Squash Tournament 2018

  • 7th May 2018

From hospital bed to champion: Locke overcomes more than his opponents!

 

The squash finals took place last weekend (4th & 5th May) at Hythe Cricket and Squash Club and provided a feast of entertainment for the spectators present.

Six months ago, Tom Locke was fighting for his life in Intensive Care after sustaining multiple injuries following a fall from his roof. Last weekend after a punishing recovery regime, he found himself in the Squash Open final at Hythe. He faced a steady adversary in Ryan Valentine but was not to be denied. After 2 very hard games, Locke began to dominate and his superior fitness saw him run out a 3-1 winner. In the ladies final Sue Giles won her 36th title despite spirited resistance from much improved Mel Booth by 3-0.

The other finals resulted in a tactical battle between master of the lob, Steve Davies and hard-hitting Finlay Clegg. The match ebbed and flowed with Davies finally triumphing 3-2. Matt Day won the Minor Leagues event and despite a troublesome knee and ankle proved too strong for Mel Booth 3-2. In the popular Doubles event, the final produced a game of energetic and frenetic rallies before Guy Adams and Michael Galvan beat Glenn Mousley and Tom Ash 3-1.

The Handicap final, featured old hand Cliff Walton and rising talent Darren Milner. Darren never really got going and Walton proved too strong, despite the handicapping, and won 3-1. The Veterans (045) Handicap final by contrast was a battle between frequent adversaries, Steve Davies and Darrel Moyle. Davies was on top form and sealed the win 3-0. In the Supervets (O55) Handicap final, crafty competitor Alwyn Fernandes received 11 points per game over Sue Giles and despite Sue winning the second game, Alwyn found his range and took the match 3-1.

The Junior section at the club is currently bursting with new talent but the tournament saw brothers James and Alex Boakes reach the final and fight out a close match with older brother James going on to win 3-2.

The Squash & Racketball section at the club has plenty going on, with the forthcoming racketball tournament, a new format tournament and the club dinner, all before the end of July. New members of any standard are always welcome.

Glenn Mousley
Squash & Racketball Chairman