Breckland Leisure Centre held Thetford’s first ever Norfolk Junior Squashs’ Junior Squash Grand Prix. Despite several late call-offs due to the weather, the day produced some thrilling encounters and extremely close group deciding matches.
In Group 1, previous Grand Prix winners Jordan Creed and Jack Bell met in the deciding match, with Jack taking a 2-0 lead. Jordan’s speed and retrieving however enabled him to recover to take the match in the fifth, with errors proving too costly for Jack in the final game.
Group 2 included guests Joseph Weavers from Cambridgeshire, and for the first time Faith Mutti from Lincolnshire, who both enjoyed three competitive matches. Joseph progressed to the final to meet the ever improving Sam Lanham. A tough journey in saw Sam’s effort rewarded as he grabbed the group win in the fifth.
Group 3 saw a tight affair between five players of similar ability, with all 10 matches being evenly contested. Scott Drewery from Crown, Outwell was to become the eventual winner taking the top spot by going on a 4 match unbeaten run.
The morning matches concerning Groups 4, 5, 6 & 7 also produced similar matches with close finishes. Jesse Baker took Group 4, Liam Mooney Group 5, Katie Cox Group 6 and finally Claire Jolly winning Group 7.
It must be noted that the most improved player of the tournament, Katie Cox, beat the four players seeded above her to win the group.
The closest finish of the day was however reserved for group 7. Having each won their previous 3 matches Grand Prix debutant Joshua Hall was to come up against Claire Jolly. Joshua led the match throughout but Claire never gave up saving match point at 13-14 and to produce a final rally deciding point. With the momentum in Claire’s favour, she snatched victory as Joshua was unable to reach her final ball for a return. A great end to the morning’s matches.
A special mention and thanks must go to Karen Cox and Sandra Butler for their help during the day. Norfolk Junior Squash would also like to thank Julie Pike and Breckland Leisure for the use of the facilities.
The next NJS Grand Prix is at Bannatynes and Oasis in Norwich on Sunday March 21. For more details please call Tony Henden on 01493 369651 / 07900 558493 or email: tonyhenden@ntlworld.com
An entry form can be downloaded here (see below) and must be returned by March 15.
- Final_Placings.docx Final Placings
- Bannatynes_Oasis_ENTRY_FORM.doc Entry Form