The Hertfordshire Ladies O50 team travelled to Wolverhampton this weekend to take part in the Inter County Play-Offs. The team of Isobel Smith, Maureen Morrison and Sheila Blake earned their place at the weekend winning their Division and beating last year’s winners, Kent on the way. The team played Essex on Saturday and beat them fairly comfortably 3-0. They biggest challenge was to beat a very strong team from Yorkshire on Sunday morning. Sheila was first on and unfortunately came up against a very strong opponent, Paula Arrowsmith, who could do no wrong and unfortunately beat Sheila 3-0. Isobel was on next against Kate Fisher. She lost the first game, but then came back strongly, playing some of her best squash winning the game 3-1. It was then down to Maureen to beat Julie Field, a very seasoned and competent player. Maureen lost the first game but came back fighting and played a fantastic match to win 3-1 and put Herts into the final in the afternoon. Herts had to play Surrey in the final and in a nice twist had ex-Hertfordshire referee, Dean Clayton, marking their matches. Sheila went on first against Kim Rix, Sheila played a great game of squash, managing to control the big hitter and won the match 3-1 getting the team off to a great start. Isobel then had to play Claire Baker. Isobel started strongly winning the first game but unfortunately in the second game her opponent slipped and hurt her knee and had to concede the match, therefore Isobel won 3-1 by default. Maureen then went on to beat Julia Ledger 3-2 in a great match and Hertfordshire had won the final!
Congratulations to the players, a great team spirit throughout the season and the play -off weekend. Thanks also to their supporters Elke Rubsam and Sue Collins who cheered them on to victory.
Lets hope they can defend their title next year.
2015 Champions
Dean Clayton
