March 21, 2018, by Cara McIsaac-Hall

BUCS Big Wednesday: UWE defeat Nottingham once again in Men’s Squash Championship

In the Men’s Championship squash final, University of Nottingham had a mammoth challenge ahead of them, facing UWE – defending champions and undefeated for several seasons. Their star player Marwan Elshorbagy is the current World No #4 at just 24 years old and is fast chasing down brother Mohamed, the current World No #1.

However, as underdogs the UoN team had nothing to lose and in front of a large home crowd, were determined to put out their best performance possible.

In the first game, it was a last minute change for UoN as Paul Broadberry stepped in for brother Matt to take on Theis Houlberg. It was a nervy start for the first year sports scholar as UWE powered ahead, taking the first set 11-4. Decisions from the referee further frustrated Broadberry and he allowed the distraction to get to him, losing the second set in quick succession.

Adam Auckland’s faced up against World Number 4 Marwan Elshorbagy

The third set started much better – Broadberry forced long rallies and gave it everything he had. A desperate dive resulted in a short medical break for the UoN no #5 but it didn’t faze him and he stepped back on the court to win a set back 11-4. Unfortunately he couldn’t keep up the momentum and Houlberg took the 4th 11-8 and the first blood went to UWE.

Next up – one of the heroes of the semi-final against Birmingham, Tom Bailey who faced another extremely strong opponent – Dutch player Roshan Bharos. The #GreenandGold crowd surrounded the glass court to cheer Bailey on but it was a tough fixture and Bharos took the match 0-3, 5-11, 2-11, 6-11.

Following on the all-glass court were no #1 seeds Adam Auckland and Marwan Elshorbagy in one of the most hotly anticipated games of the entire BUCS Big Wednesday event.

Adam Auckland’s game against Marwan El-Shorbagy was the most entertaining of the night. It was 1-1 after two sets and 2-2 after four sets. It was all to play for in the final set. Emotions were running high, a great atmosphere around the glass court. Fantastic rally’s through the last set, which unfortunately ended 12-10 to UWE as Auckland put in a great shift with an excellent performance,.

Captain Owain in all-glass action at David Ross Sports Village

Ollie Holland started strong in he’s set and looked comfortable throughout the game. Very composed and in control, even when behind he didn’t let it get to he’s head. At 2-0 down Ollie got back into it winning the next two sets , 11-3 and 11-5. He managed to make the last set look easy and took the victory home winning the set at 10-2. Ollie’s performance got him the Yoti player of the match, well deserved!

The final action in the glass squash court was between Owain Taylor and James Peach. Owain looked very confident from the start with comfortable rally’s and some fantastic shots. He won the first set comfortably at 11-6. He continued he’s confident display in the second  set and won it 11-7!  Good to end on a very positive display from UoN!

Results Summary:

Adam Auckland v Marwan El-Shorbagy 

• 7-11 11-4 11-7 5-11 10-12
• 2-3 (UWE Win)

Owain Taylor v James Peach

• 11-6 11-7
• 2-0 (UoN Win)

Tom Bailey v Roshan Bharos

• 5-11 2-11 6-11
• 0-3 (UWE Win)

Ollie Holland v Bradley Masters

• 9-11 10-12 11-3 11-5 10-2
• 3-2 (UoN Win)

Paul Broadberry v Theis Houlberg

• 4-11 7-11 11-4 9-11
• 1-3 (UWE win)

Final Score

University of Nottingham 2 – 3 University of West of England

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