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AND THE BEST SPORTSMANSHIP
AWARD GOES TO…
 ….
Alex Ingham and Hywell Robinson for their excellent spirit in their
semi-final, and more than anything else, their honesty. Several
shots from both players weren’t called by the ref, but Alex and
Hywell just stopped playing and indicated the not up.
Well done guys.
 On
a more general level, I was pretty impressed with the good spirit in
which all the matches I saw, ALL of them, where played in a perfect
manner, no looking for cheap strokes, no arguing and nagging,
perfect ladies and gentlemen really.
Like we say in French, “pourvu que ça dure”, as in “so far so
good”…. |
MISTER BARRINGTON…
I cannot start to describe how well I’ve been received here, by
Joey, Nigel, Martin and all. But it has to be said that Mr
Barrington senior has really made this tournament a pure joy.
His whole presence is a gift, he still possesses an incredible
charm, sprinkle of that a discreet but firm authority not to mention
an immense consideration and respect for the people who work around
him, and you have a legend of a man, who you would like to listen to
for hours.
He knows so much about so many things, and I firmly intend to learn
as much as I possibly can from him… |
9 AM START…
Yes, I know we had one more hour this morning to sleep in, but
still, the first final was played at 9am. Nine in the freeking
morning!
I’m exhausted, and to tell you the truth, I still wonder how those
kids can manage so heavy schedules, starting so early, playing two
games in the day, and still perform at a real top level. And of
course it goes for the officials from ES, and let’s not forget the
referees who have some pretty heavy days as well.
One thing is sure, once the players get on the PSA/WISPA circuit,
the schedule there will be a holiday really compared to their Junior
days…. So that’s one thing to look forward to…
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NOT THE SHORTS…
 You
may have read in my report on the quarter final under 13 that Tom
Ford seemed to have difficulties dealing with a pair of shorts that
was too large for him.
Well, actually, I was told from a reliable source (his dad actually)
that it was not the shorts that were at fault, but actually the top
that was far too long and was restricting his movement.
So, all my apologies, dear Tom… |
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MAGICAL HAND…
 When
you speak with Nigel Paul, the administration organiser at
Jonah Barrington Academy, you’ve got to make sure that he sees you
when you are doing so, as he is deaf.
But his speech is absolutely perfect, his humour is devastating, and
his energy level second to none.
He probably is what you would call the soul of the place, and I fear
that the Academy would have a problem running without his buzzing…
It took a bit of persuasion – actually, I begged – but along with
Jonah, he will in the future send us some news about the Academy,
and make sure that we know what is going on in this amazing place of
Street… |
NICE B&B…
 You never know what you are going to find when you arrive in a B&B,
especially in a region that seems to have one every other door. But
I was lucky, as Joey Barrington found me an adorable one, called
Hillside, on Aswell Lane, in Glastonbury.
A breakfast like I hadn’t had for a long time, a vast room, great
airy bathroom, comfortable bed, quiet space to work, with a superb
bonus, wireless internet.
Anna Brake and her husband Simon were there to welcome
me last night at a rather late hour, and have made me feel
comfortable and welcome from the word go.
I strongly recommend them (and no, they are not giving a special
price to get this article)…
www.hillside-properties.co.uk
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GOD BLESS THE PARENTS…
When you go on the senior circuit, you come to know quite a few
parents. But it’s only when you come to a junior event of this sort
that you realise how crucial the role of the parents is …
They are the spine of the whole system you know….
They are the coaches, the supporters, the shoulders to cry on, but
most of all, the drivers and organisers. Without them, people, no
champions, no competitions, no squash….
I’m sure that some of them can be a bit of a handful, but overall,
they are a pretty amazing bunch of people…
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TWO HANDED BACKHAND…
I was quite surprised to see two players from Manchester Academy,
Adam Murrills and Ben Molyneux, who play a two handed
backhand. I thought it was quite funny, as I didn’t see for a very
long time any players with that characteristic, and zoom, suddenly,
two of them from the same academy…
Mmmm…
So I asked Nick Taylor, Manchester Golden Boy...
"Both these players are working hard at changing there techniques",
he stated, "and I hope you are not suggesting the coaching team in
Manchester are encouraging players to use two hands! In regards to
both these players lost in the quarter-final, that is a positive for
us in Manchester as it was a 64 draw, and when they sort these
technical issues out, you are looking at potential future senior
professional players which is our long term goal."
So there you go. It's a work in progress....
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MARTYN BALLANDS, LEADING THE WAY…
 I
am so blessed, I tell you. When I arrived last night a bit late, I
didn’t have a clue where I was going.
But Martyn Ballands not only indicated to me the way to come to
Millfield School from the A303, but also made sure he was waiting
for me at the corner.
 So,
my first image of Millfied was that funny looking man with blond
hair in a cyclist's outfit, running in front of my car to show me
the way…
Mmmm.
Then, he picked me up from the B&B this morning… on his bicycle.
So I followed him all the way from Glastonbury to Street, making a
few happy cars behind me, as they all had to follow…
They know how to take care of you in this place…
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