Squash

Heather wins Sefton Award. (Jun.2009)
Congratulations to Heather Tweedle, who was voted Sefton Female Veterans Sports Personality of the Year at the recent annual awards evening for 2008-9.

Ladies keeping fit. (Mar.2009)
Ladies training every Monday at 7pm will be continuing throughout the summer, players of all levels welcome.

Epic Finale to Club Championships. (Mar.2009)
This year's Final of the Men's Northern Championship produced one of the most exciting and competitive matches in the long history of an event which dates back to 1938. Peter Stanton, appearing in his seventh final, had to contend with the challenge of young Alex Cunningham, appearing in his first. Alex took a 2-0 lead only for Peter to dig deep and level matters, taking the match into a nail-biting final game, which Peter edged by the narrowest of margins, 10-9, to claim his 4th title. After his impressive performance, there's no doubt Alex will be contesting more finals in the future.
Heather Tweedle captured the Ladies' crown for a record 10th time, with an excellent performance beating Evi Kohl 3-0 in the final, while Tom Stevenson became the Vets Champion defeating former winner Steve Noakes. Darren Cochrane won the Plate in a close five-setter with Mark Halliwell..

Northern Juniors lead the honours in Graded Tournament. (Feb.2009)
Nearly 50 juniors from the North West took part in a graded tournament at the Northern, held over a weekend in January.
On the Saturday, the E2 grade was won by the Northern's Thomas Alman (left), beating Heswall's Matthew Smith in the final. Matthew Fell (below left) did well to take a share of 3rd place.
The E1 Final was another Northern-Heswall contest, Northern's Will Kynaston (right) beating Kathryn Keighley in a close final.
In the D grade, Stoke's Thomas Roden (below centre) beat the excellent Alex Berry (Northern, below right) in a high quality contest.
On the Sunday, the Northern cleaned up in the F2 grade. Adam Stanton (left), bottom in this grade a year ago, returned to comfortably beat the impressive Declan Judge (below left) in the final, with Ruth Mwandumba and Nicola Miller (below right) claiming 3rd place awards. Louisa Burns, Callum Judge, Sophie Griffiths, Harry Kerr (below centre) and John Cooper all did well in their first tournament.
The F1 grade was by far the most competitive grade of the weekend. All the group stages were close. An all-Northern semi-final saw Rachel Miller (below left) edge out Matthew Burridge by a point (15-14). Rachel was eventually beaten in the final by New Brighton's superb 9 year old Alex Rutter (left), who had previously beaten Northern's own superb 9 year old Adam Tweedle (below right, with Matthew Burridge) in a fantastic semi-final. Michael McKevitt was unlucky to miss out on qualification, after beating the eventual winner in his group.
The high standard of squash and good sportsmanship was evident through the weekend. Four fair play trophies were awarded to Northern's Chris Burridge, Sophie Griffiths and Luke Roberts, and also to Cheshire's Leon Bowers.
The full group of trophy winners in Saturday's E1, E2 and D events is pictured above, and below Sunday's F1 and F2 winners.
Thanks to Paul Fell for the report, and for organising the weekend on behalf of the club.

Northern again to host England Graded Tournament. (Nov.2008)

After successfully staging last year's event, Northern is again hosting an England Junior Graded Squash tournament on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2009, sponsored by CX Pro Sport, open to players up to and including 15 years of age. The accent is on fun and enjoyment combined with competitive squash.

On the Saturday, starting 9.30am, the tournament should finish by 2.30pm.
  • E1/E2 Grade – Junior players that play regularly and may occasionally play for their club team (Development Awards Stage 3-5).
  • D1/D2 Grade – Players in the lower order of a county team or in their county feeder squad and regularly play for the club (Development Awards Stage 6-9)

    On the Sunday, starting 9.30am, the tournament should finish by 2.30pm.
  • F2 Grade – Junior players that are new to the sport and have an understanding of the rules (Development Awards Stage 1)
  • F1 Grade – Juniors that are new to competition and can serve consistently and drive to the rear of the court (Development Awards Stage 2-3)

    General Information
  • Combined Boys and Girls draws.
  • Round Robin - American scoring.
  • Entry Fee £8 per person - £4 for each subsequent family member - (Northern Members £4).
  • Tea, Coffee & Snacks available
  • Tuck Shop
  • Separate court set aside for ¾ court between matches.
  • Please note that the wearing of England Squash approved eye protection is MANDATORY for this event.
  • Great Prizes for all Winners & Runners-up.
  • Closing Date for Entries – 17th January 2009.

    • Entry Forms can be downloaded ... by clicking here ... else contact Tournament Organiser Paul Fell on 07828139574.

    Ian McNabb plays Northern. (Sep.2008)
    The squash section welcomed in the new season with a successful social evening, arranged by the section and most notably by Suzanne Rutherford, featuring music from former Icicle Works leader and songwriter Ian McNabb.
    Around 100 people attended and were lucky to witness a fantastic show by Ian McNabb, a guest appearance by Ian Prowse of Amsterdam, and a Grand Finale by The Australian Icicle Works.
    On top of the bar making a healthy profit, approximately £250 was raised for the Junior Squash Section.
    Next up is the Annual Liverpool v Everton Snooker Match between the Squash Section, on Friday 3rd October, followed by a Xmas night (WigWamGlam again!) on Saturday 29th November.
    Busy schedule leading up to Christmas!

    Junior coaching to recommence. (Aug.2008)
    Junior Coaching Sessions for the 2008-9 season will recommence on Sundays from 14th September. Any newcomers interested should contact Alan or Heather at the courts between 1:45pm and 4:30pm on a Sunday afternoon. Beginners sessions run from 1:45pm to 2:30pm, with intermediate and more accomplished players later in the afternoon.