We had a superb end to the first half with a 5-0 victory over title rivals Liverpool, the perfect way to get over our first defeat for 3 years last week. This win keep the mighty Warrington 7 points clear at the top of the table as we hit the half way stage.

 

 

Liverpool were unlucky as they had their number 3 Connor Sheen drop out with Covid, meaning the Harding bros jumped up a position and Liverpool legend Breeny had to step in.

 

We had almost all of our squad there to support last night, including players not playing on the night, with the Yorkshire contingent travelling over from Pontefract and Halifax (below). Ben Smith had ordered his Warrington Christmas dinner but had to forgo his delicious food due to the train strikes - never before has he cursed living in Grimsby so much!

 

 

3's and 5's went on first. Rob Taylor made very quick work of late replacement Breeny (below). Rob was efficient and ruthless and in the shower within 20 minutes, giving him more chance to show off his post match Christmas jumper.

 

 

I played Lewis Harding, and even though still heavily injured found a way to play effectively - basically playing backhand drops whenever possible (below). I was a bit lucky to win as this always going to be tough for Lewis. It's always difficult for a student to play his coach. It's also tricky playing someone you know is injured. And it's never ideal playing a match when you have university assignments due the next day.

 

 

 

Charlie against Cory was definitely the most hotly contested match of the night. Cory had just won a major junior tournament at the weekend, confirming his status as one of the best 16-year-olds in the country. Playing a strong senior player like Charlie was always going to be an interesting test for the youngster. The match started out very evenly. Charlie settled in far quicker than he did last week. Throughout the match Charlie dictated the middle of the court superbly, much to Cory's frustrations. This was the best I'd seen Charlie play this season. His straight hitting, particularly on the backhand volley was superb. With each game Charlie exerted more and more control over the rallies, and Cory became far too angry at the ref which certainly didn't help his cause. Charlie deservedly won 3-0, and this was a good learning match for Cory. You have to hit accurately a keep big, strong players away from the middle of the court, otherwise you become stuck and exposed.

 

 

Like last week, Adrian was pretty ruthless as he dispatched New Zealand's Temwa with the comfortable air that he brings to a squash court. Simply too good (below).

 

 

 

Joel also beat his sometime training partner, George Parker comfortably (top and below). Joel looked absolutely excellent last night. Anytime he was at the front of the court he was able to hit dying lengths with ease. I was very impressed with our top two last night.

 

 

 

After the squash is when the real event happened - a delicious three course Christmas dinner for all, with fancy wine and crackers. Matt Godson certainly seemed to enjoy his first taste of a fine red wine! Big thank you to our sponsor Alan for providing all of this, as well as a free bar and turkey & sausage sandwich for all spectators. There were definitely some happy faces last night. Merry Christmas and I'll be back when we start up again on 10^th January when we host Bowdon where a likely Joel Makin vs Nick Wall match will be on the cards.

 

 

 

Photo credits to Warrington Chairman Richard Bradbury, who always does a great job of cameraman every match, home or away.

 

 

Andy Whipp