Match Reports
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You can check out the full results, fixtures and league tables, as well as Henley Players’ rankings, from the links on the Teams page of this website.
Support for the teams is always welcome. The 1st and 2nd teams play their home matches on Tuesday evenings, while the 3rd teams’ home fixtures are on Thursdays. All starting at 7.10pm at the Leisure Centre.
If you are interested in playing for the teams, contact the Membership Secretary and he will direct you to the right person.
Winter 2 2025-26
Week 11 – week commencing 16/3/26
Headline: Injury woes for 1st team, while 2nds and 3rds have wins.
Tough night for Henley 1st Team against Abingdon with two injury-forced retirements for Paul Ski and club coach Adam Edge. At first string, Abingdon featured Mark Cairns, a former top-10-in-the-world player with British, European and World titles to his name as well as a Commonwealth Games medal. Now 59 years old, he is still one of the top ranked players in Oxfordshire, so Henley’s Munro Montanus did will to take the first game off him before succumbing 1-3. Captain Harry Carr had a good win and Richard Brown fought well to lose 10-12, 7-11, 11-13. But with the two injury withdrawals it was a comprehensive team win for Abingdon. Next week Henley face bottom-of-the-table Nuffield and really need a victory.
Videos: (1) Munro congratulates Mark Cairns on a nice boast; (2) Adam Edge in a tight rally before injury forced him to retire.
Details:
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 7th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Henley(1) 4 v Abingdon(1) 16 (on 17/3/26)
1. Munro Montanus (1-3 loss)
2. Harry Carr (3-0 win)
3. Adam Edge (0-3 loss)
4. Richard Brown (0-3 loss)
5. Paul Ski (0-3 loss)
Henley 2nd Team visited Wallingford who were down to four players – so wins for Jim Reay and Peter Rivers were enough to secure the overall result, with captain John Williams adding two points to keep the unbeaten 2nds on-track for the division 4 title.
Pictures: no pictures this week.
Details:
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Wallingford 6 v Henley(2) 15 (on 17/3/26)
1. Tim Budden (0-3 loss)
2. John Williams (2-3 loss)
3. Jim Reay (3-0 win)
4. Peter Rivers (3-0 win)
5. No Wallingford player.
Henley 3rd Team had their best win of the season with a comprehensive victory over Abingdon 5ths, that sees the two teams swap places at the foot of division 4. While the lower order had straight forward 3-0 victories, Dan Andrews at 1st string had to come from a game down, and 2nd string Richard Little was two down before eventually winning 16-14 in the fifth.
Videos: Rally from Dan Andrews’ match.
Pictures: (1) Dan Andrews serving; (2) Richard Little on the ‘T’.
Details:
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 7th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Abingdon(5) 3 v Henley(3) 19 (on 19/3/26)
1. Dan Andrews (3-1 win)
2. Richard Little (3-2 win)
3. Joe Edwards (3-0 win)
4. Simon Stone (3-0 win)
5. Steve Dance (3-0 win)
Week 10 – week commencing 9/3/26
Headline: Henley 2nd team maintain their unbeaten record.
Skipper Harry Carr was the only winner for Henley 1st Team against Hithercroft, with Munro Montanus adding a point. With Harwell beating Nuffield, Henley slip to 7th in the table and the remainder of the Winter2 campaign will be about avoiding demotion. With matches against both Harwell and Nuffield (the two other weakest teams) coming up, they should be able to manage it.
Pictures: no pictures this week.
Details:
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 7th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Hithercroft(1) 17 v Henley(1) 4 (on 10/3/26)
1. Matt Marshall (0-3 loss)
2. Munro Montanus (1-3 loss)
3. Harry Carr (3-1 win)
4. Richard Brown (0-3 loss)
5. Andy Martin (0-3 loss)
Another comprehensive win for the Henley 2nd Team against Carterton 2nds. With regular 1st team player, Paul Ski, freed up to play for them, they were even stronger than usual and only dropped one game in the whole fixture. They are now just four matches away from completing an unbeaten season.
Video: Joe Edwards powers a drive past his opponent.
Details:
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley(2) 19 v Carterton(2) 1 (on 10/3/26)
1. Paul Ski (3-0 win)
2. Tim Budden (3-0 win)
3. John Williams (3-1 win)
4. Jim Reay (3-0 win)
5. Joe Edwards (3-0 win)
Henley 3rd Team were hosting Oxford University 4ths. Skipper Peter Rivers was two games up against University’s Sophie Foskett, before eventually being overcome by Sophie’s classic stylish squash. Duncan Nightingale also suffered a 2-3 loss, while Miles Edwards and Oliver Collin picked up a point each to keep the match score respectable. There is a key fixture for Henley next week – against Abingdon 5ths who are just above them in the table. That could be their last chance to haul themselves off the wooden spoon position!
Video: Rally from Peter Rivers’ match.
Picture: Pete Harrison playing off the back wall.
Details:
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley(3) v University(4) (on 12/3/26)
1. Peter Harrison (0-3 loss)
2. Peter Rivers (2-3 loss)
3. Miles Edwards (1-3 loss)
4. Oliver Collin (1-3 loss)
5. Duncan Nightingale (2-3 loss)
Week 9 – week commencing 2/3/26
Headline: Henley 2nds v Henley 3rds derby match produces great squash – and great food!
Monday evening saw Henley 3rd Team play their storm-postponed fixture from week 1 against Carterton. It was a great result for the 3rds – only their second victory of the season. Highlight was a fighting win for club chairman, Steve Dance – from 0-2 down, he took the next two games 16-14 and 15-13 before clinching the match 15-8 in the 5th.
Video: Rally from James Rowson’s match.
Picture: Left-hander Jim Reay eyes up a drive down the left wall.
Details:
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley(3) 16 v Carterton(2) 7 (on 2/3/26; originally scheduled 8/1/26)
1. Richard Little (0-3 loss)
2. Jim Reay (3-1 win)
3. James Rowson (3-0 win)
4. Peter Rivers (3-1 win)
5. Steve Dance (3-2 win)
In division 1, Henley 1st Team were up against 2nd place Brackley. There was a welcome return to winning ways for skipper Harry Carr, although he had to come from two game to one down to do it. Munro Montanus had a long five game battle before eventually succumbing, while Andrew Martin had a bright start against an opponent with a much higher SquashLevel, taking the first game 11-4 before being overhauled. But Brackley were two strong overall and took the team win. Henley remain in 6th place in the table, with fixtures coming up against both teams who are below them (Harwell and Nuffield) – wins against them could be vital in staying above the relegation zone.
Pictures: no pictures this week.
Details:
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 6th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Henley(1) 6 v Brackley(1) 18 (on 3/3/26)
1. Matt Marshall (0-3 loss)
2. Munro Montanus (2-3 loss)
3. Harry Carr (3-2 win)
4. Andrew Martin (1-3 loss)
5. Paul Ski (0-3 loss)
Thursday evening saw Henley Leisure Centre host the derby match between Henley 3rd Team and Henley 2nd team. Both these teams play in the 4th division of the Oxfordshire League – but with somewhat different fortunes. The 2nds are flying high at the top of the table and unbeaten, while the 3rds are at the bottom of the table, but having enjoyed a rare win just a few days earlier (see above). So the expectation was for a whitewash – albeit with a few laughs along the way. Peter Hopkins provided the first ‘upset’, taking two games off his higher-rated opponent, Richard Little 15-11, 5-15, 15-13, 11-15, 5-15. Then the fast-improving Miles Edwards (club Player of the Month in February) pushed Jim Reay very hard, just losing the 2nd game 17-19. The other matches went to form and the 2nds ran out 19-2 winners. The other highlight of the evening was the after-match meal, where the Three Horseshoes really performed – no less than five meal choices on offer: steak and chips, lasagne and chips, egg/bacon/chips, sausages and mash, or vegan chilli. With match fees reduced to £10 due to a surplus in the skippers’ kitties, an amazing value evening was had by all!
Videos: (1) Rally from Jim Reay v Miles Edwards – squash is a game for fit people; (2) all the action from the viewing gallery; (2) amazing food choice at the Three Horseshoes!
Pictures: (1) Richard Little and Peter Hopkins; (2) Peter Hopkins in front of the new club scoreboard – sponsored by his firm, Mercers Solicitors.
Details:
Captains: Peter Rivers (3rds) and John Williams(2nds)
Position: 8th and 1st places in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley(3) 2 v Henley(2) 19 (on 5/3/26)
1. Peter Rivers 0 v Tim Budden 3
2. Steve Dance 0 v John Williams 3
3. Peter Hopkins 2 v Richard Little 3
4. Miles Edwards 0 v Jim Reay 3
5. Duncan Nightingale 0 v Pete Harrison 3
Week 8 – week commencing 23/2/26
Headline: Another tight fixture for Henley 2nds – but they remain unbeaten
Henley 1st Team‘s Munro Montanus got a SquashLevels boost after beating a stronger opponent this week during the home fixture against Oxford University. Skipper Harry Carr, still struggling to return to full strength after an injury sustained last season, had the opposite experience – losing out in five games to an opponent who was theoretically weaker. Club Coach Adam Edge, Juniors Organiser Paul Ski, and Andy Martin all took one game off their opponents – so some points gained for Henley, but ultimately an overall team loss that sees them remain in 6th place in the division 1 table, with Harwell and Nuffield below them also losing.
Picture: Munro demonstrating proper speed skating technique!
Details:
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 6th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Henley(1) 8 v University(1) 17 (on 24/2/26)
1. Munro Montanus (3-1 win)
2. Harry Carr (2-3 loss)
3. Adam Edge (1-3 loss)
4. Andrew Martin (1-3 loss)
5. Paul Ski (1-3 loss)
Henley 2nd Team‘s lower order again came to the fore in helping maintain their unbeaten record in a tight fixture against Oxford University 4th team. The tie hinged on two 5-game matches: in one, Richard Little just lost out to League Organiser David Quinn; in the other Jim Reay came from behind to secure the team result, along with a brace of 3-1 wins for James Rowson and skipper John Williams. Henley are now almost 50 points clear of 2nd place Wallingford – but can they go the whole season unbeaten?
Pictures: (1)Skipper John Williams serving; (2)Expelliarmus! Richard Little’s “sorcerer’s serve”; (3) Highlight of any fixture at Oxford University – the pizzas!
Details:
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: University(4) 10 Henley(2) 15 (on 25/2/26)
1. Tim Budden (0-3 loss)
2. John Williams (3-1 win)
3. Richard Little (2-3 loss)
4. Jim Reay (3-2 win)
5. James Rowson (3-1 win)
Henley 3rd Team bagged a few points to keep their season ticking over, despite losing to Carterton 2nds. Highlights for Henley were a solid 3-0 win for Joe Edwards, a point from skipper Peter Rivers, and two points from a five-game match for Miles Edwards, recently returned from Exeter University. Crazily, these two teams face each other again on Monday – this time on Henley’s home turf when Carterton travel over for the storm-postponed fixture from Week 1. Then on Thursday, Henley3 face high-flying Henley2 in a derby match – points may be hard to come by for the 3rds in that one!
Videos: (1)Rally from Pete Harrison’s match; (2)Rally from Peter Rivers’ match.
Picture: Mile Edwards serving.
Details:
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Carterton(2) 16 v Henley(3) 6 (on 25/2/26)
1. Peter Harrison (0-3 loss)
2. Joe Edwards (3-0 win)
3. Peter Rivers (1-3 loss)
4. Steve Dance (0-3 loss)
5. Miles Edwards (2-3 loss)
Week 7 – week commencing 16/2/26
Headline: Future superstar turns out for Henley 1st team
Henley 1st team were away at top-of-the-table Defence Academy and short of players for the long trip to Shrivenham. Skipper Harry Carr was able to recruit two guest players from his contacts at Wycombe – but Defence Academy were still too strong. At 3rd string, it was a former Henley player, Ed Hopkins, who defeated Richard Brown and he was joined by Harry and Munro in suffering 0-3 losses, as did guest Andy Peers. The one highlight for Henley was the guest appearance of Ayaan Khan. I don’t know if we will enjoy him turning out for Henley again, but as he competes at under-15 level with a SquashLevel of over 4000, he is obviously one to watch out for in the future.
Picture: Munro about to play a backhand.
Details:
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 6th place in the 1st division
This week’s match:
Defence(1) 16 v Henley(1) 3 (on 17/2/26)
1. Munro Montanus (0-3 loss)
2. Harry Carr (0-3 loss)
3. Richard Brown (0-3 loss)
4. Andy Peers (0-3 loss)
5. Ayaan Khan (3-0 win)
Henley 2nd Team continue to run away with the division 4 title – although this week’s fixture against 2nd place Gladiators was their closest so far. Indeed, Gladiators took the 1st and 2nd string matches in very close battles that saw Tim Budden just lose out over 5 games 15-9, 10-15, 15-13, 13-15, 12-15 and John Williams lose 1-3. But Henley’s strength in depth told with comfortable 3-0 wins for Tom, Richard and Jim. This result sees Henley more than 40 points clear at the top of the table at the mid-season point.
Video: Rally from John Williams’ hard-fought match at 2nd string.
Details:
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match:
Henley(2) 16 v Gladiators 6 (on 17/2/26)
1. Tim Budden (2-3 loss)
2. John Williams (1-3 loss)
3. Tom Tuite-Dalton (3-0 win)
4. Richard Little (3-0 win)
5. Jim Reay (3-0 win)
Henley 3rd team got their 2nd highest points total of the season with a narrow loss at home to Wallingford. Highlights were 3-0 wins for Pete Harrison and Steve Dance and a point from James Rowson’s close match at 1st string.
Video: James Rowson on his way to securing a point for Henley.
Picture: A laid back Pete Harrison in the team line-up after his 3-0 win.
Details:
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match:
Henley(3) 7 v Wallingford 14 (on 19/2/26)
1. James Rowson (1-3 loss)
2. Joe Edwards (0-3 loss)
3. Pete Harrison (3-0 win)
4. Peter Rivers (0-3 loss)
5. Steve Dance (3-0 win winloss)
Week 6 – week commencing 9/2/26
Henley 1st team were at home to Harwell who had Oxfordshire No. 1, Ben Hedger (SquashLevel 17,000 and inside the world top 500), playing at 1st string where he overcame Henley’s Munro Montanus in straight games. Skipper Harry Carr fared better at 2nd string with a comfortable 3-0 win. The other Henley players got some games, but ultimately went down to their Harwell opponents – with Andy Martin coming the closest, losing 8-11 in the fifth. Henley slip a place to 5th in the division 1 table. Next week’s opponents are top-of-the-table Defence Academy – could be a tough one?
Pictures: no pictures this week
Henley 2nd Team were up against Nuffield2 who went down narrowly to Henley 3rds last week. This was another tight one with Henley coming out on top thanks to wins from John, Jim and James. At 1st string, Dan was at 1-all when he suffered a calf injury and had to pull up. At 2nd string, Tim took it all the way losing 13-15 in the 5th. Most impressive win was probably skipper John Williams who only dropped 11 points in the whole match. Henley remain unbeaten and top of the division 4 table. Next week they are at home to 2nd place Gladiators – should be a good one!
Pictures: no pictures this week
Henley 3rd team went down to a strong Gladiators team. Highlights were Peter Hopkins’ 3-0 win and Simon Stone taking it to 5 games before losing 14-16 in the fifth. The match also saw the welcome return of Club Chairman, Steve Dance, after spending most of the year so far on the ski slopes!
Videos: (1) Steve Dance back playing team squash; (2) Good serve and tight-on-the-wall second shot from Richard Little.
1st Team
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 5th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Henley1 7-16 Harwell1 (on 10/2/26)
1. Munro Montanus (0-3 loss)
2. Harry Carr (3-0 win)
3. Dave Weston (1-3 loss)
4. Richard Brown (1-3 loss)
5. Andrew Martin (2-3 loss)
2nd Team
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Nuffield2 7-16 Henley2 (on 12/2/26)
1. Dan Andrews (1-3 loss)
2. Tim Budden (2-3 loss)
3. John Williams (3-0 win)
4. Jim Reay (3-0 win)
5. James Rowson (3-1 win)
3rd Team
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Gladiators 16-5 Henley3 (on 12/2/26)
1. Richard Little (0-3 loss)
2. Joe Edwards (0-3 loss)
3. Simon Stone (2-3 loss)
4. Steve Dance (0-3 loss)
5. Peter Hopkins (3-0 win)
Week 5 – week commencing 2/2/26
Henley 1st team had a convincing home victory over Nuffield – only giving away 3 games all evening. There were comfortable 3-0 wins for Munro, Harry and Andy. Paul Ski took his last 3 games fairly easily after losing the first 9-11. The most competitive match of the fixture was Richard’s 5-game win – he was 2-0 up, then saw his opponent level it up, before taking the final game 14-12. Henley remain in 4th place in the division 1 table, just behind Abingdon and just ahead of Hithercroft.
Videos: (1) Munro on his way to a 3-0 win.
Pictures: (1) Celebrating their victory in the pub.
Henley 2nd Team travelled to Abingdon to play their 5th team. Abingdon5 were able to overcome Henley3 last week, but Henley2 were much too strong for them, gaining the maximum 19 points and only dropping two games. The closest match was at 1st string, where Dan Andrews’ opponent put up a fight, taking the first game and keeping the scores close in the remaining games. Otherwise it was plain sailing for the Henley players and they remain unbeaten at the top of the division 4 table.
Pictures: (1) Dan Andrews serving; (2) Tom Tuite-Dalton serving; (3) Tim Budden on the T.
Henley 3rd team had their first win of the season – at home against Nuffield2. Key to the victory were two 5-game wins for Richard Little and James Rowson – with Richard coming back from 0-2 down, and James’ match even all the way until he took the last game 15-13. Peter Rivers’ comfortable 3-0 win was enough for the overall team result. Peter Hopkins and Simon Stone added to Henley’s points – Peter took his first two games before his opponent eventually overhauled him. Simon took his first game, and later reported he felt a bit poorly – turned out to be low blood sugars and nothing more serious – we wish him well for a speedy recovery and trust he will be back playing team squash very soon.
Videos: (1) Nice drop shot from Richard Little.
1st Team
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 4th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Henley1 19-3 Nuffield1 (on 3/2/26)
1. Munro Montanus (3- 0 win)
2. Harry Carr (3-0 win)
3. Richard Brown (3-2 win)
4. Andrew Martin (3-0 win)
5. Paul Ski (3-1 win)
2nd Team
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Abingdon5 2-19 Henley2 (on 5/2/26)
1. Dan Andrews (3-1 win)
2. Tim Budden (3-0 win)
3. John Williams (3-1 win)
4. Tom Tuite-Dalton (3-0 win)
5. Jim Reay (3-0 win)
3rd Team
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley3 16-10 Nuffield2 (on 5/2/26)
1. Richard Little (3-2 win)
2. James Rowson (3-2 win)
3. Simon Stone (1-3 loss)
4. Peter Rivers (3-0 win)
5. Peter Hopkins (2-3 loss)
Week 4 – week commencing 26/1/26
Henley 1st team visited Abingdon to play their 1st team, featuring Joe Brooke (SquashLevel 15,600) at 1st string. Munro pushed him hard, going down 9-11, 8-11, 7-11 and getting a small boost to his SquashLevel as a reward. The other Henley players all got games with a 3-0 win for Harry and an epic 3-2 win for Andrew Martin, coming back from 2 down; and 1-3 losses for Richard Brown and club coach Adam Edge. So overall team win for Abingdon, but Henley secured enough points to remain in 4th place in the division 1 table.
Pictures: (1) Andrew Martin goes to shake hands after an epic win; (2) Munro (red shorts) playing Joe Brooke
Henley 2nd Team remain unbeaten and on top of division 4 after a win against 4-man Wallingford. Fortified by usual 1st team player, Paul Ski, at 1st string, and with the other 3 Henley players on SquashLevels just short of 2,000, this was a strong line-up! Tim just lost out in his 5th game after fighting back from 2 games down, and the other Henley players had 3-0 wins.
Picture: Tim winding up for a drive down the backhand wall.
Abingdon Squash Club showed their strength in depth when their 5th team overcame Henley 3rd team. Henley went into the fixture with negative points in the division table following last week’s penalty points. So getting enough points this week to be positive again was a victory of sorts! Richard Little took his opponent to 16-18 in his 2nd game, before eventually going down 0-3 despite numerous stamina-sapping long rallies. Jim Reay’s 1-3 loss against stronger opponent Jack Taylor earned him a small rise in his SquashLevel. Joe Edwards fought out a signature 5-game battle – also with many long rallies. Steve Dance pushed his opponent close in the last two games, going down 6-15, 13-15, 12-15. At 5th string, Duncan Nightingale had a 3-0 win over Jane Robinson who beat him last time they played. The 2nd game was the key – Duncan just taking it 20-18.
Videos: (1) Rally from Joe Edwards’ match; (2) Rally from Jim Reay’s match
Pictures: (1) Team line-up; (2) in the pub afterwards
1st Team
Captain: Harry Carr
Position: 4th place in the 1st division
This week’s match: Abingdon1 15-8 Henley1 (on 27/1/26)
1. Munro Montanus (0-3 loss)
2. Harry Carr (3-0 win)
3. Adam Edge (1-3 loss)
4. Richard Brown (1-3 loss)
5. Andrew Martin (3-2 win)
2nd Team
Captain: John Williams
Position: 1st place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley2 18-3 Wallingford (on 27/1/26)
1. Paul Ski (3-0 win)
2. Tim Budden (2-3 loss)
3. John Williams (3-0 win)
4. Dan Andrews (3-0 win)
5. no Wallingford player
3rd Team
Captain: Peter Rivers
Position: 8th place in the 4th division
This week’s match: Henley3 6-16 Abingdon5 (on 29/1/26)
1. Jim Reay (1-3 loss)
2. Richard Little (0-3 loss)
3. Joe Edwards (2-3 loss)
4. Steve Dance (0-3 loss)
5. Duncan Nightingale (3-0 win)
