Hurricanes defeat Thunder

The Baw Baw Squash Club's autumn season semi-finals went as expected, with the Heat being eliminated and the Hurricanes through to the grand final.

In each of those finals, the most enthralling matches were played at the number three level. Both matches were determined by a tie-break in the fifth set.

In the first semi-final, Anthony Walker got Thunder off to a good start winning the first game 15-8. Bruce Bowering of Heat fought back to take the next two in tie-breaks 17-15, 17-16.

It must have taken its toll on Bruce, as Anthony stormed back to take the fourth game convincingly 15-4.

The final game saw the lead see-saw and, again, 14-all was reached. Bruce missed a vital shot and Anthony capitalised on the mistake to take out the match for the Thunder 17-16.

The other semi-final highlight match followed a similar pattern. Strikers' Jeff Lyon took an early lead against Hurricanes' Russell Jackson 15-9.

Russell fought back to take the next two games, 15-10, 15-13, then lost the fourth game 13-15. Jeff's better speed around the court and good drop shots contrasted with Russell's superior depth and reach, which meant points were shared.

It was Russell who finally prevailed 17-15 to help the Hurricanes go through to the grand final.

Jeff's team, the Strikers, progressed to the preliminary final and were soundly defeated by the Thunder 4-0. However, it was not as one-sided as those figures suggest.

Pat Sullivan got the Hurricanes off to a good start with a 3-0 win over Andrea Syers.

Once again, the threes went to five sets. Anthony Walker again came out on top with a 1511, 15-11, 8-15, 12-15, 15-11 win over Jeff Lyon.

The twos also went to five sets. Lynton McPhail played one of his best matches of the season to defeat Terry Milsome who was last season's most improved player. Again, there were two tie-break sets, with Terry calling short (next point wins) each time. He won the first one but lost the crucial fifth game tie-break and the match 15-9, 6-15, 15-14, 9-15, 14-15.

With the contest already settled, Andrew Holden seemed intent on concluding the night as quickly as possible. In a match played at a frenetic pace as both players hit powerful shots and displayed great court coverage, Andrew was able to do it more consistently than his opponent Scott McArdle. Final scores were 1513, 15-8, 15-3.

The Hurricanes, having been top of the ladder for most of the season, went into the grand final as favourites over the Thunder who only made the four two weeks before the finals.

At level four, Pat Sullivan's experience was expected to prevail in a close match against fast-developing youngster Liam Goodwin.

However, Liam's good depth, straight drives and quick court coverage disrupted Pat's usual craftiness and he took out the first game 15-12.

Pat's better control, aided by unforced errors from Liam, enabled him to take the next two games, 15-11, 17-16. Liam managed to stop rushing his shots and, so, placed more pressure on Pat who lost his advantage and the final two games, 5-15, 12-15.

Anthony Walker and Russell Jackson displayed contrasting styles in their match. It was Anthony's tighter and stronger shots as well as greater mobility that enabled him to take out their match in three sets, 15-12, 17-16, 15-12.

Anthony's three victorious finals matches resulted in him receiving the well-earned “player of the finals” award.

After two matches, it was one match all, but the Thunder had a two game advantage.

Hurricanes' number two Dave Dzur was ill and substituted by lower-ranked Joe Cicala, so the Thunder was looking good. Joe had other ideas.

In four hard-fought sets, he prevailed over Lynton McPhail, 15-9, 15-14, 10-15, 15-13.

In the final match, the club's top two players Mike Griffith and Andrew Holden played off.

It was fitting that the winner would secure the premiership for their team.

Their previous encounter was a five set affair, with Mike scrambling a win so the meeting was much anticipated.

In their high quality final, Mike knew he had to bring his best game, which he did. The fast-paced match saw all the best features of squash on display with superb athleticism, skilful stroke-play and instinctive strategy from both players.

In the end, it was Mike's ability to keep Andrew back and dominate the front court that was the difference between the two on the night.

Final scores: 15-11, 15-9, 15-14, with Hurricanes winning the night 3-1.

Congratulations to all finals players for the spirit in which each match was conducted.

In the other awards on the night, Liam Goodwin was awarded the “player of the grand final”, Mike Griffith was the “most consistent” player for winning all his matches, Pat Sullivan was “most improved”, and YD Singh won the Tuesday night handicap tournament trophy.

Thursday is grading night and team selection for the winter competition. New and returning players need to attend or text Dave on 0408 577 398 prior to the night.

Baw Baw Squash Club Grand Final

Hurricanes (3/9/212) defeated Thunder (1/6/193).

Mike Griffith (1/3/45) defeated Andrew Holden (0/0/34), Joe Cicala (F/I) (1/3/55) defeated Lynton McPhail (0/1/51), Russell Jackson (0/0/40) lost to Anthony Walker (1/3/47), Liam Goodwin (1/3/72) defeated Pat Sullivan (0/2/61).

Player of the finals: Anthony Walker; player of the grand final: Liam Goodwin; most consistent: Mike Griffith; and most improved: Pat Sullivan.