Good contests in squash

Round seven in Baw Baw squash began with a good contest between Joy Williams and Barry Cain.

Joy recently won two trophies at the Australian Masters Championships and the skills she employed then were on display in the first game, which she won comfortably 9/3.

In the second game Barry played more attacking squash and reaped the benefit, taking the game 9/5. Joy refocused in the third with a convincing 9/1 win, but Barry bounced back to take the fourth 9/5.

In the end it was Joy’s outstanding boast return of serve on both sides that found Barry too far back in the court and led to her 9/5 win in the game and overall honours.

Joe Cicala has made rapid improvement in this competition and his excellent shot selection and great court coverage gave him a strong 9/6 10/8 9/4 victory over Björn Hestdal.

Jason Tainton extended his dominance over the other number one players with a 9/1 9/7 9/2 win over Steve Mooney.

It was a similar story for number three Peter Young, who accounted for Russell Jackson in three games 9/2 9/5 9/6. Peter’s form this competition will likely see him back as a number two next season.

All eyes were on the match between Terry Milsome and Steve Andrews as it promised hard-hitting fireworks. They didn’t disappoint with both players seemingly testing to see who could break the ball. In the first game, that had little finesse, Terry prevailed 9/3.

Once that was out of their systems they settled down to play good squash with Terry’s power counteracted by Steve’s cat-like reflexes. Steve won that game 9/3 but Terry adjusted and began to mix more controlled softer shots into his play. It was this variety that eventually proved Steve’s undoing as Terry took the final two games 9/3 9/7.

The final game of the night was a fastpaced high-quality affair between Lynton McPhail and Jim Wilkinson. Lynton played his best squash of the competition and pushed Jim hard, leading in all games.

Court coverage by both players was excellent but Jim’s more composed play under pressure enabled him to take the match 9/7 9/6 9/7, and also earnt him the player of the round award.

With two rounds remaining before the break players are reminded to arrive early for their game. Matches start at 7.30 pm. Order of play for round eight is 2, 1, 3.