Rachel powers through to take the title

For the second year running, following a significant hiatus, the ladies championship was played at Gala Squash and Racketball Club.  It was set to be an open match with the defending Champion (Sandra McCutcheon) and club new comer (Joy Borowska) dispatched in the Semi-Finals.  Contenders and club regulars Jane Logan and Rachel McAleese faced each other for the 2015 Club Championship.  Both ladies were used to friendly matches but never had they played together for the coveted trophy and for the kudos of having their name etched permanently on the Championship Board. It was bound to be a tough match and intriguing to know who would have the upper hand in skill, determination, court craft and Stamina.  Rachel was going for the Double as she has already triumphed in the 2015 Handicap Cup at the Squash Club.

First out of the blocks was McAleese, swiftly securing the first game by domination of the centre of the court and blocking any effort Jane made to break to the front.  Logan didn’t do herself any favours by playing too many half court shots which were easy fodder for Rachel to cut in and kill.  The first game was 9-4 to Rachel.  Straight into round two and both ladies appeared more settled though Rachel was going all out to make short work of this game too.  Ahead 6-1 a minor error let Jane back in to score 2 more points, it was just enough to remind Rachel to up her pace and power (concluded at 9-3 to Rachel).  After a short rest, both returned to court.  A mental barrier faced Jane as she had to secure this game to have any chance of winning the championship.  Refreshed, Jane took the first 5 points with relative ease and decisiveness, presenting Rachel with her signature and challenging lob serve.  A switch had been flipped and a determined Jane was fighting her way back.  Rachel broke in with the odd point but was definitely in a defensive position.  Fighting to stay in the competition Jane stole this game 9-6.

Going into the fourth game Rachel was not going to make any point easy for her opponent to win.  She significantly upped the power on each of her serves.  She very quickly, and worryingly for Jane, was ahead 8-0.  Then Jane snatched one point on her serve (8-1), then another before reeling off 6 in a row.  The game was most definitely on and their was little quarter given.  The score was tight and the atmosphere was tense.  Rachel 8, Jane 7 (playing to 9).  Jane only needed 2 points to take it to a deciding game.  However, it wasn’t to be as a loose shot into the ‘tin’ resulted in Jane’s departure.

The final scores of Jane and Rachel respectively were: 4-9, 3-9, 9-6, and 7-9.  So, the first victory for Rachel McAleese- a worthy champion.  Both ladies congratulated each other on their performances, and that of the marker/umpire (Sandra McCutcheon).

Jane (left) and Rachel (right) after the match
Jane (left) and Rachel (right) after the match