Andy Russell reports on the Marconi tournament
WITH five girls and 33 boys entered for the Marconi tournament, the younger boys were asked for a volunteer to join the girls in a round-robin so that the event would be left with two groups of 16 to enable a Monrad events. Fortunately, Josh Stevens aged 10 very kindly offered.
With that sorted, we had a joint under 11 and 13’s group and an under 15 and 17’s group. The under 11 and 13’s group had Harry Best at 12 and the winner last year seeded one. Vishal Bansal was seeded two. In the other group there were four obvious seeds, Will Salmoms, Harvey Russell, James Garwood and Michael Newell.
As the final stages approached the girls group, plus Josh, was getting close and in the end it came down to a play off between Elli Barratt and Josh Stevens, which Josh narrowly edged 2-1, a nail-biting 12-10 in the third.
In the under 11 and 13’s, Harry reached the final without too great a challenge and then faced number two seed Vishal. Harry was just too strong, winning 2-0.
The under 15 and 17’s semi finals were close and saw Will Salmons, originally seeded 4, defeat Michael Newell. In the other semi, Harvey Russell narrowly lost to James Garwood in a thrilling match that produced some amazing squash. In the final, the effects of a tough semi were clearly evident for James and Will emerged the victor.
The tournament could not have happened without sponsorship and thanks go to Lathcotes Farm, Abercorn Nurseries, CM Rent, Rumour Hair and City Flooring for their financial support. Also to Mantis Squash rackets who supported the tournament with prizes.
The Marconi Club has Junior squash club on Thursdays between 4.30pm and 6.00pm. If you are interested, contact Andy Russell on 07796 581809.
