Concordia's junior section started in earnest in April 2014 and after their first full year there is much to be excited about.Of the original line up one or two have found other interests or decided squash was just not for them, however with those who remained and with new players giving it a go, the junior section is at 15 strong, all very keen to improve.Aaron Dunwoody, Josepth Oeting, James and Adam Rowe, Callum Garland, Luke Fecitt, Curtis Pogson and Dean Fitzpatrick have all made tremendous progress and have taken part in several County 'Dunlop Challenge' events around the region.There is no doubt that the competitive environment and the knowledge they were representing their club lifted their efforts and all gave very good account of themselves.Some of our juniors are now in the senior leagues and it's only a matter of time before they begin to climb the ladder as they improve.Saturday morning coaching will continue until the end of June with a break during July and August primarily because of holiday commitments. The 4pm Wednesday session will also continue, again breaking for July and August. Ian McAllister. May 2015
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Concordia Squash Club's Christmas Bash 2014 took place on Friday 5th December where many players took the opportunity to team up and fight for their name on the Handicap Trophy.
A new team in the event took the spoils with a magnificent effort dropping just 2 points throughout. Walton's Wanderers get their name on the trophy, they were Andrew Walton, Findlay Mclean and Kelvin Duffy; all 3 gave 100% commitment up against strong opponents and they never gave up. I can't repeat what was said when they were told of their win, needless to say they were surprised. Mustang and Hacks were a close 2nd with 123 points (Sally 'Mustang' Faulkner, Andy Dolan and Ian McAllister) Other scores were Roland's Old Un's- 119 points, Hit for Brains-114, Cunning Stunts- 103 and the Miss Hits-102. There was a great turnout and the night was a success I think. Thank you to those who marked games whether they played or not and special thanks to Andy Dolan and Keith Grey who spent much time on court covering for injured players ensuring everyone had a bash. The squash was followed by a few beers in Concordia bar and then across to the village for some more with a lively curry to finish. Look out for the next Team Handicap competition early 2015. 
 Ian McAllister, Coach The junior section had it's early beginnings in April of this year and despite the summer break has been running most Saturday
mornings since then. We have a group of enthusiastic young players who have already shown much improvement in the short time they have been playing and look forward to the new season. The junior leagues at Concordia have begun as of 12th September with a few weeks in that month for the players to get used to the format. The first competitive league session will be from 1st October. Looking ahead, we hope to field a junior squash team in the monthly Northumbria County leagues where they will get the opportunity to play against other clubs. Junior coaching starts at 10am on Saturday mornings and is open to anyone over the age of 9 years who wants to give it a go. Please Contact Ian McAllister 07748653489 or emaiI [email protected] befocoming along. It's always useful to have an idea of numbers to plan the sessions. Concordia Squash Players,
The latest team Handicap final took place on Wednesday 23rd July 2014. There was going to be a new name on the trophy after Gangnam Style were beaten in the semi finals. The Mishits, also former winners were up against a very determined Bruno's Mob. A battle for 3rd and 4th places was also enacted with Bill's Bashers up against Roland's Old Un's. Andy Wally put in a great effort to hold off a very fit and speedy Mark Knott who very nearly overturned a hefty handicap. With two of the games ending 21-20, Mark only dropped a single point for his team. Well done to both players who provided some great entertaining rallies. The young Joe Race for the Bashers was just too strong for Peter Brewis winning 21-15, 21-16. Finally the 2 captains went head to head. Roland had a huge task in overturning Bill Johnson's +11 handicap. A good humoured but competitive match saw Bill take the win and secure the 3rd place for his team. In the final itself Peter Irlam showed grit and determination to beat Dave Hall. First blood to Bruno's Mob. Chris Brock leading the Mishits was up against Bruno himself and lost 2-0 in a closely fought match with many long rallies which could have gone either way. Last on was one of our up and coming stars for the future, Mark Coxon who played Ian McAllister. With +7 against -12 handicap Mark needed to finish the rallies without errors while Ian played very conservative squash to slowly eat away the backlog. Ian won 21-20, 21-15. Bruno's Mob with a 3-0 win (Vive la Resistance) have their name on the trophy. Look out for the next team event September/October time, get yourself a team of 3 and enter, it's a great way to see everyone in the club and play different players on level terms. Don't forget the club AGM on Thursday 31st July, 7.30pm at Concordia Bar. Please come along. Ian Mc Update from Roger Biggs
[email protected] Comment Update for those interested in Mick Biggs progress on the masters circuit. Mick learnt to play squash at Concordia and is grateful for all the help and encouragement he received as a youngster. Over 35 Masters 2 England international caps Semi-final British Closed 2014 Final British Open 2014 Semi-final World Championships Hong Kong This is how the teams came out:-
Gangnam Style v Bruno's Mob The Mishits v Bill's Bashers Cunning Stunts v Roland's Old Uns. A good turn out produced some good squash when 6 teams battled for the privilege of playing in the final on Wednesday 23rd July 2014. The Mishits went through with 119 points with outright wins by Chris Brock turning over his mentor Bill Johnson and Dave Hall proving too strong for an up and coming star for the future Gary Storey. Mark Coxon fought well to secure the other 35 points for the Mishits. Bruno's Mob were only 1 point behind to take the other final spot with wins by Ian McAllister and Bruno with Peter Irlam contributing a valuable 34 points. It was really good to see some new faces in the club, all with potential to strengthen our leagues and our teams. There will be a play off for 3rd and 4th place to run alongside the final on 23rd July, that means an encounter between Bill's Bashers and Roland's Old Un's. 6.40pm start. Come along and support the event. Enjoy your squash Ian Mc Friday night finals night. Chris Brock and Mark Knott have both showed much improvement this season and they provided a thoroughly entertaining match in the B competition final. Chris went 2-0 up playing some textbook length ball giving Mark little chance to respond. At 2-0 Chris seemed to tire and Mark clawed his way back. 3-2 to Mark in the end but there is no doubt Chris has taken a step up with his squash. A great match to watch. The A final saw Tony Hedley prove to be too strong for Jamie Morton. Jamie couldn't produce the boast nicks as he did in the semi final and unlike that semi Tony picked up Jamie's ferocious forehand drives keeping Jamie in the backhand corner much of the game. 3-0 to Tony. That's Tony's 7th title. A great record. Thank you to all who helped mark games throughout the week, a great turnout this year. Watch out for a 3 man mini league handicap early June for thosewho want to play through the summer. Ian Mc  4 great games last night to make it an interesting Friday finals night.
Mark Knott's strength was his speed around the court and he managed to wear down Rob Owen to win 3-1 in the first of the B competition matches. In the other match Nick Fecitt was simply too good for Chris Brock despite the improvement Chris has shown this season. Nick however couldn't make the final and forfeited the match. Chris and Mark should provide a good B final. In the 'A' competition Tony Hedley overhauled Steve Goldie with a comfortable 3-0 win playing steady and controlled squash. The last game saw Jamie Morton beat Ian McAllister 3-1 with every game won by small margins. Jamie's nicks and ferocious forehand drives were simply too good on the night. If Jamie can replicate this form the A final should be a real spectacle. Please come along and support the event. 6.40pm start. Ian Mc The 2nd round of the A competition took place last night
(Tuesday 29th) with one or two players showing signs of a hard season. Keith Gray was once again (isn't he always) up against Tony Hedley. 3-0 to Tony. Peter Irlam was stuck in Leeds so Rory Whaling with a bye now has to face Tony in the quarters. Dan Cussack showed how his team squash this season has seen his game go from strength to strength, he beat Robin Ritchie 3-0. Some great squash from Steve Goldie and Ian Morton was the tie of the night with Ian well bandaged up. Steve went through 3-2. Although the last match of the night, Dave Hall narrowly lost to Jamie Morton, another great match. Mark Livingstone beat John Ormsby (a battle of the blasters) Bruno Gaultier beat Les Carr and Ian McAllister beat Paul Blakely. Tonight Dan will face Steve Goldie, Jamie Morton will play Mark Livingstone and Bruno will play Ian McAllister. The B competition got off to a shaky start with a number of no shows. Although injured, Graeme Sneddon put up a valiant fight to narrowly loose to Dave Mcrae. Rob Owen's opponent couldn't make it, thanks to Rob who stayed and marked games all night. Mark Knott beat Paul Scott, Nick Fecitt was too strong for Peter Edney, Martin Davison just pipped Chris Brock and Andrew Pattison won the family battle over his Dad who kindly stood in at the last minute (another no show) With only 5 out right winners I needed 3 highest scoring losers to go through to make the last 8, these were Chris Brock (62pts) Paul Scott (52pts and Don Pattison (52 pts) Bill Johnson will be doing the draw for the B' tonight at 6pm, potentially there could be some re-matches, depends how the names come out. Even if not playing, come along. Ian Mc Ex Concordia player Mick Biggs [now Surrey based] reached the semi finals in the "over 35" Nationals that were held in Manchester in February. Mick has also been chosen to represent England O35's in the home internationals to be held in Cardiff this weekend - the 25th /26th April! - results can be found at www.englandsquashmatters.co.uk
The draw for the competition took place at Concordia bar on Sunday 6th April, thank you to Derek Railston for pulling the names, adjudicated by Jim Bell.
Tony Hedley v Bye Keith Grey v Andy Pattison Mark Knott v Peter Irlam Paul Scott v Rory Whaling Daniel Monera v Robin Ritchie Graeme Sneddon v Dan Cussack Steve Goldie v Nick Fecitt Ian Morton v Bye Jamie Morton v Bye Andrew Walton v Dave Hall Peter Edney v John Ormsby Rob Owen v Mark Livingstone Bruno Gaultier v Chris Brock Martin Davison v Les Carr Dave McRae v Paul Blakely. Ian McAllister v Bye I have all 3 courts booked so the first three matches listed above will start at 6pm prompt. Let me know if you are unable to make it for 6pm, It would be good if ALL could come up as early as possible to make a night of it, that and staying back after your match to support the event. I will need a hand with some marking also. Ian Mc Over the weekend of Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014 our very own Tony Hedley represented the County over 45's Squash team playing for a promotion spot in Division one of the National league. The Northumbria squad had to travel to Suffolk to play the home team as well as Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire. Tony's first match was a
gruelling 70 minute battle in which he lost 3-0 to Suffolk but all three games were close. In his 2nd game of the weekend Tony played number 3 in the team beating the Lincolnshire number 3 (3-2) Injury struck the Northumbria squad with 2 players unable to complete their matches otherwise Northumbria could have won promotion. Next season perhaps. Well done to Tony. A gutsy performance. Ian Mc The junior sessions have started on Saturday mornings at 10am.
Those coming along so far are very much beginners and at the age of 9 years and above. Anyone out there who has children/grand children who might want to give it a go are welcome to come along. I need to know if there are any out there planning to come along so I can structure the session and book the necessary courts. Please let me know ASAP. Cheers Ian Mc 07748653489 The quarter finals were played on Tuesday 18th February 2014.
Names were drawn out of the hat on the night and some interesting contests emerged. First up was Michael Jones (-1) v Ian McAllister (-16). Quite a straight forward affair as it turned out with Michael in good form. He won the match comfortably 21-6, 21-5. Robin Ritchie (-2) was drawn against David McRae (+11). David is a much improved player this season and it looked a big ask for Robin to overhaul the deficit in short time however he hung on in the third to win 21-18, 16-21, 21-17. There is no doubt, David had chances, but it wasn't to be. Jamie Morton (-12) had a similar task playing Dan Cussack (0) This also went to the wire in the third. Dan took the first game 21-19 but worked hard, Jamie came back in the second 21-14. Dan got a second wind as he has done all season in his team games and despite a 'time out' with a foot injury Dan held out and took the match 21-17. Last but not least, Keith Grey (+6) and Rob Owen (+7) fought out a close match with Rob winning 21-19 and 21-20. These lads have played each other many times and know each others strengths and weaknesses. They don't come much closer, Keith's league game just before this match might have been his undoing, who's to say. The semi finals and final will be on Tuesday 11th March 2014 with a 6.40pm start, not 6pm which proved a little early for some getting away from work. Please come along and support the event. Ian Mc Concordia Squash Players,
There is much to report following the 1st round of this years competition nearly all of it good in a backhanded sort of way. Matches were off to a prompt 6pm start but it was clear by 8pm that time was going to be an issue. Most of the matches were evenly fought and most went to 3. The warm courts made for some long rallies and some truly entertaining squash. This is how it turned out. Jamie Morton, Dave McRae, Mark Knott Dan Cussack and Michael Jones all got through to the knock out stage after they managed to win both their group matches and thus scored the maximum 84 points (2x21 in each match) Dave McRae although playing off a useful +10 played some good squash and held his nerve to win his games. A much improved player. Dan Cussack and Keith Grey had their now customary battle in Group 6, Dan the victor however it was so very close and Keith is the current contender for the highest scoring runner up with 81 points. Daniel Monera and Robin Ritchie were oh so close with 80 points each., such were the fine margins. The other 2 groups were unresolved after the lights went out at 10.15pm. In group 1 Martin Davison ended with a total of 79 points, the group to be decided on completion of the match between Tony Hedley and Rob Owen. That match is evenly poised at 13-5 to Rob in the third. Group 4 is similar, Dave Armstrong ended with a total tally of 77 points but the match between Ian McAllister and Andy Lawrence is still to finish. The match stands at 21-18 to Ian, in the 1st, with Andy up 13-8 in the 2nd. Both these games need to be finalised ASAP, the knock out stage is on 18th February so there should be plenty of time. I'll keep you posted. I couldn't help noticing nearly all contenders this year paid particular attention to the scores, last years maths might have something to do with that ! Cheers Don. Ian Mc Concordia Squash Players,
These are the entries I have for the 2014 Handicap competition. I will sort out the handicaps and 3 man leagues this coming week. In no particular order Dan Cussack, Andy Pattison, Keith Grey, Peter Edney, Andy Lawrence, Michael Jones, Rob Owen, Graeme Sneddon, Martin Davison, Chris Brock, Mark Knott, Les Carr, Dave Armstrong, Don Pattison, Steve Goldie, Jamie Morton, Robin Ritchie, Tony Hedley, Dave Hall, Dave McRae, Mark Livingstone, Daniel Monera Round Robin to be played on Tuesday 28th January. Cheers Ian Mc |
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