Young Ollie is beaten but not squashed!

LITTLE Ollie Coulcher-Porter from Thame, continued to make his intentions clear on the squash world last weekend (27-28/9).
Ollie is just eight years-old but he is aiming high! Building on his E grade win at the Racquets Open Graded Squash Tournament the previous weekend, Ollie entered the Under 11s Oxfordshire County, Closed Tournament held at Abingdon Squash Club.

Rising Squash start, 8 year-old Ollie Coulcher-Porter, from Thame

Oliver’s first match of three games was against Rory Richmond who is Number 22 in the Great Britain rankings under 11.

Oliver started off well and at one stage was leading but his opponent’s excellent serve and experience helped him to win eventually in straight games.

After a period of dejection between matches, Oliver harnessed his determination to win his next two matches in straight games, dropping only a few points on the way. This combination of results placed him into the Under 11s semi-finals.

Oliver drew the Great Britain ranked number 11 in the semi-final, where he managed to gain a meaningful number of points from this opponent and’ kept a stiff upper lip’ throughout. His opponent, Luke Perkins, ultimately won the tournament.

Oliver went through to play the 3/4th play-off which was an exciting match between him and Oxford’s Number One, Under Nine, Felix Loeffen. The match went to five sets. It was neck and neck and had a crowd of people watching intrigued by this match between the two youngest members of the whole tournament. Felix edged the match 3-2.

Oliver’s mum, Jane, said: “We are so proud of Ollie who is extremely keen and highly competitive, and to come fourth in his first tournament outside of Racquets is an indication of the work that he has put in for the past year.”

Both boys’ coaches have promised that these two will meet again regularly to have friendly ,competitive matches in order to create a friendly rivalry that will hopefully last for many, many years.

Squash Coach at Raquets, Thame, Sue Downhill Martin, said: “Ollie’s performance, along with Ben Hedger (Under 17 champion) and Nick Harbour (Under 15 champion), is testament to the junior coaching available at Racquets Fitness Centre where juniors can learn the game on four days of the week in public groups, and private coaching which can work around school commitments.