Five Essex players competed in the Welsh Open in Cardiff this weekend returning with creditable performances.
Joel Braddock from Colchester entered the U13 competition winning three matches 3 – 0 against Joshua Audsley and Max Miles-Owen of Wales and Alex Van Blerk of England. His winning run ended when he lost 3 – 0 to Adam Goad from Cumbria, a highly ranked England under-13’s player.
Owain Taylor lost his U19 semi final 0 – 3 to Michael Craig of Ireland 11-7 11-6 11-7 before recovering to win his third place play off 3-1 against George Willis of England.
Conor Adams, Aaron Allpress and Ben Richardson entered the U17 competition. Ben had two close losses but finished with a good 3-0 win.
Conor reached the quarter finals with two good wins against Brian Collins, the 5/8 seed from Ireland, 3-1 (11-8. 11-6, 8-11 ,13-11) and Elliot Webber from Wales 3-0 (11-7, 11-2.11-5) before losing 3-1 in a tremendous effort to the number 1 seed Elliot Morris from Wales.
Aaron reached the semi final before also losing 0-3 to the top seed Morris. On the way he beat Shaan Dalal from India 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-0); the 5/8 seed Daniel Christopher from Wales in a marathon match 3-2 (10-12, 11-6, 8-11,11-7,11-4). In the quarter final Aaron came up against the Irish number two and 3/4 seed Luke Logan and won 3-0 (11-8 11-4 11-5).
All the boys did Essex proud with Owain finishing 3rd, Aaron 4th, Joel 5th and Conor 7th.