South East - Four Counties Junior Tournament
30th April 2009by Peter Hopkins, Oxfordshire Under 13 Manager
The listing was posted by England Squash - South East Area
An exciting squash tournament took place last weekend in Burnham for young squash players from the region. Teams from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire all took part in the annual Four Counties Tournament, entering teams into two different age groups, Under 11s and Under 13s.
Making his debut for Bucks Under 11s was young Harry Maskell, who got off to a great start, winning two matches for his team. Amy Jones, Freddie Evans, Tom Burge and James Wyatt all played well for Bucks Under 11s.
Thame juniors Mike Sansbury and Ed Bains both playing really well at 3rd string and 4th string for the Oxfordshire Under 13 team and won valuable points and displayed an excellent mature attitude. Henley-on-Thames Squash Club Juniors James Little and Richard Hopkins both had the responsibility of captaining their respective teams, Berkshire Under 13s for James and Oxfordshire Under 13s for Richard, and both had really tough battles at first string with some very close matches, with Richard winning all three of his matches.
In the end however it was Buckinghamshire Under 13s who proved the best side, and they took the Under 13s trophy, from Hampshire in 2nd place, although Hampshire rested several of their top juniors. The winning Bucks team comprised Christian Leaver, Joe Elfasi, Scott Jones, Huw Riddall, and Joe Yerrell.
In the Under 11s however it was Oxfordshire who recaptured the trophy which they first won in 2007, thanks partly to a great performance at first string by Ben Hedger of Thame.
Thanks to sponsors, Prince who donated fun squash prizes to the participants and to all those involved (county organisers, parents and LA Fitness) for making it happen - the tournament was a great success. About 50 children took part, many were new to the game and consequently the various County managers voted to enter teams into the tournament for a 4th year.