New Talents Revealed at Bedford’s School Squash Tournament

The Bedfordshire Schools’ Individual Squash Tournament took place last Tuesday and it was great to see nearly 30 enthusiastic and talented players showcasing their skills and vying for one of the fabulous trophies. In the event, across the three age groups, there were winners from three different schools, which shows the increasing strength in depth of school squash in the town. Several of the contestants also attend the Bedford Squash Academy at Mowsbury Squash and Golf Complex every Friday during term times, which is open to all juniors aged 7-14 (see below for more details)

In the youngest age group for Year’s 5 and 6, the group stages were hard fought. Group One was particularly tight, with Ralph (BMS) edging out Joseph (Bedford School) by just 2 points in a titanic tussle to qualify alongside Milan (BMS). They joined Jack (Bedford School) and Oscar (BMS) in the semis. The semis were also tight. Jack beat Ralph 2-0, with the second game going to the tie break at 8-8, whilst Milan edged out Oscar 2-1, after losing the first game.

The final was a superb match, which Jack took 2-1, again after losing the first game to Milan, who just ran out of steam – the final score being 5-11, 11-4, 11-4. It was very rewarding to see the development of all of these young players, many of whom have been playing for less than 12 months. 

In the Year 7-8 competition, there was a big entry and it was extremely competitive, with a strong desire to win amongst many of the competitors (but also some fantastic sportsmanship on show!). Eight players emerged from the group stages to compete in the quarter-finals, with the most notable group being G3, where three players all had identical win records and finished within 4 points of each other! Samarth (Bedford School) was the unlucky player to just miss out on a QF spot.

In the quarter-finals, Ryan (Sharnbrook Academy) was on fire in his 9-4, 9-1 win over Laura (BMS), whilst Digby (BMS) also won reasonably comfortably against Thomas (Bedford Squash Academy). The other two QFs were tremendously close matches. Alfie (Goldington Academy) managed to defeat Max (Bedford School) 2-1, with a brilliant display of serving in the final game, whilst Alex (Sharnbrook Academy) just edged out Felipe (BMS) 9-5 in the decider.

The semis were equally close, with Digby coming through against Ryan 12-10, 11-7, and Alfie finally managing to subdue a bold challenge from Alex 8-11, 11-4, 11-6.

And so to the final, which was played in a great spirit and with plenty of skill on display. Alfie proved just too strong for Digby and took the trophy with an 11-9, 11-7 win after a very close first game.

In the Year 9-11 event, the final standings were determined by the match between Annabel (BMS), who had already defeated her twin sister Charlotte (BMS), and Matthew (BMS). It was a close match, but Matthew held the edge and managed to close out a 2-0 win to take the title.

Many congratulations to the winners and to all of the players who took part in the tournament – we hope to see you back next year! Thanks also to the parents for supporting and to Bedford School for hosting the event and laying on the teas. See you next year!

For more information on the Bedford Squash Academy read here: www.clubtowers.com/bedfordsquashacademy