Squash Continues UK Tour in Winchester

The Fordham squash team continued a unique experience on Tuesday, as the Rams continued their seven-day stay in the United Kingdom, where Fordham will play exhibition matches against a variety of club teams in the U.K.

Throughout their trip, the Rams will be giving their own updates on the trip.

On day three, Fordham played Winchester Squash Club at their home facility, falling by a 9-0 score.

Today, we hear from senior Matthew Crowe as well as see some of his photos.

"Day 3 began playing sock squash for the six of us staying with Alistair Campbell. After playing against him in Chichester, we were lucky enough to stay at the Northfields Country House where Alistair grew up and currently lives when he is not renting it out. The house has an indoor squash court, as well as two outdoor grass tennis courts and a swimming pool to accompany the 14 bedrooms. Alistair introduced Kincade (Webster), Alex (LaVersa), Van (James Potts), Jimmy (Shinnick), John (Lennon) and I to sock squash. The rules are simple, it is a game of doubles squash in your socks, and is probably the most fun I have ever had playing the sport. Each of us ended up on the ground numerous times and my favorite shot was the sliding drop, in which you cover more than half the court while sliding, slipping, and falling.

 
In the morning, he made us a great breakfast and we walked around the property to see the grass courts. Grass tennis courts take an extreme amount of maintenance, and he explained that they must be mowed every single day from April through September and the lines must be painted weekly. We met up with the rest of the team in Chichester and headed to the City of Winchester.

Winchester was once the capital of England about 800 years ago, and has a great downtown walking area highlighted by the largest Cathedral in England. Rob (Levis) was surprised at the size of the Winchester Cathedral and his favorite part was the massive stained glass window at the entrance. After lunch we went explored the Great Hall of the castle at the high point of the city and then off we went to the Winchester Racquet club for our third match of the tour.

 
The Winchester club is the home of a Professional Squash League Team, and featured two glass backed courts with stadium seating to go along with four other courts. We fell 9-0 to another great team, with the highlights of the match coming from freshmen Will Pantle and Robert Levis. Both lost in five games at #3 and #9 respectively, and each won under pressure in the fourth to cause a fifth game. After the match, we had another great dinner at the club against the team we played, which is my favorite aspect of squash over here that you don't see in the United States. During the match you are in fierce competition, however afterwards there is a great level of respect between the teams.
 
On Tuesday night, I stayed with David d'Arcy Hughes, an old friend of Coach Patterson's. He and his wife had a beautiful home in Winchester where they have lived for over 30 years and were extremely welcoming. They were very interested in my study abroad experience in Rome and London. In the morning, David made me eggs and bacon, by far the best breakfast I've had thus far on the tour. It was a short stay because we left for London early Wednesday morning, but a great end to my time in Winchester."

Day four of the UK Tour will see Fordham match up with Lakeside Club at Wimbledon.