Squash - Ladies

Radlett Hosts LA Fitness Ladies

Following a very successful friendly with the LA Northwood Ladies, Radlett ladies were happy to return the hospitality on Saturday 30th May. There was hardly a male in sight - had the number of ladies taking over the squash courts frightened all the men away? No, I am told, the FA Cup Final had lured them away for the afternoon. We also got to overrun the gents changing rooms, to see how the other half live. 'Very well kept' was one comment, as the bottles of Brut and Lynx deoderant were moved to one side. Thank you gentlemen for lending us your space. It was appreciated. And a special thanks to Tim who was held hostage by a few women for half an hour when he kindly re opened the bar for us.

Best of three singles matches against two or three opponents were held in three groups by standard. In Group A, Radlett won convincingly by Jillian Lillico, as sadly Shailla Bansal (LA Fitness) was unable to make the match due to injury (which may have balanced the competition a bit better). In Group B, LA fitness dominated the matches. In particular Flavia Davoglio (LA Fitness) should be commended for her stamina and swiftness around the court. In Group C, Radlett won fairly convincingly with every player contributing to this win and Sue Whiting's performance on the day was noteworthy. Overall Radlett just pipped LA Fitness at the post winning 21 games to LA Fitness' 19. Well done to both clubs for the excellent team spirit and sportsmanship.

We cannot forget the laughter and fun that was had during the doubles games. What a great game this is! But not for the faint hearted.... Colleen Stocker (LA Fitness) and Lorna Holness LA Fitness) braved many doubles matches with both LA Fitness and Radlett ladies who were keen to learn the art of how to dodge three other people on court while attending to one's shot. Some of us took the easy option of gazing into space at the wrong time.

All in all, it was a great afternoon. Lesley Garner from Nuffield Health (used to be Cannons, St Albans) has kindly offered to host a friendly for the three clubs in the Autumn, once again across all standards. So keep practising everyone and join the leagues if you can.

Sharmini

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Ladies Friendly Match at LA Fitness

There has been a hive of activity in the Ladies Squash section at Radlett! The ever popular Ladies Sunday Evenings organised by Julian Craxton and Stephen Lloyd and continuing coaching and encouragement for more activity from the ladies, by Derek Thorpe, together with an enthusiastic team of ladies has led to a friendly 10-a-side match against LA Fitness Norwood, kindly hosted by them.

There was definitely a buzz of excitement in the air as we arrived at LA Fitness. Several exciting matches were had and the team spirit was fantastic amongst the varying levels of players. After singles matches a round of amusing doubles matches were held - many of the ladies had not played doubles before but it is an experience soon to be repeated on Saturday 30th May when Radlett ladies are very much looking forward to returning LA Fitness' hospitality.

As the ladies section grows, we are looking forward to doing two or three ladies mixed ability friendlies with other clubs. We are very close to being able to field a team in the Herts Leagues. If there are any ladies who are interested in joining the club or participating in the ladies events, now would be a great time to get in touch. So, please do not hestitate to contact Derek Thorpe, the club coach, who will put you in contact with Sharmini Chaytor to talk about what the club has to offer for the ladies in respect of squash.

Contact DerekJThorpe@hotmail.com for further information