24th August:
He's now a regular feature at squash events in the UK, and several other
Rugby League stars are also getting involved. In April 2004 Malcolw
Willstrop introduced us to Ellery Hanley ...
Ellery HANLEY
League star sings the praises of Squash ...
Malcolm
Willstrop reports on how former Great Britain Rugby League skipper
Ellery Hanley is lending a helping hand to squash stars.
Ellery congratulates White on
winning the National title
from April 2004
Rugby League legend, Ellery Hanley, who, since last year’s English
Open has been present on many squash occasions, is proving to be a major
asset.
His friendship with John White is well-founded and
John – the world number 1 – was quick to acknowledge Ellery’s contribution
at the British Closed. Being around Ellery is most definitely a learning
experience, since his knowledge of world class sport, coupled with his
philosophical outlook, makes him compulsive listening.
He is quick to acknowledge the top professionals in squash and, as a
player, he knows what it takes to become top-class. What is more he misses
no opportunity to tell people what a demanding game squash is and how good
the players are.
Recently he took John White and James Willstrop as his guests to
Headingley for the Leeds v Bradford match. Speaking at the pre-match
dinner and then again at half-time in an on the field interview he was
quick to sing the praises of his guests.
So the sell-out Headingley crowd listened to a man they revere telling
them about squash players.
Never have I seen anyone sign so many autographs as Ellery could hardly
take a step without being greeted with affection and respect, and he had a
word for everybody.
Just what a great spectacle Leeds and Bradford provided: superb athletes
playing a sport that preserves standards: sportsmanship, respect for the
referee, and what a treat to be in the crowd of men, women and children
without any of the unseemly aggression that characterises some sports.
