21/06: 08 Sept 2007 - Pre-Season
Derbyshire Leagues
The Derbyshire Squash League starts this week (13 Sept) and in the 1st Division defending Champions Dragons are at home to last season’s runners-up Hood Park in what could prove to be a crucial tie, the winners taking early momentum into their season’s campaign. Dragons 1 comprise a similar team to last season with County No 1 and England No. 30 Joel Hinds heading the team, ably supported by fast improving Eddie Charlton. Regulars Greg Loach, Ryan Loska and Carl Tomlinson provide a solid lower order for Dragons, who can rely on experienced Lee Watson as back up. Hood Park, 2004/5 Champions can field a strong line up with World No. 129 Darren Lewis and John Freeman.
Duffield 1 welcome back the highly talented Paul Hargrave (former Eng No. 11) to the top of the order and together with evergreen Eng O35 International duo Kevin White and Jason Foster, a new recruit, will cause some problems to Dragons and Hood Park. Even without White, Duffield should prove too strong for The Manor (Ilkeston) in their opener, but nothing should be taken for granted in what could be one of the closest County Championships in years.
Burton take on Brampton Manor (Chesterfield) in what may turn out to be a mid-table battle and both teams will be keen to have a good start to avoid slipping into a relegation battle. Newly promoted Ashbourne are at home to Lumb Farm 1 and must surely record a win if they are to avoid relegation this season.
Individual Activity
The British Open commences on 18 September at Manchester’s Sport City venue and Derbyshire have a number of players involved. Foremost is Laura Hill (pictured), England No. 7 and World No. 50, who will be playing in the qualifying rounds; only the World’s top 12 having automatic entry into the main draw. Hill builds up to the British Open in another World ranking event, the Wolverhampton Open on 13th Sept. Unseeded Hill’s first round opponent is 5th seed Sarah Kippax, to whom Hill has never lost. A second round clash with the 3rd seed Dominque Lloyd-Walter will be a very sever test and Hill will need to be at her very best to advance further.
Joel Hinds also competes in the qualifying rounds of both the British and Wolverhampton Opens. Most of Duffield’s PSL Team are also involved in the British Open with reigning Men’s Champion Nick Matthews defending his title.
Kevin White (O35) and Neil Nightingale (O55) are both 5/8 seeds, White is scheduled to play former England Full International Nick Taylor in the second round, while Nightingale takes on 3/4 seed Egyptian Abbas Kauod at the same stage. Reigning National O45 Champion Lesley Sturgess is no. 2 seed, but faces tough matches against fellow International Jill Champion and new to the age group Surrey’s Tasmin Bennett in a likely semi-final.
The Derbyshire Squash League starts this week (13 Sept) and in the 1st Division defending Champions Dragons are at home to last season’s runners-up Hood Park in what could prove to be a crucial tie, the winners taking early momentum into their season’s campaign. Dragons 1 comprise a similar team to last season with County No 1 and England No. 30 Joel Hinds heading the team, ably supported by fast improving Eddie Charlton. Regulars Greg Loach, Ryan Loska and Carl Tomlinson provide a solid lower order for Dragons, who can rely on experienced Lee Watson as back up. Hood Park, 2004/5 Champions can field a strong line up with World No. 129 Darren Lewis and John Freeman.
Duffield 1 welcome back the highly talented Paul Hargrave (former Eng No. 11) to the top of the order and together with evergreen Eng O35 International duo Kevin White and Jason Foster, a new recruit, will cause some problems to Dragons and Hood Park. Even without White, Duffield should prove too strong for The Manor (Ilkeston) in their opener, but nothing should be taken for granted in what could be one of the closest County Championships in years.
Burton take on Brampton Manor (Chesterfield) in what may turn out to be a mid-table battle and both teams will be keen to have a good start to avoid slipping into a relegation battle. Newly promoted Ashbourne are at home to Lumb Farm 1 and must surely record a win if they are to avoid relegation this season.
Individual Activity
The British Open commences on 18 September at Manchester’s Sport City venue and Derbyshire have a number of players involved. Foremost is Laura Hill (pictured), England No. 7 and World No. 50, who will be playing in the qualifying rounds; only the World’s top 12 having automatic entry into the main draw. Hill builds up to the British Open in another World ranking event, the Wolverhampton Open on 13th Sept. Unseeded Hill’s first round opponent is 5th seed Sarah Kippax, to whom Hill has never lost. A second round clash with the 3rd seed Dominque Lloyd-Walter will be a very sever test and Hill will need to be at her very best to advance further.
Joel Hinds also competes in the qualifying rounds of both the British and Wolverhampton Opens. Most of Duffield’s PSL Team are also involved in the British Open with reigning Men’s Champion Nick Matthews defending his title.
Kevin White (O35) and Neil Nightingale (O55) are both 5/8 seeds, White is scheduled to play former England Full International Nick Taylor in the second round, while Nightingale takes on 3/4 seed Egyptian Abbas Kauod at the same stage. Reigning National O45 Champion Lesley Sturgess is no. 2 seed, but faces tough matches against fellow International Jill Champion and new to the age group Surrey’s Tasmin Bennett in a likely semi-final.