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Peter Marshall Evening Proves a Hit

9 December 2021

Last Friday we were delighted to welcome squash legend and former world No 2 Peter Marshall to the Club.

Peter spent time with some of our leading junior players, offering them the chance to play him and giving them some guidance and encouragement on their squash journeys. Interesting to learn that he was playing 5-6 times a week at a pretty young age – but then his Dad did own a squash club! He also explained how his unique double-handed style came about – when he first started to play aged 4-5, he was a very skinny child and struggled to swing the heavy wooden racquets that were used back then. It worked for him so he kept doing it, despite multiple coaches urging him to change his style.   

We were then treated to a fabulous exhibition match with our own Club Champion, Steve Davies, who is one of the top O40 players nationally. Neither player wanted to lose and it went to the decider. Peter eventually prevailed 15-13, after coming back from a 13-10 deficit. We got a clear demonstration of why the double-handed backhand is so effective, with some brilliant deception, and great power from a short swing.  

Everyone then retired to the bar and we had the chance to learn some more about Peter’s background and winning habits over a drink or two. A great evening indeed! Many thanks to Foundation Member Ian Thomas for providing us with the introduction to Peter and helping us to set the evening up!

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