Sat, 04 May 2024 11:07:51 -0700WeeblyTue, 05 Mar 2019 08:18:49 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-mens-team-report-20182019Ordinarily I would write a report about the teams at the end of the season, April time, but this has been no ordinary season. The fate of all 3 men‘s teams has already been cast and little of it makes good reading.
To say it’s been an unfortunate season doesn’t quite cover it but here goes;
Before the players’ story there was the court situation. Days before the start of the season no heating, no believable explanations, belligerence and a season long battle for warmer courts.
Player wise early September 2018 looked reasonably healthy with 26 team players to call upon. The 1st team, in Division 1 had always sailed close to the wind with only a handful of players suited to Division 1 standards. The large number of well coached and very fit young players coming through Northumberland’s (Jesmond) Northern and Tynemouth’s third and fourth teams made it all the more challenging.
Days before the start of the season we lost James O’Neill from the first team line up. To be fair we were already aware that Jamie Morton was off to Primrose, our cold courts and their effect upon injuries being the main reason. So….. The 1st team were running with 4 instead of 6 which automatically placed a burden on the team below.
That team below had themselves lost a regular- Steve Goldie.
After only a few games played, 1st team player Andy Dolan fell to injury, team mate Tony Hedley soon followed- he was not to play for the rest of the season.
The 1st team soldiered on short of 2 sometimes 3 players, relying on 2nd and 3rd team members. Results were not good.
We have to bare in mind, the 2nd team are playing Division 4 squash, it’s quite a leap up to Division 1.
Meanwhile Dan Cusack’s 3rd team also had their woes.
Dan had high hopes of promotion this season but immediately lost his two top players, Gary Storey and Joe Race. Neither played much of the first half and declared their season over before Christmas.
The 2nd team made steady if not great progress and remained mid table while Ian Morton, myself and Peter Archbold effectively became tied to the 1st team by Christmas.
 
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Although we got a fresh start at the turn of the year in terms of nominations and playing ‘up’ it was clear that the 1st team were struggling. Chris Brock steadfastly insisted his team battle on however it was becoming increasingly difficult to get a team out, particularly when 2nd team players didn’t want to be tied and 3rd team players were not keen to play 10 minutes of murderous squash being on the receiving end of a mis-match. No disrespect but we can’t get away from the dynamics of our club. We have a fantastically enthusiastic group of players many whom are the wrong side of 40. Playing well coached 20 year olds is a big ask.
 
By the end of February, which is where we are now, the 3rd team are all but relegated. The 2nd team remain strictly mid to lower table but safe (Northumberland 3 and Chester-le-St running away with it- already promoted and 2 bottom teams virtually relegated)
With Chris Brock now also injured, a tennis elbow type injury and out for the season, it’s left Andy Dolan and Simon Long heading up the 1st team. Ian Morton and myself had already played twice, (3 times if you include a cup match) and Peter Archbold available for only one more game, the 1st team were doomed. Virtually all remaining team players were ’unavailable’ or honest enough to declare they were reluctant to play in Division 1, acutely aware of the hike in standard.
Dan Cusack and Martin Davison are perhaps the exception to this who had gone head first into the 1st team challenge.
With 5 fixtures still to play and no pool of players to draw upon it was an obvious decision to make to withdraw the 1st team from the Northumbria League.
It’s a real shame as well as the end of an era, we’ve had a 1st team in Division 1 (Premiere League for a number of years.) for a very long time.
 
There will be much to discuss before the start of next season but the anticipated outcome is that the 2nd team become the 1st and play in Division 2, the 3rds become the 2nds and play in Division 4. That will be tough.
Ironic since the 3rd team (of old) have been relegated to Division 6.
 
Andy Dolan and Tony Hedley have indicated they no longer wish to play team squash, I myself have to stop, the injuries and resulting day to day torture has to stop. I have to stop.
Chris Brock is looking to play in a stronger league so may play elsewhere.
Much can happen between now and September so watch this space however the club should continue to thrive. The club ladder is working well, once again a big thank you to Roland Smith who, despite retiring from playing the game, continues to run the league and website for us.
Look out for the closed competition to be arranged for April-ish.
I’ll look at where Easter falls and work the competition around that.
Ian Mc.
 
   
 

]]>Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:21:34 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-3rd-team-promotedConcordia 3rd Team PROMOTED!!

It must be said, but a great achievement from all who took part in this seasons campaign to secure promotion at the 5th time of asking. A massive thanks to everyone who had a part to play and played their part when called upon. Northern kept us on our toes for the last 3 months, so a great team effort when required, and a big thanks for any team member who played even when asked at very little notice. I think you'll agree that the win at Primrose in March was unlikely but showed that we were as good as the top team when it really mattered.
I'm looking forward to next season already with the same team again if you are all willing?? 
Dan Cusack

]]>Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:37:54 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/team-squash-updateTeam squash update.

Big big three games for the teams next week.

 

1st Team. Fighting against relegation from Div1. We're away to Eldon1 on Thursdsy night. Eldon look most likely to Join Northern3 in going down, but a poor result for Concordia will  make it a huge struggle for rest of sesson. Possibly the biggest game of the season. 
 
2nd Team. Also getting dragged into a possible relegation battle, they're away to fellow strugglers Sunderland3 on Wednesday night. Sunderland are 7 points behind with a game in hand. A big result for breathing space required
 
3rd Team. Really pushing for promotion. They have possibly their biggest game of the season against Northern6, also on Wednesday, at home. Northern are a point ahead with the same games played. Good luck Dan and your team. Following the 2nd teams promotion last year, would be really good to see Concordia have 2 promotions in 2 seasons.
 
Good luck all teams. If you're not playing, would be good to see any members turn up to show support, home or away, at these big games.
Ian

]]>Mon, 17 Apr 2017 12:33:32 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-squash-20162017-season-reviewThings looked promising at the start of the new season with the floors and court temperatures pretty much sorted. The club leagues looked as good as ever with 60+ players.

Unclean courts and disruptive youths jaded things somewhat, the centre always has that ability to throw in something to unsettle us squash players.
The 1st team looked to have an uphill battle to hang on in Division 1 with Simon Long unavailable. As it happened that changed by October and Simon played enough matches to keep the team in with a shout. The struggle was exacerbated with my own personal woes. Medial knee ligament damage early December put me out for the season which meant Ian Morton had to step up and that had a knock-on effect with the 2nd team. Steve Goldie and Mark Livingstone were also casualties which meant they too missed much of their 2nd team season.
 
For the 1st team it came to the final match to avoid relegation- home to Northern 3. Great performances from Jamie Morton and Andy Dolan secured the necessary points after solid work from Tony Hedley and Simon. Phew.
I owe a great deal of gratitude to Ian Morton who wore many hats this season keeping things on track for 2 teams. Thanks Ian.
 
Despite loosing 4 key players, the 2nd team only just missed out on promotion. They too had a final match in April as a decider.
Unfortunately the team they faced were their Nemesis- Northern Juniors. The juniors had already beaten them first half and also knocked them out of the cup.
Chris Brock, Nick Fecitt and Pete Archibold were the backbone of this outfit, losing very little with Stella performances from Dan Cusack and Peter Irlam playing up. Martin Davison also did well, punching well above his weight.
Difficult to decide who gets the most improved player this year, Martin or the hugely entertaining Peter Edney who, while playing handicap squash has been devastating. (More later)
 
The men’s 3rd team looked to have a good squad with 10 to 12 players potentially available. As ever that wasn’t always the case. Promotion was an outside possibility at the halfway stage but that faded during January and February’s fixtures. Mid table was the end result. All to play for next season.

]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:12:53 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/1st-team-newsMen's 1st's.
The men's 1st team held out last season and began the new one still in Division 1 of the Northumbria League. It started badly with the news that Simon Long, a regular number 3 for many years, was no longer available to play. Fortunately after the first game that changed.
The opening game, at home, was against Sunderland 2 in late September. A 3-2 win was a welcome start. A second home tie, this time against Northumberland ended in a 1-4 defeat however this was virtually our second team filling in. Chris Brock put in a great performance to beat Sarah Oswald, no disrespect to Chris but any form book would say this was a very unlikely result. Good squash.
Two further away fixtures, Northern 3 and Chester-le-Street saw a mixed bag, 3-2 win and 1-4 defeat respectively. 
The fixtures have not fallen kindly so far and the team have not been at there strongest but with Simon back, the ship should be steadied. 
A special mention to Mark Livingstone who has turned out for the 1st team twice now, changing arrangements and at short notice. An invaluable contribution to our team effort.
Next home fixture is on 10th November, come along and support the team. (other home games are 15th Nov' and 1st Dec')
Ian Mc
]]>Thu, 24 Mar 2016 22:29:34 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-3-vs-dunston-3

Well that’s the last game played and we finished third bottom. Considering we have not had a full team out all season I thought we did well. Just want to take this chance to thank the 3rdteam and reserves for their time and effort this season. 
A big thank you to Elliot who is going to be one to watch in the future, its great watching the young lads getting the chance to play team squash.
3rd team night out is in the planning we will sort out the wooden spoon this season as I am sick of looking at it. Just to keep everyone up to date with next season some good news Dan Cusack has stood up to the mark and is taking on the position of 3rd team captain. Well done Dan. Again thanks lads and roll on next season.

]]>Thu, 10 Mar 2016 21:30:25 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-vs-boldonConcordia Vs.  Boldon
 
The first game had Keith Grey playing at 5 against Colin Dumble. Due to the lack of heat on the courts both players struggled to play any rallies but the first game was won by Keith 15 – 13. Colin started to get his eye in and took the next game 15 -11. Keith struggled with his fitness and Colin took the next two games 15 -11 and 15 – 09. Well done to both players good effort lads.
 
Next up was Chris Brock playing at 2 against the experienced Barry Turnbull. The game started at a quick pace, but Chris struggled initially against the resilient Barry, who for the most part, retrieved everything Chris threw at him, Barry took the first game 15-12. The second game saw Chris get into his stride, and with some good consistent length, comfortably took it 15-13. In the 3rd game, Barry upped his tempo as the match started to be a little tempestuous, Barry must of had the strong win by Chris in the away game firmly on his mind, both players not giving away much, but again, Barry took the game 15-14. With his foot off the gas, Chris took the 4th quite comfortably as Barry looked to be tiring a bit, Chris won that game 15-14. The 5th was quite fraught with both players not wanting give anything away, Chris's youth and fitness started to pay off as Barry seemed to give up the fight, Chris eventually won 15-13, a great game to watch with a strong marking from Dan. Apologies to Boldon for the state of the courts, "Work in Progress" is what it's called, I think?? 
 
The next match of the evening was Joe Race playing at 1 against Bobbie Aitchison. The first game was quite close but Joe ending up taking it 15-13. In the second game the conditions of the court (dirty floor & lack of heat) started to frustrate Bobbie & he 'lost his head' a little bit & Joe ended up taking the game 15-3. The third game saw Bobbie keep his cool a bit more but Joe's fitness & speed to the ball saw him take the third game 15-11.
 
Next up was Mark Knott playing at 3 against Tony Aitchison, when I say playing I use the word sparingly. Tony won the first game 15 -08 without any real effort. The second game was not much better as we watched Tony win again 15 – 12 and finally the third game was won again by Tony 15 -05. Mark was out played by a better player leaving a big task ahead for the rest of the team.
Well played Tony and sorry about the courts.
 
The last match of the night was played by Dan Cusack who was playing Craig Myers. The first game we watched Dan win quite convincingly 15 – 06. Craig decided to make a match of it and come back to win 15 – 08. Dan played well but lost the next game 15 – 14 with Dan being down 2 games to 1 it looked like it was all over. Fortunately Dan had other ideas and won the next game 15 – 11.
This left the final game deciding who would take the 5 extra points for the team win.
Dan was playing well but Craig was not sitting back and both players ended on 14 -14 the last point had Concordia holding their breath as the points could be the difference between staying in league 6 or being dropped to league 7. Dan kept his cool and won the final point.
Well done to both players on a really entertaining game.
Big apologies to Boldon as the courts were cold and not up to standard.
]]>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:23:49 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-3-vs-primrose-2First game we watched Elliot Harrison who was playing against John Gallagher experience played a big part in this match as Elliot lost 15- 04, 15 – 06, and 15 – 04 the courts were excellent but this did not help as Elliot struggled to keep the ball down. This was great experience for Elliot who was not 100% due to not playing for a while.
Next up was Mark Knott who was playing John Burns this was very similar as the last game we watched as Mark was beaten 15 – 10, 15 – 09 then 15 – 07 Mark struggled to get in to his game and John took full advantage of this well done John who played a solid confident game.
The next game was played by Andy Lawrence his opponent was Steve Dodds this was one to watch as Andy struggled to get the match to 2 games each. The final game was gripping as it was 14 – 14 we watched as Steve played a great shot in to the corner leaving Andy wondering how he did not win the match. Well done lad’s great match to watch. Keep your chin up Andy you played really well.
The next game was Keith Grey who was playing Jackie Abbott we watched again as Jackie won the first game 15 -07 Keith played well but lost the next game 15 -14 the final game had Jackie winning 15 – 12 well done lads.
The final game had Chris Brock who was playing against Dave King the first game was taken by Dave 15 – 10 but this was not an easy win. The next game again was won by Dave 15 -13 a very good match to watch. The final game again ended Dave winning 15 – 09 this was a hard match leaving Chris feeling empty.]]>Sun, 13 Dec 2015 17:58:11 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/ashington2vs-concordia-3


First up was Dan Cusack his opponent Simon Broatch unfortunately Dan was carrying an injury and struggled to stay in the match. 9-15, 8-15 and 5-15 Thanks for giving it a go Dan. Sadly Dan will be out of the squash scene for 4-5 weeks while he recovers from his injury.

Next up was Mark Knott his opponent Dave Middleton. The first game saw Mark lose 14 – 15 but came back to win 15 – 06 at 1-1 the next game was really important Mark battled to win 15 – 09. Mark thought it was in the bag till Dave knuckled down and won the next game 12- 15. At 2 – 2 this was turning in to a great match the final game saw Mark win convincingly with a 15 -11 Victorypressure was on mind.

Next we watched Keith Grey battle against Nigel Philips. The first game saw Nigel lead 14 – 9 only to lose 15-14 after Keith battled back. The next game was exactly the same again 14 – 9 only to watch Keith battle back to win 15 -14. Not sure what was said to Nigel but he won the following three games 5-15, 10-15 then finally 06-15. 

Next to play was Elliot Harrison and Bob Henderson  The first game was evenly matched as Elliot won 15-09 but Bob’s experience saw him win the next three games 11 -15, 08 -15 and 13 -15 well done Elliot and Bob this was a good match to watch.

The final match we watched Chris Brock and his opponent Phil Gebhard the first game saw Chris win 15 -10 and then 15 -09 Phil picked up the pace and played some excellent squash to come back and win 14 -15 but Chris was a lot younger and fitter and this showed in the final game as Chris won 15 -08. Great games to watch lads well done to you both.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2015 08:58:18 GMThttp://concordiasquashclub.co.uk/team-news/concordia-3rd-v-consett-4   Mark Knott  was up first to play against Peter Tamworth Peter won the first game 15-14 and then 15 -08 Mark came back to win 15-14 but only just as peter played a great drop at 14-14 but Mark was ready and was waiting to play a great finish. The following game had Mark smashing his new racket after trying to get one of Peters shots back from the corner, Peter played well winning the fourth game and winning over all 3-1.
   The following game had Keith Grey playing against Steve Toal the first game was won by Steve 15-09 which was very competitive. The following two games were close with Keith losing 15-13 then 15-13 again. Unfortunately Keith’s boast did not help him tonight.
   That was Cramlington down two games now and we needed Rob Owen to take the next game which was against Phil Nodding. The first game was won by Phil 15-10 playing some good squash. Rob came back to win the second game 15-12 this was turning in to a real battle. Phil came back to win the next game 15-11, now it was Robs chance to turn on the magic and come back with a great win unfortunately Rob lost again. Rob was now down 2-1 and Dan had a chat with Rob passing on some technical advice before his next game, this looked like Rob was going to come back but due to Rob playing a league game before the team game he lost the final game 15-07. Well done Rob good effort.
   Next up was Andy Lawrence he was playing against Colin Ripley, the first game was a good battle we watched Andy win 15-11 this was looking like Andy had it in the bag. Think again Colin won the next three games 15-08, 15-10 and 15-09 “WHAT HAPPENED ANDY” well done Colin great come back.
   The final game had Dan Cusack playing against Mike Farley the first game was won by Dan 15-12 then the second 15-13 this was it Dan was going to save Concordia some face, unfortunately Mike had other ideas he won the next game 15-13 then battled to win again 15-13. This set the final game up to be a real battle but Mike was feeling the pressure and Dan came across the stronger player winning 15-06. Well done to both lads this was a good match to watch and a special thanks to Dan who got us a vital 3 points.
   Thanks go out to Consett 4 who played some good squash and great team play we are already looking forward to the rematch lads.


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