1/4 finals day today. After losing to Spain, we saw this as a chance to prove ourselves, knowing it was going to be tough against the home team.
No.1 string match was first up, Dylan Moran taking on the runner up from the individual event, Rowan Damming. It was a well fought match, tight all the way to the business end but the Dutch player showed his class and resilience, taking all three games.
Jack O’Flynn came up against Knut, a player who seems about 7ft tall with size 15 shoes. In the height is the tension and emotion, Knut looked as if he was hardly breathing and in a world of his, his calmness was impressive. Both players fought very fairly, Jack did everything that was asked of him and put in a performance to be proud of. He unfortunately was just a few points shy of victory and with that we lost the tie.
Hannah played out the dead rubber and was very impressive, winning 2-0 in a best of 3.
In the evening match, to put us in for the 5/6 playoffs, we beat Belgium.
It’s so easy to presume we can show up and beat these teams who are ranked beneath us. In reality, Dylan had to play a really high level of squash and dig really deep to take out a quality opponent in 4 tough games. The Belgian kid had been watching way too much ‘Asal’ squash and was difficult to find a way through. Couple that with fatigue and cramp, Dylan was a trooper and put us one up very impressively.
Sean Murphy played no.2 and had a similar battle without the cramp issue. A tough four game battle with a great mover, he fended off all the attacks and put together a very polished performance. Delighted to take the tie 2-0.
Hannah played another dead rubber, this time falling short of the mark. Possibly a match too far on the emotional day. But nonetheless we are through and she will be required to be in top form for battle against the Welsh tomorrow.
We’ve made friends with the Welsh over the years. A similar squash nation to ourselves and it will be a fun and intriguing match tomorrow. Our final match.
The guys have been exceptional in all areas this event, I hope they find the energy to do themselves justice tomorrow.
A young team with another year ahead of them next year, hopefully with Denis intact, I think this event could be ours for the taking..
For now, we will rest up and do our best in the morning. A match that promises good entertainment!
Wish us luck.