Chester Nuffield Health&Wellbeing Squash Team

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!!!

Thursday night saw a brilliant victory in the playoff that has secured promotion to northwest counties division 2 for the Chester Nuffield squash team!

Nuffield finished second in division 3 with a walkover in the final match of the season. This gained them a playoff match against Hyde 3 which Nuffield won 3 matches to 2 (15 point to 7) to secure the additional promotion spot alongside Wrexham Brymbo.

The absence of Nigel Jones for this match meant that Gareth Burroughs stepped up in to the team and he narrowly lost his match 1-3 though it could easily have gone the other way. Jake Blakeman then won his match against Colin Gallimore 3-0 before David Jack allowed Nuffield to edge ahead winning his tie 3-0 and comprehensively outplaying his opponent Anthony Wagstaff.

Nuffields Graham Cobden then had a difficult match at second string and was beaten 3-0 by Spiros Papaglimis so the match was levelled at 2 matches each.

Joe Edwards, the Nuffield no. 1, got off to a difficult start in the final match losing the first game 10-12. However, this served to galvanise him in to action and he won the second game without losing a single rally! This momentum continued and he won the third game 11-7 and the fourth game 11-5 securing the tie and therefore the match for Nuffield.

It was a close run thing in the end with Nuffield winning 368 points to Nestons 364 to get the chance of a playoff which goes to prove that every game counts!

Going in to the penultimate match of the season, Nuffield were 11 points behind second placed Neston and so were relying on Wrexham Brymbo to help out by beating Neston while hoping they could secure maximum points away at Whitby. There was an early scare when David went 2-0 down but we should all have known better as the effort had exhausted his opponent while David can run forever so David went on to win 2-3! The other team members had more fraught forward matches to win the vital 20 out of 20 points.

There was then an anxious wait to hear how Neston had fared at the hands of Wrexham and the news was good with Neston only winning 8 points meaning Nuffield leapfrogged them in to second place by one point!!

That means maximum points in the final match of the season next Thursday at home to Xaverian will secure the playoff place !!!! As well be missing our no. 1, Joe, we will need all the support we can get !!!

With Neston pulling away in second place, Nuffield knew that only maximum points at Whitby would keep them in with any chance of that promotion playoff place. Luckily, a full team was available for this important fixture which ultimately proved to be one sided with Nuffield only dropping two games in the five ties to secure 20 out of 20 points.

The challenge of maintaining a push for the only promotion playoff place increased when Nuffield Chester, missing both Joe Edwards and Nige Jones, hosted a strong Tattenhall side. Thanks in large part to a fantastic performance from Graham at no. 1, the team secured a very creditable 16 out of a possible 20 points to stay within touching distance of Neston. Credit is also due to David and Gareth for their great wins and also Jake who narrowly lost in the fifth but won what could be a very valuable 2points come the end of the season.

A visit to Cheshire County Officers saw Nuffield return to winning ways and leave themselves still with an outside chance of the playoff place. 19 out of a possible 20 points were secured with Gareth unlucky to lose when the virus with he has been suffering took its toll in the fifth game of his match.

With the top spot and only automatic promotion place all but secured by Wrexham Brymbo, the only play off spot is being contested by Nuffield Chester and Neston 2. So this match had huge significance and explains why Neston had introduced a new number one to strengthen the team markedly from the equivalent fixture in the first half of the season. That meant Nuffield were always up against it and coming away with 7points was not as bad as it might have been.

A helpful 18 out of 20 points was secured in the away fixture against Heswall 3

Normal service was resumed for Nuffield with the visit of New Brighton 2 with a haul of 19 out of 20 points to get the team back in the hunt for the playoff place.

A Nuffield team missing regulars David and Nigel struggled against a strengthened Deeside team that saw even Joe pushed more than in any other match. A disappointing loss that set back the promotion hopes as Neston have been waiting in the wings

The match against Wrexham Brymbo was always likely to be tough as they are the runaway leases of the division and it was made tougher by the absence of Nuffield number 1 Joe Edwards. The move up the order proved too much for most of the team although Gareth won a very tight match and David picked up a couple of useful points that could prove important at the end of the season.

The first match of the second half of the season saw Nuffield get off to a perfect start to the New Year as the team secured a maximum 20points.

Last match of the first half of the season saw a comprehensive win offer one of the teams struggling in the division. A welcome 20points to end the year!

The penultimate match of the first half of the season saw Nuffield entertain the Heswall 4th team for a home tie. Occupying a place in mid table, the strength of their 4th team shows the depth among the Heswall squad and this was not going to be straightforward for Nuffield.

David Jack at no. 3, was the first home player on court against Heswalls Mike Shenan. The first game was a cagey affair with David edging it 14-12. The second game was a little more one sided with Dave dominating to win 11-5.

However, in the third, the balance of power swung to the Heswall man with Mike taking the game 9-11. David then managed to reassert himself winning the fourth game, 11-6 and with it the match 3-1.

Nigel Jones was next up for Nuffield playing at no. 4 against Paul Smith for Heswall. This was a tight match that could have gone either way. Paul went in to an early lead in the first before Nigel played his way to a slight advantage that he maintained to win the game 11-9.

The second game was very close with both players taking it in turns to have game point before Nigel finally took the game 16-14. The third game began as tightly as the previous two but Nigel drew clear to win the game 11-7 and the match 3-0.

Nuffield No. 2 Graham Cobden was next on court and immediately began to dominate his opponent Bob Macgloglin. The first game was reasonably close although Graham was always ahead and he won the game 11-8.

The second game had Graham showing some of his best form of the season to control the game winning 11-5 as he forced Bob in to making a string of errors. Any resistance from Bob then evaporated as Graham won the third game easily 11-3 and the match 3-0.

Joe Edwards, back in the team after missing the last match attending the birth of his daughter Holly, showed little sign of the usual fatigue of a new father in his match. Playing at no. 1, Joe was taking on Mark Griffiths from Heswall and was never going to lose.

Mark battled well against a far superior player but was comprehensively outplayed in the first two games which Joe won 11-3, 11-1. Mark capitalised on a few uncharacteristic errors from Joe in the third to win a few more rallies but was powerless to stop the inevitable and Joe won the game 11-8 and the match 3-0.

The last match of the evening was between Nuffield's Jake Blakeman and Heswall's Roy Finney. Roy took full advantage of a slow start from Jake to win the first game 8-11. However, he could not maintain momentum losing the second game 11-7.

Jake then maintained the advantage to win the third game 11-6 before racing to a substantial lead in the fourth. However, Roy refused to cave in and clawed his way back in to contention before Jake finally won the game 14-12.

Overall, this left the Nuffield team with a third consecutive maximum 20 point win to keep their hopes of promotion alive. With Wrexham and Neston dropping points against each other, this win moved Nuffield in to second place, 12 points clear of third placed Neston.

Last weeks home match saw Nuffield pitch their wits against Whitby 1.

In the race for promotion, every point counts and although Whitby are in the bottom half of the table, they have seen some strong individual performances. This combined with the absence of the Nuffield no. 1, Joe Edwards, who was busy attending the birth of his first child, meant the reshaped Nuffield team had to focus from the off.

First up was captain and no. 2 David Jack playing against Whitbys Andy Hughes. The first game was a very tight affair with David edging it 12-10. In contrast, the second game was very one sided with David keeping the pressure on Andy and forcing a number of errors losing only a single rally. The third was closer although David was always on top and he quickly won the third and with it the match 12-10,11-1, 11-8.

The first string match was between Nuffields Graham Cobden and the Whitby No. 1 Tom Maloney. Buoyed by his excellent win the previous week, Graham was in determined form and won the first game 11-6 and the second game 11-1. The third game was a little more competitive but Graham retained his advantage to win the match 11-6,11-1, 11-9.

Jake Blakeman, playing at no. 4 for Nuffield, followed playing against Paul Hemmings for Whitby. This was a rollercoaster of a match with the advantage switching between the players in each game. Paul often seemed on top of the rallies and used this to dominate the first game which he won comfortably.

However, Jake battled his way to winning the second before conceding the third relatively cheaply. The fourth was the crucial game with Jake re asserting himself to level the match before maintaining this momentum in the final game to win the match 4-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5.

Nuffields Nigel Jones, had hopes of continuing his unbeaten run but knew that his opponent, Charlie Carus, had been in recent good form. However, there was little sign of this form in the first game which Nigel won comfortably. From that point the match became extremely tight with Charlie edging the second and Nigel just winning the third. With both players giving it their all in an entertaining match, the result was difficult to predict and although Nigel eventually won 11-4, 10-12, 12-10, 12-10, this was a match that could have gone either way.

The last match of the evening was between Nuffields Gareth Burroughs and Shaun Stout. Gareth's unconventional style clearly frustrated Shaun who found himself chasing the game from the start and rarely imposed himself on the match. As a consequence Gareth won 11-6, 11-8, 11-3 with his unique way bamboozling his opponent and prompting the Whitby captain to say "I do t know what it was but it wasn't f***ing squash"!

So despite the absence of their no. 1, the Nuffield team pulled together an excellent result securing the maximum 20 points! However, the real winner was Joe Edwards who on the Friday morning became the father of a baby girl!

Nuffields squash season continued last night with a trip to Tattenhall to face another strong mid table side. With Wrexham Brymbo pulling away at the top of the table, Nuffield can not afford to drop many points so last nights match presented an important test.

Nigel Jones was first on court hoping to continue this seasons unbeaten run. Facing him was George Dasson, the Tattenhall No. 4, and the very early exchanges suggested this was going to be a close match. However, George was wrong footed by a string of boasts from Nigel who won the first game 5-11.

Nigel's dominance continued in the second game in which he comprehensively outplayed George winning it 3-11. The third game saw George battle his way back in to contention, overhauling Nigel's lead to go ahead 9-6. However, Nigel re asserted himself to win the next five rallies and with them the match 0-3 to give Nuffield an excellent start.

The next Nuffield player to enter the fray was Jake Blakeman, returning to the side for the first time this season after struggling with a shoulder injury. His opponent for the night, Max Harper, took full advantage of Jakes rustiness to win the first game 11-7. However, in the second Jake played himself back in to form and wrestled back control to win the game 9-11.

From there Jake rarely looked troubled and Max struggled to stay in the match. Despite a huge effort from Max, Jake went on to win the next two games 5-11 and 8-11, winning the match 1-3 to give Nuffield six out of a possible six points.

The third match of the evening was between Nuffield captain, David Jack, and Tattenhalls Tim Salt. Even before the match had begun, Tim was concerned that his level of fitness would be an issue against a player renowned for his endurance and so it proved.

The first two games went to the Nuffield man who won them 7-11,8-11. However, the third was a different affair with Tim putting in a Herculean effort to win it 11-6. However, that game clearly took its toll and David re-asserted himself on proceedings to comprehensively win the fourth 3-11 and the match 1-3.

The penultimate tie was between Nuffields Graham Cobden and Tattenhalls Giles Coley. This was an absorbing match that saw Grahams control of most rallies matched by impressive retrieving from Giles. However, Graham kept ahead throughout the first game winning it 9-11.

The second game saw Graham take a commanding lead before seeing it whittled away as Giles fought his way back in to contention. However, Graham held on to win it 9-11. The third game was also tight although you always felt Graham had the edge and he eventually ran out a 0-3 winner 9-11,9-11, 10-12.

The final match had the potential to offer another test for Nuffields no. 1 Joe Edwards as he was facing the experienced Paul Kettle for Tattenhall. Paul's evident skills helped propel him in to a lead as he more than matched a slow starting Joe to win the first game 11-7.

However, Joes superior skills and fitness allowed him to take a control of the match in the next game that he never relinquished. The second and third games went to Joe 6-11,8-11 and although Paul occasionally showed glimpses of the quality squash for which he is known, Joe firmly shut the door on him winning the fourth 4-11 and the match 1-3.

This gave Nuffield a much needed 20 points from a possible 20 allowing them to retain third place tied on points with second placed Neston.

The latest instalment of Nuffield's push for promotion unfolded last night with a home match against a strong Cheshire County Officers side.

The visiting side had begun the season in a positive fashion and were in the top half of the table at the beginning of the evening.

Playing at no.3, Graham Cobden was first on court for the home side playing against Cheshire Officers Tim Bridle. Graham's determination to win this match was evident from the first game which he won 11-7.

This set the pattern for the entire match and while Graham will feel he is still not firing on all cylinders, he dominated this match to get Nuffield off to a fantastic start with a 3-0 win (11-7,11-8,11-6).

Next up was Nuffields no. 4 Nigel Jones against Cheshire Officers Keith Flanigan. Nigel has enjoyed a successful start to the season but the opening game of this match suggested it would be tough to continue as Keith hit a series of very tight drives that left Nigel little room for his usual trickery and Keith won the first game at a canter 5-11.

Nigel forced his way back in to the match in the second winning it 11-4. The next two games were very tight affairs with little to separate the two players. At times, the quality of the squash was not the best from either player but Nigel managed to scrap his way to a 3-1 win (5-11, 11-4,11-9,11-7).

Third up playing at no. 1 for Nuffield was Joe Edwards. Joe had seen his biggest test of the season so far at last weeks away match to Neston and last nights opponent, Nigel Thomas looked set to offer a similar challenge as after Joe won the first 11-8, Nigel levelled the match winning the second 8-11.

Nigel continued to take the initiative in the third taking what seemed to be an unassailable lead of 4-8. However, the recently adopted American scoring shows again how fragile such a lead can be as Joe played his way back in to contention and with a flurry of winners won the game 12-10.

Although the fourth game was also closely fought, Joe always appeared to have the advantage and went on to win the game 11-8 and the match 3-1.

This assured Nuffield of the outright win but with the Chester team trailing table toppers Wrexham Brymbo by some margin, maximising points was vital and Nuffields captain, David Jack, playing at no. 2, stepped on court determined to close the gap.

His opponent from Cheshire Officers was Nigel Bailey whose quality of play looked set to challenge David's intent. However, like so many players before, Nigel found his efforts to kill off the rallies frustrated by David's relentless running and he lost the first game 8-11.

The second game was very similar with Nigel again struggling to deal with David's combination of immense retrieving and wicked boasts and despite a few impressive reverse angles, Nigel lost the game 11-9. David showed no signs of tiring in the third while Nigel showed he was feeling the pressure with a number of errors that allowed David to keep the upper hand and he won the third 11-8 and the match 3-0.

The final contest of the evening was between Nuffields Gareth Burroughs and Ian Wade from Cheshire Officers. The momentum in first game continuously switched from player to player before Ian edged it 9-11.

However, from there Ian took control and despite a few of Gareth's trademark cross court drops that are impossible to pick up, Ian won the second 7-11. Gareth battled on in the third game but again struggled to reach the level in a competitive match that he does in friendlies, and lost the game 6-11 and with it the match 0-3.

The end result against a strong mid table side left Nuffield with a very satisfying 17 out of a possible 20 points. With Neston securing 18 points in their match this meant both Neston and Nuffield are on 114 points in second and third place respectively.

After a weeks break, Nuffield returned to action last night with a difficult tie away to promotion chasing rivals Neston 2.

Neston who, before the match, were 7 points clear of Nuffield were clearly determined to get off to a good start and fielded their strong number 2, Graeme Lea Swain, in the first match on court.

Graeme got off to the best possible start against Nuffield's Graham Cobden as his sharp precise play allowed him to win the first game without losing a rally. Graeme continued this dominance in the second game and refused to allow Graham in to the match, winning the game comfortably.

The third was a different affair as Graham showed the true form of which he is capable and the balance of power switched to the Nuffield man. However, after winning the third game, Graham found it too hard to stay with Graeme, losing the fourth and with it the match 3-1.

Second on court for Nuffield was no. 4, Nigel Jones, hoping to keep up his 100% record for the season so far. Facing Nigel for Neston was Mark Gibbons and the early exchanges suggested a tight match would follow. However, Mark found Nigel's deception and boasts too hard to handle and apart from a brief flurry of points towards the end of the third, struggled to compete with the Nuffield player who won the match 0-3.

Following on the same court was Joe Edwards, the Nuffield no. 1, in the top string match against Neston's Cameron Lea Swain. Joe had rarely been troubled in previous matches but Cameron was a different proposition and Joe found himself under considerable pressure losing the first game 11-9.

The second game was also very tight but this time Joe edged it 10-12. Although the third game was also very close, with Joe winning 9-11, there were signs that Cameron's amazing efforts in the early stages of the match were beginning to take their toll. And so it proved with Joe taking control of the fourth game to win it 6-11 and the match 1-3.

With Nuffield in a 1-2 lead in the overall match, the contest between Nuffield no. 3, David Jack, and Neston's Nick Mason was shaping up to be decisive. Outwardly a mismatch in terms of physical presence and playing style, the contrast created a very tight match that was fascinating to watch.

The first game went to Nick 11-7 but the score was reversed in the second game as David levelled the tie for Nuffield. The third was closer with David winning it 9-11.

Although the fourth was also tight, Nick was clearly tiring and was not looking in good shape for a fifth so it was probably just as well that the super fit David won the game 9-11 and with it the tie 1-3, securing the overall match win for Nuffield.

The final tie involved Nuffield's Phil Noble against a familiar rival, Neston's Andy Potter. Phil claimed to be untroubled by the injury from which he has just returned but he looked to moving slightly uneasily on court losing the first game 11-6.

He recovered some form in the second to win a valuable point for Nuffield before succumbing to Andy's wicked forehand drop too many times, losing the next two games and with it the tie 1-3.

The final team points tally was 8 points to the home side and 16 (out of a possible 20) to Nuffield which allowed Nuffield to leapfrog Neston in to second place behind Wrexham Brymbo.

After solid wins against Deeside 1 and then New Brighton 2, last night saw Nuffield continue their quest for promotion with a home match against Heswall 3.

Leading the way for Nuffield was captain David Jack who found himself playing a very experienced and tricky player in Glen Clayton. David's notorious fitness and endurance levels were less helpful against a player who hit a barrage of extremely tight winners millimetres above the tin and Glen won the first 7-11.

David's determination created some hope in the second which he took 11-8 but he was ultimately powerless against the quality of the winners losing the third and fourth games 9-11, 6-11 and with them, the match.

The second player on court for Nuffield was Nigel Jones returning after a two week absence with calf strain. Although still hampered by the injury, Nigel found himself up against an opponent in. Mark Griffiths who was simply having a bad day at the office and who couldn't take advantage of Nigel's relative lack of mobility.

The start of each game was very close with both players taking it in turns to win single points. However, Nigel took control midway through each game to run out a comfortable winner 11-7,11-7, 11-5.

Next up for Nuffield was Phil Noble, returning after injury for his first match in 6 months. Unlike most people playing again after such a long absence, Phil displayed no signs of rustiness and used his wicked combination of drop shots and lobs to comprehensively outplay his opponent, Gill Dahek, in the first game winning 11-2.

The second and third games were close affairs with each player winning a game apiece before Phil reasserted himself to win the fourth game 11-2 and with it the match 11-2,11-9, 9-11, 11-2.

With the very strong Nuffield no. 1, Joe Edwards, next on court, victory for Nuffield in the overall match seemed assured and so it proved. Rich Mac from Heswall, mindful of the quality of his opponent, opted for a strategy based upon power but it was to no avail.

Clearly a good player, Rich had no way through Joe who dominated the first game winning 11-2. Although Rich secured a few more points in the second losing by a more respectable 11-7, he was never really in contention and Joe won the third 11-2.

The final match of the evening was also the closest match with Nuffields Graham Cobden taking on Craig Beecham. The first game was relatively close although Craig always seemed to have the slight edge going on to win it 9-11.

In the second game, Graham found an extra couple of yards of length and took complete control, stretching his opponent all over the court and winning 11-3. This dominance continued in the third with a series of very tight drives that allowed Graham to win the game 11-6.

However, Craig took advantage of Graham losing length and going back on his heels slightly in the fourth and managed to battle his way to win it 8-11. His efforts clearly took their toll though and Craig, struggling to catch his breath, failed to maintain the upper hand allowing Graham to regain control and win the final game 11-5.

This completed what was largely a satisfactory night for the Nuffield Team who who 18 out of a possible 20 and moved, probably temporarily, in the second place in the table.

The second match of the season saw Nuffield Health heading to Wales to play against Wrexham Brymbo, one of the toughest fixtures of the season.

The evening began reasonably well for Nuffield with their No. 4, Nigel Jones, recovering from losing a 0-2 lead to a determined Geraint Jones to win the fifth and final game 6-11.

This was followed by a victory for Nuffield no. 1 Joe Edwards who was put under more pressure than he is likely to encounter for most of the season as he beat Wrexham's Neil Rawlings 3-11,8-11,8-11.

Graham Cobden, Nuffields no. 2, found himself up against a formidable opponent in the shape of Stuart Fisher. Stuart took the first game for the loss of only two points before Graham sparked in to life and the momentum swung completely towards the Nuffield player. However, Stuart re asserted himself for the next two games winning the match 11-2, 4-11, 11-5,11-6.

The next match to be completed was between Dave Jack, the Nuffield no. 3 and up and coming player Jack Hayes for Wrexham. Jack won the first game quite comfortably before Dave hit back to edge the second 10-12. Jack's dominance was restored in the third before a tense fourth game in which Dave's legendary fitness looked as if it might win the day. However, Jack hung on to eventually win the match 11-6, 10-12, 11-4, 14-12.

And so it all came down to the final match of the evening between Nuffields Gareth Burroughes and Wrexham's Laurie Jones. A closely fought contest throughout, Laurie edged the first 11-8 before Gareth tipped the balance in his favour winning the second 9-11.

With a flurry of impressive volley and cross drops, Gareth continued his momentum to win the third 10-12. However, there were signs that the effort had take its toll on Gareth and under pressure from Laurie, he made a series of errors to lose the fourth 12-10.

The overall result of the team contest then came down to the final game of the final match of the evening. Unfortunately for Nuffield, Laurie proved the steadier player on this occasion taking the fifth and final game 11-7 and with it the match for Wrexham.

It was a disappointing end to a evening that had started in promising fashion for Nuffield but the team can be pleased with securing 10points out of a possible 20 at one of the most difficult away venues in the league.

Well the 2015/16 season kicked off with a visit from the Northern Crosby 4th team. The arrival of former Div 1 player, Joe Edwards at no. 1, has given a massive boost to the chances of Nuffield Health gaining promotion to Div 2 and it was important to get off to a good start.

First up was No. 2, Graham Cobden playing against his Crosby counterpart, Mark Harrop. The first game was a very tight affair with Graham edging it 11-9. However, the effort of staying close to Graham in that initial skirmish clearly took its toll on Mark and Graham dominated the next two games to win 11-9, 11-3,11-4.

The second match involved the Nuffield Health no. 4, Nigel Jones against his Crosby opponent, Mark Haliwell. After a close exchange in the first dozen rallies, Mark's rustiness at the start of a season showed and Nigel was a comfortable winner 11-4,11-4, 11-4.

Third up was David Jack, team captain for Nuffield Health. He was well matched against Crosby's Mark Griffiths with little between the two super fit players who both clearly relished the war of attrition that ensued. Mark just won the first game 9-11 before Dave nicked the second 13-11. Dave then retained the edge to run out the winner 9-11,13-11,11-9,11-9.

The penultimate match involved the appearance of new Nuffield No. 1, Joe Edwards up against Colin Rogers, who can count himself unfortunate to have been facing a player of this calibre in Div 3. Despite Colin doing enough to demonstrate he was worthy of the No. 1 position I the Crosby team, he was no match for Joe who won 11-1, 11-4, 11-5.

The final match involved Nuffields Gareth Burroughs and Graham Lynch. Although the scores for the first two games were tight, Gareth always looked on top winning those games 11-9,11-8. However, in the third, Graham appeared more at ease while Gareth seemed to lose timing and the touch in his drop shots for which is so renowned, losing the game 4-11. This swing in momentum away from Gareth continued in the fourth which Graham won 6-11. Gareth briefly threatened to reassert himself in the final game before Graham ran out a 11-9,11-8,4-11, 6-11, 7-11.

With Nuffield winning the match 4 ties to 1, the 5 points for a match win were secured and gave Nuffield 19 points out of a possible 20, a very satisfactory start to the seasons push for promotion!

A well deserved celebratory meal and beer(s) were enjoyed at the Handbridge Pub in Chester