UNFORTUNATELY THE PHOTOS DIDN'T COME OUT VERY WELL......SO MANY ARE CLIPPED!

As the people arrived at The Crown Hotel it was clear that the evening would be an enjoyable affair. Friendly banter was going on between the players and there partners. Occasionally, the partners had to endure talk about squash - but most were entertained by the latest gossip in the squash club that Richard Barker failed to get a point from Michael Ferreira Jnr a couple of days before, yes 27-0. Not only that but brother Simon Barker had his first ever defeat by Simon Richardson 3-2!

From the bar we moved to our seats at the table and the ladies received there chocs and the gents received squash balls.

After the fine meal, the Chairman, Ferlin Barnard gave a speech commenting on the success of the club over the past year which included the great achievements of the two young stars at the club Tania Bailey - back playing well after her injury and Michael Ferreira in America.

Ferlin thanked his fellow committee members for their hard work in ensuring the continued success of the club these are Viv Orr, John Mitchell, Kim Cozens, Paul York and particular mention to Martin Brewin for creating the magnificent web site.

Having noted the worthy achievements of both teams particularly the Green Man for their cup and league double, Ferlin then handed over to the Team captains, Simon Barker and Kim Cozens, to talk about their respective seasons both of which were successful.

Simon opened, with stories of his teams excellent season winning the Peterborough leagues 1st division by a handsome margin and their success in the Cup.

Kim not to be out done told of the Daniel Lambert gaining 3rd spot in division 2 securing the eventual winners (Town II) only defeat along the way. They reached the final of the plate competition losing narrowly to yes you guessed it - Town II.

The 1st team were then presented with their shields for winning the 1st Division in the Peterborough League and they now hope to go up into the Cambridge league to further there lofty ambitions!

Ferlin and Kim, as is now traditional, nominated an individual who had performed remakably well for the 2nd team throughout the season. John Fields was the man. He took his award with much pride and said what could arguably be one the greatest speeches of the evening:

"I won't let it change my life!"

Ferlin then shared his thoughts on why we all came along to the courts. Some people come along to just get a good sweat on but he felt it was more than that after meeting John Mitchell (that pillar of the community, fine player and gentleman on and off court) at the courts one night, when asked who he was playing he said:
"Malcolm Kearwell I want my revenge"
"Why is it a league match or Cup tie?"
"No", he said, "a friendly!"

So there has to be more than just sweat involved.

It was that great phillosopher Tim Prior who said it was about passion as his drop shot smashed against the back wall! But Tim has a point, where else for 2 x 50 pence pieces could you get 40 minutes of SWEAT AND PASSION!!!

After the speeches, it was back to the wine, beer and song....or should that be banter!