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WHAT'S IN A NAME ...
In most squash clubs the courts are numbered, so when someone asks
"what court am I on?" the answer is a straightforward "one", or
"seventeen" ...
 Well,
in keeping with the co-sponsorship of this event by Sheppards VW, the
courts are named according to current Volkswagen models.
So last night the Hall/Snall drama was played out on court PASSAT,
while little Millie Tomlinson was on court TOUREG.
It's not too bad, they're all quite close together ... but courts
FOX and POLO happen to be down the road at Chandry Squash
Club ... that's fooled a couple of people this weekend!
There have been VW models on display all weekend, and it's the rally
Beetle that has attracted most of the "I want one of those" reactions
... but there's no court BEETLE to play on ...
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VA VA VOOOM
Continuing the motor theme, the marquee set up outside the club for
catering isn't really a marquee at all .... in fact it's the Ferrari
F1 team's trailer that goes to all the F1 events providing corporate
hospitality!
Inside it's a high-tec paradise, with satellite TV, the coolest sprung
stools you've ever seen, fully-fitted kitchen ... the works.
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ON
YOUR BIKE
 Part
of the entertainment that's going on around the event is a series of
demonstrations by an intrepid mountain bike trio led by Tim Stedman.
They've been climbing up everything and anything that doesn't move,
even attempting to catch and throw frisbees in mid-air!
"We've been doing mountain bike trial for around six years now, and we
do demonstrations like this at a number of local events.
"I started doing tricks on my bike ever since I started riding, but
took it up seriously about nine years ago. It's great fun and it's
very accessible, you don't need to go very far to find good tracks or
objects to climb." |
A GRAND OPENING
The event was officially declared open on Friday by Bishops Stortford
mayor Keith Barnes and BAA Stansted Community officer Valda
Edmunds.
Keith, serving his second stint as mayor after an 18-year gap, is a
keen supporter of sporting events in the region and is proud to see
such events coming to Bishops Stortford.
Valda is also a keen sports fan, and is always looking for
opportunities to reach out into the community.
"We're a big part of the local scene, and this was a great chance for
us to give some support to squash for the first time," she says.
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GOODY FOR YOU
 All
the competitors were delighted to receive 'goody bags' on arrival.
The team at Bishops Stortford have gone to great lengths to make this
a tournament to remember, so everyone gets a shirt - standard t-shirts
for the boys, and 'huggy' fitted ones for the girls - along with a
towel, headband, frisbee, toiletries, drinks, fruit and even a
commemorative medal !!!
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 ONE
ON THE SIDE ...
Some of the matches are taking place at nearby (5mins walk) Chantry
squash club, which has two courts in a 'T' formation, which means the
referee is officiating from the side wall ... |
 Have rackets will travel ...
The Girls U19 semi-final lineup was completed when second seed Deon
Saffery recovered from losing the first game to beat Victoria Lust in
four games.
Deon's racket bag is pretty full.
"I'm going to the Toc in New York on Monday - not to play in it,
but I'm staying with some friends, but I'll be getting as many
games as I can in so need all my rackets!
"If I'm lucky enough to win here this weekend I'm sure I'll find
room in the bag for the trophy!"
Deon Saffery
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Stortford
SHORTS
