Gala Squash Club’s baptism into the East of Scotland Leagues proved a tough one. Entering into League 5 for the first time in many years, Gala opened with a trip to Watsonians Squash Club in Edinburgh. The Gala players were excited for this new challenge and were ready and on court sharp. Due to holidays Gala were without a couple of their top players and travelled with: Gala Team + Seedings 1. Andy Gill, 2. Luis Molero,
3. Del Sharratt, 4. Andrew Dowlen-Gilland, 5. Ruaridh Kohler
It was WATSONIANS 4 v GALA
Ruaridh Kohler 2v3 Jim McConnell
This match was a riot – well as close as we could get; there was plenty of hustling and bustling and barging and charging as the players constantly seemed to be on top of each other and the referee had to intervene several times and rule on several shots; this made for plenty excitement and doggedness and both players’ “never-say-die” attitude ensured it was an extremely tight match. Jim triumphed 14-16, 15-17, 23-25, 15-13, 13-15.
Andrew Dowlen-Gilland 2v3 Fraser Scott
Another close match and some good rallies made this a much more flowing squash match. Andrew’s serves let him down as they kept falling below the line and costing himsome vital points. Fraser took it 15-12, 13-15, 15-4, 13-15, 15-13.
Del Sharratt 0v3 Scott Casey
There literally wasn’t much room for error in this match with both players towering over 6’0″ tall. This match was dominated by hard hitting and power shots as a war of attrition took over; although some shots lacked finesse, neither of these giants gave an inch and although Scott took it 15-8, 15-6, 15-11 the match was closer than the scoreline suggests.
Luis Molero 0v3 Clive Shannon
An International flavour in this game as Gala Squash Club’s Spanish Member was up against the Irishman Clive Shannon. This proved a bit of a ding-dong encounter and a high level of squash was displayed as tight fast shots and long rallies enthralled the crowd. Although Clive took the first two games relatively quickly, Luis pushed hard in the third and, had Luis taken the third game, an ever tiring Clive may well have ran out of gas. Clive took it 15-8, 15-9, 15-10.
Andy Gill 1v3 David Hutton
The clubs’ top seeds took to the court to contest the final match, and everyone gathered around the back of the court to watch this match as a good close match was expected. Andy was quick out the blocks and played the power game to win the opener. David, who had more experience in the Scottish leagues, paced himself more and didn’t take too long to come back into the game. Indeed David’s fitness and prowess proved the deciding factor over the speed and power of Andy Gill. David won 11-15, 15-9, 15-7, 15-10.
Team Captain Sharratt said after the match. “What an introduction to League squash, this is a glimpse at how difficult it’s going to be in the leagues and the level of players we will be facing. I have some fit young players to bring in for our next game and hopefully a decent victory over our next opponents in a couple of weeks time will make up for a disappointing start to the season.”
Next match:
Bridge Of Allan 3 v Gala
LEAGUE 5 RESULTS:
Bridge of Allan 3 2-15 Abercorn
Watsonians 4 15-5 Gala
Bank Of Scotland 12-9 collinton Castle 5
Waverley 4 7-10 Dunbar
Craigshill Xcite 11-7 Grange 5
Standings:
