Sportsmanship at its finest makes Michael a video star

Report by LEE HORTON

Last weekend’s Essex Junior Open delivered a whole host of heroic performances from the players, but one particular act of true sportsmanship wins The Essex Junior Squash Hero of the Month Award for April.

Take a bow Michael Tallentire for your terrific display of sporting behavior on match-ball in your Under-11 Junior Open final against Harry Martin. The match was a cracker and went to a tie-break in the fifth. Both boys were desperate to win and had thrown everything at one another. No quarter asked or given.

There had to be a winner and Harry just edged it winning 13-11. The final point was a belter with 10-year-old Michael giving everything before finishing flat-out on the floor in one final effort to retrieve the ball. And that’s where we saw Michael from Colchester show a true act of classy sportsmanship.

Despite the intense feeling of disappointment at losing, his first instinctive act was to applaud his opponent. No self pity, no tantrum, no tears. Michael was still on one knee when he began clapping. When he got to his feet he embraced Harry with a smile every bit as wide as the winner’s.

A small moment, maybe, but one that oozed class and quality. Check out our video of the final moments and see why Michael Tallentire is our first Essex Hero of the Month. He’ll be receiving a commemorative medal for being our star player.