Wenty Leagues Squash Club - Social Day 6.0 Report
Sunday, 13th October 2024

Overview of the Event
Social Day 6.0 was held on Sunday, 13th October 2024, at Northmead Squash Centre. The event began promptly at 8:30 AM, with players arriving early to set up and prepare for the day. Treasurer Danny Hedges was the first to arrive and took charge of assembling the media wall, making sure that it would make its debut appearance at a Club event held at Northmead, with assistance from the Vice President Rob Spooner and several other members. The atmosphere was light-hearted and energetic, setting the tone for a day of spirited matches, camaraderie, and friendly competition among players.

The event was designed to bring together players of different skill levels, offering an opportunity for everyone to interact and enjoy the sport without the usual pressure of formal competition. The participation and enthusiasm of everyone present played a key role in making the day a memorable experience. The players appreciated the effort that went into organizing the event, which ensured that everything ran smoothly, from match schedules, photo shoots, refreshments and lunch.

Opening Matches and Handicap System
The first round of matches started with Susan Blackbourn facing Monica Rigby on Court 1, considered the most challenging court at Northmead. The match was very close, with Susan edging out Monica 35-34, highlighting the effectiveness of the handicap system. The handicaps were set to ensure fairness, allowing players of different skill levels to compete on equal footing, giving lower-ranked players a fair chance while encouraging higher-ranked players to adapt their strategies.

Notably, the 1st match on Court 3 between Roger Gomez and Cole Wells demonstrated the impact of the handicap system, with Roger struggling to recover from Cole's well-placed drop shots. Despite Roger’s efforts, Cole’s tactics and effective use of the handicap allowed him to trash Roger taking the match 50-10. Unfortunately, the handicap in this match was not successful, and so we'll keep a note of this for future events.

Highlights of Individual Matches

• Mehdi Hakimi vs. Danny Hedges: This match was highly anticipated, with both players giving it their all. With the maximum handicap in play, Mehdi managed to outperform his Danny 37-6, showcasing his superior skill and endurance. The game was noted for its intensity and high level of sportsmanship, with both players pushing each other to the limit. The spectators were treated to a thrilling match with impressive rallies and strategic plays.

• Rob Spooner vs. Sam Nadillo: On Court 3, Rob Spooner faced off against Sam Nadillo playing off scratch. The game was closely contested, with Sam demonstrating impressive court coverage and agility. Rob's signature cross-court boast shots were a highlight, earning him praise from spectators who admired his precision and creativity. Both players showed remarkable determination, with Rob ultimately edging out his opponent in a nail-biting finish 36-32.

• Chris Olsen vs. Bernard Worsley: Chris and Bernard's match on Court 3 was another standout, with Chris ultimately coming out on top. Despite having a -20 handicap and playing long rallies, Bernard played in the true spirit of the event, putting the ball into play rather than attempting aggressive shots. His sportsmanship was commendable and appreciated by all, as he focused on making the match enjoyable for both players. The crowd applauded Bernard's efforts and his dedication to keeping the game entertaining. Final score: Chris 38 Bernard 25.

Challenges and Adjustments
There were a few challenges during the event, including a mix-up with the timing of matches. At one point, the very popular air-horn for the second round was delayed due to ongoing conversations between the event organiser, the players and spectators. Despite this minor delay, the matches resumed smoothly, thanks to the intervention of Ricardo Blazquez, who ensured the organiser stayed awake & focused on his job so the schedule stayed on track. This demonstrated the importance of teamwork and flexibility in managing such an event, where unforeseen delays can occur.

A significant issue arose with the wearing of the "current WLSC playing shirts". Roger Gomez was permitted to wear a 60th Anniversary shirt since he is no longer an active member, as was Sam Nadillo, a friend of Wendy Fox, who was also allowed to wear a non-standard shirt. The club's guidelines regarding attire were discussed, with some members suggesting that these rules be formally incorporated into the club's constitution. This led to a broader discussion about maintaining consistency in club events and ensuring that all players adhere to established guidelines. Moving forward, the committee will consider updating the club's rules to avoid confusion and ensure that everyone does what they are told.

Social Atmosphere and Camaraderie
The event provided an excellent opportunity for members to socialize, reconnect, and build new friendships. Newly anointed Secretary Bernard Worsley met several new players from lower grades, namely Annette Hopkins and Chris Olsen, emphasizing the importance of such events in fostering a sense of community within the club. Social Day 6.0 was not just about the matches; it was also about creating an environment where everyone felt included. The social aspect of the day was a recurring theme, with many players commenting on how the relaxed environment allowed them to enjoy the matches without the pressure of competition.

Players interacted with humor, light banter, and mutual encouragement. During the match between Irene Gilbert and Roger Gomez on Court 3, Irene managed a 35-33 win despite Roger's high HQ rating, leading to cheers from all of the spectators.

Key Results and Standout Performances

• Cole Wells emerged as an early favorite, accumulating a 59-point lead by the halfway mark of the event. Cole's ability to adapt to different opponents and maintain his focus throughout the day was impressive, and he demonstrated why he is considered one of the club's top players.

• Paul Duncum, returning after a long break due to plantar fasciitis, performed admirably, finishing on top in his match against Gillian Kirby with a score of 48-31. Paul's return was met with enthusiasm, and his performance showed that he had not lost his touch. His resilience and determination were evident as he navigated through challenging rallies and maintained his composure under pressure.

• Napoti Teremaki had an impressive win over Robert Spooner with a narrow margin of 39-36, showing great resilience and skill. Napoti's ability to stay calm under pressure and execute her shots with precision reflected her dedicated training and dedication. Her victory was well-deserved, and she received applause from both her opponent and the spectators.

Closing Matches and Final Standings
As the day progressed, the competition remained fierce, with several matches ending with only a point or two separating the players. The final standings saw Napoti Teremaki securing 1st place with a +48 differential, followed by Cole Wells in 2nd place with +41, closely followed by Paul Gergis in third place on +40.

The final matches were intense, with players giving their all to secure top spots. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering and appreciating the high level of skill. Players congratulated each other, and the event concluded with a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Conclusion
Social Day 6.0 was a resounding success, providing a mix of competitive squash and social interaction. The event highlighted the club's commitment to inclusivity and the importance of fostering a supportive community for players of all levels. The feedback from players was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the relaxed yet organized format of the day. Moving forward, there were suggestions to cap the handicap margin at 20 points to prevent blowouts, which will be considered for future events.

The success of Social Day 6.0 was due in large part to the dedication and hard work of the organizers, volunteers, and players. The event served as a reminder of the value of community and the joy that comes from playing sports in a supportive environment. A big thank you to all the players, volunteers, and organizers who made Social Day 6.0 an enjoyable and memorable experience. Special thanks to Daniel, who stepped up to collect pizzas, ensuring everyone was well-fed and ready to continue playing.

The positive energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm displayed throughout the day were truly inspiring, and the club looks forward to hosting more events like this in the future. Whether it was the exciting matches, the friendly banter, or the shared meals, Social Day 6.0 captured the essence of what makes Wenty Leagues Squash Club special—a place where everyone, regardless of skill level, can come together, play, and enjoy the sport they love.