Squash

Phi l Heys             Westoe Cottage               Tel: 621487          Email: philheys@btinternet.com

I am thinking of starting a “Barningham Squash Ladder” in response to a number of people who have asked about playing.  If you are interested, read on ……

  • The ladder will be open to anyone of any ability.  All you need to qualify is to live in Barningham and be keen to either start or improve your game.
  • There will be only one ladder, to include the young, not so young and both sexes.  No upper age limit, but a lower age limit of 12 years.
  • Once your name is on the ladder it is your responsibility to arrange a game with the person 1 or 2 places above you.  If you win then the 2 competitors swap places on the ladder.  If you lose you stay where you are.
  • Clearly there is no incentive to arrange to play someone below you on the ladder, but this can be done as a means of getting some practice.  The result will have no effect on your position.
  • All games can be played at Teesdale Sports Centre (Tel: 696366) at a time to suit both competitors.  If you are a member the current cost of a court is £5.20.
  • Your result should be emailed (preferably) or ‘phoned to me so that I can update the ladder. 
  • The updated ladder will be circulated by email to everyone.  I am also thinking of putting a copy on the village notice board.
  • If you are interested please send me an email to include:-
    • Your name
    • Telephone number
    • Your ‘squash’ ability.  This is important in helping me to set up the initial ladder.  Use a 1 – 10 ‘self-assessment’ based on:-

1 = never played before.  What do you do?

3 = I have some ability.  Played before but not for a while.

5 = I do play regularly – say 10 times a year – but do need to improve.

7 = a keen, very regular player – say 2-3 times a month.

9 = play with finesse!  Pretty dam good.

10 = I have been professionally coached.  Team player.  (Maybe you should be aiming higher than Barningham Squash Ladder!)

Please remember that squash is a physically demanding game but so long as your partner is of similar ability you shouldn’t come to any harm.  Playing in a ladder ensures this.  So if you feel motivated to improve your fitness, shed a few pounds and have a great time then please contact me.  The success of the ladder depends very much on individuals arranging their own games.  I will have no part in that.

Finally if you haven’t played before or not for a long time, I will arrange a visit to the court to go through the basic rules and techniques with you.  You will of course need a squash racket and ball.

Phil Heys