Bish Bash Squash!

Wednesday 23^rd January was an eagerly anticipated day for UCL’s Men’s 1^sts who took on Reading University in an epic battle to secure a place in the play-off spots and, in doing so, become a top 8 national team in the BUCS Premiership.

Despite the great start to their season our squash team were aware that Reading would be prove a tough match, with the Berkshire outfit being our most competitive rivals in the league. A mere 3 points separated the two teams and meant only a win would do.

Nerves were tangible but spirits were high as Greg Mason (3) and Josh Wong (4) entered the fray first. After some great shots and runs, Greg came out on top, convincingly winning his match 3-0. At the same time, Josh was competing hard against his opponent, both clearly desperate for the win. In obscenely hot playing conditions, he endured a gruelling 5-set match, with neither player seemingly able to kill the ball. However, Josh, with a few tricks up his sleeve combined with true Singaporean spirit, saved an incredible 5 match balls in the 4^th game and held firm to take the decider, winning his match 3-2. At this point, UCL were leading 2-0 and this gave the men a huge confidence boost as one more victory was needed and the Championship was theirs.

After watching Josh’s close match with his opponent, pressure was on for both Callum Deakin (5) and Achim Newrzella (2), who were up next. However, they both seemed unphased and, clearly buoyed by the earlier victories, managed to seal two more precious matches and the league victory with some exemplary squash, much to the delight of the crowd.

Despite the league already being secured, the most anticipated moment had come; number 1 seed Will Tizard was taking on Nyall Driscoll (Reading), a former Wales U19 International. UCL Squash were eager for a white wash and to make what looked like the hardest fixture this season a complete breeze. Will took a magnificent 1^st game 15/13, which could have gone either way.

However, Nyall continued to apply pressure to UCL and increased the intensity in the 2^nd game winning 13/11 giving Reading a small chance to recover their pride. Unfortunately, the star clash of the day was cut short when Nyall was forced to retire injured with a back strain, resulting in another win for UCL, rounding the final score to a resouding 5-0 to UCL against the toughest of BUCS opponents.

A particular well done to the UCL Squash 1^st team squad: Will Tizard, Achim Newrzella, Greg Mason, Josh Wong, Callum Deakin and Joe Staunton who have demonstrated sheer consistency all season, only losing one match (incidentally, Reading away- and that demon is now laid to rest!).

The first team players would like to thank the supporters that came along and consistently encouraged them throughout as well as their 1^st team coach, Gary Nisbet, for all his efforts this year. Furthermore, they are grateful for their sponsors Tecnifibre, Team 305 Squash and David W Harris & Co Solicitors, without whose support they would not have been able to achieve what they have this year.

Aside from the National Premiership Play-off on the horizon, which is guaranteed to be a brilliant match, UCL Squash are already preparing for the most anticipated and toughest match against Strand Poly in order to secure the London University Sports League Squash ‘Premier Division.’ Having won the equivalent ULU Premiership back-to-back in recent years and having beaten KCL twice this year already (3-2 and 4-1), the signs are looking very promising.

Finally, if you have nothing better to do on a Monday night, come and see UCL’s platinum teams battle it out against their biggest rivals – not to be missed! The Varsity Match (this one won’t be cancelled) will be taking place Monday 4^th February, starting at 7:30pm at Bloomsbury Fitness – save the date!

If you would like to get involved in squash, follow the sporting exploits of the University Squash teams on Facebook and Twitter (@UCLUSquashClub).

Breakdown of scores:

1: Will Tizard 3 – 1 Nyall Driscoll (15/13 11/13 RET)

2: Achim Newrzella 3 – 1 Ed Hopkins (11/4 11/7 4/11 11/5)

3: Greg Mason 3 – 0 Dan Jones (11/9 11/4 13/11)

4: Josh Wong 3 – 2 Henry Withrington (6/11 11/9 10/12 16/14 11/7)

5: Callum Deakin 3 – 1 Emilio Gate (7/11 11/9 11/4 11/2)

Result: UCL 1st’s 5 – 0 Reading 1st’s

League Table: http://www.bucs.org.uk/bucscore/TeamProfile.aspx?id=3733&sport=Squash&institution=UCL