Young Thame squash players make their mark at county championships

RAQUETS’ Junior Squash players showed real character and determination to take top positions in the Oxfordshire Squash County Championships recently.

Oliver Coulcher-Porter became the Under 11s boys champion winning the tournament fairly comfortably, proving that all the coaching and practice definitely pays off. Last year Oliver entered the tournament for the first time and wasn’t placed. Oliver’s mum Jane, said: ‘We are extremely proud parents’.

Oliver’s little sister Emily also did her parents and Racquets proud by being runner-up in the Under 11s girls competition. Emily has only just turned seven and was beaten in the final by a 10 year old. This was Emily’s first tournament and winning any matches in a first tournament is a remarkable achievement. Emily’s coach Sue Martin-Downhill said: “‘Emily was really up for playing in this tournament so I wasn’t surprised by her achievement. She is a very determined young lady who plays with much older boys and girls at Racquets and holds her own extremely well.”

Sue went on: “Ben Hedger, who has just turned 17, now has to play in the Under 19s competitions.  Fortunately he has worked very hard over the past year and is knocking on the doors of the top senior men in the county.  Ben has brought home the U19s boys trophy.  This is a great result as quite often the first tournaments after moving up an age group can be devastating.  Ben has succeeded where many fail.  Well done Ben.”

One other junior from Racquets Squash Academy who did well but couldn’t quite take home the trophy this year, was Nick Harbour.  Playing up an age group from last year, he lost narrowly in the final of the Under 17s.

“We, at Racquets, are extremely proud of all the kids playing here,” said Sue, “and hope that we will have more playing  in the County Closed Championships in 2016.  If you would like to be one of them, then please do come down to the club and see what coaching is available to you.” Visit Racquets’ website for more informtion