Redditch Sport
Talbot takes title
5:23pm Wednesday 8th February 2012
PHIL Talbot clinched the Alcester Squash Club Championship after a hard fought battle with Bob Smith.
This year saw the largest entry in the competition, which was played at The Greig sports complex, despite the withdrawal of previous champions Bob Shipman and Nigel Groves, who were both ruled out through injury Playing to a packed balcony, the games were played to an American scoring system with the winner the first to reach 21 points.
Talbot and Smith successfully booked their place in the final when they saw off Mike Thirlway and Jack Chisholm in the last four respectively.
With just a short rest, the final was played at an incredible pace with the customary support and occasional derision from the crowd which had stayed on to witness the game. Early on Smith surged ahead but canny left-hander Talbot eventually won the day 21-12, to take the cup for the sixth time in the last 10 years.
A celebration dinner was then enjoyed by all at the Holly Bush pub in Alcester.
*Champion: Alcester Squash Club chairman Jack Chisholm (left) presenting the cup to champion Phil Talbot.