Christmas Squash Tournament a smashing success!

RACQUETS Fitness Centre in Thame hosted their annual Christmas Graded Squash Tournament just before the Christmas break, seeing 37 squash players of all ages and standards competing across four categories.

From left to right -Paul Ireland, Jake Ireland, Jason Varrie, James Wyatt, Nick Weldon and Simon Martin

The initial matches in the morning saw some very close contended games, just a snippet of what was to come throughout rest of the day.

Well over 50 matches were played across the tournament, all of which showcased a fantastic level of skill, agility, and athleticism. This was particularly prevalent in the A grade which featured some high level talent, displaying thrilling matches for the players and for spectators. Local player Nick Harbour was a hopeful candidate to reach the final of the A grade, playing confidently in his earlier rounds against some tricky appointments. But unfortunately due to injury in the semi-finals, Nick had to withdraw seeing Oxford Brookes player Jason Varrie through to the final.

This was a close match, Jason showing his experience of the game against national standard junior, James Wyatt who excelled in his strength and movement around the court. On the day it was Wyatt who took the gold medal, having the physical edge of youth over his opponent.

Further excitement in the D grade competition, which was populated by junior players from Racquets. Crowds gathered to watch the youngsters battle it out in the group stages seeking their place in the final. Court two saw an emotional rollercoaster of a match in the D grade final with 9 year-olds, Noah James and fellow Racquets junior Artie Shrimpton, fighting for first place.

Both players achieved attacking length and deceptive boasts taking the game to the wire, but it was eventually Artie who snuck a 3-2 win taking the final game 11-7.