Stowmarket Junior Squash, based at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, held its first England Squash & Racketball Court Challenge Series Tournament on Saturday 30th June.
With prizes donated by England Squash & Racketball and Lloyds Bank to be won, the tournament attracted 24 keen youngsters and had a real buzz as play started at 9.30am.
Played as a handicapped round robin in two ability groups, the intensive training of the previous few weeks showed. The spectators were wowed by the consistent shot making of the aspiring young players, producing the highest standard matches of the season.
The Most Amazing Result trophy was bagged early on when Intermediate player Harley Jordan-Smith won a hard fought game against Ben Gawne, several years his senior.
This was shortly followed by shot of the tournament on Court 1 as Graham Hayward pulled off an amazing backhand volley smash into the nick the likes of which James Willstrop would be proud.
Two players prevailed from the group matches and into the final on Court 1. Ethan Stride (11 yrs old) and Will Pearmain (16) played a superbly taut match. Ethan produced a sterling display to claim the title. Will should also be congratulated for an especially mature and sporting performance.
Finally, the abundance of high quality prizes enabled numerous awards to be presented including; Players of the Year: Jack Rumsby-Barnes, Ethan Stride & Reece Langridge. In an interesting turn of events, but altogether unsurprising, the awards for Most Attendance, Highest Ranked Player and Tournament Winners all went to Ethan Stride & Will Pearmain. Proof if ever it was needed that those who attend the most improve the most and win tournaments!
If you are interested in squash in the Stowmarket area, contact the tournament organiser and Head Squash Coach of Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket John Mead: meadjrm2@btinternet.com
In the photos, Players of the Year (in order): Jack Rumsby-Barnes, Reece Landridge & Ethan Stride. John Mead is presenting the awards