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Last November 2008, OM squash ended a successful first season as runners-up in the Londonderry Cup. To get that far we’d overcome St. Paul’s (5-0), Marlborough (5-0) and Eton (4-1). The final was against defending champions Norwich School who on the night proved too strong for our team regulars of Theo Woodward (1998-2004; Day) Tim Richards (1995-1997; Day), Stuart Farrar (1978-1981; Northfields), Joss Hargrave (1998-1993; Millfield) and myself. The RAC was a fitting venue, and the match was played in great spirit.
Our second season has gone as well as our first. As part of the OM reunion weekend in June 2009 we went back to school and played against what must be one of the strongest ever squads. Joey Barrington (1992-1997; Day) (recovering from injury) had a very friendly game of mixed doubles against Mohamed El Shorbagy (2006-2009; Day) who retired hurt at a crucial point in the third when he got hit in the eye by a (friendly!) ball. Marcus Hayes (1992-1997; Millfield) (a valuable new addition to our cup squad), Theo and myself played some singles matches (a bit hazy but I think we all lost) and we then lost a mixed doubles to Mohamed's young brother (aged 15) who looked unbelievably good. Ross Bryant (1984-1988; Keen’s Elm) and Ian Thomas (1986-1990; Day) full time Millfield squash organiser/coach renewed long established competitive rivalries as soon as they stepped on court, and various young family members of OMs crawled their way around the gym equipment whilst the happy afternoon of squash was played out. It was great to see and chat with the legendary Jonah Barrington about the game, sport, life etc, and the day was rounded off when we joined other OMs for drinks and with the school’s new Headmaster, followed by dinner. Thanks very much to Marian for organising the match, which we have every intention of repeating.
Since June, we’ve been back on court in this year’s Londonderry Cup and beaten University College School (5-0) and Sherborne (3-2), thanks to Theo, Stuart and Joss, in a very close quarter-final. Our semi-final opponents are Marlborough, and if we repeat last year’s win we’re seeded to play Norwich again in the final. We can’t wait. Any OMs out there who fancy they could win at no. 1 in the final please give me a call!
“Bouncing Back From the Brink”
This was the title of a lengthy article in the Birmingham Post in January 2009 concerning Joey Barrington (1985-97; Edgarley and Day). The article lengthily described Joey’s alcoholic and drug downward spiral although, with the help of his father, Jonah, a British sporting icon, he was able to turn his life around, to graduate with a 2:1 in 2001 and, then, follow his dream of becoming a squash professional. He joined the Professional Squash Association in January 2002 and broke into the top 30 players in the world in less than 3 years. He is currently ranked 32 in the world but has been as high as 24. His dream is to break into the top 10.