It felt amazing to be back playing another season at our wonderful Warrington show court.

 

We have a several new faces in our squad this season, and two were making their Warrington league debut last night, Sam Osbourne Wylde and Josh Owen.

 

League newcomers Fairways Lodge were our opponents. They cruised the second division last season, with a winning margin of over 60 points.

 

First on the show court was Josh Owen vs Tom Dwyer (top and below). Tom was unbeaten playing at no.1 last season for Fairways Lodge, but looked overawed as Josh won the first game 11-2. A quick 3-0 for our debutant we all thought.... Hmmmm. It didn't quite work out that way as Tom won the next two games. Jost is a nice player and can hit some great winners, but has a tendency to be a little erratic in his accuracy at times, and Tom certainly had the racket skills to punish him for any loose drives. Josh is a fit man though, and after winning an edgy 4^th game, Josh was too strong, handing Tom his first defeat in over a year. 

 

 

 

Meanwhile on Court 6, Ollie Hudson was showing what a great player he is, as he won 3-0, displaying amazing speed and volleying, as he finally looks back to him full awesomeness after snapping his Achilles at the end of 2022 (below).

 

 

Rui's a crowd favourite, especially with Warrington's loud Portuguese contingent (Jose!). He was up against, non-other than another Warrington fan favourite, James Earles (below). Sadly James couldn't fit into our squad any more, but I'm so glad that he will be playing North West League every week for Fairways. He's such a class act. Rui dominated the first game, taking advantage of a tired James, who has just had his second child a few days ago! James absolutely bossed the second game, playing his trademark lobs and precision drops, but at 10-4 Rui started to win a few points, and then a few more, and few more, until it was somehow tied at 10-all. Rui managed to pinch the unlikeliest of games to take a 2-0 lead. Poor James was now destined to lose, as Rui won a comfortable third game. It was great these two play each other - two of the nicest players anyone could watch play squash.

 

 

 

At the same time, our 23/24 Player Of The Season, Lewis was playing the fast and furious Bader (who has transferred over from The Northern). This was a tough start to the season for Lewis as Bader is very good and can hit cross-court nicks for fun. Lewis was absolutely superb, never putting a foot wrong all match. He won 3-0, which is a tremendous result - it really shows how well 'Dangerous Doughty' is playing at the moment.

 

 

 

Last up was 20-year-old Sam Osbourne Wylde. Sam was out for over an entire season with a bad injury and we're delighted to have signed him this year. He's a top, top player. So fit and fast, and plays some great shots. He was far too good for Adam Taylor (yes, THE Adam Taylor, Adam 'Le Flick' who played for Warrington for a decade). It's clear to see that Sam needs to play a lot for us as he's a joy to watch.

 

 

 

So, a 5-0 win to start our 24/25 league campaign. Fairways are a decent side and will certainly cause other teams some issues as they look to enjoy their first taste of Division 1 squash.

 

We are home again next week as we have Jonah Bryant and Ben Smith playing for us. We are up again Grove Park, who along with Liverpool, look like our strongest title challengers. See you next week folks!

 

 

Andy Whipp

Photos: Richard Bradbury