Hogarth Squash Tournament 2017!

In the top half of the draw Michael Blosse, seeded 1, made it through to the final of The Hogarth 2016 Squash Tournament. A few tough matches on the way including a close Semi Final against Tom Vallance warmed him up nicely. 

In the bottom draw it was a hard fought, close battle with number 4 seed, Neil Webster beating number 2 seed Jason Van Schoor 3-2 in the other Semi Final.

The scene was set, number 1 and 4 seeds ready to run each other into the ground.

Both players started slowly, playing deep, tight lengths followed by searching boasts. Neil took the initiative in the first game by going 7-4 up but then the tide changed. Neil’s calf was giving him some grief and then Michael hit the most awesome, tight lob imaginable to take back the serve at 4-7. Michael then ran home as winner of the first game 9-7 with Neil somewhat deflated. 

The second game was swift with points being given away by both players. Michael’s consistency is what won through and the second game was also 9-7. 

2-0 to Michael, was this going to be a clean sweep for the 2nd year in a row?

Neil had other ideas. His calf had seemed to settle down and the 3rd game gave the audience some absolute belter, ding dong rallies. Service changed hands many times, sometimes without even gaining a point. It was tense, Michael was pushing to finish Neil off whilst Neil desperately wanted to take the 3rd game to still be in with a chance. Michael led the first game for at least 80% of its duration, however, Neil had the bit between his teeth. Neil forged ahead 6-5 and then never looked back. 3rd game to Neil 9-5.

Could Neil be the ‘come-back King’ or was Michael going to up the anti?

It was no surprise that both players took the full rest break in-between games and had to be called back onto court by the tournament referee Giles.

The beginning of the 4th game was very close, both players not wanting to make any unforced errors. Michael managed to hit the nick several times. Service changed hands many times and the score was stuck on 4-4. Suddenly, it was Neil’s turn to hit the nick to go 5-4 up and that sealed the 4th game as the next 4 points fell quickly. 9-4 to Neil

Game score 2-2. This was going right down to the bone. Both players visually fatigued but trying not to let on. 5th and final game, Neil serving and clearly on a role, had Michael’s head gone down, was he out of steam? 

Neil immediately went 6-0 up. He was in the driving seat and Michael was clearly running out of ideas. What a come-back. Michael managed to claw back 4 points but Neil was serving again and eventually went 7-4 up. Could he finish the job and take the crown? Just then, something strange happened. There was a really long rally and Neil almost threw himself horizontal to the left court to reach a teasing boast from Michael, missed and lay there for a few seconds in disbelief. Both players were clearly sweating profusely and in the name of safe play the court had to be wiped to remove the sweat to stop both players from slipping. There was a bit of banter and then play resumed. Michael was serving 4-7. Those few seconds whilst the court was wiped turned the tide for both players. Neil lost concentration and Michael got his second wind. In the next few minutes Michael had won every point with little resistance and with it the match. 9-7 to Michael.

It’s a funny old game!

3-2 to Michael Blosse. Hogarth champion for the 3rd year in a row! Great game chaps, well played. Will there be anyone to break Michael’s hold on the trophy next year? Time to get training!