PieDale Cup: Rochdale Sports Club v Wigan Sports Club

This weekend Rochdale Sports Club hosted Wigan Sports Club in the first annual PieDale Cup.

The event loosely follows the format of the famous Ryder Cup, but comprises a team of 13 players competing against their counterparts at squash, doubles squash and racketball for the chance to take home a 4ft tall hand-crafted trophy.

Rochdale took an early lead in the racketball, with team captain Andy Jagger and Nigel Medworth disposing of their opponents before Chris Bradley also obliged in an incredible performance.

Unfortunately for Rochdale however, Wigan then seemed to get used to the bounce of the ball, and took a worrying 6-3 lead into the doubles matches.

Bradley was then straight back on court alongside master craftsman Paul Worsley, powering through to take the first doubles match of the day and rack up another point for the Rochdale.

Paul Slater, a last-minute replacement, then stepped up to the plate alongside Mark Hicks, and the pair proved an excellent balance of agility and technique to emerge victorious and make the match 5-6.

Momentum was flowing Rochdale’s way, and Mike Alexander and Steve Spedding didn’t disappoint by quickly bringing the scores to 6-6.

Jon Dawson and Andy Jagger put in a valiant effort against Wigan's pairing, but eventually the points went to the Alderley Edge regulars.

Andy Jagger, Tournament Director said: “That took us to the showcase doubles event, where the formidable pairing of Gaz Evans and Mark Kerridge were simply too good for the very best Wigan had to offer, winning the match and taking the overall contest to 7-7 entering the singles matches.

“Karl Brown won the first singles point for Rochdale, but it was evident that the remainder of the matches were going to be an uphill battle.

“Slater and Medworth proved beyond doubt their Rochdale MVP status by maintaining their 100% records for the day, but every other match went the way of the Pie Eaters, who at the end of an incredible day finished 17-10 winners.

“Thank you again to everyone that competed, those that made the effort to support, the three volunteer referees, venue manager Ste Clegg, DJ Dave Britten, scorer and beer pong co-ordinator Sam Dawson, photographer Richard Stansfield, guest presenter Bernie Gill.

“Rochdale already have a coach booked for PieDale 2020 in Wigan, from which they intend to bring back the trophy.”