DAVE WEBSTER REPORTING
ESSEX’S Under-17’s were in sparkling form in their first-stage Inter-Counties match notching back-to-back 5-0 victories to ease into Stage Two with plenty to spare.
Surrey B vs Essex
The first match saw Connor Adams, our number 3 string, open the Essex account with a hugely impressive 3-0 win over Will Rowe, 11-0, 11-3, 11-1. That was quickly followed by Hayden Smith who started slowly against Luc Drepaul dropping the first game before getting his act together winning the next two. Hayden then surrendered the fourth but with all to play for in the fifth game, he took it 11-9 to win 3-2 putting Essex two up.
Next on was number one seed Aaron Allpress who made light work of his game against David Sanchez with a comfortable 3/0 win. Our number four string Ben Richardson dropped the first game against Leon Griffiths15/13 after being being up 10/6. After a small chat, we got him on course and he took it 3/1 with some steady, controlled squash.
Joseph Blackmur, the Essex number two string, has no pressure on him and he finished off his game against Dan Prichard with time to spare. The 3-0 win completed the 5-0 overall scoreline.
Also, our number six string Clayton Hunt also weighed in with a 3-0 win completing a clean sweep.
We had lunch at 12.30pm which gave the team one and a half hour rest before taking on Bucks
Essex v Bucks
After lunch we started back at 2pm with third string Connor Adams producing some of the best squash I’ve ever seen him play. I love his great attitude. It was a tight game against Marcus Connor but his array of shots kept Connor in control of the game and the Essex player took it 3-0.
Wanting to give all the boys a game, I decided to swap our fifth string from Haydon Smith to Clayton Hunt. Clayton did the squad proud and with the performance he put in against Thomas Walter, it was an excellent 3/1 win for the team to make it 2/0 in matches. With Aaron, Ben and Joe still to play we needed one more match to win,
Both Ben and Aaron duly grafted to 3/1 wins to again take the pressure off Joe and seal the team victory. Joe and sixth string Hayden completed the rout completing a hugely pleasurable day for everyone.
Thanks boys, the squad was great all day. A big thank you too to the parents and friends who turned out to support us. Much appreciated.