U19 ENGLAND SQUASH INTER-COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – STAGE 2
hosted at
Middleton Sports Club, Middleton-On-Sea, West Sussex

1. Adrian Waller
2. Jonathan Fuller
3. Oliver Dixon
4. Ben Andrews
5. Rhys Thomas
6. Will Blower

We knew from the outset that reaching the finals again this year would be a tall order. Herts were drawn against Sussex in our first match of the day and we knew our fate would be decided here, as, unless we took three rubbers we would have no chance of winning the group - only the winner goes to the finals. The Sussex ‘big guns’ arrived on cue with Tom Pashley and Oliver Pett, U19 England ranked at No. 1 and 9 respectively, looking focused and ready for the job in hand – we were kind of hoping for a little bit of a relaxed and complacent attitude to try and catch them off guard.

On first were the No. 3 and 5’s: Ollie Dixon and Rhys Thomas. With Ollie having a higher England ranking (No.15) than his opponent Stephen Wykes (No.19) we were hoping for a win and there were indeed some terrific rallies in the first game but the scores were very even throughout. Ollie came back from game ball to level the score at 8-8 and Stephen opted for set 1. Ollie served and the return was drilled cross court straight into the tin giving Herts the first game. Unfortunately, the next three went to Sussex and we were two matches to love down as Rhys had in the meantime gone down in three despite a spirited effort and fighting to the end.

Adrain “the terminator” Waller gave us real hope going 8-1 up in the first game against the England No.1 but Pashley fought back strongly before Adrian closed out the game 9-7. With the bit between his teeth now, Pashley was not to be denied any ranking points and took the next three games to win 3-1 and claim victory for Sussex over Herts. Ben and Jonathan both had good games despite the convincing losing score lines and Ben spraining his ankle putting him in doubt for the afternoon match. Sussex were worthy winners and the show was over as far as Herts were concerned for the final spot.

Results:

Pride took us into the afternoon against our notorious rivals Essex. We were confident at No’s 1,3 and 5 and semi confident at No.2 as Jonathan has not been beaten by Chris Sherman in at least the last 3 or 4 times they have played. Adrian breezed through Gledhill as expected and Ollie had just a little more resistance at No.3. Unfortunately. Rhys’s opponent who is over a year older with just that bit more experience dug in and chased down most of Rhys’s best shots to take the match 3-0. Ben’s ankle was still sore but he valiantly played on at No.4 to keep the order up but lost 3-0 to a much improved Ben Coleman.

Last on and our only hope of victory over Essex was Jonathan who we were hopeful could come through despite Chris Sherman being professional, and training every day for the last year. Chris’s error rate had always been his problem in the past and, whilst still noticeable, he had definitely improved. Jonathan sneaked the first 10-8 but relaxed in the next for Chris to level the match at 1-1. Through some unfair heckling from the Essex contingent, Jonathan took the third but it took its toll and Chris still appeared full of energy securing the next two games for 3 and 2 points.

Herts therefore lost to both Sussex and Essex to finish third.

Wiil Blower fielded our No.6 position and had 2 good matches. He was particularly well matched against his Sussex opponent, Matt, despite losing 3-0 and being 8/7 up in the first. I am sure Will’s Essex opponent Paul was taller than Adrain but he put up a good show and at just 17 he has plenty of time left in the U19 age group.

 Final positions and points are:

1.      Sussex   

2.      Essex                 

3.      Hertfordshire              

Well played everybody and thanks to all the parents for their support.