AS the Isle of Man squash team prepares for the European Nations Challenge Cup they are still without a sponsor.
The competition in being held at the Kahuna Club in Warsaw, Poland, from September 29 to October 2 and will be the last in the current format.
From 2011 the European Nations Challenge Cup will come under the umbrella of a three division European Team Championship.
Meanwhile, for 2010, the Isle of Man squad is seeded number seven (up from number nine last year) and join Gibraltar, Luxemburg and Poland 2 in Pool B.
Anyone interested in providing sponsorship, particularly with contributions towards kit, should contact team manager/coach Les Callow (494734 or email: les.c@manx.net)
Team Squash
Meanwhile, after all the uncertainty at the end of last season, the team leagues kick off next week looking healthier than ever.
A total of six new teams have joined the leagues. The A league format stays the same as last year with 10 teams, each of three players, vying for the title currently held by last year's newcomers, Island Restorations.
Twelve other teams will start in the B League, where each team of five players will play each other once before the league splits into three divisions.
With the reduction in the number of courts at Onchan and the increase in the number of teams opting to play out of the NSC, new league secretary Colin Hanbidge has had his work cut out putting the fixture list together.
The SRA are grateful to all three venues, Mount Murray, NSC and Western School of Dance at Onchan in enabling all the matches to be accommodated.
Individual league – call for new players
The Isle of Man SRA has instigated, for the first time, an Island wide individual league.
The concept of an individual league is not new - leagues or ladders have run at all three venues at various times.
The Island wide league format gives players the opportunity to play their games at a mutually agreed venue.
The aim is to encourage players of all standards and to give them an opportunity to play opponents they would not normally meet.
The SRA is also keen to recruit new members and this is an ideal opportunity for players who normally play in isolated, small groups to extend their experience. To join the league, or to get more information, email iomsra@manx.net or see the squash notice boards at the various venues.
Competition - Dave Karren Memorial Pronto Rosebowl
The first competition of the season is currently underway at Mount Murray with a record entry.
Dave Karren was a keen squash player and an employee of Manx Telecom, who are sponsors for the competition.
Last year’s winner, Hamish Thornton, is looking to retain his title against some stiff opposition.
FIXTURES – Week Commencing September 27
A League
Edgewater A v Stone Art (Mon 27th - Mount Murray)
Davrost v Edgewater B (Mon 27th - Mount Murray)
MAS v Gamers (Mon 27th - NSC)
Childrens Centre v Motorvation (Mon 27th - NSC)
Deloitte v Island Restorations (Mon 27th - NSC)
B League
Jewel Tech v Apollo Consulting (Tue 28th – NSC)
Helen’s Hopefuls v Onchan Juniors (Tue 28th – NSC)
International Divers v BRW Racketeers (Tue 28th – Mount Murray)
All About Gardens v BRW Academy (Thu 30th – Onchan)
Island Exhaust v Onchan Outcasts (Thu 30th – Mount Murray)
Lions v Motorvation G (Fri 1st – NSC)
For more information go to www.iomsra.com
