Archive News

Best ever from Tom and Alex as Jack wins again

Forty five players from right across East Anglia took part in the latest Norfolk Junior Squash Grand Prix, which was held at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club and at Rossis Leisure at North Walsham on Sunday November 15.

In the top Group 1, Jack Bell (Diss) gained his third GP win with a controlled display of squash, while there were best ever finishes for an ever-improving Tom Morris (EATSC) who secured the runners-up spot with some battling performances and from Alex Oliver who won fourth with much attacking play. Special mention goes to a never-say-die Alex Williams (EATSC) who finished in third place overall and went the full distance in all three of his matches.
Group 1 final placings: 1 Jack Bell (Diss); 2 Tom Morris (EATSC); 3 Alex Williams (EATSC); 4 Alex Oliver; 5 Alex Foster (Cromer); 6 Adam Sinkins (Fakenham); 7 Connor Doy (Fakenham); 8 Nathan Taylor (EATSC).

Group 2 was won by Oliver Bacon-Hilton from Fakenham, who beat Jamie Foyster (EATSC) into second place in a very close match.  Jake Bond (Bannatynes) was a very creditable third.  All the matches were played to a very high standard and in very good spirits.
Group 2 final placings: 1 Oliver Bacon-Hilton (Fakenham); 2 Jamie Foyster (EAT&SC); 3 Jake Bond (Bannatynes); 4 Josh Brownlow (Harleston); 5 Alex Coburn (Barnham Broom); 6 Oliver Bickley (Harleston); 7 Will Henden (Broadland); 8 Sam Lanham (Fakenham); 9 Robert Davis.

Groups 3-6 were played at Rossis in North Walsham. Andrew Black made a welcome and confidence building return to the Grand Prix series by winning Group 3 without dropping a game, and will be rewarded with a bonus Grand Prix ranking point. Toby Boyce also continues to move up the rankings by finishing third, and Duncan Butler gained his first win to finish sixth.
Group 3 Final Placings: 1. Andrew Black, 2. Milo Butler, 3. Toby Boyce, 4. Robbie Coates, 5. Giles Evans, 6. Duncan Butler, 7. David Gorrod, 8. Scott Drewery

Group 4 was affected by withdrawals, but saw a tremendously close series of matches between Drew Butchart, Izzak Butler, and Matin Jolly for the top three positions, with all matches going to the deciding fifth game. Closest was Martin's game against Izaak where he recovered from 0-2 down to win 6/11, 9/11, 11/5, 13/11, 14/12 saving match points along the way to win the group.
Group 4 Final Placings: 1. Martin Jolly, 2. Izaak Butler, 3. Drew Butchart, 4. Sam Henden, 5. Joseph Pearson.

Group 5 saw Fakenham youngsters Jackson Yaxley and Brandon Fairbrother move comfortably through to the group final in which Jackson was able to defeat his clubmate in straight games for the group win. Another first time entry Jesse Baker enjoyed two close matches against Liam Mooney and Prakrit Raj Kumar before finishing sixth.
Group 5 Final Placings: 1. Jackson Yaxley, 2. Brandon Fairbrother, 3. Liam Bond, 4. Ailish Reeson, 5. Prakrit Raj Kumar, 6. Jesse Baker, 7. Liam Mooney, 8. Jade Spalding.

The girls performed well in Group 6 where Rebecca Samuel beat Dan Heffer 3-1 to win the group, and Alice Heffer defeated Kieron Dodman 3-1 in the third place match. Katie Cox also beat her male opponent Charlie Simpson for fifth place.
Group 6 Final Placings: 1. Rebecca Samuel, 2. Dan Heffer, 3, Alice Heffer, 4. Kieron Dodman, 5. Katie Cox, 6. Charlie Simpson, 7. Claire Jolly.

Tournament Director Tony Henden was particularly pleased to see sporting behaviour shown by all of the players at both venues, and many close and exciting matches throughout the groups. Linda and Nathan Taylor, Sandra Butler and Annie Mooney organized this Grand Prix and ran the tournament desks.

The next Norfolk Junior Squash Grand Prix event is on December 13 at Pulse 8, College of West Anglia King's Lynn and Fakenham Squash Club. More details and entry form on the Coming Events page.

Pictured are the top two group winners Oliver Bacon-Hilton (left) and Jack Bell.