| Report: | Tuesday night saw the last Warrington home match of the 2021/22 season.
In typical Warrington fashion it was an exciting event - unfortunately, the squash was not the spectacle we had hoped for, but non-the-less it was a great night.
Bowdon's no.1, Nick Wall Junior (the fast improving 22-year-old, World number 67) was forced to withdraw on Monday due to an injury sustained the week before. This was followed by his fathers' withdrawal, Nick Wall Senior (newly crowned British O45 Champion), which left Bowdon 2 super-stars short in a quest to compete against a typically intimidating Warrington team - fielding the World No.18, World No.27, the No.1 19-year-old in the World and the British O35 Champion.
Sadly, the matches were all reasonably one-sided and all ended 3-0 to Warrington.
However, Bowdon's somewhat inexperienced 18-year-old, Charles Keeble put up an excellent fight against Emily Whitlock. He did not succumb to the distraction of a drone filming his knock-up..., or a camera man snapping away relentlessly behind the glass back..., or the 120+, rowdy crowd (empowered with a free bar provided by home sponsors, Edge Worldwide Logistics)..., or the fact he was playing a higher ranked opponent ... who was a woman (intimidating for any man!!) - in-fact, he appeared to thrive in the spotlight. Charles put up a great fight and every point was fiercely contested. Emily had to earn every penny of her match fee to edge the victory after 3 close, entertaining games. Hopefully Charles will be inspired by this match and his first full season in Division One and show himself to be a superb acquisition for Bowdon next season.
Cheshire No.3, Matt Lowery plays a nice solid game and competed well against North West legend Andy Whipp, he just lacked that killer instinct which unfortunately for him, Whippy effortlessly finds. Cheshire No.2, Jacob Robinson as always put on an entertaining show in his loss to Adrian Waller with some nice shots and witty banter. Pete Billson showed moments of typical brilliance even when hampered by injury - but alas, it all amounted to a comfortable 5-0 win for The Warrington Wombats.
Warrington as always, provided an abundant crowd and excitable atmosphere and left the away team feeling inspired of what a home match can feel like.
Next Tuesday (March 15th) is Warrington's final match of the season, away to former champions, Grove Park. The expected line-ups offer Warrington their toughest match of the season so far...
Grove Park vs Warrington
1: Chris Simpson (Former World No.20) or Sam Todd (18 year-old, World No.68) vs Rui Soares (World No.61)
2: Emyr Evans (World No.84) or Joel Arscott (New Zealand No.3, World No.150) vs Ben Smith (World 132, but World No.1 Under 20)
3: Luke McFarland (South African Squash Professional, Squash Levels (SL's) 11,000)) vs Andy Whipp (British O35 Champion, SL's 19,000)
4: Oscar Beech (SL's 9500) vs Emily Whitlock (Ladies World No.18, SL's 11,000)
5: Morgan Hibberd (former Grove Park No.1, SL's 12,000) vs Luis North (SL's 9,000)
Come along to Grove Park Squash Club, Manchester Rugby Club for what is guaranteed to be an awesome night of squash on their two glass-back courts. Tuesday 15th March. 7.30pm. Hopefully see you there. |
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