Oliver does Oxfordshire proud

THE weekend of June 7, saw young squash players from all around the country, including Thame, assemble in Sheffield for the National Under 11s Championships. This is a spectacular tournament, with England Squash Referees and almost all matches played on glass-back courts with audiences watching.

Ollie Coulcher-Porter with ex British National Squash Champion, Alison Waters, when he won the Racquets’ champiomship last September

It is the only national championships which anyone can play in, as all the older age groups take only the highest ranked people from those you apply.

In total there were 50 boys and 19 girls present. Oxfordshire had three representatives Oliver Coulcher-Porter, who is trained by Racquets Squash Academy in Thame, taking part in the tournament for the first time ; Rory Richmond doing his third, after previously finishing 50th and then 27th, and veteran Jasmine Tranter doing her fourth after finishes of 23rd, 15th, and 7th.

Writing in the Oxon Squash Newsletter, Oliver said: “I had a really great day. The competition was a very high standard. There were very good facilities and there were proper referees, and I played on Nick Matthew’s court. I’m really looking forward to it next year.” Oliver’s highlight of the tournement was a brilliant fifth round tie where he held his nerve despite losing the third game 14-12, to close out the match 12-10 in the fourth round. Overall he finished 42nd, a great platform to build on for next year.

This was the first year Oxfordshire had a player in the Quarter Finals for both boys and girls.

See http://www.squashsite.co.uk/2009/englishu11-2015.htm for more details about the tournament and the results.

SOURCE: Oxon Squash Newsletter