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Double Londonderry Cup Wins for OM Squash Club

Steve Illingworth (1978-80; Chindit), Captain

It’s been another great year for OM squash with two Londonderry Cup wins during 2011.

2009-10

At the start of the year in January it was third time lucky as we beat Norwich in the 2009-10 final. In the two previous years, we had reached the final only to miss out both times to a decent Norwich side, led by the experienced Cowie brothers, so it was good to get the better of them. Matt Peakman (1987*-95; Day) had come into the team playing at no 5 and put us 1-0 nil up in the final with a solid 3-1 win in a match that probably proved the crucial win of the night. Joss Hargrave (1988-93; Millfield), playing at no 4, lost a tough match 1-3, before Tim Richards (1995-97; Day) put us 2-1 up with a convincing 3-0 win over Marcus Cowie at no 2. Theo Woodward (1998-2004; Day) played a very exciting match at no 3 which could have gone either way, but in the end just lost out 9-7 in the fifth. With the match balanced at 2-2, the deciding string was played by Peter Marshall (1986-87; Shapwick) (former world no 2). The match was never in doubt as Peter, in a different class to his opponent Stuart Cowie, gave a commandingly good performance from the start. He won the match 3-0, to give us a well deserved overall victory 3-2.

2010-11

The 2010-11 tournament followed on straightaway and was played during the summer. Wins in the early rounds against Wellington, Winchester and Harrow led to the final against Old Etonians at the RAC Club on a warm evening at the end of September. In a class performance by all the team we won the final without dropping a game. The core of the side was the same as the previous year, although Joss wasn’t playing this year and Rhodri Hughes (1998-2003; Keen’s Elm) came in to play at no 5 string. All matches were won comfortably, the most impressive effort being Tim’s win at no 2 where he dropped just one point in the match. A very professional performance all round to put our name on one of the oldest trophies in squash for a second time.Two Teams?

So we’re now aiming for a hat-trick of wins, and, looking further ahead, we’re hoping to be able to enter two teams from next year. That raises the prospect of an all-Millfield final! To that end, it would be fantastic if we could build up our squad list, so if anyone is at all interested or would like to know more I’d be very happy to have a chat. Please drop me an email at stephen.illingworth@lawcol.co.uk with an indication of current standard.

Finally, thanks to all the team members for a great effort throughout all the season, including Tom Crosthwaite (2000-05; Keen’s Elm) and Nick Brothers (1994*-2001; Shapwick) (now busy hockey training for the Olympics) who also played for the team this year and to Stuart Farrar (1978-81; Northfield) (England squash veteran) and Andrew Castle (1976-79; Day) (well known for his TV appearances and tennis shots!) who put in appearances last year. Finally, a special mention for England squash employee, Theo Woodward, who travelled down to London from Manchester on four occasions to play in matches – excellent commitment much appreciated by the skipper.We’re all very much looking forward to trying to make it three wins in a row.
 

Marwan follows his brother Mohamed to World Squash Honours

Two years after his older brother, Mohamed (2006-09; Great) won the title for the second time,  Marwan El Shorbagy (2007-11; Great) clinched the 2011 WSF Men's World Junior Individual Squash Championship crown at the Flemish Squash Centre in the Belgian town of Herentals on 18th July.

Marwan and Mohamed are the first brothers in the sport's history to win world individual titles.

To read more and for a photo of Marwan, click here
 

OM Squash Glory!

On Friday 21st January, Millfield emerged victorious against old rivals Norwich in the final of the Londonderry Cup Tournament, held at the RAC Club, Pall Mall.

The team was::

Peter Marshall (1986-87; Shapwick)
Tim Richards (1995-97; Day)
Theo Woodward (1998-2004; Day)
Joss Hargrave (1988-93; Millfield)
Matt Peakman (1987*-95; Day)
Non playing Captain - Steve Illingworth (1978-80; Chindit)

OMs for World Championships

Congratulations to Joel Hinds (2003-05; Millfield) for winning gold at the World Universities Squash Championships in Australia last summer.

Peter Creed (2001-05; Joan's Kitchen) and  Emma Chorley (2004-06; Day, Eagle) were other members of the team which reclaimed the team title for Great Britain. They are all pictured left.

Emma is playing sem-professional squash on the Women's Professional Tour (WISPA). In April, she reached the final of the British Under 23 National Championships, having in February reached the semi-final of a Pro-Tour Tournament in Poland, in which she beat the world number 30.

 To read more, click here:-