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  North of Scotland 2014
15-20 Apr, Aberdeen, $5k |
Coleman claims the title in Aberdeen
David Ireson reports:
The first game of the final was littered with lets, the referees
seemingly unwilling to penalise players for standing on the ball.
Some excellent retrieval from Ben Coleman saw him take the lead 7-4,
but as Ben increasingly got frustrated with the number of lets being
called he let Declan James creep back to 8-8 and then 2
controversial decisions later Dec had the game 11-8.
In the second game Ben seemed to have decided to not get involved
with the referee and instead try and play to his strengths. He
managed to get himself in front more of the time, playing much
steadier length, sometimes slowing the game down to try and avoid
the game getting messy in the middle. This strategy seemed to work
as he went 4-1 up, then finally a no-let from the referees against
Dec!! Dec clearly frustrated by this put two easy balls into the
tin. This game Ben seven game balls – converting on the third – game
to Ben 11/5.
The third game was a much better display of free flowing squash –
far fewer lets, which was much more pleasing for the crowd. The game
had entreating front court play, nicks, and some impressive
retrieval from both players. However Ben took an early lead in this
game again going 6-2 up, however once again the referees were
increasingly needed towards the middle part of the game as it got
increasingly scrappy.
A crowd source said “I don’t think they have quite got this 3 man
referee system sussed”. Thanks to a couple of lucky nicks and a tin
from Dec’s racket Ben manages to edge the second game 11-9.
At the start of the fourth game it was clear that Ben wanted to win
in 4 – the boy certainly was retrieving well, lunging all over the
court. This constant retrieval, making Dec play one more ball
ultimately led to a flurry or errors from Dec’s racket, allowing Ben
to once again get ahead at the start of the game leading 5-2. This
time Ben didn’t allow Dec to get back into the game pushing right
through to 10-4 with some gutsy retrieval and some much more
controlled length and front court play.
A big rally with some intense volleying, Ben plays a drop into the
front forehand, Dec just reaches it and tries to push straight –
stroke to Ben and game 11-4. Ben wins 3-1 8/11 11/5 11/9 11/4.
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More from Aberdeen SRC
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  North
of Scotland 2014
15-20 Apr, Aberdeen, $5k |
Round One
17 Apr |
Quarters
18 Apr |
Semis
19 Apr |
Final
20 Apr |
[1] Joel Hinds (Eng)
11/3, 11/9, 11/6 (26 m)
[Q] Will John (Wal) |
[1] Joel Hinds
11/3, 11/9, 9/11, 11/3 (51m)
[Q] Stuart Crawford |
[1] Joel Hinds
11/8 13/11 11/2 (58m)
[3] Declan James |
[3] Declan James
8/11, 11/5, 11/9, 11/4
[2] Ben Coleman |
[5] Kevin Moran (Sco)
13/11, 5/11, 11/6, 11/5 (62 m)
[Q] Stuart Crawford (Sco) |
[6] Dougie Kempsell (Sco)
11/5, 12/10, 11/9 (33 m)
Rui Soares (Por) |
[6] Dougie Kempsell
11/9, 11/6, 11/9 (50m)
[3] Declan James |
[3] Declan James (Eng)
11/5, 13/1,1 11/4 (35 m)
Paul Rawden (Eng) |
Tim Weber (Ger)
7/11, 11/6, 16/14, 7/11, 11/4 (72m)
[4] Nathan Lake (Eng) |
Tim Weber
9/11, 11/9, 6/11, 11/8, 11/8 (58 m)
[7] James Earles |
[7] James Earles
11/4 11/8 11/9 (36m)
[2] Ben Coleman |
Claudio Pinto (Por)
11/6, 11/7, 11/5 (25 m)
[7] James Earles (Eng) |
[Q] Jamie Henderson (Sco)
10/12, 11/7, 11/7, 7/11, 11/7 (61m)
[8] Micah Franklin (Ber) |
[Q] Jamie Henderson
11/7, 11/3, 11/6 (26m)
[2] Ben Coleman |
[Q] Nick Mulvey (Eng)
11/2, 11/2, 11/7 (28 m)
[2] Ben Coleman (Eng) |
Qualifying Finals:
[4] Nick Mulvey (Eng) bt [5] Joe Green (Eng)
11/6 11/7 11/6 (37 min)
Stuart Crawford (Sco) bt Chris Shinnie (Sco)
14/12 4/11 8/11 11/5 11/7 (60 min)
[2] Will John (Wal) bt [7] Robert Dadds (Eng)
11/4 11/4 11/5 (23 min)
[1] Jamie Henderson (Sco) bt [6] Taminda Gata-Aura (Eng)
11/9 3/11 11/4 9/11 11/7 (50 min)
16-Apr, Qualifying Round One:
Nick Mulvey (Eng)
3-0 Calum Johnston (Sco)
11/6, 14/12, 11/6 (25 min)
Joe Green (Eng) 3-1 Graham Melvin (Sco)
11/7, 11/7, 9/11, 11/8 (44 min)
Chris Shinnie (Sco) 3-0 Richard Hollins (Sco)
11/9, 11/8, 11/8 (30min)
Stuart Crawford (Sco) 3-0
Kush Kumar (Ind)
11/3 11/9 11/6 (35 min)
Will John (Wal) 3-0 Keith Simpson (Sco)
11/7 11/3 10/12 11/3 (35 min)
Robert Dadds (Eng)
3-1 Mike Black (Sco)
11/9 11/2 10/12 11/3 (42 min)
Taminda Gata-Aura (Eng) 3-2 Allan Tasker (Sco)
11/7 6/11 11/8 11/13 11/7 (60 min)
Jamie Henderson (Sco) v Chris Leiper (Sco)
11/7, 11/7, 11/6 (33min)
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Semi Finals:
[3] Declan James (Eng) 3/0
[1] Joel Hinds (Eng)
What was quite surprising from the off was that despite the size of
both players, and the potential for both to get in each other’s way
in the early rallies both players were looking to get to and play
every ball, however towards the business end of the game the let
count increased and increasingly the referees were called on to make
decisions. It was nip and tuck until the end of the game where Dec
seemed the more comfortable of the two to play winners at the front,
eventually winning the game 11/9.
The second games was littered with lets, neither players clearing
that well, and the referees not seeming to want to penalise either
player standing on the ball too long – perhaps the disadvantage of
the 3 man referee system?? Joel seemed to be wanting to only play
Dec on the backhand side of the court, and while the purpose may
have been to contain, in reality it meant that Dec was finding it
easier to work an opportunity. At 7-9 in the second the referees
decided to throw in a few well needed ‘no let’s’ unfortunately sill
not too consistent. Once again very close Dec closing out 13/11.
In the first few points of the game Joel slipped on the court and
seemed to have injured his ankle, He lost the next 5 points in a
row, and despite a couple of spirited rallies, it was clear that
Joel wasn’t ight in the remainder of the third. Multiple tins
followed from Joel’s racket, handing Dec the game 11/2. Dec wins 3-0
11/8 13/11 11/2.
[2] Ben Coleman (Eng) bt [7] James Earles (Eng) 3-0
In a contrast to the first match of the evening the squash was much
more free flowing with the referees a lot less involved in play.
Ben’s speed around the court and retrieving ability was forcing
James to play the ball closer and closer to the tin, clipping the
top on too many occasions. Ben winning the game 11/4.
James played much more solid squash in the 2nd faster pace, and
seemed to be able to hold his length and width at this tempo.
However Ben’s ability to retrieve the balls again came into play,
saving him a number of times. Towards the end of the game some
incomprehensible picks ups from Ben once again saw a few errors
creep in from James. Ben takes the second 11/8.
In the third game James seemed to have found a formula to cause Ben
some problems, attacking the front or floating the ball into the
back of the court. This strategy saw him lead 7-4, and he was making
Ben work hard in every rally and for every point. However in the
latter stages James length and width just started to slip results in
a few strokes against, and some lobs lifted out of court. Ben wins
3-0 11/4 11/8 11/9. |
More from Aberdeen SRC
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All-English Semis in Aberdeen
David Ireson reports on the quarters
[1] Joel Hinds (Eng) v Stuart Crawford (Sco)
It looked like Stuart was suffering a bit from his tough match with
Kevin yesterday, as he started really slowly in the first game, not
really hitting with purpose, and let Joel get in front. In fact in
the first game Stuart boasted multiple return of serves. First game
to Joel 11/9. The second game was much better from Stuart with
tighter more positive drives stopping Joel volleying as much,
however Joel was able to close out the game 11/9.
The third saw a role reversal with Crawford stepping up the court
and volleying the ball, forcing Joel into the back corners, taking
the game 11/9. Perhaps the exertions of yesterday’s brutal match was
taking its toll, as a series of uncharacteristic errors from Stuart
gifted Joel the game and match. Joel wins 3-1 11/3 11/9 9/11 11/3.
[3] Declan James (Eng) v [6] Dougie Kempsell (Sco)
The first game saw a series of errors and winners fron Dec’s racket
– the ball was either in the tin or was being fired into the nick.
It was even up until the last when 2 nick winners saw Dec take the
first 11/9. I
n the second game Dougie use of height at the wrong times allowed
Dec to start cutting down on the ball and produce a series of
winners to take the game 11/6. The third game saw Dougie better vary
the height of the ball, but a couple of careless errors towards the
end of the game saw Dec go from 8-9 down through to 11/9. Dec wins
3-0 11/9 11/6 11/9.
[7] James Earles (Eng) v Tim Weber (Ger)
Watching Tim play is always entertaining. He plays at fast tempo and
enjoys firing the ball into the front. He did this well in the first
as Earles tried to contain him. In the second Earles showed more
discipline and played more down Tim’s backhand. This strategy paid
dividend as he managed to squeeze the game 11/9.
The third saw a change from Tim as he started to hold the ball more
than the first 2 games, constantly sending James the wrong way. He
held 5 games balls and converted on the third attempt. In the fourth
Tim sustained a small back injury after a collision, and needed a
small injury break. James closed out the game when he returned to
court – Tim looking to be in some discomfort.
In the fifth Tim was clearly still struggling but despite this
managed to reel off a series of winners to go 6-4 ahead. James was
content to just extend the rallies, but the ball in the air and make
Tim do a lot of running. Inevitably James closed out the game and
the match 3-2 9/11 11/9 6/11 11/8 11/8.
[2] Ben Coleman (Sco) v Jamie Henderson (Sco)
A very entertaining high tempo match with loads of fast reactive
volleying, explosive retrieval, combined with excellent touch and
holds at the front from both players. Ben seemed to be the slightly
more comfortable at this pace, and just seemed to be able to play
the ball slightly tighter at this tempo. Ben won in 3 games 11/7
11/3 11/6.
Round One in Aberdeen
David Ireson reports
[1] Joel Hinds (Eng) v Will John (Wal)
Joel’s brightly coloured top clearly seemed to put Will off his
stride the first game quickly taking the first game 11/3. The second
game was much more competitive, with Will starting to use his holds
to good effect, faring Joel to do more retrieval. At 6-6 it was
noticeable that Joel straightened up his game earning himself 2 game
balls, converting the second – 11/9 Joel. Joel continued this into
the third leading all the way taking it 11/6.
[5] Kevin Moran (Sco) v Stuart Crawford (Sco)
There’s only one word to describe this match ‘BRUTAL’. Both players
were clearly aware of the importance of this match to decide how
many caps they get at the Euro’s in 2 weeks’ time. The first gave
lasted over 30 mins. The second saw much of the same, long rallies
and high class retrieval. Kevin edged this game because according to
a crowd source ‘he hit a few good nicks’.
Such was the quality of the retrieving from both players that
something had to change, Stuart started to vary his length with good
length mixed with short low kills. This variation saw him creep into
the lead and close out the game 11-6. By the fourth game it was
clear that Kevin was rattled, he started arguing move with the
referee over small things. Stuart could taste victory and used all
of his experience to frustrate his younger opponent. Only one match
ball required. 3-1 to Stuart.
[6] Dougie Kempsell (Sco) v RuiSoares (Por)
The first game was all about the front backhand. Dougie terrorised
Rui with ridiculously tight and short drops that Rui just couldn’t
get back. The second game saw Dougie slightly lose his way, making
uncharacteristic errors by playing unnecessary shots, and at 9-7
down it didn’t look good, however Dougie’s grit and determination
saw him tighten up coming through to take the game 12/10.Rui decided
to take the 3rd game to Dougie, hitting several nick winners and
going 7-4 up, but once again Dougie came back strong eventually
closing out the third 11/9.
[3] Declan James (Eng) v Paul Rawden (Eng)
The first game was all about the quality of Declan’s length – simply
standing on the corner of the service box and pushing Paul into the
corners of the court. The second game was much more even – Paul now
firing the ball into the front of the court causing Dec to do much
more movement.
At 9-7 to Paul there was a ‘late’ refereeing decision – which seemed
to annoy Paul, the crowd called a Dec comeback… Dec leads 2-0. The
3rd game was clinical. Dec not giving and inch and closed out the
game 11/4 and the match 3-0.
Tim Weber (Ger) bv [4] Nathan Lake (Eng)
This match was a see-saw match from the start with some unbelievable
retrieving from oth players right from the word go. Weber was
constantly firing in winners from nowhere particularly from the
forehand side of the court, in places this regular opening up of the
court made play erratic and scrappy, and resulted in the referee
being worked hard. IN the end the match could have gone either way,
but ended in Weber’s favour.
[7] James Earles (Eng) v Claudio Pinto (Por)
James’ slightly greater experience was always going to be beneficial
with Claudio newly trying to make the step up to senior squash. From
the start James looked the more solid of the players, playing steady
controlled squash, and forcing errors from his younger opponent.
Earles won in 3 straight games confortably.
[8] Micah Franklin (Ber) v Jamie Henderson (Sco)
Probably the patchiest match of the evening – Jamie playing some
sublime squash often backed up by frustrating cheap squash. A series
of well controlled rallies played with purpose and precision was
followed by several rallies where the ball was thrown into the front
and handed the court to his opponent.
Every time he did this Micah would hold him at the front and make
him work. Only Jamie’s speed and retrieving keeping him in the
rallies. Inevitably the match went to 2-2. In the 5th Jamie
realising that his fate was more in his hands than his opponents,
avoid the cheap squash displayed in the first 4 games and earned
himself 5 match balls, converting on the third.
[2] Ben Coleman (Eng) v Nick Mulvey (Eng)
Quite simply a volley-fest. Both players wanting to dominate the
middle of the court. Ultimately Ben’s slightly better ability to hit
straight when doing this resulted in him being able to command the
position far more of the time. Ben won in 3 comfortable games.
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More from Aberdeen SRC
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Qualifying Finals in Aberdeen
Taminder Gata-Aurastarted the first exactly the same way he finished
his first round qualifying match, playing accurate, tight drop shots
into the front backhand side of the court Jamie just managed to
sneak the first, but in the second Jamie just couldn’t get the drops
back. In the third games Jamie began to read the drop shot, and
started covering the front left using his speed advantage to apply
pressure and hold the ball at the front.
The fourth game saw a flurry of errors from both players, followed
by a series of outrageous frame / behind back winners. Into the
decider. In the fifth game Jamie clearly looked to expose Taminder’s
slightly slower movement, counter dropping at the front. Jamie’s
tactics worked eventually winning 11/9 3/11 11/4 9/11 11/7.
The second match of the evening was a fairly one sided affair.
Robert made every effort to retrieve the ball and attack straight to
limit Will’s options, however Will’s ability to take the ball into
the front of the court, would make Robert do too much work. Will won
in 3, 11/4 11/4 11/5.
The third match of the evening saw Stuart Crawford take on Chris
Shinnie. Their last 2 encounters was one sided with Stuart winning
3-0 and 3-1 and it looked to be going the same way when Stuart went
9-3 up in the first, however Chris battled back to 10-10 and had 2
game balls before Stuart closed the game out 14-12. Chris continued
this sweep of points in the taking the next 2 games 11-4 and 11-8.
Stuart managed to dig deep and call on all of his experience to win
the next 2 games 11-5 , 11-8, and commented afterwards “it was a
struggle”.
In the last match of the evening Nick Mulvey played Joe Green. Joe
had a tough qualifying match earlier in the day with Mick having a
relatively straightforward win. Inevitably Nick looked to extend the
rallies and put some work into the legs of Joe. Nick just managed to
pull away from Joe towards the end of every game winning 11/6 11/7
11/6.
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Preview
The inaugural TRAC Oil and Gas North of Scotland Championships
commences today with some tight competition expected as only 12
places in the world rankings separating the top 3 seeds.
The event features world #72 Joel Hinds (ENG) as No 1 seed for the
event. Joel will face some tough competition with world #82 Ben
Coleman (ENG), world #84 Declan James (ENG) making up the other top
3 spaces in the draw. The home challenge will come from world #125
Kevin Moran (SCO) and world #131 Douglas Kempsell (SCO).
The event will be hosted at Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club, and
is the first PSA event to be held in Scotland in over 10 years.
Mike Hegarty; Tournament Director, and ASRC Club Captain says:
“ASRC is proud to be in a position to host Scotland’s first PSA in
over 10 years. We are grateful to have support of a sponsor like
TRAC and hope to be able to develop this event into a regular
fixture on the PSA Calendar.
"The event comes at a particularly important time for squash in
Scotland, with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just around the
corner.”
Sam Peacock; TRAC Business Development Coordinator comments:
“TRAC Oil & Gas are proud to sponsor The North Of Scotland PSA Open and
bring world class squash once again to the North East of Scotland.
After several years without a PSA event in Scotland, seeing a return
is a boost for the squash community in Aberdeen and the North of
Scotland.
"Aberdeen is one of the main hubs for squash in Scotland and ASRC is
key to the North of Scotland. Hopefully this event will increase the
awareness of the sport not only in Aberdeen but throughout the whole
of Scotland and would be great to see the game evolving at a grass
roots level in schools and colleges.”
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