4th. The “Fruit Loops” had been threatening “Going Bananas” for that coveted last play-off position for the past 3 rounds, but after making up 10 points alone in round 5, could not make up the remaining 3 points over the last 2 weeks of play. They ended up 6 points out.

“Pickled Onions” ended up were they began: on top. They are the first Summer League team in 6 years to score over 100 points. Looking at their regular season record, they must go into the finals as the favorites. The statistics are rather alarming. They only lost 4 matches all season – and only one of those was 3-0. Of the matches they won, 56% of them were 2-1. So they were not wiping the court, but somehow were just refusing to lose. They also rank only 5th in bonus points. This must be the first time that a top team ranks outside the top 4 in that category. Two of their players played every match. Brandon Dobbins won all 7 – one of only two players in the league to do so. (The other was Jeff Gembis from the “Fruit Loops”). Two of their players played 6 of the 7 matches. Those four players made up 81% of the team’s season total. Can they continue to carry the team through? They are matched up against “Going Bananas” in the semi final and on paper a lot of those matches could go either way. Hopefully the rest of “Pickled Onions” turn up to play!

Now for the other end of the spectrum. Believe it or not, the “Blowing Raspberries” played more matches than the “Pickled Onions”. One more. However, compared to the 88% win rate of the league leaders, the “Blowing Raspberries” won only 29%. They also ranked 2nd last in bonus points. Only one player scored more than 10 points, and that player also scored the team’s only 3-0 win.

The team with the least amount of matches played was the “Cold Turkeys”. They managed a meager 51%. The 6, 7, and 8 players accumulated 75% of the team’s season total. Not surprisingly, the “Cold Turkeys” were dead last in bonus points, averaging less than 3 players turning up per week.

Looking at individual efforts, Brandon Dobbins (“Pickled Onions”) picked up the most points overall with 23 and his undefeated effort will definitely earn him a promotion up the ranks next season. Brian Rosman (“Pickled Onions”) and Jeff Gembis (“Fruit Loops”) picked up 22, and Tom Bergh (“Going Bananas”) ended up with 21.

Overall, the participation level of the Summer League this year has been reasonably good compared to previous seasons. Overall we had 67% of matches completed, compared to 59% in 2009 and 63% in 2008. The trend is positive, and although I would never expect a 100% participation rate, there is definitely still room for improvement.

The finals should be interesting. The four teams they got the through are the ones that deserve to be there, and all four have a decent chance of winning – if they play well.

SPUTTERING TO THE FINALS

There is an obvious lack of urgency from all the teams as the season winds down. Only four – yes, four – matches were played on Monday (plus 2 matches that were played ahead of time), and only 15 players (out of 64) turned up. Much of that had to do with: a) the perfect weather and b) the golf scramble at Forest Lake. Still, I think four matches is a record low and maybe the bottom three teams have already resigned themselves to the fact that they aren’t going to reach the finals (or don’t want to try…)

Of the 6 results handed in, four of them came from the same two teams. The “Cold Turkeys” and the “Fruit Loops” didn’t play any matches at all, but the “Fruit Loops” are still well within striking distance of 4th placed “Going Bananas”, just 3 points back. Next week is the Independence Day weekend, so the final round is not until July 12. Two weeks to get as many matches done as possible – with last’s night attendance, I now wonder (but am ever hopeful!) if players will take advantage.

Brandon Dobbins (“Pickled Onions”) has taken over as the league’s top point getter with 19. He is currently the only player in the league that has played all six rounds and remained undefeated. Brandon also has 5 out of a possible 6 bonus points as well – a true team player! Only Robert Welch (“Rotten Tomatoes”) and Mike McCuish (“Sour Grapes”) have collected all 6 bonus points.

The deadline to complete all the matches is July 13. Let’s make a worthy effort over the next 2 weeks.

FRUIT LOOPS CLOSING THE GAP

At the end of week 4, the “Fruit Loops” were sitting 13 points back from the last play-off spot with little reason to suggest that was going to change over the final 3 rounds. However, they have now put themselves in serious contention for the finals, hanging just 3 points back of 4th placed “Going Bananas”. The same cannot be said for the last 3 teams although they also inched closer overall to the ladder leaders, but nowhere near enough to be considered a threat (yet?).

The “Pickled Onions” continue to impress with their string of victories. They are miles away from being the team with the most matches played – in fact they have the second lowest percentage with 52% – but they have only lost 3 matches all season. The teams with the highest playing percentage (70%) are 1st and 2nd on the standings, plus they have the most bonus points.

In the battle of the league point leaders after round 4, Tom Bergh (“Going Bananas”) went down to Brian Rosman (“Pickled Onions”) 2-1. Brian is still the league’s top point getter, but he now shares that honor with his team mate Peter Fortune, and “Cold Turkey” Chato Hill. The closest match of the evening came down to the final rally. Taylor Burleson (“Sour Grapes”) beat Maureen D’Avanzo (“Rotten Tomatoes”) 15-14 in the 3rd game to claim the 2-1 victory. This is Taylor’s first win for the season! Well done!

Two rounds to play. Many matches to make up. You better start scrambling…!

“Win-Some-&#%$-Timed-Handicap-Quiz” Team Squash Tournament

Wednesday, July 14
Play starts at 5.30pm.

It is said that physical activity helps and inspires the mind to be more active. It facilitates clearer thinking, which in my mind is saying it makes your smarter (nothing like making an absurd conclusion without the support of any facts what-so-ever). Based on the (incredible, but impressive) running I see on court from our members, I am deducing that you are all utter geniuses and have hyperactive grey matters which push the boundaries of known science. Let’s put my perfectly unflawed theory to the test.

Since you are all masterminds, this will be easy to follow. Firstly, you will be placed on to one of two teams. Then, I will match you up with someone of equal squash ability. If no one of equal squash ability is available, you will be matched up against someone of non-equal squash ability. But then I’ll throw in a handicap. Not make you wear a flippers or anything like that, just a point handicap. Then you will play a match of 20 minutes straight. With no rest. Or time-outs. I’ll keep time for you. Even though you are all super intelligent, I won’t make you count the seconds as you play. (The member who asked me a couple of years ago “how long is 20 minutes” is not allowed to enter. You know who you are. Clearly, you are destructive to my infallible theory.) You will however, need to keep your own score. Then, once all the matches have been played, each team will go off in their groups to complete a quiz. The quiz will be based on your familiarity of the DAC, international squash, and general knowledge. Each question on the quiz will be worth a certain amount of points. So far, so good? Keep in mind that a keg will be available and it is of course encouraged that you do your utmost to empty it. Now, rumors have it that drinking alcohol makes you dumber, but I have yet to prove that theory. (Personally, alcohol makes me stronger, more attractive, braver, which of course would positively influence my intelligence.)

Okay. Then, to calculate the scores, I will discard the highest squash point score on each team, add up the rest, which I will then add to the score of the team quiz. The members of the winning team will then be able to choose their prize from the &#%$ table. I have no idea as of yet what &#%$ will be on that table, I will be making a collection of &#%$ over the next couple of weeks to see what type of &#%$ departments want to get rid of. Never know, it might be nice &#%$.

Registration deadline is Monday, July 12. We need a minimum of 14 players to run this event, so please enter early. There is no entry fee. Another brilliant decision.

THE SQUASH POET

Let me introduce you to “The Squash Poet”. I have been sworn to secrecy, (under threat of a painful and uncomfortable ravaging) as not to reveal The Squash Poet’s identity, so please don’t ask me. For some reason that is still a mystery to me, The Squash Poet would like to post some of his work every now and then to “The Squash Joint” (was the similarity of the titles that attracted?) so I thought why not? I’m good for a laugh. Hope you enjoy!


Squash is the one sport we all love to play
Poetry in motion when done the right way
A swift intense dance chasing a ball
Testing body and mind the challenge enthralls
An addiction to squash; I just have to show it
So I come to you incognito as ‘The Squash Poet”.

From years of my struggles and attempting in vain
To hit a good squash ball again and again
My endeavor to master is a fruitless quest
So I pen from experience and watching the best
With permission from Mick, I hope not to disappoint
When he posts my verses to “The Squash Joint”

If some poems sound familiar don’t be impolite
They’ve been posted on the forum of ‘Squash Site’
Feel free to comment your views will be heard
Remember it’s in fun; it’s not meant to anger
My poems will not win any literature prizes
But they’re ten times better than what my squash game comprises!

The Squash Poet


If I Only Had A Brain
(Sung to the tune of “If I only had a Brain” from the Wizard of Oz)

All these matches that I’m losin’
Because of shots I’m choosin’
There’s no one else to blame
I’d be a better fighter
If I only hit it tighter
But I don’t have any brains!

There’s no mystery in the riddle
Why my crosscourts find the middle
My language is profane
The squash ball I can crack it
But it’s straight on to your racquet
Cause I don’t have any brains!

Oh! I’d play like a pro!
The main draws I’d be in
I could swing at balls and pull off a big win
Instead I’d swing… and hit the tin

For my squash pro keeps on messin’
With my footwork in the lesson
But it is all in vain
With technique reconstruction
I also need liposuction
For my great big fat-head brain!

And my fitness is so shocking
So I resort to blocking
To try to win the game
To the ref I am wishin’
He calls strokes because I’m fishin’
Since I don’t have any brains!

Oh! I just want to win!
Get rid of my issues
But God is cruel ‘cause to have fun and amuse
I’ll smell success… and then I’d lose!

All my shots just keep on landin’
At your feet where you’re standin’
I simply can’t explain
How I can play so shoddy
Uncoordinated body
If I only had a brain!

The Squash Poet

'SOUR GRAPES' LOOKING SWEET

Over half way through the season (yes, already!) and the standings are turning out pretty ominous for the bottom four teams. With 13 points separating 4th from 5th and that margin increasing every week, it could be that the final four is already determined. “Sour Grapes” jumped from 4th to 1st, knocking “Pickled Onions” out of that spot for the first time all season, with a strong showing against “Blowing Raspberries” winning 4 of 5 matches and picking up 6 bonus points as well. As revealed on the standings, the top 4 teams also have the most bonus points – a trend that continues to prove itself.

Looking at personal performances, the top 2 point getters are both in the number 8 position. Tom Bergh (“Going Bananas”) and Brian Rosman (“Pickled Onions”) each have 13 points, and the two just happen to playing each other next week. Close on their heels with 12 points is Peter Fortune (“Pickled Onions”) and Anil Kathuria (“Cold Turkeys”) who had his first loss this week against Jason Trombley (“Pickled Onions”).

The bottom four teams need to make a real effort starting yesterday to get back in the hunt for the play-offs. There are 3 rounds left, with a week off due to Independence Day on July 5 so the time is there. It’s just a matter making the most of it.

ROUND 3 GOES TO THE GOLFERS

What better way to spend a perfect weather Monday than on the squash courts… NOT! Unfortunately, every year, one week of the Summer League clashes with the 3B’s golf outing and every year squash loses out. I for one do not understand the attraction. I mean, spending all day in ideal sunny weather, drinking a few brewskis, playing a casual round of golf, enjoying the camaraderie with buddies… it doesn’t make sense! But, each to their own I suppose.

So I commend the 5 matches that actually took place, and the handful of other players who were missing opponents but decided to come down and pick up a game anyway. At least I’m not the only one without friends (just kidding!). The “Sour Grapes” took the hardest hit this week dropping from 2nd to 4th, as they only picked up 5 points since round 2 two weeks ago. “Blowing Raspberries” went one step better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) collecting only three points for the round and dropping to last on the standings; equal on points with the “Rotten Tomatoes”, but with less bonus points.

The “Pickled Onions” maintain their top spot (albeit by the bonus point tie-break) but may have a tough time getting their opponents to turn up next week. The “Cold Turkeys” have the least amount of bonus points in the league and three of their players haven’t played a match yet… time to get going lads!

Believe it or not, time is already running out to get matches in. With only 4 rounds to go, players have until July 13 (inclusive) to complete them.

SQUASH SHOTS V

I am a solid believer that if you cannot laugh at yourself, then you have no right poking fun at others. In this article of “Squash Shots”, I have decided to take this opportunity and place myself in the position of being the punching bag. Nick Matthew became the first Brit since Peter Nicol six years ago to gain the world number one ranking this month, June 2010. In light of his remarkable achievement (given the recent dominance of the Egyptian players), I immediately thought of this photo when Nick was ranked only 6 in the world. Clearly this match inspired him to greater heights (cough, cough).

Look at the photo and answer the following question:
This is…?

A) Me, just about to give Nick Matthew a lesson
B) One of the best players in the world… and Nick Matthew
C) Nick Matthew, 10 minutes before he hits the showers
D) Me, 10 minutes before I hit the defibrillator
E) Me, photo-shopped in the picture to make it look like I’m playing Nick Matthew
F) A lamb to the slaughter
G) The one match Nick Matthew will never forget
H) The one match Nick Matthew will never remember

Answer: C) and D) and F) and H). Motor City Open 2005. With the wild card into the main draw, I had the pleasure of playing Nick Matthew first round. For the record, I did stretch him to 3 games, lost a lung, and can now claim that I have been on court with another world number 1. One year later, I played John White – who also reached world number 1 in his career. I stretched him to 3 games as well, and lost my other lung.

To view the full current world rankings (as of June 2010), you go to : http://www.psa-squash.com/ and click on 'rankings' halfway down the left column.

“PICKLED ONIONS” CONTINUE STRONG START

Considering the weather, the turn out for last night’s league was pretty respectable. About 50% more than week 1 - an encouraging sign. If this keeps up, then next season we may have an argument to include a Monday night keg as well. Of course a league fee would have to be implemented but that is a discussion for another day.

The “Pickled Onions” have had an admirable 2 weeks so far. They haven’t played the most matches – four other teams have played more – nor do they have the most bonus points (they are 3rd in that category), but they have only lost a total of 1 match so far. It’s still a little early to predict if this trend will continue, but if they keep on track they’ll be a tough unit to beat.

On the other end of the spectrum, the “Rotten Tomatoes” have played the least amount of matches, are second lowest in bonus points, and to make matters worse have only won 1 match. Hence, they sit in last position. Now, it isn’t exactly time to panic. But I suggest they don’t wait too long to get their matches in, playing 5 of 16 matches in the first two rounds will not get you to the play-offs!

Only one player has accumulated the maximum 8 points for the first 2 rounds: Anil Kathuria of the “Cold Turkeys”. In fact, Anil has over 50% of his team’s total. Let’s hope his team mates start showing him some support.

Round 3 is not scheduled until June 7. That gives everybody a couple of weeks to catch up on missed matches. Your team mates are relying on you to do your part. If you don’t make the finals, at least you went down fighting…hopefully.

LUKE WARM START TO THE SUMMER LEAGUE

Not exactly a sizzling start for the 2010 Summer League, the first night of action only saw 10 out of a possible 32 matches played. With few players turning up, it may just increase the importance of that bonus point. Three teams picked up 5 bonus points each and surprise, surprise, they occupy 3 of the top 4 spots in the standings already. Considering that only the top 4 teams will be advancing to the finals and there are only 7 rounds to get there, teams may find themselves falling behind awfully quickly with very little time to catch up.

The “Pickled Onions” have taken command of the standings early winning 3 of their 4 matches yesterday over the “Fruit Loops”, with Brandon Dobbins making a strong statement to all the other number 6’s in the league as he claimed a sound 3-0 victory over Chuck Doyle. Brandon’s team mate and new comer, Brian Rosman, also had a great start winning 3-0 against Rob Wilson.

Mike McCuish of “Sour Grapes” tackled another new face in Mike Rock (“Bitter Lemons”). Probably giving away 30 years (give or take…), Mike McCuish managed to win 3-0, but in his e-mail to me the next day he said he had to work so hard for the win that he’ll need at least one week to recover!

Hopefully the attendance will improve in the coming rounds, and players will not leave their make-up matches until the final week – which is less than 2 months away.

THE SINGLES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

The pinnacle of the 2009-2010 season, the Club Championships is the one tournament where players can really judge themselves on where they stand in the club. There are no excuses here, it’s put up or shut up, and let your racquet do all the trash-talking for you!

2.5 category – James claims the games…
For all the winners this year, and not diminishing anyone else’s performance, I think I am more pleased with this result than any other. James Van Dyke [pictured left] has been working on his squash, taking lessons and practicing hard; and the pay-off is evident. The top 4 seeds reached the semi final of the 2.5 draw, and both of those matches could have turned out differently to what they did. James battled with last year’s finalist Shail Arora, well known for his speed and tenacity. The two had a monumental 5 game battle and James did the unlikely – he made Shail tired – and managed to finish him off in the 5th. Andrew Spohn won the other semi 3-1 over new-comer Brandon Dobbins, a match that easily could have gone to 5 games as well. For the final, James controlled Andrew from the get-go and did not relinquish control. His 3-0 win a testament to all the effort he has been putting in.

3.0 category – The Matt that’s all that…
The number one question I had for this event was: who was going to stop Bob Rogers? Bob has been virtually unstoppable since he started playing at the DAC back in the summer of 2009, and in fact he won his first 40 matches before recording his first loss. He reached the semi final rather comfortably where he came up against Matt Didio. Matt had cruised to the semi final round as well, and it appeared that he had hit form at the perfect time. He was able to stop the ‘Rogers Express’ with an excellent 3-1 win, stepping into the final against last year’s 3-0 winner, Arnaud Mangin (pronounced “R-no”; it’s French!). Arnaud suffered a nasty foot injury at the beginning of the winter that had him side-lined for much of the season and his preparation for the club championships was minimal. But there are no excuses. Matt outplayed Arnaud in all 3 games for the 3-0 win, and for me, was the biggest surprise winner of the tournament. [Pictured: Matt Didio with his wife, Angela]

3.5 category: Heartbreaker for Baker…
Without a doubt, this final was the match of the club championships. It’s been the most talked about amongst the members, and both players have been admired for their effort, sportsmanship, and level of play. Matt Jarboe and Brien Baker [pictured left] both reached the final but neither of them had it easy. Matt won his first round 3-2 and the semi 3-1 to get there, and Brien won his first two matches 3-2 before dispatching last year’s finalist Rich Stimson 3-0 in the semi. I predicted this match would be tough, and to state the obvious, it was. Matt jumped out to an early lead and snapped up the first 2 games. Never one to quit, Brien knuckled down for the next 2 games to take the match to a 5th. It was a real ball-burtsing, gut-wrenching, lung-rupturing adventure. Nor could it have been any closer. Matt won the battle 10-9 in the 5th but in reality – and to be very cliché – there were no losers in that match. Both players have to be lauded… and both players will be playing at least the 4.0 next season.

4.0 category: Gembis v Ward yet to cross swords…
Since Paul Ward played the 4.5 final on this day, the 4.0 final has been postponed – result still pending…

4.5 category: Scott’s got the shots…
A small draw this year for the 4.5 category. Only 6 entrants (as opposed to 13 last year) and 5 of those were also in the 4.0 draw! The only stand-out was Jim Stroh who lost his first match to Paul Ward 3-1. The handful of players in the draw are all of a similar playing standard, so this title was literally up for grabs for any one of the six. Jeff Gembis lost to Scott Adlhoch in the semi final 3-1, but in the 4.0 draw he beat Scott 3-1 to get to that final. On paper, the Adlhoch v Ward match had all the makings of another long, run-filled expedition. Up until the final, Paul had been playing very well and was full of confidence. Funny how things can turn on you. Also, maybe it was a mental block – Scott had beaten Paul 6 times in a row dating back to October 2008. This ended up being number 7. Paul struggled for the three games to find the rhythm that got him to the final in the first place and Scott wasn’t taking any prisoners either. The 3-0 victory for was an excellent follow-up on Scott’s 2009 4.0 club championship win- also over Paul.

5.0 category: Rock of Gibraltar Rakolta…
This was the hardest of all the draws to organize. I counted anyone of 8 players to win this one, as on any given day, the results can go either way. But lately, one of the players has been slowly lifting their game and is beginning to dominate the others. Defending 5.0 champ Peter Shumaker reached the final again winning all of his lead-up matches 3-0. Meeting him there was John Rakolta. Although John has gone through recent patches of inconsistency, overall he has improved his squash noticeably. Finer court coverage, better mental toughness, greater steadiness. He would need all of these attributes to overcome Peter who continues to defy the odds year after year with his downright doggedness, experience, and staying power that simply must be admired. The intense match was a fascinating tussle between the two contrasting styles. Verifying John’s progression over the last 12 months (he won the 4.5 category last year); he won this match 3-1. He is now ready to tackle the top tier players. [Pictured: Peter Shumaker and John Rakolta]

Open category: Clockwork Kirk…
It was fantastic to see the Open draw filled with the younger guys wanting a crack at the ‘old-school’ crowd. It was eye-opening for them to get on court and see exactly what they need in order to compete at that level – and the work required to get there. The absence of the 2009 champion Peter Logan (recovering from knee surgery) opened the door for different finalist to challenge Kirk Haggarty for the title. Kirk had to get through 2 rounds to reach the final and he did so untroubled. John Birgbauer was tipped to be his opponent but that almost didn’t happen. In a huge scare, that would have been the upset of the championships, John Rakolta was one rally away from knocking John B. out. He was 8-6 in the 5th up – match-ball – before failing to close out the match and eventually went down 10-8. For the final, apart from being 2-3 down in the first game, Kirk was always in the lead forcing John to play catch-up. At 2 games to 0 up, and 5-0 up in the 3rd, it looked like the match - and John - was done. But slowly and unpredictably, the momentum started to change. Maybe John relaxed more, but he started to hit better, more controlled length, started to hold his shots and wrong-foot Kirk, and started to inch closer on the score board. One rally a time, John got back to 6-7 and threatened to snatch the game away. But it was not to be. Three quick rallies to end it, and Kirk shut the comeback down. Kirk Haggarty becomes the 2010 DAC Club Champion – congratulations! And, adding to this fine achievement, this is Kirk’s 10th singles title! [Pictured: John Birgbauer and Kirk Haggarty]

The Doubles Club Championships

‘A’ Draw: Kirk breaks a 10 year drought –
As dominate as Kirk Haggarty has been in the singles event, the last time he won the Doubles Club Championship was way back in the year 2000. Back then he paired up with John Birgbauer. For the last handful of years, it’s been the hard hitting Mike Eugenio but up until now, success has eluded them. Their nemesis for the past 2 years has been Peter Logan and John Birgbauer and once again they would have to get by this pair to take the title. Both teams reached the final comfortably with 3-0 victories in the semi. Very little separated the teams. The first game went to overtime with Eugenio / Haggarty coming away with the 1-0 lead. They also won the second game to take a 2-0 advantage which is a huge hurdle to overcome if you are chasing – no matter who you are. Still, Logan / Birgbauer picked up their game in the third and narrowed the gap to extend the match to a fourth. This too, went to a tie-break. At 16-17 down, the Eugenio / Haggarty team ripped off a couple of outright winners (whether they were on purpose or not depends on who you ask!) to close out the game 18-17 and claim the title of 2010 DAC Doubles Club Champions. Congratulations lads!

‘B’ Draw: Experience triumphs over youth –
Ryan Bendzinski and Rich Stimson went into the B draw as defending champions and the number one seed. They had little trouble reaching the final again, losing only one game in their first round against Mike Hayden and Jay Poplawski, and after a convincing 3-0 victory over Peter Shumaker and Paul Doherty in the semi, it appeared a repeat was on the cards. But of course nothing is a given and the John Dunwoody / Chris Terry team are experienced and play together regularly which is a huge plus for any successful doubles pair. They reached the final easily enough winning both of their encounters 3-0. The final went over an hour, took 5 games, and was decided in the tie-break. At 13-13 in the 5th, the call was made for a 5-point tie-break. I am sure the Bendzinski / Stimson team felt confident that the longer the match took the better chances they had - especially against older opponents. However, maybe it was nerves, maybe they tensed up, but whatever the reason, they failed to win one more rally. Dunwoody / Terry won the 5th game 18-13 on a 5-point tear. No mistakes, playing steady, a little more conservative: a little experience goes a long way. [Picture: The B finalists]

‘C’ Draw: New, young blood makes some noise –
Andy Housey is not new to the doubles game. But his partner – Anthony Fracchia – was. Anthony’s doubles experience was literally non-existent. He had to learn during the tournament which is a difficult thing to do. The doubles ball does not bounce or move like a singles one. I once played a pro-am at the BAC against a top 15 world ranked singles player who had never played doubles before. On the first serve he tried to receive, he whiffed completely. As the pro on his team, he was the weaker link. So, I can imagine how Anthony must have felt initially. Full credit to him though, he picked it up relatively well. Reaching the final they were up against the lot more experienced team of Joe Moran and Peter Fortune. Moran / Fortune didn’t drop a single game on the way to the final, and on paper, with their knowledge of the game, I gave them the edge. But what Anthony lacks in doubles “know-how” he makes up for it in speed and determination. Putting that together with Andy Housey’s somewhat awkward technique that can half the time bite him on the rear end or, on the other half, turn into gold, the team can be unpredictably dangerous. On this day, experience did not triumph over youth. It was close, but Housey / Fracchia earned themselves a well fought 3-1 win and the C doubles title.