Four Guernsey juniors reached their respective finals in this weekend’s Hampshire
County squash closed with two of them bringing back some silverware.
Katherine Jensen took the Girls’ U15 title and Issey Norman-Ross the U19 Girls’
title. Runners up were Natalie Dodd (U19 Girls’) and Jack Turvey (Mixed U11). Of
the 13 players that travelled to Winchester, all of them finished in the top eight
of their respective age groups.
In the U19 and U17 Boy’s draw all five Sarnians who had qualifications games, went
through to join the top eight in the main competition.
At this stage, only Harry Martel won his quarter final against Adam Doran seeded
three in a tense five setter before going down in the semi final to an on-form and
eventual winner, Lewis Stubbington. Martel went on to win the three/four play off
against Cameron Kavanagh who had surprised Jack Tacon earlier in quarter-final.
In U15 Boys, third seed Charles Stenner was surprised by the tenacity of Tim Smith
in the quarter final. Despite taking an early two nil lead his opponent fought back
as Stenner began to make more errors. Finding his composure again in the fifth set
it was too late and he went down 11/9. His opponent went on to receive the most
improved player award.
In Boy’s U11, Jack Turvey and Thomas Stewart both cruised through the round robin
stage to meet each other in the semi-final. Newcomer Stewart gave Turvey a good
game but the more experienced player (Turvey) went on to win in three close games.
Stewart finished in third place after beating Connor Bates.
Turvey then faced up and coming player Kyle Finch in the final. The challenge here
was too high for the Guernsey youngster who lost 3/0 despite some long rallies throughout
the match.
“Both boys played a high standard of squash and should be ones to look out for in
the future,” said Ben Rosec, director of island squash.
Katherine Jensen had three comfortable wins to become the Girls’ U15 champion, claiming
the title without conceding a game. Her first opponent was Sarnian Annie Bolt followed
by a further 3/0 victory over Jordan Russell. Jensen then faced fellow Hampshire
team mate Lydia Hume in the final. The result was a further 3/0 win for Jensen.
In U19 Girls’ semi-final, Issey Norman-Ross faced No3 seed Catherine Finlayson who
had defeated Amy Stenner in the previous round. The encounter started in a high
pace with some tight shots by both players. The first game went to a tie-break after
Norman-Ross saved two game balls before taking the game 13/11. Despite both players
alternating their dominance Norman-Ross eventually had the upper hand to take the
match 3/1.
Natalie Dodd comfortably won the other semi-final 3/0 against Emily Crowcroft.
The two Guernsey girls then faced each other in the final. An off form Dodd had
a few early errors not allowing her to find her rhythm with her usual accuracy lob
and drop shots. Norman-Ross kept her focus during the all game to take her fourth
Hampshire title 11/4 11/5 11/8.
“With two titles, two finalists and two podiums the 2009 Junior Hampshire Closed
was a very successful event for the Guernsey players and a great start to our busy
season,” said Rosec.
Results
U11 Boys:
Final: Kyle Finch beat Jack Turvey 3-0 (11/4, 11/6, 11/2)
3/4th: Thomas Stewart beat Conor Bates 3-0 (11/8, 11/4, 11/5)
U15 Boys:
5/6th: Shalon Bhanot beat Charles Stenner 3-2 (11/9, 5/11, 11/7, 8/11, 11/9)
U17 Boys:
7/8th: Tim Bailey beat Thomas Eulenkamp 3- 2 (8/11, 11/5, 6/11, 11/9, 11/6)
5/6th: Jack Tacon beat Adam Donan 3-0 (12/10, 11/4, 11/4)
3/4th: Harry Martel beat Cameron Kavanagh 3-2 (7/11, 11/9, 11/5, 10/12, 11/5)
U19 Boys:
7/8th: Zak Parsons beat Matthew Robilliard 3-1 (12/10, 11/13, 13/11, 11/7)
5/6th: Richard Johnson beat Mark Le Conte: 3-1. (14/12, 6/11, 11/1, 11/5)
U15 Girls:
Final: Katherine Jensen beat Lydia Hume: 3-0 (11/4, 11/9, 11/4)
5/6th: Carmen Alexander beat Anne Sophie Bolt: 3-2 (7/11, 5/11, 11/5, 11/1, 11/5)
U17 Girls:
5/6th: Emily Hume beat Amy Stenner: 3-2 (4/11, 11/7, 11/9, 7/11, 11/8)
Final: Issey Norman-Ross beat Natalie Dodd 3-0 (11/4, 11/5, 11/8)