Find A…

NSC Report

The next match for Ilkely Grammar school was against The Grammar School at Leeds, and although both schools had qualified for the next stage there was still all to play for as the schools battled it out for 1st and 2nd place.

Team Line Ups

The Grammar School at Leeds – Left

Team Manager – Mrs Studholme
1. Richard Hinds
2. Oliver Preston
3. James Durbin
4. Robbie Studholme
5. Oliver Shepard

Ilkley Grammar School – Right

Team Manager – Robbie Burnett
1. Jack Bearpark
2. Tom Bearpark
3. Stuart Macgregor
4. Matt Heap
5. James Morgan

The Report

First on court was the number 1 seeds, Jack Bearpark & Richard Hinds. Bearpark showed his intention right from the start and found his length early on playing a straight game, getting the ball to the back corners and putting pressure on his opponent and forcing the skilful Hinds into some unforced errors and Bearpark took the first 11-3. In the second game Hinds was determined to make Bearpark work for the points and was showing his shot making ability however Bearpark retrieved superbly showing great speed and agility and won the 2nd 11-3. In the third game Hinds became increasingly frustrated and seemed to run out of ideas as Bearpark clinched the game 11-2 to give first blood to Ilkley Grammar.

The next match to go on was the number 5 seeds, Oliver Shepard & James Morgan. The two players were evenly matched and in the first game they were neck and neck at 5-5 before Shepard managed to pull away to 9-5 where he managed to hit a spectacular volley nick to set up game ball which he duly converted. In the second Shepard’s pace proved to much for Morgan in another close game and clinched it 11-9. Morgan staged a mini revival in the third and led 5-2 however not willing to let his chance go, Shepard managed to pull it back to 7-5 and never looked back winning the third 11-9 taking the match 3-0 to level the tie 1-1.

The third match on was number 3 seed James Durbin & Stewart Macgregor. Macgregor wasted no time notching the points on the board for Ilkley Grammar School. Macgregor played some wonderful shots through out, his opponent gave a courageous effort but Macgregor proved too strong and put Ilkley within touching distance of winning the tie.

The fourth and closest game was between number 4 seeds Robbie Studholme & Matt Heap. Both players started with some defensive tense squash with neither wanting to any unforced errors. The game was close up until 6-6 when Studholme grabbed his opportunity paying some deft drop shots on his forehand, catching his opponent at the back of the court several times to win the first 11-7. Heap fought back in the second from 9-2 with some excellent retrieving to win the game 12-10. Heap used a lot of energy in the second and never really recovered and his opponent took the next 2 games to win the match 3-1 and level the tie 2-2.

The deciding game between the number 2 seeds Oliver Preston & Tom Bearpark was some what of an anticlimax. The first game was close with the scores neck and neck at 9-9 before Bearpark turned up the heat to win the next two points and the game 11-9. After the first Bearpark, upped his level and was in great from winning the next 2 games 11-1 & 11-0 to clinch the tie for Ilkley Grammar School.

Spotlight on the players

We spoke to the Team Captain and first string player for The Grammar School at Leeds.

ESR: How old are you and how long have you been playing squash?
RH: I’m 16 and having been playing squash on a regular basis for the last 4 years. My dad, Keith, plays for England at over 50’s so he got me in to the sport.

ESR: Are you a member of a club & how often do you play?
RH: I am member at Chapel Allerton and play 2-3 times a week as well as playing in the Yorkshire Squash League.

ESR: What do you enjoy most about the NSC
RH: I enjoy playing against new players and it’s great to play against other schools and I would much rather be on court than in class!

ESR: Other than squash what other sports do you play?
RH: I enjoy football, hockey and cricket but prefer squash.

ESR: Who inspires you in squash?
RH: I would have to say my coach Neil Guirey and my Dad.

ESR: Finally if you could have a game of squash against any other player in the world past or present who would it be?
RH: I would love a game against Alister Walker. I used to watch him play at Chapel Allerton and admire the way he played.

The Team Manager

ESR asks the Team Manager of The Grammar School at Leeds a few quick questions!

ESR: How long have you been in charge of the squash team?
JS: This is my second season in charge of the team and we have done really well so far.

ESR: What are your aspirations for the team this year?
JS: I am pleased to get through to Stage 2 anything after that is a bonus. The main reason I enter it is to help the kids improve so if I achieve that I will be happy.

ESR: What do you enjoy most about the National School Championships?
JS: It’s always pleasing to see the kids enjoy themselves and grow as players so I enjoy that side of it and I like playing against other schools which give us chance to get to know other squash teams in the area.