After months of anticipation, the first round of the Roman Cup started on Thursday. The event is a primary school squash competition run by Off The Wall Squash and is now in its third year. The coaching programme and Roman Cup competition has produced a number of Essex’s up-and-coming players, this year there is hope of even more talent emerging.
The Autumn competitions sees the Year 5 and 6 teams fighting for the trophies and also the chance to play in the Essex School Games. The top two teams from each age group with go through to play against the best primary schools in Essex. On Thursday 19 teams competed from Ardleigh St Mary’s, Bradfield, Dedham, Great Bromley, Langham and Lawford. Teams consist of two boys and two girls
After a small welcome and explanation of the rules from Lauren Selby, the matches got underway. The noise levels gradually increased as the excitement levels grew. The standard of squash has improved considerably over the past three years, testament to the level of coaching the children have received.
In the Year 5 competition it was Lawford 1 who finished top of group 1 followed closely by Ardleigh St Mary’s 2. In group 2 it was the complete reverse, Ardleigh 1 topping the group with Lawford 2 finishing in 2nd place.
In the Year 6 event Ardleigh 1 stormed proceedings and finished 1st in Group 1 without dropping a game. Langham also performed well finishing 2nd with 113 points. In the other group Dedham looked strong and finished top with Great Bromley coming 2nd.
The competition is already heating up and everyone is already looking forward to Round 2 on the 19th November.
RESULTS AND TABLES