Hertfordshire players at the National Squash Championships 2015 in Manchester this week.
Well done to Adrian Waller who reached the semi finals against Daryl Selby. Adrian took the first two games in a closely fought match. At two-nil down it wasn’t looking good for Daryl Selby but he made a remarkable comeback against Adrian to win 3-2 and reach a second Nationals final.
Waller dominated the opening games, leading 10-3 in the first and 10-1 in the second before taking them 11-8, 11-3.
Selby needed a good start in the third, and he duly got one, leading 4-1 and 5-3. Waller started to come back, levelled at 5-all but Selby was now into his rhythm and Waller contributed a few unforced errors to the cause as Selby pulled a game back 11-5.
The 2011 champion remained in charge for the last two games, taking them 11-2, 11-6 to reach the final again.
In a sensational semi-final defending champion Alison Waters (now living in Welwyn Garden City and training at Potters Bar) lost out 12-10 in the fifth to Sarah-Jane Perry.
Neither player could establish a clear advantage as the first two games were shared, Perry recovered from 4-1, 7-4 and 9-7 down to take the third on extra points, but Waters regrouped to lead throughout the fourth setting up the decider.
There was nothing in it all the way to 9-all, when Waters hit a short winner to earn match ball. A loose return from Waters was powered away by Perry to set up extra points, and in the next rally her drive to the back dribbled into the nick to give her a match ball.
Waters hit a loose backhand which Perry advanced towards, and after an anxious delay the decision came, “stroke to Perry” and Sarah-Jane was into the final.
In the Masters Events Eamonn Price reached the semi finals of O50’s and played
3/4 seed Jonathan Foster. Unfortunately for Eamonn, Foster put in a fantastic performance to overcome him 9-2, 9-4, 9-3.
Isobel Smith reached the semi final of Women’s O50’s having beaten the 3/4 seed in the quarter finals. Although Isobel started strongly she eventually lost to 2nd Seed Fiona McLean of Scotland 8/10, 11/4, 11/5, 11/5
For further information and photographs visit the official website for the National Squash Championships click the link below.
