On 23rd September Finsbury Leisure Centre played host to a London Ladies Squash Tournament, run by Retha and Kara. They initially hoped for about 24 players but thought even that number might be pushing their luck. Through some advertisement and lots of encouragement there were a whopping 30 ladies.
There were 3 divisions (Div 1 Middlesex League players, Div 2 lower club and university players and Div 3 – less experienced and beginners). Divisions 1 and 2 played games PAR to 11 and Divisions 3 played PAR to 9; all matches best of 3. The objective of the tournament was to give ladies an opportunity to play and meet other female players of similar standard. Everybody played four or more matches and got a chance to mark and referee games.
The ladies who participated were very enthusiastic and in good spirits throughout the day and it was such a joy to see the courts filled by female squash players!
The reception and prize-giving afterwards gave everybody more time for some socialising and relaxing after a full day of squash. Prizes included two squash rackets and a squash bag sponsored by Sweatband, a 12-month gym membership by Aquaterra, trophies for the winners and runners-up of each division as well as a trophy for the most gracious player (voted for by the players) sponsored by ESR and a couple of coaching sessions. There was also a raffle for a racket sponsored by Lester Cantem.
Their first ladies’ tournament turned out to be a great success with very good feedback.
Players’ comments: “The Finsbury Ladies Tournament was a great success! As someone who is new to squash, and never entered a tournament, it was great to see a whole range of players. Retha and Kara did a great job organising, everything ran smoothly, and the wine and snacks at the end were greatly appreciated :) Will definitely be entering the next tournament!” -Katherine Scott-Barrett
”I had a really good time playing games, watching other people’s games and meeting so many female players!“ – Yuri Guest
Trophies went to: Division 1 – Winner: Anoushka Wooller, Runner-up: Rosa Rius
Division 2 – Winner: Alina EE, Runner-up : Jenny Sharpe
Division 3 – Winner: Rebecca Jones, Runner-up : Ali Dale
Encouraged by the success of this tournament Retha and Kara will be looking at holding another one in the Spring of 2013.
Retha and Kara
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