Dutch League Champions

I was all warmed up and ready to go on court next for my second string tie - if required that is. Lucas Buit showed experience in securing the first out of three ties. Our team could win the final if Rosner beats Anjema. A superb 5th game by the skilful German saw him beating his higher ranked opponent and giving us the Eredivisie title. One fine afternoon in Amsterdam and Squash Zwolle are Dutch league Champions!


However, winning a season long competition is hardly a matter of a day's result. The league started in September and 8 teams play against each other most Wednesdays during the season with a long break in December.

Apart from having a team with excellent depth, I think the main reason for the unexpected success of Squash Zwolle lies in getting through tough times during the season. The team had plenty of adversities along the way but kept it together. There were some bad losses, lack of sponsorship as well as players injured or unavailable - making things very hard. The team got through it all and played with excellent spirit and support. The result of this positive group persistence was back to back wins against powerhouses Rotterdam and The Hague. Well done team!

For me personally, it was great to be a part of a small club and team who believed they could win. My most memorable wins in this competition were winning an important last rubber against Simon Parke in Maastricht - after being down 0-2. Another one was beating Matt ''Killer'' Karwalski when not being back to 100% after my hamstring tear in November. And not to forget, the hard fought semi final 3rd and final tie win against the evergreen Derek Ryan of Ireland - not without having been taught a thing or two by the former world no.7.


The title marks a positive (near) end to another long and hard northern hemisphere season - my third in Europe.


The final presentations in Amsterdam