At midday on Tuesday, Wigan vs Warrington looked like an awesome match-up. Pat Rooney vs Joel. Awesome 16-year-old Abdallah vs James Earles. Coach Julian vs Coach 'Me'. Club Champ / North-West Legend Ryan vs Ladies World No 20 Emily.

 

By late afternoon on Tuesday it had unfortunately all gone pear shaped for Wigan. Abdullah dropped out injured, and then World No.20 Pat withdrew with a knee injury. Wigan all-of-a-sudden faced a brutal uphill task against our prolific Warrington Wombats.

 

The final matches were:

 

 

 

The night begun. The car park was full, tensions rising - anticipating a World-class clash, and when they filtered in, the numerous crowd realised Pat Rooney had pulled out, but they weren’t deterred, they were superb all night, still excited to see some Ryan Atherton flicks and some spirited Tomlinson running - and they didn't go home (too) disappointed.

 

Ryan started the night off by winning the first game. James Earles struggled to control the bouncy ball and Ryan, comfortable on his home court, entertained the crowd with some trademark banter and even more trademark backhand flick drop shots, which saw him deservedly take the first game to rapturous applause. Unfortunately and unbeknown to the home faithful, this was to be their only point of the evening. James Earles (known as the 'Bald Assassin' for his delightfully silky skills and very bald head!) started to control the rallies and Ryan didn't really have many opportunities to impact the match, both squash-wise or verbally after that first game. James was just too good - hitting lovely lobs and lovely drops, as he so often does (below).

 

 

 

Tim and Sam started on the adjacent court.

 

Sidenote; Tim - who I have to mention, was one of my first squash heroes. When I was 14 and 15, I would go to Grove Park to watch their first team matches. My favourite players in my early teens were Derek Ryan and Tim Herron. Derek was Grove No.1 and 7 in the World, obviously an attraction. Tim was just out of junior squash and was Scottish No.2 at the time, behind some guy called Peter Nicol! The ease in which Tim played always attracted me. I didn't personally play like him as a youngster but certainly as an 'elder statesman' I try to play like him now.

 

 

After not hitting a squash ball for a few weeks, Tim started well (class never fades). He forged an 8-3 lead with some nice dying lengths, and he never really moved from the middle of the court above). Alas, at 8-5 he was done! Sam is a good player, and he settled into the warm court and managed to get the ball away from Tim's racket. This inevitably took its toll on the Scotsman's body, and he was forced to retire with 'old age / a muscle pull' after 20 minutes.

 

The next matches were me vs one of the best shot players in the league, Paul McDonald; and also Emily vs Matt Turner.

 

Paul Mac is always a crowd pleaser. He's capable of hitting some ridiculous shots, both powerful and soft. I was just a little too steady and accurate to ever let Paul settle into his rhythm (top). 'The Mac Attack' held a promising 3-point lead at the start of the third but unfortunately for the crowd, I pegged him back with some decent straight lines to see out the match 3-0.

 

Emily was her usual self. Accurate and ruthless (above). Great serves. Tight drives. Impeccable shot selection. Great drops. Win. Boom!

 

 

Julian has been 'stitched-up' every time he's played Warrington. He's always played one of our mega-superstars. Adrain Waller. Marwan ElShorbagy. James Willstrop. Joel Makin. Yet every time he does himself proud. Julian thrives when there's no pressure, and yet again - even though the points suggest otherwise - he did himself and his club proud. He ran for every possible shot, and when playing Joel Makin, that's a lot of shots to chase after! Obviously, Joel was a bit too good, but Julian put up a decent fight for the excellent crowd who had filled the entire clubhouse (below).

 

 

 

I know Wigan lost 5-0 but it's nights where clubs are full with spectators which make this sport and this league so satisfying - and Wigan always provide an incredibly satisfying atmosphere - home or away. How good would it be if they had a glass-back?

 

FYI: When I got into after the match, I was thinking about the British achievements of our Warrington squad. Between us we've won British Championships at every level.......... I can't imagine any other team in history, in any league, who can claim this......?

 

British Closed Junior Champion - James Willstrop, Emily Whitlock, Ben Smith, James Earles, Sam Wileman, (Andy Whipp Runner-Up).

 

British Open Junior Champion - James Willstrop, Emily Whitlock, (Andy Whipp 3^rd x 2)

 

British Closed Senior Champion - Joel Makin, James Willstrop (x 4), Mohamed ElShorbagy (Current Champ - who we still hope will play before Christmas).

 

British Open Senior Champion - Mohamed ElShorbagy x 3  (James Willstrop 3 x Runner Up)

 

British Masters Champion - Andy Whipp x 2 (Current O35 Champ)

 

 

Andy Whipp 

Photos Richard Bradbury