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Having read
Raneem's article inspired me to write two of my worst/best
squashmemories....
Triple Bagel....
 First
one, after I had started playing late in the day at age 36, I
badgered the County Champion of 12 consecutive years to
give me a game.
He agreed and I was on £5 a point and he was on £5 a
game.
I lost £15....
Served me right but we remained friends and had many laughs!
Triple bagel !
When trying to get
fitter just didn't do it for me...
Well, 30 years ago, I have to confess I was quite fit if not the
most gifted player in the club.
Let me start by saying I used to be a smoker way back when. Why
did I ever start smoking you may wonder. I can point the finger
at the Royal Navy and my compulsory National Service. Having
been kicked about and abused under training I was then given my
monthly ration of 300 cigarettes. As a young man away from home
for the first time, it was an easy way to feel more grown up
sharing your ration with the other recruits.
I did stop though. And I decided that if I really wanted to
improve my squash, I should invest in supplements from the
Health Food shop such as Ginseng and Black Molasses, never go
out the day before a league match, improve my diet and most
importantly give up smoking.
I tried the new regime for six weeks during which time I had no
fight and did not win a single game. Instead of being lathered
in perspiration after a match I was going home with my shirt as
dry as when I put it on. Feeling depressed I nearly stopped
playing and started smoking again!
And then, I immediately started to win games again and climbed
the leagues!!!!!
I certainly don't approve of smoking and was forced to give up
soon afterwards in order to have nasal surgery....
Pleased to say I am still playing at 77 in a rather pedestrian
fashion but I have met so many great people over the years
through our wonderful sport! Mutual respect irrespective of
standard!
 Who is
John?
I started playing squash at age 36 when a new club was formed at
a cricket club in Leicestershire called Wyvern Squash Club!
Shortly afterwards I also joined Squash Leicester owned by County
Champion Ian Turley! I then joined the famous Leicester
Squash Club where I played until I moved to Wales on
retirement! I was also a member of Escorts Squash Club as
we had three annual fixtures against the boys at Public
schools of Rugby, Oakham, and Uppingham! Great fun and
cucumber sandwiches afterwards in with the Principal.
Moving to Wales was a challenge as no club just a leisure centre
and very few players and no junior coaching. I decided to obtain
coaching qualification and formed a club called Dysynni
Squash Club with the help of Community Chest funding!
Over 400 children have tried the sport but not many have
had the desire or in fact the parental support required to
compete in tournaments held in North or South Wales several
hours travel away from Tywyn.
Two girls made the National squad and together with 1 girl and 2
boys played for North Wales in British inter counties
championships! My top girl who had no competition locally was
usually drawn to play against Tesni Evans in junior tournaments!
In reality this area is the graveyard of squash but we keep
trying! |
Who is John
John Batty on FB
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