Squash Finals 2019
Steady Semadeni takes second Hythe Open Squash title in 3 years.
The squash finals took place on Friday 3rdMay and provided a feast of entertainment for the spectators present. There were more entrants than in recent years, showing the energy that currently exists in the squash section at the club.
Throughout the recent squash season, the top players at the club have been vying for premier position. After some close matches in the Open tournament, the final came down to a match between No 1 seed Ray Semadeni and No 3 seed, Bill Lightfoot. The first game was close but went to Lightfoot on a disputed let call. However, not to be denied, Semadeni came back and although it was close, he took the next 3 games and victory with a combination of error-free tight line and length. Lightfoot tried every shot in the book but was finally defeated, losing 3- 1. In the ladies tournament, runner up for the past 3 years, Mel Booth, was triumphant 3-0 against new adversary Pam Ludlow.
In the other finals, the Plate resulted in a closely fought battle between 3 times runner-up Finlay Clegg and fast mover Guy Adams. The match ebbed and flowed with Clegg finally triumphing 3-2. The Minor Leagues final saw 2 relatively new players Ryan Edwards and Tristan Blackwell taking the court but despite Blackwell’s best efforts Edwards ran out the winner by 3-0. In the popular Doubles event, the final produced a game of energetic and frenetic rallies before Ray Semadeni and Mel Booth both became double trophy winners against Guy Adams and Lee Divers by 3-0.
The Handicap final, featured crafty racqueteer Neil Fagg against Tristan Blackwell in his 2ndfinal. The handicapping was spot on with Fagg succeeding in a closely fought 3-2 victory as Blackwell finally ran out of steam. The Veterans (over 45) Handicap final featured contrasting styles with pacy Baz Hodson taking on master tactician Lee Divers. The match was most entertaining but finally the hard hitting of Hodson got the upper hand and a 3-2 win over the floating and disguise of Divers. In the Supervets (over 55) Handicap final, previous winner, Steve Jones, once again came out on top against journeyman Bob Wells who, try as he might, finally had to admit defeat by 3-0.
The Squash & Racketball section at the club, fresh from a recent Graded Tournament, next has the annual Racketball Tournament, Kent League Summer Team Squash and the club dinner. There are also regular club nights for both disciplines. New members of any standard are always welcome.
Glenn Mousley
Squash & Racketball Chairman
