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Norfolk Junior Squash Closed 2011
Creed takes county title as Butler duo secure squash treble
By Tony Henden
Jordan Creed was crowned U19 Norfolk Junior Squash champion – his first title at his very last attempt - while brother and sister duo Milo and Bonnie Butler won three titles between them at this year's Norfolk Junior Squash Championships held at EAT&SC in Norwich.
A full programme of matches took place over the weekend of September 24/25, with 84 competitors producing two double champions, new Norfolk squash talent and some outstanding finals.
The girls entry numbers doubled from the previous year and in the Girls U11 event, Regional U11 Champion, Bronwyn Moxey, proved too strong for her opponents, and with Broadland Club mate Lydia Gotts-Woolner also doing superbly to make the final, confirmed the emergence of the East Norfolk club. In the Boys event, Sam McCluskey (Harleston) also proved too strong for Charlie Simpson (EAT&SC) to take his first County title 11/1, 11/3, 11/5
The U13 events proved to be the most closely contested age group of the weekend. In the Girls section Bonnie Butler and Katie Cox had shared the Girls U11 Trophy in the previous two years, and their rivalry continued in the U13 final. Katie opened up a 2-0 lead, but Bonnie rallied to take the last three games and the title with a 8/11, 10/12, 11/7, 11/5, 11/7 victory.
Bonnie's brother Milo followed her onto court for the Boys U13 final against No.1 seed and defending Champion William Henden. With both players having beaten each other in recent months a close match was anticipated. A cracking match ensued with both players giving their all. With very few unforced errors many long and hard fought rallies followed, Milo edged to match ball at 10-8 in the 5 th . William then fluked a return off the frame of his racket which dropped just above the tin to level at 10-10 and then gain a Championship point of his own which Milo defended superbly to go 11-11. Always looking for the opportunity to deceive his opponent, William was then able to deliver two great rallies just at the right time ending with a sliced back-hand drop shot tight into the corner to take the match, and become the first ever Norfolk Junior to win the Boys U13 Title three years in a row. Result 6/11, 11/9, 7/11, 11/8, 13/11
The Butler family was having a busy afternoon with Bonnie returning to play Ailish Reeson in the girls U15 final. Another close match followed in which Ailish was looking to defend her title and Bonnie was looking for her second title of the day. In three tight games Bonnie was able to do just enough to take the match 3-0 with some excellent movement around the court, 11/7, 13/11, 12/10
William Henden and Milo Butler had also both made it through to the Boys U15 final, with William coming from 2-0 down to beat Giles Evans and Milo saving two match balls for a similar 3-2 win over Johnnie Carmichael-Plester in their semi-finals earlier in the day. Both players were again looking to enjoy the match, with Milo showing that extra bit of determination and consistency which was able to carry him through to a well deserved 3-1 victory.
Eight-times County Champion Sophie Hodges was looking to extend her title haul in the Girls U17 and U19 events, and duly extended this to 10 with comfortable wins over Lucy-Ann Williams and Ailish Reeson, to record another Championship double.
Johnnie Carmichael-Plester had managed to make it through to the Boys U17 Final but not before overcoming Izaak Butler 3-1 in the quarter final and Martin Jolley 11/5, 9/11, 7/11, 11/9, 17/15 in the closest match of the day to make the final. County tennis star Johnnie appeared to benefit from the huge volume of squash games as he was then able to go on to beat No.1 seed Alex Coburn 15/13, 5/11, 11/9, 11/7 to take the Boys U17 Title with his all round racket skills and outstanding fitness level holding him in good stead.
Harry Taylor and Jordan Creed both had to work hard to make the Boys U19 Final with Harry just overcoming Alex Williams 3-2 and Jordan overcoming Adam Sinkins 3-1. Two times Boys U19, and triple U17 Champion Harry Taylor was looking to make it three U19 wins, and Jordan was looking to gain his first ever county title on his last opportunity. Both players were determined to win the first game and some feisty competition ensued. With Jordan pinching it 11/9, Harry was faced with a massive task in pulling back the highly motivated Jordan, who was able to go on to record a long-awaited and well-deserved 11/9, 11/5, 11/6 win.
Plate competition winners, for those knocked out in the first round of the main competitions were: Girls U11 Ranya Kumar, Boys U11 James Peterson, Girls U13 Amberley Mackenzie, Boys U13 Daniel Heffer, Girls U15 Claire Jolly, Boys U15 Joshua Hall, Girls U17 Lucy Soame, Boys U17 Robert Davis, Boys U19 Martin Jolly.
In a break from tradition, many of the age groups were played to a final position with the use of Monrad draws giving players additional matches, or playoffs wherever possible and proved to be a great success. Many thanks to EAT&SC for hosting the Tournament, Pam Reeve for working ‘overtime' in the bar and kitchen, and to David Youngs for his organization and inspiration in helping to bring all things together.
Pictured are Boys U19 champion Jordan Creed and many of the weekend's champions and trophy winners.
