The Hogarth Health Club Squash Final

In the top half of the draw Michael Blosse, seeded 1, made it through to the final of The Hogarth 2015 Squash Tournament. A few tough matches on the way including a close Semi Final against Andrew Monk served him well. 

In the bottom draw it was a hard fought battle with number 2 seed, Nick Thomas beating Nick Stallworthy 3-1 in the other Semi Final.

The scene was set, number 1 and 2 seeds ready to run each other into the ground.

The first 5 minutes of the first game, service changed hands many times, neither opponent wishing to draw first blood.  Michael then hit a string of winners to go 4-0 up. Nick managed to regain control but then Michael ran away with another 3 points, 7-0. Both opponents were testing each other and trying to find a weak spot, there were some real ding dong rallies. Nick managed to win 2 points but then Michael came through as winner of the first game 9-2.

Once again, at the beginning of the second game there were numerous changes of service as both players refused to take charge and just simply played the ball up and down the line. The score was 2-2. Michael had a quick succession of winners to take him to 5-2 then Nick countered to bring it back to 4-5. There were a couple of errors from each player until the score got to 7-6 to Michael. Service went back and forth with Nick hitting some beautifully crafted ‘nicks’ and Michael trying to wear Nick down. Michael’s fitness came through and secured him the second game 9-6. 

2-0 to Michael.

It looked like Michael was in the driving seat but Nick had other ideas. Nick was going for the kill whilst Michael was trying to keep the ball alive and force the errors. Before we knew it Nick was 6-5 up and looked as though a come-back was on the cards. Clearly, the effort of taking the ball early and putting the pressure on Michael had taken it’s toll on Nick. Michael drew back to 6-6, Nick made an unforced error and that opened the door for Michael to power through to a 9-6 victory.

3-0 to Michael Blosse. Hogarth champion for the second 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!