Archive News
Norfolk U15 boys take on Lincolnshire
In preparation for their Final England Squash fixture of the 2007/8 season on 27th January Norfolk and Lincolnshire boys U15 team enjoyed a friendly match in Boston, Lincs on 13th January.
Norfolk were missing their number 1 & 2 ranked players, but with Lincs also missing 2 of their top 5 players both teams were slightly under strength. Thomas Belshaw at no.3 started well against Wesley Elcock, and moved into a good lead. Fatally Thomas relaxed and Wesley fought back to win the first game 10/9. Thomas never recovered and gained only one more point in his 3-0 defeat.
Elsewhere, Jordan Creed, Alex Oliver, and Adam Sinkins playing his first County match were all unable to take any games from their opponents. Lower down the order things were a little closer with Louis Kemp losing 3-1 to Patrick Hildred and Jason Kent losing 3-0 to Ewan Hannam, with both players feeling that they could have done better.
Finally, it was left to another newcomer George Anthony (still only 12), to finally gain the first win 9/2,9/6,8/10,9/6 over Ewan Hannam to put Norfolk on the scoreboard.
In the second round of matches Lincs no.1 Dominic Price again proved too strong for Alex Oliver, and both Adam Sinkins and George Anthony found their opponents too good. Thomas Belshaw also went down 3-0 but showed signs of improvement, and Patrick Hildred's better movement, continually enabled him to retrieve the ball against Jason Kent and carried him to another 3-0 Lincs win.
Jordan Creed raced to an 8-2 lead against the talented 12 year old Sam Maycock before again relaxing to allow his opponent to recover and take the first game 10/8, like Thomas earlier, Jordan never recovered and gained only 5 further points to go down 3-0. Louis Kemp had however started to find some form and claimed the second Norfolk win, comfortably defeating Ewan Hannam 9/5,9/5,9/1.
Despite the 12-2 defeat, a number of the Norfolk players gained some confidence from their improved second round performances, and in the friendly matches that followed. They were also all hugely appreciative of coach Liam Nolan's helpful advice and encouragement throughout the day.
Coach Liam Nolan said: “The match in Boston was very informative in terms of recognising each player's priority areas for development. Although this was only a friendly match all players took their games very seriously and will have gained invaluable experience and confidence playing at county level.
“Improvement in technique, match tactics and attitude were very apparent throughout the day. The team were supportive of each other, receptive to advice and a pleasure to work with. I can see great improvement from all in the very near future.”
