Llandudno Sports Club held their squash club championship finals night and AGM on Friday November 9.
The night had it all-blood, sweat and tears. Literally.
The “blood” was provided, most unfortunately, in the women’s cup final, between Vida van Rensburg and her daughter, Demi. It was the third consecutive year that Vida and Demi were contesting the final.
Vida won the title in 2016 and Demi got her revenge in 2017. Both of those matches went the full distance to epic five-game thrillers.
So the 2018 final was all set to be a highly contested one, and the two stars did not disappoint.
Vida started strongly and raced to a 2-0 lead. Demi powered back to level it 2-2. And, with a packed clubhouse on the edge of their seats, drama struck two points into the final game.
Vida accidentally hit Demi in the mouth with her racquet in her follow-through.
Demi was rushed to hospital with two broken front teeth and blood flowing from a cut to her lip and gums. But, with the aid of some smart dentistry work, the damage was repaired that night, and Demi still had her beautiful smile.
According to the rules of squash, the incident, albeit accidental, is termed a “self-inflicted injury”.
As Demi was unable to continue playing on the night, she had to forfeit the match. Vida graciously offered to play the final game at a later date, but Demi equally-graciously conceded the match.
So Vida took the trophy and the title, but both women are worthy champions in the club’s eyes.
The “sweat” was served up in bucket-loads in the men’s cup final, between eight-time champion, Geoff Dods, and young-buck, William Tweddle.
William, at 17 years old, was the club’s youngest finalist, since Geoff won his first title as a 17 year old back in 2007.
And what a match it was. William stormed out to a 1-0 lead, Geoff came back strongly to go 2-1 in front. William then dug deep to level it 2-2, and take the match into a deciding 5th game.
Geoff showed all the grit and determination of the warrior he is to clinch the 5th game, and take the match 3-2.
But William won the hearts of an appreciative crowd for his brave effort. It is only a matter of time before he gets his name on the trophy.
In the Juniors Championship, Western Province under-13 star Brody Williamson won the trophy, beating Oliver Chevallier in the final.
And after the blood and sweat came the “tears”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Clive Moses was awarded the Peter Holling Trophy for his long-service to the club.
He has been the club’s groundsman for 26 years.
Clive tragically lost his daughter and granddaughter in a horrific car accident earlier this year.
Despite being told by the club’s committee to take more time off work, he was back at his post shortly after the tragedy, because – in his words – he “didn’t want to let the club down”.
He was given a standing ovation as he accepted the trophy from Ashley Holling.