January's ITL - How are the Teams Holding Up?

January ITL – Rhythm & Blues break out from the pack!

New year, same fantastic ITL, as 39 members of Reigate Squash Club came together to play out the fourth round of this season’s competition, and to try and break apart the three-way deadlock at the top of the table. Rediculous 5, with the ground to gain, took on the fearsome Green Machine, whilst title holders Rhythm & Blues sought to put early season leaders Mellow Yellows back in their box.

An early battle of the Steve’s saw Lewis take on Cobby, the former taking the points for the Greens three games to one, a repeat of an encounter the two had just three days earlier! Mike Pinggera the very senior drove home the Green early advantage by defeating sadly handicap-less Richard Allum in straight games. For those who like their squash to be ‘uncompromising’, court C was the place to be, as Kevin Uphill took advantage of a handy-cap to take out Coleen Cloherty, yet another early win for the Greens. Paul McKay restored a little of Red’s bruised pride by beating Ginger Pap at racketball 3-1 on court D.

Time to get the other teams in on the act, methinks. Mike Parsons, showing no ill effects from his polar expedition to northern climes, got the Blue’s ball rolling by defeating corporate member Neil Chapman in straight games. Meanwhile, the one and only corporate ringer, Colin Woods, did it yet again, breaking down Yellow’s ‘investment in youth’ strategy, Freddie Jenkins, in straight games. After an early scare, Richard ‘two pints’ English got to grips with the handicap put up against him in his battle with Darren Mackay, giving the Yellows some early hope, with a 3-1 win. Blue’s Jonathan Hart took on Mark Peters in a marathon match, which threatened to spill over into the February and March ITL’s, but there was an eventual winner, Jonathan winning in five.

Time for the squash showcase matches. In Wayne’s absence, Blue’s Joe Ales had been given a stiff challenge at the top of the order as he took on Matt Jones, albeit with a helpful handicap. Taking full advantage, he managed to win 3-2 – great win that! Stuart Hibbert, proudly sporting his new Red colours (sweatshirt, t shirt, shoes – good effort!), came up against the Green’s Ollie Dredge, who made the no. 1 spot his own (careful Alan!), winning the tie in five high quality games. Meanwhile, in racketball world, Martin Howe scored a good Green win in five against Paul McCallum, whilst Andy Catford secured a straight games win for the Reds against Jim May.

That pesky Mike Parsons turned up again on court to beat Colin Waite in three straight racketball games, proving his worth to this Blue team. Sue Denman secured her inaugural ITL win by beating Jim May 3-1 in an all Yellow encounter. Stef Loucaides was game but unable to take advantage of his generous juicy handicap, with Olly Smith winning a straight game encounter for the Reds. Jono Smith revelled in his surprising handicap advantage (computer says ‘yes’!), beating fellow 4th teammate Peter Knee 3-1.

John Miles played well in an effort to take advantage of his sizeable handicap, but Mark Skinner was steady making sure the Reds stayed afloat with a 3-1 win. Ed Chapman beat Maggie May three games to one, another Green win, and then immediately secured another by beating ITL debutant Tom Bushell in straight games. Meanwhile Paul McCallum kept the Blue’s momentum going by beating Ginger Pap in three straight racketball games. Sue Denman, fortified by a glass of wine (don’t try this at home, kids), was unable to see through the haze, as she lost to Thomas Dalton in straight games. Colin Waite then took over and won a straight-games tie against Thomas.

Welcome ITL returnee Chris Stockman brought home the final rashers of bacon for the Blues in beating Guy Stedman 3-1 (with or without handicap!). And the evening was finished off with a couple of racketball doubles matches, which went to the Greens in the guise of Stef and Matt Dwyer, and to the Blues, represented by the ever-present Mike Parsons and Paul McCallum.

A stonking victory for Rhythm & Blues sees them take control of the top of the table. However, with two rounds of the ITL season to go, the Green Machine are still handily placed for an upset. Mellow Yellows had a difficult time on court(s), yet still retained third place, but Rediculous 5 are only two points away from lifting themselves off the bottom of the table.

All to play for in the penultimate round, on Friday 20th February. Be there or be square!