As a first- time watcher of squash, I didn’t know what to expect, but with some helpful words of wisdom from the York women’s 1st squash team, I slowly began to understand and enjoy the fast- paced game. Each game was played 1v1, with the goal of being the first to win 11 points per game, and the best of 5 overall. The players are trapped inside a glass box (some could argue a human zoo) and they hit a small black ball onto the wall in front of them, which has red lines on it that the ball must stay within. The ball can hit the side and back walls, but must be hit back onto the front wall before it bounces on the floor twice. The players alternate hitting the ball, similar to a rally in tennis.
The first game was victorious for York, with player Zoe securing the win. In the first match of the game, York got off to a steady start, winning with a score of 11-5. This momentum continued with ease in the second match, which was won by York 11-2. With the knowledge that this third match could win York the game, the nerves probably set in, meaning this was no easy match for both teams. Both players chased each other down, going from one person being 1 point ahead, to evening out the score to a draw with each rally. However after a tense player- point draw of 11-11, Lancaster tipped the scale and won this match 12-11. This didn’t deter York, and they went on to win the fourth match 11-2, securing them the overall win of this game. Post- win, York’s Zoe Marshall told me, “We’ve been training really hard and focusing on our weaknesses. This game went really well and I’m glad we came away with the win.”
The second game followed a pretty much identical stream of action, with York player Catherine dominating the court. Matches one and two were won by York, with some incredible results of 11-4 and 11-9. Match three, again, proved more difficult, and the points stayed steadily drawn until the tense final moments in which Lancaster clinched the win 13-11. However, in the same style as her teammate before her, Catherine kept her cool, squashing the opposition and winning the fourth match 11-5. Another overall game win for York!
By the third game, the competition was heating up, and Lancaster gained a determined spirit following their losses in the first two rounds. This renewed energy was brought to the court by Lancastrian player, Amelia. Although York put up a very good fight, keeping a solid performance against their opponent, it was Lancaster who came out victorious. Amelia won 3 consecutive matches, meaning that Lancaster took the win for the overall game.
Lancaster knew that they had to win this fourth game in order to draw level with York, and stop them from winning the overall tournament. This seemingly sparked a high passion within the Lancastrians, who followed their previous game’s success with another 3- match winning streak carried out by their player, Dani, who ensnared their victory of this game.
At this point, York had won 2 games, and Lancaster had also won 2, creating an even playing field and setting the scene for a dramatic, tie- breaking finale. Whoever won this fifth game would take home the overall victory for their team… no pressure! In this tense battle for glory, both players put on a fast- paced, entertaining performance, keeping all spectators hooked on their every hit. Ultimately, it was Lancastrian player, Beth, who tipped the scales in their favour, winning all 3 matches, and securing the overall win for Lancaster. Although York unfortunately suffered a loss in this tantalisingly close tournament, the whole team played very well and should be proud of their performances.