Robin Goodall too good for Des Barnett in close final in 1978

The Blues squash championships were held in May 1978 and it was Robin Goodall that took the men's title and Adrienne Bettle the women's title.  Robin Goodall had to play his heart out to beat Des Barnett in five sets, with both players trying to dominate the T by moving each other round the court at a furious pace.  Des took the first game at 7-9.

Robin Goodall and Des Barnett

Goodall realised that he would have to try something different so opened the second set with various shots to try and put Barnett of his game.  This seemed to work for a while and Goodall won the second set and third set with just an edge over Barnett.  But typical of Des Barnett and the fact that he had been in this position before came back winning the fourth set by moving Goodall around the full court and running him to the four corners at a fast pace.  He used his skill by putting up little drop shots then using the back of the court for the length.  It looked like Barnett was going to win the game but Goodall with 20 years experience behind him slowed the game down which upset Barnett's rhythm and he Goodall ened up winning the fifth and deciding set 9-3.
Although Adrienne Bettle won the women's final in three sets it did not reflect the fight she had on her hands.  Margaret Keelty ensured she had to work for every point.  Miss Beetle is making a name for herself and the squash fraternity  look forward to higher honours for her.
Trevor Kerr won the men's B Grade final against Ian Dykes in a torrid five set battle.
The women's B Grade final between Joyce Marsh and Josie Brown both of the Blues club was also an epic five set.  Marsh won the first two sets and Brown came back with determination winning the next two sets, but ran out of puff for Marsh to take the final set and title.
Noel Crosswell won the C Grade beating Lloyd Anderson 3-0.
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Reference The Southland Times May 1978

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