13 Squash

runners who summed it up for the rest of us are not printable.

The pleasure gained by the runners in this exercise of petty tradition was evident in their faces as they crossed the finish line (if they made it that far). And as for the looks on the faces of our masters seeing scores of panting, suffering Peterites go stumbling by: they spoke for themselves.

To crown a thoroughly interesting event, these poor runners were greeted and spurred with wild enthusiasm by the groups of lazy House fanatics who weren't running. On behalf of humble Peterites, I can only ask, "Why must we do it?" ^ -jSquash 1987-1988

First Team Captain: N. D. Muirhead Colours: N. D. Muirhead, D. M. J. Clavell, T. B. White, J. R. Kelsey, R. A. R. Atkinson

The season followed a familiar pattern of reasonable results in the first term and gradually improving fitness, technique and experience leading to very pleasing performances in the Easter Term. Leeds Grammar School proved to be our main stumbling block, and three of the total of six defeats were against them. Away defeats at Ashville and Pocklington were well reversed in the return matches.

The highlight of the season was the tour undertaken at half-term in the Spring Term, playing Worksop, Cheltenham College, St. Edward's Oxford and Bloxham. The whole team played some of their best squash of the season, and they did very well to return home undefeated. Dominic Clavell, although pushed at times by the players below him, was overall clearly the most efficient player. He often faced players of a standard theoretically much higher than his, but managed always to keep his game together, and was able to learn enough to win decisively against other, lesser players. His record of 10 wins and 10 defeats is very commendable. Tom White played in all 21 matches, usually at second string, and when he could entice his opponents to play his game of lobs and drops with occasional kills he was highly effective. His court courage improved greatly, and many of his 14 wins were really decisive. Nigel Muirhead, having moved around the top of the order in the first term, finally settled at third string, but definitely led from the front. His example of effort and enthusiasm both on and off the court were exemplified by his sometimes incredible returns of opponents' best shots, and contributed greatly both to a successful season, and to easing the task of the master in charge. Nigel, with James Kelsey, who played throughout at fourth string, formed the "engine room" of the team, and it was generally a surprise when they were not winners. James' retrieving and forehand drives continued to be successful, and although he was occasionally ponderous at the front of the court, on several occasions his drop shots were a potent weapon, and he must continue to develop them. Adam Atkinson completed the First Five, although often pressed, and continually kept on his toes, by Jonathan Stubbs. Adam won many good matches, and his backhand strokes, both short and long, soft and hard, are played excellently. Occasional lack of tactical awareness dragged him into some "slogging" matches, and at one time on tour he seemed to be heading for some sort of endurance record! Usually though both he and Jonathan, our ever-ready and willing "sixth man", and an essential member of the squad, were able to bring out their best strokes and achieve good results.

Results

Christmas Term 22-09-87 01-10-87 11-10-87 22-10-87 05-11-87 10-11-87 17-11-87 01-12-87 14-12-87 Squashbucklers Ashville Ampleforth Pocklington Silcoates Leeds G.S Giggleswick Woodhouse Grove.. Leeds G.S Won Lost Won Lost Won Lost Won Won Lost 4-3 2-3 5-0 1-4 4-1 2-3 5-0 5-0 0-5

Also played: W. Robinson (3 matches) M. Stephenson (1 match) Easter Term 26-01-88 Ashville.. 28-01-88 04-02-88 09-02-88 17-02-88 18-02-88 19-02-88 20-02-88 21-02-88 28-02-88 05-03-88 17-03-88 Squashbucklers Leeds G.S Pocklington Ampleforth Worksop Cheltenham St. Edwards, Oxford.. Bloxham Oakham Durham Woodhouse Grove Won Won Lost Won Won Won Drawn Drawn Won Lost Won Won 4-1 4-3 1-4 3-2 4-1 4-2 3-3 3-3 4-1 1-4 5-0 5-0