Home Internationals 2003
Eric Cruttenden reports on the Home Internationals 2003
Congratulation to all the England players who once again retained their respective team Championships at all the 11 age levels. As always, there was tough opposition from the other Nations and some very close and exciting matches. The full details are set out below. On behalf of England Squash, may we thank our hosts this year, Scottish Squash and Ulster Squash for the organisation of their particular Group and for their hospitality throughout the Championships. May I also thank the England team captains for their assistance in organising their teams. The Masters Championships are not only about the match play but they are also very social events when the players meet up with old friends and opponents. The social aspect is an important element of the Championships and much looked forward to and appreciated by the players and guests. Nottingham & Trent Bridge 30 & 31 May Men’s O35 This year, England had a particularly strong team, including ex England senior players and they convincingly won all their three ties 5-0, conceding only one game in the process. Men’s O40 The team took full points in winning this Championship but it was disappointing that both Ireland and Wales teams arrived with only 4 players. Women’s O35 England won two ties 5-0 plus a 4-1 win v Ireland. Glasgow 30 & 31 May Men’s O45, Men’s O50, Women’s O40 & Women’s O45 The MO45 captain and manager for the Group, Peter Alexander reports that the weekend went particularly well for England with all four teams being undefeated. However, it was not all plain sailing, with only the Women’s O40’s emerging with a true 100% record. For the other England teams, one defeat per team over each of their three ties, considering the ever improving opposition, is still most commendable. The captain of the WO40, Sue Williams, highlights two notable victories – Mandy Preuss v Sian Johnson (Wales) in which Mandy reversed a 3-1 loss of three years ago in to a 3-2 win. Also, the marathon match between Jill Campion v Joyce Barr (Scotland), well described by Sue “that it aged us all with three games going to 10 with Jill eventually winning 3-2”. An excellent weekend was finished off with a splendid evening at the Northumberland Hotel with England once again looking on in admiration at the other Nation’s after dinner entertainment. (What’s new, the Celts have always had these special talents, maybe the English should include an audition as part of our selection procedure in future? EC) Antrim 6 & 7 June Men’s O55 Our very strong and experience team won all their ties 5-0, losing only two games overall. Men’s O60 Beat Scotland and Ireland 5-0 with a 3-2 win v Wales. Men’s O65 As Ireland and Wales had not entered a MO65 team the only scheduled tie was with Scotland, which England won 5-0. To the MO65’s delight, an unofficial Irish MO65 team appeared and a tie with both England and Scotland was hastily arranged. Lance Kinder, the MO65 captain and Group manager, reports that the Irish players competed at a high level and beat Scotland but lost to England, so we can anticipate that Ireland will be entering an official team in 2004. Women’s O50 Gained maximum points having won all their ties 5-0 with the loss of only three games.