Cheetham Hill travelled to Alderley Edge needing a massive performance as they were without many of their top players. On paper, the match looked like it could be a 3-2 to either Cheetham or Alderley.

Lowri Roberts and Josh but put in impressive displays to overcome Mike Pottertron and Matt Godson respectively. As is often the case, James Pickles out-lasts the other 4 matches, and tonight was no exception. Him and Henry Beach were having a mammoth match, which was made even longer with a blood injury delay (James really milking the court time and the attention!). The third game was pivotal as Henry just about scraped it on a tie-break, and then a few errors from Pickles in the 4th game allowed Henry to take a lead which he never relinquished, scoring a massive win for his side.

Jordan Hardwick and the youngster, Toby Ponting played out a superb match, with Jordan able to impose himself a little bit more, by volleying across the central court line, and therefore dominating the middle of the court more than his opponent could.

Stephen Hearst, known for his fitness, and Azhan Khan, not known for his fitness, were locked at 2 games all. Could the shot playing Azhan keep the ball out of the tin to win the fifth? Yes! He hit some outrageously good shots to somewhat surprisingly take the 5th game - but overall, a very well earned 19 points for Cheetham Hill to keep the pressure well and truely on Warrington at the top of the table.

Warrington had a straightforward 5-0 against strugglers City Of Manchester. Emily Whitlock was in ruthless form, not dropping a point in the last game, clearly releasing some frustration after an injury which kept her sidelined for 3 weeks. Tonight we also saw Haaris Vine his two aces in one game - a rarely seen sight in squash. Sportcity, where COM play, seems transformed of late, and finally after 20 years of feeling like a warehouse with some squad courts, now feels like a squash club. There’s a buzz around the club like never before, and is a pleasant destination for the travelling team.

Liverpool were another team missing several of their top players this week and as a result lost to the ever-consistent Grove Park, although new Liverpool signing Will Donnelly had a brilliant win against stalwart Morgan Hibberd at No.3.

Yawar and Breeny were knocking the life out of each other at No.5 string. Breeny, may play the clown sometimes, but is a dogged competitor, and Yawar is known for his sensible shot selections. Yawar edged the match 13/11 in the fifth, just a few mistakes from the Liverpool captain and a few too many months away from competitive matches, meant Yawar had the edge in the last game. His victory was greeted with a huge cheer. Yawar has been, and will always be a crowd favourite because of his remarkable service to the club (and occasionally for his squash quality too!). 

Wigan, who had hopes of a third spot finish in the league, have been faltering of late, heavily due to the injury to club coach Julian. He still marches on like a trooper, but with sporadic pangs of pain. He would often be a reliable win but recently has been struggling to play, let alone win. Northern’s Matt Wagg has enjoyed his best 3 months in the league as he ended his first half of the season with another win. Paul MacDonald is never easy to beat, but Matt was simply deadly on his volley drops.

So, this is the last report for a few weeks as we head to a Christmas and New Year break. I write this report from my hospital bed as I await being called into theatre for my hip replacement operation. The Spire Hospital, (which is more like a 5 star hotel) has a particularly exciting food menu. I’ve just ordered fish and chips followed by a brownie! I might try to stay in longer than my scheduled two nights so I can have my Christmas dinner here…

Andy Whipp

Thanks Andy and I'm sure that I speak for everyone that everything goes well with the operation and you are back on court stronger than ever

Merry Christmas to all the players and supporters in the NWCSL.