Boston Squash and Racketball Club
News
All website updates and club affairs will be found here.
Membership form available - 21st January 2012
The club's membership application form for the 2011/12 season is now available to download from the 'Joining' page.
BSPA Boston Open coverage - 9th December 2011
Coverage of the 15th annual BSPA Boston Open will be available via www.squashsite.co.uk this weekend, including results, pictures and a live text feed of matches. The tournament page can be found here.
Junior tournament draws available - 9th December 2011
The draws for the junior tournament running alongside the BSPA Boston Open this weekend are now available to download here.
Junior tournament entry forms available
The entry form for the juniour tournament that runs alongside the BSPA Boston Open (not to be confused with the Boston Junior Open) is now available to download here.
County Championships report - 7th October 2011
The Lincolnshire Squash County Championships 2011/12 were successfully played out at Boston Squash and Racketball Club last weekend, with Boston-based players Mark Hildred and Dave Stones winning county titles.
Hildred won the over 45s competition for the second time since entering the category in 2010. The honour followed a run through to the last eight of the over 45s European Championships in Portugal. Dave Stones, himself a former over 45s county champion, won the over 55s final to prise the crown away from Paul Tudor.
Dave Stones was the first of the finalists on court against an opponent who had won the over 55s category at the previous three championships. It was a relatively comfortable victory for Stones, who won 9/1, 9/1, 9/4. In the next youngest age category Mark Hildred faced Colin Fisher in the final. Hildred ran away with the first game 9/1, however the next stage of the match was markedly different. Fisher took an 8/5 lead and was on the verge of pulling level, but he let his lead slip and Hildred doubled his advantage to 2-0 via a 10/8 scoreline. The third game finished 9/4 to Hildred, thus securing him the over 45s county title after a competitive final which lasted 39 minutes. Hildred then lost to John Hand 15/13, 11/6, 11/4 in the over 35s showdown. The Bostonian was visibly fatigued by his previous match and a gruelling first game.
The closest and most impressive Ladies' final for a number of years followed on court, and Fran Wallis beat Lisa Tamplin in five sets: 11/6, 9/11, 12/10, 7/11, 11/7. The men's open concluded with 19-year-old Adam Auckland beating Richard Parsons 11/8, 11/1, 11/7 to retain the title of county champion.
There were two more successes for Boston as Jake Fountain beat OIlie Fixter 11/5, 11/7, 11/1 in the final of the main plate, and Ady Proctor overcame Gary Cheetham 9/0, 9/1, 7/9, 9/7 to win the senior plate final. The championships preceeded the start of the new season's Lincolnshire Leagues, in which Boston have entered three teams.
September leagues online - 5th September 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for September are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
August leagues online - 10th August 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for August are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
County Championships 2011/12 information - 8th August 2011
This season's senior County Championships will be held at Boston Squash and Racketball Club on the 1st and 2nd October 2011. There will be men's and women's open events, and men's O35, O45 and O55 tournaments as well.
To enter the county championships this year, you must submit your entry form by the 16th September 2011.
July leagues online - 2nd July 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for July are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Courts refurbished - 28th June 2011
Boston Squash and Racketball Club's glass-back courts have been refurbished. The work was carried out last week by Wearwell, and has seen the club's two main courts receive a dramatic makeover.
The front walls are as good as new following a replastering, while the side walls have also been cleaned. As well as the walls, the floors have been brightened up after being sanded and new line markings have been put in place.
Done the double - 13th June 2011
PIC: Top row (left-to-right): Chris Clements, Mark Hildred, Colin Fisher.
Bottom row (left-to-right): John Secker, Ady Proctor, Jake Fountain.
BOSTON Squash and Racketball Club have collected two county cups and both Lincolnshire Leagues titles after a smashing season which also included national success as the town's Over-45s team won the national veterans' plate.
After a long season Boston 1 won the Lincolnshire Leagues Premier Division by a tantalising two points, finishing on 160 points from 16 matches whilst runners-up Hiatt Decorators achieved 158 points. It marks the tenth time that Boston have been crowned county champions since 2000.
Boston 2 had success of their own in the county's other, Division 1, beating runners-up Metheringham to the title by 27 points having chalked up 137 points over 12 matches. They will now compete alongside Boston 1 in the Premier Division next season.
The County Cups Finals weekend was held at Metheringham on Sunday (12th June). In the Alford Cup, which is contested by clubs’ Over-35s teams, Boston faced Eastgate. The first match was between John Secker (Boston) and Lynn Turner (Eastgate) at fifth string. Secker took the first game 11/9. The second game at one point looked like becoming never-ending. Secker came from 6/3 and 9/7 down to earn a gameball at 10/9 up, but he lost the point and the match went to 10/10 and two-clear. The Boston #5 then saved two gameballs before failing to capitalise on another two of his own, but eventually won the game 16/14. Secker wrapped the match up 11/9 in the third to give Boston a 1-0 lead.
The second match saw Boston’s Ady Proctor go head to head with fellow #3 Chris Norris. It was a fairly straightforward win for Proctor, who dispatched his opponent 11/6, 11/6, 11/8.
Colin Fisher was next on court for Boston at fourth string and faced Phil Hiatt. Fisher used his power well to drive himself into an 11/6, 11/8 lead. In the third game he fought back to 7/7 from 7/4 down and pushed on to win the final game 11/8, securing the Alford Cup for Boston in the process.
At second string John Hand played Eastgate’s Hugh Bochel. At 7/7 in the first game Bochel ironically suffered a hand injury. He soon recovered and Hand then wasted and saved a gameball before grabbing the first game 13/11. He won the next game 11/5, but Bochel responded in the third by firing himself into an 8-2 lead and taking the game 11/8. It proved to only be a consolation though, as Hand won the next game 12/10 thanks to a stroke. He had survived a gameball at 10/9 down and the victory was one of small margins.
The final match was between the teams’ #1s, Mark Hildred (Boston) and Dean Hiatt (Eastgate). Hildred won the first game 11/8. In the second game the match became heated with Hildred frustrated at the number of lets being awarded and Hiatt consistently finding his opponent in the way. Hildred went 7/6 up but some impressive backhand drives from Hiatt won him the game 11/7 to level the score at 1-1. In the third the score reached 7/7 and Hiatt took the game 11/7 to put him on the brink of a consolation victory for Eastgate. However, Hildred won the fourth game 11/5 to set up a decider, in which he kept a slim lead throughout before securing the game 11/7, and thus the match, with a backhand cross-court that Hiatt was not able to successfully retrieve.
Having secured the Alford Cup 5-0, Boston’s main men’s team then began the hunt to win the Parker Cup. Standing in their way was Rustons (Lincoln).
The first match was between Jake Fountain (Boston) and Andy Reedman (Rustons) at fifth string. In a tight first game Reedman edged it 13/11. This was in contrast to the next two games where Fountain took the second 11/2 before losing the third game 11/4. Boston’s #5 won the grabbed two games 11/6 to be crowned the winner of a five-set thriller.
At fourth string Boston’s Chris Clements faced Dom Burke. Clements won the first two games 12/10, 11/6. In the third game he earned two matchballs with a rally that produced applause from the crowd, but lost the advantage as Burke drew back to 10/10. Clements then lost another gameball as Burke stretched across and just managed to play a volley that agonisingly sneaked up. Clements then saved a gameball himself before winning the game 14/12 to win the second match of the final for Boston.
Colin Fisher represented Boston at third string and was unfortunate not to get a game off Adie Nichols. He lost the first game 12/10 having had a gameball at 10/9 up. The second game also reached 10/10 and Colin played a clever, deceptive dropshot to go 11/10 up and within one point of taking the game. He reached the same position at 12/11, but lost the game 14/12 as Nichols buried the ball away with an instinctive reactionary shot after Fisher had delivered a ‘bodyline’ drive. Nichols won the final game 11/9 to halve Boston’s lead in the final to 2-1.
The second string bore witness to a five-setter between Ady Proctor (Boston) and Gareth Clarke. In the first game Proctor saved two gameballs but it was third time lucky for Clarke who secured the game 13/11. Ady sped into a 10/3 lead in the second game and proceeded to level the score with an 11/7 victory. The third reached 8/8 but Clarke won the next three points to take the game 11/8. The start of the fourth game was even but Ady dominated the second half and won the contest 11/6 to take the match into the fifth. Unfortunately the final game was a reversal of the previous one and Clarke won 11/6 to draw Eastgate level in the final at 2-2.
The title of County Cup winners came down to a showdown between Boston’s Mark Hildred and Rustons’ Russell Watkins, the teams’ #1s. Hildred won the first game by a comfortable 11/2 scoreline. In the next game Boston’s player was stuck at 7/6 down for a series of lets, but eventually completed the game without losing another point and doubled his lead to 2-0 via an 11/7 scoreline. In the third game Hildred went 4/2 up, after surprisingly managing to chase back a shot that had seemingly gone across and past him. Boston’s #1 skilfully dropped a forehand volley crosscourt to go 10/4 up, and Watkins could not return one of Hildred’s lengths in the following rally, meaning that Boston had retained the County Cup 3-2.
June leagues online - 7th June 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for June are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
May leagues online - 4th May 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for May are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Champions! - 1st May 2011
Boston 1 have won the Lincolnshire Leagues Premier Division to become County Champions for the second season running. The main men's team topped the league by just two points, with runners-up Hiatt Decorators finishing on 158 points from the campaign's 16 matches.
Meanwhile Boston 2 have won the Lincolnshire Leagues Division 1, winning all 12 of their matches to finish on 137 points - 27 points ahead of runners-up Metheringham.
Boston 3 finished sixth out of the seven teams in Division 1 with a total of 46 points (22 points more than RAF Coningsby 2).
Courts to be refurbished - 1st May 2011
Boston Squash and Racketball Club has announced that significant work is to be carried out on the club's glassback courts this summer.
The refurbishment, to be carried out by Wearwell, will include the washing/repainting of the side and front walls and re-marking of the lines and is set to make the courts look as good as new.
The work will begin on 20th June, and will last for 5-7 days. During this time both courts will be out of action. Although the rainbow courts will still be available as usual, members are advised to avoid arranging matches for the duration of this period.
Boston Junior Open draws available - 27th April 2011
The draws for this year's Boston Junior Open have been published online. Links to the draws, which have been emailed to all players, have now been posted on the 'Boston Junior Open' page as well.
Treble haul for Hildred - 10th April 2011
PIC: (Left to right): THE FINALISTS: Wayne Cox, Stuart Dunlop, John Secker, Colin Fisher, Gary Fitzsimmons, Mujeeb Pervez, Patrick Hildred, Mark Hildred, Tina Favell, Bob Pearson, Chris Clements, Andy Baxter, Gary Williamson, Ruth Simpson, George Cooper, Pete Andrews, Ady Proctor, Edy Goddard. (Photo taken by Andy Mitchell)
Over 70 players took part, but on Saturday night there were 6 different winners of the main competitions in Boston Squash and Racketball Club’s annual Club Championships - with Mark Hildred winning the main Buchner Open 30 years after first winning it at the age of 16 in 1981.
Mark Hildred, Pete Andrews, Ady Proctor, Bob Pearson, Ruth Simpson and Patrick Hildred were all victorious in their respective categories, while Stuart Dunlop, Wayne Cox, Mujeeb Pervez and Gary Williamson succeeded in the plate competitions.
In the squash tournaments, the Buchner Open, Over 35s and Over 45s titles were all retained by Mark Hildred, while Pete Andrews won the Over 55s tournament. Ruth Simpson once again took the prize in the Ladies’ category and Patrick Hildred won his third consecutive junior title. In the Racketball Open, Ady Proctor ran out as champion with Bob Pearson succeeding in the Racketball Over 45s.
Finals night started with the junior final. It was the last year in the junior tournament for both of the finalists - Edy Goddard and Patrick Hildred. The latter took the first game 9/6, before Edy bounced back 9/4 to level the games at 1-1. Despite the setback, Patrick went on to come from behind in both of the last two games to win the final 9/6, 4/9, 9/4, 9/6.
In the Racketball Over 45s Bob Pearson beat Andy Baxter over the course of five games. Ady Proctor managed to come from 2-1 down to beat John Secker 3-2 in a competitive Racketball Open final. Back in the squash, the Ladies’ final saw Ruth Simpson overcome Tina Favell 3-0 to win the event for an impressive 8th straight year. One of numerous five-setters from throughout the night occurred courtesy of the over 55s final. Pete Andrews sealed a 3-2 win against Bob Pearson despite the latter’s efforts to climb back to 2-2 having been 2-0 down.
In the over 35s squash tournament Ady Proctor conceded the final to Mark Hildred due to injury, and this was perhaps fortunate for Mark who still had to compete in two finals. The first of these was in the over 45s event where he beat Colin Fisher 9/3, 9/2, 9/3. The second was the final of the main competition - the Buchner Open.
Chris Clements had secured his place in the final the previous night with a 3-0 win over Ady Proctor, while Mark Hildred had progressed following a walkover against Dave Stones. Mark was the strong favourite ahead of the match but it proved to be the closest final in many years. He narrowly nicked what had built up to be a crucial first game 10/9, before winning the next game 9/2 to take a 2-0 lead in games. However, the third game shook things up in front of the large crowd that had gathered to watch as Chris took it 9/4. It was the first time in recent memory that Mark had dropped a game in the Buchner Open final, and this was a tribute to Chris’ outstanding performance, which consisted of countless winners on the backhand side. Despite this, Mark drew on his ability and overcame his fatigue to fight back admirably in the fourth game to win the match and the title of club champion for the 24th time; 10/9, 9/2, 4/9, 9/6. The entertaining nature of the match was somewhat backed up by the statistics. The final lasted for 70 minutes which was reflective of the long and competitive rallies.
In the plates, Stuart Dunlop beat Stuart Garner 9/6 in the fifth in a closely contested main plate final, while in the racketball plate Gary Williamson beat John Payne 3-1. Back to the squash, the plate over 35s was handed to Wayne Cox who beat 2010’s winner Gary Fitzsimmons 3-0. Finally, in the combined plate over 45s/55s Mujeeb Pervez beat George Cooper 3-0.
The most improved player award, chosen by club steward Paul Smith, was awarded to Jamie Adams. He is the third junior to have won the prize since 2004.
At the presentations ceremony after the final, tournament organiser Ady Proctor said, “I’d like to thank everybody that took part once again, the number of entries seems to grow each and every year which is great. With the racketball coming onboard in leaps and bounds the competition there is now as fierce as it is with the squash.”
Ady announced that it was his last year of running the championships having done so for a number of years. Club Chairman Mark Hildred thanked Ady on everybody’s behalf for running the event, before adding: “I’d like to thank Paul Smith for his efforts throughout the year - he’s ever-present at all the events we have. Also, many thanks to the irreplaceable Peter Tait (club treasurer) who has presented the new annual racketball trophy.”
“I think it was a great crowd tonight, and it’s always nice to play a final where there’s a lot of people there so I’d like to thank you all for your support,” the Buchner Open winner concluded.
April leagues online - 2nd April 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for April are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
March leagues online - 4th March 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for March are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
February leagues online - 2nd February 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for February are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
January leagues online - 4th January 2011
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for January are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Whipp and Beddoes crowned champions - 13th December 2010
Andy Whipp and Emma Beddoes took the titles at the 14th annual BSPA Boston Open yesterday in two excellent finals. See pictures, a full tournament report and video highlights of the finals via the 'Boston Open' page.
BSPA Boston Open ready to go... - 8th December 2010
The 14th annual BSPA Boston Open 2010 is all set to begin this Friday (12pm) - with matches running through to Sunday afternoon. The programmes and posters have been printed, the prizes are ready, and the courts now await some of the country's top players.
The event has received attention from the likes of the Boston Standard, the Boston Target and SquashSite. Indeed, bostonsquash.co.uk has linked up with the latter for reporting on this year's tournament. To view a preview article of the event, the full draws, pictures and an official live text stream from the competition, click here.
As well here on the club's official website, reports of the tournament will be available through all the papers and websites above, and video highlights of the finals will be published on the club's official YouTube channel.
December leagues online - 30th November 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for December are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Junior draws available - 29th November 2010
The draws for the junior tournaments at this year's BSPA Boston Open 2010 are now available to view via the link on the 'Boston Open' page.
November leagues online - 4th November 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for November are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Fixtures online - 27th October 2010
The fixtures for the Boston first, second and third teams in the Lincolnshire Leagues are now available on the 'Men's Team' page.
Junior tournaments' entry forms available -26th October 2010
The entry forms for the junior tournaments at this year's BSPA Boston Open are now available to download on the 'Boston Open' page.
October leagues online - 3rd October 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for October are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Linda wins season starter - 7th September 2010
Linda Hayden was crowned winner of the Kevin Lenton Memorial Handicap tournament on Saturday night, after a runaway victory against Wayne Cox in the final.
Linda progressed through to the final after defeating 2008's winner Gary Fitzsimmons, while Wayne defeated Patrick Hildred in the other semi.
The victory marked the third time in four years that the tournament has been won by a woman, with Katie Price taking the tournament in 2007, followed by Gary Fitzsimmons and Ellie Williamson in 2008 and 2009.
September leagues online - 5th September 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for September are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
August leagues online - 3rd August 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for August are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
New sign erected - 22nd July 2010
Boston SRC have erected a new sign on the outside of the club's building, further enhancing the front's appearance. The addition above the club's main entrance follows the painting of the door, the erection of the club's charter plaque, and the hanging of flower baskets. The main sign located towards the top of the building also remains in place.
July leagues online - 4th July 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for July are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Watch the World Cup at BSRC - 10th June 2010
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Boston Squash and Racketball Club is the perfect place to watch the World Cup this summer. The bar will be open for every England game and all matches during the bar's normal opening hours.
Why not come along and cheer on the national team with your friends? Snacks and drinks will be available, and the club has installed a new 42" plasma television so that members can watch the games in all their colour and glory!
June leagues online - 1st June 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for June are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Club apologise for downtime - 23rd May 2010
Boston Squash and Racketball Club would like to apologise for the recent downtime of bostonsquash.co.uk. A series of technical problems resulted in the website going offline, but it is now back up and running and up to date. You can view the latest internal leagues, and reports of the club championships and the Boston over 45 team's national club championships final tie, complete with pictures.
The website has proved to be a useful resource for people trying to find information about the club, and also allows members to look at the latest internal leagues, club news and reports.
Once again, the club apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Boston over 45s finish national runners-up - 16th May 2010
PIC: The Boston over 45 team (left to right): David Stones, Mark Hildred, Colin Fisher.
Boston over 45 squash team lost 2-1 to Racquets Thame of Oxford at the national club championships finals weekend, but put up a valiant fight to ensure their pride accompanied the runners-up silverware on the way back to Boston.
Mark Hildred, Colin Fisher and David Stones represented Boston in the final of the national over 45 squash championships, after an unprecedented run in the competition for the club.
With the short travelling distance to the home venue Boston had an advantage over their opposition - support, which ran up into double figures.
#3 David Stones was the first Boston player to engage in battle. He faced Steve Bateman. Struggling to adapt to the movable court, which encouraged awkward nicks, David lost the first game. However, he stormed into a 5-1 lead in the second game, but despite some astonishing reflexes from the Boston player, Steve slowly turned the game around with some well finished drop shots to double his lead in games. The Oxford number three took a 6-0 lead in the third game, which would prove to be too high a mountain for David to climb, as he lost 1/9, 5/9, 2/9.
The 3/0 defeat brought fears of Racquets Thame completing a whitewash, especially as Boston‘s #1 Mark Hildred prepared to take on Darren Withey, who had beaten him 3/0 just a few months previosuly. However worries were soon banished as Mark immediately took a 6-0 lead. He won the first game 9-3. It all seemed too straightforward and that proved to be the case. In the second game a combination of good shots from Darren and tinned efforts from Mark saw Darren draw level. Mark wasn’t disheartened though, and although Darren showed his speed, the Boston player looked in complete control and took the final two games 9-1 to win 3/1.
It was an unexpected victory with some thrilling rallies, which suddenly meant that the team from a small Lincolnshire town were one win away from claiming a national title.
The responsibility fell to the number twos. Colin Fisher of Boston, and Nigel Pattinson of Racquets Thame. Colin took a promising 4-1 lead in the first game before a topsy turvy few minutes. Despite saving a number of gameballs, Colin eventually lost the first game by an agonisingly close 10-8 scoreline. The final looked as though it would soon be settled when Nigel comfortably won the second game for the Oxford club.
A spirited performance in the third game saw Colin start to claw the match back, despite his racket strings breaking at 8-4 up. He won the game 9-5, and with a fired up crowd and the momentum, Boston were two games away from becoming national champions.
The club's hope was only heightened when Colin blasted into a 6-1 lead in the fourth. So close to forcing a fifth and deciding set in which a replication of the previous two games would have seen Boston take the title, a seventh point for the Boston number two strangely remained elusive. At 6-5 up Colin hit a great forehand volley kill, but a controversial let was called. From that point onwards, Nigel played well to take the match 8/10, 3/9, 9/5, 6/9, and the final 2-1. It was an unfortunate loss for Colin, who certainly appeared to be the better squash player, but was held back by his knee injury.
It was a tale of so close yet so far for Boston, but all three players were pleased in the knowledge that they put up a vigorous fight. There may be a few ‘what ifs’, but the journey was still remarkable, and victories against the likes of Wolverhampton and Doncaster will remain in the records.
At the presentations, Boston Squash and Racketball Club were handed their national over 45 championships runners-up trophy, something they hope can be put next to the winners’ trophy next year, when they will contest the competition again with increased confidence.
May leagues online - 5th May 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for May are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Club Championships report - Mark sets world record - 17th April 2010
Mark Hildred won three events and set what may be a Guinness World Record in the process in a well contested club championships that ended Boston Squash and Racketball Club's season this evening, while Ruth Simpson, Bob Pearson, Ady Proctor and Patrick Hildred also shared success in the main competitions.
Around 70 players battled against each other in this year’s Championships, which consisted of six main events and three plate competitions and began back in December 2009.
The finals night took place on Saturday evening, and began with Patrick Hildred beating Edy Goddard 3-0 to retain his junior title. In the Open plate, Gary Fitzsimmons ran out 3-0 victor against Dutch Vandenbosch, and then won a double by taking the over 35s plate final against Tina Favell 3-0. In the racketball plate final, Paul King beat George Cooper 3-1 in a closely fought match.
Bob Pearson won the over 55s event with a 3-0 victory over Pete Andrews, while in the main racketball tournament, Ady Proctor beat John Secker 3-1 to complete an event that was competitive both in terms of numbers and standard.
In the ladies' final, Ruth Simpson beat Tina Favell 3-0 to take the ladies' title for the 7th consecutive time.
Mark Hildred and Colin Fisher were the two finalists in both the men's over 35s and men's over 45s tournaments, and they played one double or nothing match. Hildred played well to win 3-0.
The climax of the tournament saw Mark Hildred beat a determined Ady Proctor 9/3, 9/3, 9/1 in the Buchner Open to finish the season as a treble champion. This marked Hildred's 20th consecutive club championships win, breaking the previous world record of 19 held by Carole Cameron in Scotland.
Boston Junior Open draws available - 16th April 2010
The draws for the Boston Junior Open (including playing times) are now available here. All competitors have also been emailed, posted or telephoned the draws personally. The event will take place at Boston Squash and Racketball Club on 24th April 2010.
April leagues online - 3rd April 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for April are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Boston Junior Open entry forms available - 10th March 2010
The official entry form for the Boston Junior Open 2010 is now available to download on the 'Boston Junior Open' page. If you wish to enter the tournament, simply print off the form, fill it in and send it to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, copies will be available at the club. You can download them from the England Squash and Racketball website as well. (Note: Entries close on April 10th as listed on the form, NOT April 5th).
March leagues online - 3rd March 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for March are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
February leagues online - 5th February 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for February are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Mark Hildred becomes treble Lincs champion - 17th January 2010
PIC: Mark Hildred
Boston's number one Mark Hildred was crowned treble Lincolnshire champion at his home club in the County Championships this weekend.
13 different Boston-based squash players competed in the Lincolnshire County Closed Squash Championships, taking home five trophies between them during an action packed two days.
Mark Hildred won nine matches out of nine to win three different competitions; the men’s, men’s over 35s, and men’s over 45s.
On Saturday, Boston’s Dave Parsons was beaten by a tough opponent in the form of #1 seed Paul Tudor in the over 55s, while in the same event Paul Smith was defeated by Ian Brown. Bob Pearson continued to fly the flag for Boston in the age category though, and made the semi finals after beating ¾ seed Phil Hiatt 6/9, 9/6, 9/2, 9/5, before going down to second seed Alan Beal with a respectable 3-1 scoreline.
In the men’s over 45s, Dave Stones lost to Andy Simpson 9/4, 2/9, 9/3, 9/2, while in the men’s over 35s - the youngest age category, Jason Green lost to Mark Hildred in an all home tie, and Roberto Rocci was knocked out by second seed Dylan Ross. Roberto continued to play competitively throughout the day, while Jason Green finished runner-up to John Mackenzie in the senior plate competition. Also in the over 35s, ¾ seed Ady Proctor beat John Secker 9/6, 9/4, 9/3 in another all Boston tie. Later in the afternoon Ady progressed into the final to play Mark Hildred, after his semi final opponent Dylan Ross retired in the fourth game of an extremely tight match.
In the men’s open tournament, Roberto Rocci failed to overcome Graeme Williamson, while Jason Green lost to nationally ranked junior Sam Haycock. Boston’s Jake Fountain began a day of testing matches with a five game thriller. He came from behind twice to defeat Paul Moules 10/12, 11/6, 8/11, 11/5, 11/6. Mark Hildred filled in as #1 seed following Martin Gibson’s late pullout, and beat Stuart Garner 11/5, 11/4, 11/4. Adam Hildred lost to 5/8 seed Mark Day 11/6, 11/9, 11/8, Dave Doherty played well but could not dispatch ¾ seed Dominic Price, while Ady Proctor beat his Boston counterpart Jake Fountain 11/8, 11/9, 6/11, 11/6 to progress to the quarters, before losing to eventual finalist Dean Hiatt.
Throughout Saturday Mark Hildred played a marathon six matches, culminating in a victory over talented youngster Dominic Price 11/7, 6/11, 11/7, 11/9 late on Saturday evening to reach Sunday‘s main men‘s final, as well as the finals of the over 35s and over 45s age categories.
Sunday began with the main plate final, where Graeme Williamson beat Chris Martin 3-1. In the over 55s competition, Spalding’s Paul Tudor beat Alan Beal 9/1, 9/3, 5/9, 9/2. Boston’s Mark Hildred then faced Andy Simpson in the over 45s final, and won the match 9/2, 9/4, 9/7 to win the category in his first year. An all Boston final followed immediately afterwards. Mark remained on court and won the over 35s county championship for the tenth time in eleven years, after Ady Proctor was forced to retire at 9/4 and 8/5 down when he suffered an injury from a rogue racket swing.
Mark was then allowed a breather while the women’s final was staged. Fran Wallis beat her daughter Sophie 9/2, 10/9, 9/3.
The climax of the event ensued as Dean Hiatt from Lincoln and Mark Hildred from Boston faced each other in the men’s final, to decide the 2010 Lincolnshire County Champion. A nervy first game was taken by Mark 11/9, who doubled his lead by grabbing the second game 11/6. Understandable tiredness set in and Dean threatened a possible comeback when he won the third game 11/7. A crucial game followed, which was clear to see by the number of lets asked for and awarded, and the passion with which both players reacted to the referees’ decisions, but Mark grabbed the final game 11/6 to take the county title. He celebrated emotionally after the final rally, with it being the first time he had won the men’s open tournament since 1990, when he was 25 years old. It also marked an unprecedented achievement, with it being the first time a man had won two events in the same year’s Lincolnshire County Championships - yet alone three.
The presentations followed the matches on Sunday evening, with all the finalists congratulated. Paul Smith, John Payne and Peter Tait were thanked for their sterling work behind the bar, Ady Proctor and Adam Hildred were praised for organising the tournament, Patrick Hildred was credited for producing the programme and helping cover the event, Jeremy Elmer received thanks for funding the tournament, and Boston Squash and Racketball Club were thanked for hosting the weekend’s squash.
Boston are now into the thick of the squash season, with the men’s team due to play Leicester in the second round on the National Club Championships, and the men’s over 45s team scheduled to play their quarter final tie by the end of the month.
NB: The above is the original report that was sent to the Boston Standard, and focuses on competitors from Boston. A full county-focused report will be available on www.lincssra.co.uk soon.
A preview of the event was published by the Boston Standard, while reports of the tournament were published in the Boston Standard (with a professional photo of some of the Boston players), Boston Target, Spalding Target and the Lincolnshire Echo.
For the Boston Standard's online version of the event preview, click here.
For the Boston Standard's online version of the report, click here.
For the Spalding Target's online version of the report, click here.
For the Lincolnshire Echo/Boston Target's online version of the report, click here. (Includes interview.)
January leagues online - 5th January 2010
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for January are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Whipp the cream of the crop - 17th December 2009
The 13th annual BSPA Boston Open has now finished after a marathon of squash last weekend, where the two #1 seeds won the senior events. Andy Whipp, who filled in for Tom Richards after he returned from Mumbai recently with illness, won the men’s tournament, while world #18 Tania Bailey successfully defended her title in the women’s event.
The tournament began at midday on Friday with the first two rounds of the men’s event. 15 full matches were played on two courts over 9 hours. These included three five-game matches, one of which saw Andrew Birks knock out 5/8 seed Eddie Charlton to produce a minor upset.
On Saturday the women’s first round took place in the morning. This saw the best match of the women’s event by far take place. A five-game clash between Emily Whitlock and Alex Clark was the only women‘s match not to finish 3-0. Emily won 4-11, 12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9. The men’s quarter finals then began. ¾ seed John Rooney was easily brushed aside in three games by 5/8 seed and defending champion Joel Hinds. Another shock occurred when Shaun Le Roux beat second seed Scott Handley, who retired through injury after going 18-16 and 11-1 down. Number 1 seed Andy Whipp and Rob Sutherland from Wales also progressed into the semis.
In the women’s semis, Lincolnshire’s Tania Bailey beat Lisa Aitken, while Kimberley Hay booked her place in the final with a win against Emily Whitlock. A spectacular display of squash then followed in the men’s semi finals. Andy Whipp beat Rob Sutherland 11-7, 11-4, 3-11, 11-6. In the other semi, a most dramatic match enthralled the large crowd that had gathered. Shaun Le Roux knocked out Joel Hinds, but the match had to go to a fifth and deciding game. Le Roux, born in Cape Town, had to walk off an injury to his ankle after falling over it during the fourth game. He also received a conduct warning in the same game for chatting back to the referee, and then a conduct stroke after hurling his racket across the court upon losing a point for the score to go to 10-10. Despite his temper, he won the match late on Saturday night 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 10-12, 11-7.
On Sunday the club hosted the finals after various junior tournaments. A crowd of between 60 and 70 watched Tania Bailey beat second seed Kimberley Hay comfortably, 11-1, 11-7, 11-4. This meant that Bailey had won the women’s event for the second consecutive year, and without dropping a game. The men’s final followed soon after, although it had been in jeopardy after Le Roux nearly pulled out because of his ankle injury. He took the first game against the favourite Andy Whipp, but found himself 2-1 down after two poor games in which he appeared to struggle. It looked as though he could pull it back to 2-2 and force a five-game final, but he painfully lost the fourth game 14-12, meaning that Andy Whipp won 9-11, 11-2, 11-3, 14-12. Andy was subsequently crowned the Boston Open 2009 men’s champion, winning over £500 of the £4,500 prize pot.
You can replay the live text commentary of the events and see lots of photos from throughout the weekend at bostonsquash.blogspot.com. The completed versions of the draws including all the results are available to download on the 'Boston Open' page. Video highlights of the two finals can be viewed on the club's YouTube channel. A half page review of the tournament is available in the Boston Standard (released 16th December 2009) along with a photograph of the top players taken by one of the paper's photographers. All of the results from the tournament can be viewed on the BSPA website at squashsite.co.uk, which also has photos of the tournament finalists. The results were also published in the Daily Mail and the Telegraph.
BSPA Boston Open returns - 7th December 2009
The BSPA Boston Open will return this Friday, with more top class players visiting Boston for the 13th consecutive year. The club is preparing to welcome a whole host of world and nationally ranked players, headed by men's world #33 Tom Richards, and women's world #18 Tania Bailey.
The tournament, which consists of a prize pot of £4,500, will be staged from the 11th-13th December 2009. It is the longest running event on the British Squash Professionals Association tour.
The club has finished prepartions for the event. The courts have been cleaned, microphones fixed, table tennis equipment erected and changing rooms redecorated.
In the men's draw, England top 15 player Scott Handley is the second seed. The 3/4 seeds are Irish #2 John Rooney and Welsh #1 Rob Sutherland, while the 5/8 seeds include Cape Town-born Shaun le Roux, last year's winner Joel Hinds, Jethro Binns, and Arthur Gaskin. In the women's draw, second seed Kimberley Hay will be looking to cause an upset by preventing Lincolnshire's Tania Bailey from successfully defending her title.
Full draws of both the men's and women's events complete with times can be downloaded from the 'Boston Open' page now. Everyone is welcome to attend, and entry is free all weekend. Our warm and welcoming bar, which overlooks the two glass back courts, will be open for the duration of the competition. The junior tournaments will be held on Sunday this year, alongside the senior finals. The women's final will begin at 3pm, followed immediately by the men's final.
Media coverage for the event is expected to include preview articles in the Boston Standard and the Boston Target, while the club also hopes to secure air time on various local radio stations. LIVE updates will be available at bostonsquash.blogspot.com for the duration of the tournament, along with photos and regularly updated versions on the draw. Video footage of the finals will be available on the club's YouTube channel after the event.
December leagues online -2nd December 2009
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for December are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
November leagues online - 3rd November 2009
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for November are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Club achieves silver charter - 26th October 2009
Boston Squash and Racketball Club has gained a prestigious award, following the presentation of the England Squash and Racketball Club Charter Silver Award to the club's Chairman Mark Hildred by East Midlands Area Manager Pete Goodings.
Following months of work, the club has been rewarded with the accolade to recognise its high standard of practice, excellent facilities and up-to-date club policy. The club's only previous charter was a bronze award.
As a chartered club, the organisation is now set to take mini squash into schools to develop the future generation of squash and racketball players, and will soon erect its new external club plaque.
The charter lasts for three years, but can be upgraded at any time.
October leagues online - 6th October 2009
The club's internal squash and racketball leagues for October are now available to download on the 'Leagues' page.
Junior tournaments entry forms available - 4th October 2009
Entry forms for the BSPA Boston Open junior tournaments are now available to download online here. The competitions will run on Sunday 13th December, allowing the juniors an opportunity to watch the professional men's and women's finals on the same day as well as play themselves.
Club receives mini squash equipment - 3rd October 2009
Boston SRC has now secured a set of mini squash facilties to help coach young children around the town. After completing a loan agreement with Sport England and England Squash and Racketball, the club now has a rebound wall and mini squash rackets and balls at its disposal. The equipment debuted at the club's group junior coaching session this morning, and was used for a variety of new games and activities.
The facilties, which are transportable and designed to coach 5-11 year olds, are expected to be used to promote the club and the sport in local primary schools via lessons. Stay tuned for further developments.
Ellie has a birthday ball - 26th September 2009
The new season was launched on a high tonight as Ellie Williamson celebrated her 18th birthday a couple of hours early by winning the Kevin Lenton Handicap tournament. The youngster came out on top of a group of 23 competitors to beat Trevor Page in the final by approximately 20 points, having been awarded a 15 point handicap. In the plate meanwhile, Sam Cooper held on to beat Jason Green to the title of plate winner.
An awards ceremony took place in the bar after the final, where the players received their trophies. Thanks are due to tournament organisers Dick Carrington and Phil Wright, as well as Paul Smith behind the bar and all of the officials.
In closing, Phil said: "Not many of you any more will have known Kevin (Lenton), but he was one of those people that played squash for enjoyment, and he always played with a smile on his face. Hopefully that passed on to everybody who took part this weekend."
Ellie was then presented with a birthday cake, which those present were only too happy to consume along with some complimentary champagne!
Boston awarded County Championships - 25th September 2009
Boston Squash and Racketball Club has won the honour of hosting the next senior county championships, following a successful bid from the committee. The Lincolnshire SRA decided to hold the county's main squash event of the year at the club in January 2010 at their committee meeting this week. Stay tuned to bostonsquash.co.uk for further details regarding the tournament, including the exact dates, and downloadable copies of the entry forms for the event.
Club to host inter county event - 21st September 2009
The club has been selected as hosts for a forthcoming inter county championships weekend in November. On November 7-8th an over 35's division 1 weekend will take place at the club, with Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire II and Yorkshire competing. Come along and support your county!
Men's team fixtures released - 20th September 2009
The Lincs SRA has released this season's men's county leagues fixtures, involving three Boston teams. They are now availabe on the Men's Team page. More>>>
Team C Win Sunday Squash - 9th August 2009
Team C won the annual Sunday Squash tournament on Sunday in an exciting climax. The game, originally scheduled for July but postponed due to the unavailabilty of team C's numbers one and two, was the last and deciding game of the tournament. With four points up for grabs a victory for team A would hand them the title, but any other result would see team C victorious. Team C's Andy and Patrick won 3/2 and 3/1 at third and fourth string respectively, securing them a 2-2 draw and a title winning finish. Congratulations to Bob Pearson, Stewart Garner, Andy Mitchell and Patrick Hildred!
Club Renamed - 23rd April 2009
At a meeting earlier tonight, the committee decided to rename the club to Boston Squash and Racketball Club in line with the recent rebranding of the sport's national governing body. It was felt that is was important for the club to work with with the game's authorities to progress the sport and its image, and that the club's new name reflects the ever-growing popularity of racketball and thus its increased importance within the club. The club, formerly known as Boston Squash Rackets Club, will now be referred to by its new name, which is expected to become official at the next AGM - when the club's constitution will be altered.
Club Championships End Season - 18th April 2009
The annual club championships were completed tonight, marking the end of the 2008/2009 squash season for Boston. Mark Hildred won the main tournament. For all the final results and a video of the presentations, please see the 'Club Championships' page.