Squash Club Champs
Saturday 10 May saw the Finals Day for the 2025 Squash Club Championships.
With five different categories and over 40 unique entrants, the afternoon promised – and delivered – some thrilling matches.
Doubles Drama to Start
The day kicked off with a highly contested Doubles Final, with tensions already simmering from some minor organisational disputes in the run-up. Nevertheless, the four players stepped onto the court ready to do battle.
Gareth Schnehage (GS) and Peter Crossman (PC), the No.1 seeds, faced off against the unseeded duo Tim Abbot (TA) and Bill Saville (BS).
The first two games passed with little friction, and the match seemed set to be a short affair. However, as Game 3 wore on, TA & BS began to show they were serious contenders. At 9–8 ahead, GS & PC earned two match points and a 10–8 lead after being awarded a very controversial stroke. The court – and the viewing gallery – descended into chaos.
TA went into diplomatic mode, trying to reason with the stroke-awarded team as to how outrageous the decision was. His partner, on the other hand, wanted the referee to know that he wasn't the only BS in the building that afternoon. With concentration and tempers varying wildly, TA & BS capitalised, taking four points in quick succession. Game on.
Game 4 was a nail-biter, with frequent beers being provided to the ref (courtesy of J. Gemmell) – ironically with the goal of lowering his blood pressure. With no major decisions in the fourth, the score crept to 10–10. Anything could happen...
Suddenly – and somewhat unfortunately – two points were handed to the favourites, courtesy of the tin. With a fifth set averted, Gareth and Peter were crowned Doubles Champions.
Handicap Hustle
Next up was the Handicap Final between Mat Harris and Stuart Chaplin, who had somehow made it all the way to the final without lifting a finger – let alone a squash racket. The match began with Stuart at +3 and Mat at -3.
The first game looked like it could only go Stuart’s way, but the wily Mat clawed his way back to win. A demoralised Stuart couldn’t keep up the pace in the subsequent games, and a 3–0 victory was secured for Mat Harris.
Junior Firepower
Arguably the most exciting category was next – the Juniors. A three-way playoff was held between rising stars Josh Ford, Harrison Ford, and Oscar Favrell.
Josh (Harrison’s older brother) had a slight age advantage. Despite all players showing impressive skill for their age, powerhouse Josh took no prisoners and won both matches convincingly, crowning him Junior Champion. Harrison and Oscar placed second and third respectively.
Ladies Final
The Ladies Final featured two unexpected finalists – Nicky Osborne and Nicola Baldwin. Nicola, with only 3–4 months of squash experience, put in an impressive display of potential and competitive spirit.
However, Nicky, a seasoned veteran, brought the full weight of her experience and sealed a 3–0 win, securing her first Club Championships title.
Men’s Final Showdown
Last but certainly not least: the Men’s Championship Final – Gareth Schnehage, the club’s No.1, vs. young and eager Grant Weston.
Grant’s clean-cut technique and impressive court coverage would normally rattle any opponent. Unfortunately for him, Gareth’s consistent, high-level squash proved too much. Despite close games, Gareth claimed a 3–0 victory, becoming the 2025 OVSC Men’s Club Champion.
Celebrations and Acknowledgements
After several hours of fantastic matches, conversation, drinks, and a superb curry, Peter Crossman gathered the attention of those still present and delivered a heartfelt appreciation speech for Rob Butler.
Rob, the Club President for many years, has been a tireless ambassador of Squash and Racketball at Oxshott. His efforts – including the successful creation of our third court (now proudly known as The Rob Butler Court) – have made an immeasurable impact. Thank you, Rob, for all that you’ve done and continue to do.
Overall, the day was a great success – squash was played, memories were made, and community was celebrated. We hope to see you all at the next one!
