Summer Squash Exhibition

August 30th saw the club hold its second exhibition squash match featuring some of the top players from around the world.  Topping the bill were Joey Barrington (ranked 28 in the world and son of squash legend Jonah Barrington) and 17 year old Mohamed El-Shorbagy (ranked 60 in the world and recent winner of the World Junior Championships).  Joining them were Jonny Harford (world ranked 62) and Jaymie Haycocks (world ranked 137).  The club was also lucky enough to see the return of Steve Coppinger (world ranked 81 and South African national champion) and Tom Power (Bucks #2).  
 
The day kicked off with a club afternoon which gave members and visitors alike a chance to get on court and play against the professionals.  This demonstrated the awesome ability of the visiting pro's although on ocassion a few of us mere mortals managed to get the better of them and sneak the odd point!!
 
Things then progressed onto the "Royal Rumble"... widely regarded as the greatest spectacle in modern sport.  The pro's dismissed each other in quick succession and before too long it was a battle between the stalwarts of sussex squash.  Julian Drage of Sawyers embarked on his Royal Rumble campaign in dramatic style, fearlessly launching himself into all corners of the court only to be dismissed by a plucky drop shot into the front right corner.  Defending champion, Joe Manning of Crowborough, had is plight swiftly thwarted... nerves were evident as the thought of back to back rumbles was clearly playing on his mind!  After some showboating from Ted Shaw the rumble was decided by the last two competitors and the title was eventually handed to a junior member.
 
It was then time to see how the game should really be played and the first exhibition match kicked off. Jaymie Haycocks vs Jonny Harford.  The match kept the crowd thoroughly entertained as both players unloaded their extensive arsenals of winning shots whilst demonstrating the accuracy and pace of world class squash.  Jonny emerged the 3-2 victor in what was an engaging, banterful and crowd pleasing match!
 
With the crowd warm and eager for more, Joey Barrington took to the court with Mohamed El-Shorbagy.  Shorbagy is coached by Joey's father Jonah at Millfield School so the two players were no strangers to each other.  The earlier admission from Joey that; "Things get pretty heated when we play" suggested that the crowd were in for a gripping game.  Joey went into the first at full pace and quickly found himself with a 1-0 advantage.  Shorbagy seemed to find his game head in the second and the remaining games were much tighter.  Both players hit some stunning shots at a pace not often witnessed by the glass back court of Crowborough Tennis and Squash club.  Experience prevailed however and Joey took the match 3-1.
 
Meanwhile, out in the car park, South African national champion Steve Coppinger was showing how his talents are not confined to the squash court as he and John Powell manned the BBQ and cooked up a fine feast for all the spectators! 
 
The day was sold out and we would like to express our appreciation to everyone who supported the event.  It was fantastic to see so many juniors on court with the stars of today and, hopefully, days like these will inspire them to become the stars of tomorrow.