Page 57 - Old Malvernian Newsletter - Issue 43 - 2020

OM SPORT
Squash
For the third year running the ageing (but- young-at-heart-and-mind) OMs and friends gathered at Dartington Squash and Racketball Club. As in previous years, the sun shone brightly on a beautiful hot summer’s day and our thoughts no longer simply wondered ‘’Why are we doing this? ’’ but.....‘’Is there a hospital nearby? ’’!
It was pleasing to see familiar faces committed to the game despite injuries past and present: David Shawe (Dartington), Darius Randeira (Dartington), David Franks (6.70-74), Colin McKenzie(8.55-60), John Elford (7.64- 69), Guy Davies (6.60-63) Sam Balsdon (Dartington) and Philip Shaw-Hamilton (3. 65- 70)
Colin McKenzie (apologies for slipping in a typo last year and calling him Guy!) had shoulder surgery earlier in the year, albeit on the non-playing arm, but causing discomfort whilst playing. John Elford has been suffering on and off for months with sciatica but still plays a mean game of real tennis at Bridport! Sam Balsdon (Dartington) had a groin strain but was keen to play his 3990th recorded game. (Some of you may recollect that he is in The Guinness Book of Records for the most verifiable games played...and he has chalked up 323 games since we saw him last year!) And finally Martin Bartlett-Judge (Dartington) had to pull out owing to injury just a few days before.
Neither David Franks, Guy nor I could muster any excuses between us so play commenced at 3.00pm on Monday.
David Franks had had a wonderful battle last year beating Sam Balsdon so a rematch was on the cards. But despite David’s best efforts and athleticism he couldn’t quite suppress the extraordinary determination of Sam who chalked up a win this year.
Colin and John had a gentleman’s agreement to be kind to one another, have a game with good grace and humour, and more importantly, with the objective of surviving to play another day!
Guy and Philip went into play with a head- to-head of one match apiece from the two previous years. Battle commenced with both players giving it their all. I’m not good at remembering the scores (particularly when I lose!) but each of the games went the distance, and then after an hour and at 2-2....Guy produces a succession of the most sublime, accurate, deft lobs over Philip’s forehand to drop into the back corners like cow pats to take the fifth game and the match! This from a man aged 721⁄2yrs against a youngster of 671⁄2yrs! (the half years being very important!)
That evening we had a lovely meal at No.7 Fish Bistro and Wine Bar in Torquay. With WAGS there were fifteen of us and the food and company were excellent. I had forgotten of course, that Guy doesn’t drink (hence his brilliant squash) but the rest of us made up for that.
The next morning was our own time and I thoroughly recommend Totnes, Dartington Hall Estate, and all points down the Dart estuary to Dartmouth. Beautiful countryside, chocolate-box villages and no-end of nice
places to eat and drink.
We all met back at the club 3.00pm sharp including two new players: David Shawe and Darius Randeira, both from Dartington. Again it was a hot day but all participants were keen to play. David Franks was determined to get one back on Sam....but went down 2/1 (best of three due the heat)...Sam literally threw himself around the court and had to lie down for many minutes afterwards. What would the result have been if David had insisted on best of five? We’ll never know! John, Colin and David Shawe had a mix around and Philip played the hard-hitting Darius. Philip took the first game but lost the next two to some very accurate serves and drops. With some not inconsiderable effort and drain on resources Philip took the fourth and into yet another five- setter. Energy levels from both players were falling fast but Darius succumbed first, much to Philip’s relief.
To round off the afternoon Guy and Philip had three games of racketball. Why? Because we wanted to remind ourselves why squash is the better game!
Thanks must go to Guy for organising the two days and first class venues for meals. Totnes and the surrounds are really delightful and worth frequent visits.
Long may it continue - so, any OMs of 60 yrs and older...contact me at philipshawhamilton@ gmail.com for next year’s bash!
Philip Shaw-Hamilton
Old Malvernian Newsletter | 57