REPORT BY RICHARD PILCHER
Essex U-13 player, Jessica Baxter won the Gent Cup for Girls’ Singles at the 49th Independent Association of Prep Schools National Squash Competition held at Millfield School, Somerset earlier this month. Jessica played with great commitment, skill and tactical awareness throughout the competition winning all of her matches without dropping a single game. All of her hard work and commitment in training was rewarded as she overcame last year’s champion in the final game to clinch the trophy.
She also competed in the U13 Open competition along with U13 Development Squad member, George Sweeting. Both players won 50 per cent of their matches in the group stage and narrowly failed to qualify for the knockout stages. Jessica’s group contained the eventual winner of the Plate Competition and finalist in the main competition, to whom she lost narrowly.
George and Jess formed a determined partnership when they played in the doubles event. They progressed to the semi-final of the plate competition where they lost narrowly to the eventual winners. On their way to the semi-finals they lost to a pairing including an England player and overcame a strong Millfield pair on their home court from 0-1 down.
In the U-11 competition Development Squad member, Ben Bushell, progressed to the final of the Plate Competition, which is a significant achievement since he only started playing in August. He won 50% of his group matches after losing 2 of his first 3 matches, showing great character. In the final Ben played some excellent tactical squash to take a 1-0 lead but his opponent from Witham Hall fought back to level the tie. In the final game there were 7 championship points, 6 of them against Ben. He managed to save 5 of them before his opponent won 15-13.
In summary, Felsted can be proud of their achievements at their second IAPS competition after their debut last year. A champion, 2 finalists and a semi-finalist is a great return for their efforts. We are already looking forward to next year.
