Crazy Jacks Strengthen Their Lead
The latest round of the Isle of Man Squash C League produced some excellent competitive matches, with Crazy Jacks Barbershop strengthening their position at the top of the table after a 4–1 victory over Racket Raiders.
There were also close contests between Falcons and Racketeers, while Dragons secured a 3–1 victory over Junior Academy. Island Tyres and Autocare, currently second in the league, had a bye this week.
Crazy Jacks Fight Back to Beat Racket Raiders
The tie between Racket Raiders and Crazy Jacks Barbershop started with a thrilling five-game encounter.
Racket Raiders got off to the perfect start as Dasa Brynjolffssen defeated Max Birchall 3–2. The match was closely fought throughout, with Brynjolffssen eventually taking it 15–13, 7–15, 15–13, 8–15, 15–7.
Crazy Jacks responded strongly, with Lee Alexander defeating Phil Whittam 3–1, 15–7, 15–11, 15–7, 15–13.
Matt Ripley then put Crazy Jacks ahead with a 3–0 victory over Aaron Rumney, winning 16–14, 15–7, 15–10.
The overall tie was secured by Darren Smith, who came from a game down to defeat Ewan Cannan 3–1. After losing the opening game 3–15, Smith recovered to win 15–10, 15–13 and 15–11.
With the team result decided, Tek Min Ewe completed a 4–1 victory for Crazy Jacks by defeating George Eastwood 3–1. Eastwood took the opening game 16–14, but Ewe fought back to win the next three 17–15, 17–15 and 15–4.
Falcons Edge Racketeers in Five-Match Battle
Falcons claimed a 3–2 victory over Racketeers in another competitive team contest.
Lewi Long got Falcons off to a winning start with a 3–0 victory over Lucy Kerr, 15–10, 15–8, 15–11.
Sarah Simpson then extended the Falcons' lead, recovering from losing the opening game to defeat David Johnson 3–1. Simpson won 9–15, 16–14, 15–6 and 15–12.
Racketeers fought back through Charlie Beard, who defeated Elliot Henson 3–1. Beard won a tight opening game 19–17 before going on to take the match 15–7, 17–15, 15–12.
Jas Singh then levelled the team contest with a 3–0 victory over Vusimbe Zivave, winning two particularly close games 16–14 and 17–15 before taking the third 15–11.
The deciding match went Falcons' way, with Kevin Cretney defeating Joe Butler 3–0, 15–4, 15–5, 15–6, securing the overall 3–2 victory for Falcons.
Dragons Secure 3–1 Victory
Dragons recorded a 3–1 victory over Junior Academy, although Junior Academy made a strong start to the tie.
Thomas Mcalear put Junior Academy ahead with a 3–1 victory over Stuart Highy. After the players shared the opening two games, Mcalear took the next two to win 14–16, 16–14, 15–10, 15–12.
Dragons responded through Andy McLarney, who defeated Rory Hughes 3–1 in another competitive match. McLarney won 17–15, 13–15, 15–7 and 15–8.
Andy Dixon then put Dragons in front with a 3–0 victory over Ryan Boshoff, winning 15–9, 15–13, 15–9.
The overall match was secured by Helen Freer, who defeated Aarav Gandu 3–1. Freer took the first game 15–1, before Gandu responded by taking the second 15–13. Freer then regained control to win the final two games 15–9 and 15–4.
Island Tyres Sit Out as Top Two Take Shape
Island Tyres and Autocare had a bye this week, giving the second-placed team a break from league action.
The latest standings see Crazy Jacks Barbershop firmly at the top with 57 points, while Island Tyres and Autocare remain second on 38 points. Racket Raiders are just two points behind in third place on 36.
There is also a close battle developing behind the top three, with Falcons on 23 points and Racketeers on 19. Dragons have 10 points, while Junior Academy have 1.
C League Standings
Position Team Points
1 Crazy Jacks Barbershop 57
2 Island Tyres and Autocare 38
3 Racket Raiders 36
4 Falcons 23
5 Racketeers 19
6 Dragons 10
7 Junior Academy 1
With Crazy Jacks Barbershop opening up a substantial lead at the top, the battle for second is also becoming increasingly interesting, with only two points separating Island Tyres and Autocare from Racket Raiders. The C League continues to provide plenty of competitive squash as the season progresses.
