Words by Andrew Evans 2.3.2011
On the weekend of February 25th – 27th juniors from all around the country travelled to North Wales for the Metalmin North Wales Junior Open 2011, the competition was played at Saints Health and Fitness in Prestatyn, home of Stars Squash. Layna Beattie and sister Tyra from the Club took two of the girls titles at the event
Layna took the U-11 Girls title with club mate Emily Jones coming runner-up. The U-13 Girls title was then taken by sister Tyra who defeated Ciara Richards from Aberdare in a tight 3-0 final.
The tournament was proving to be full of very tight and exciting matches with a lot of close players vying for final positions and finals. In the U-19 Boys final Sam Fenwick of Rhiwbina avenged his semi-final defeat at Newport against Jordan Davies of Saints to come home in a great final by winning 3-2, earlier Jordan had avenged his Newport final defeat against Will John by winning 3-0 in the semi-final.
In the U-19 Girls final Hannah Davies of Wrexham Brymbo defeated Nia Teifi Davies from Newcastle Emlyn 3-0.
In the U-17 Boys event Alex Pendleton defeated Joel Makin 3-1 in the final pool match to secure the title and the U-17 Girls event proved to be the grade of the tournament and a very close fought affair. In the group stages Jenny Haley from Newport, the No1 seed, narrowly edged club mate Nia Kenward 3-2 coming from 7-3 down in the fifth and then beat Lowri Roberts of Saints 3-2 and 12-10 in the fifth! to secure a final place, just! In the other group another match went to the wire to decide the final place with Sarah Clode of Fairwater defeating Elin Harlow of Le Sport 3-2 and 11-9 in the fifth so the two top seeds eventually reached the final. The final was another hard fought match which Sarah Clode won 3-2 to claim the title. A really close fought age group with some top quality squash.
In the U-15 Boys event the two top seeds reached the final and what a great final it was with Emyr Evans of Saints playing Callum Davidson of Gloucester. Emyr took a two game lead with some very attacking squash before Callum came back to take the third game. Emyr started the fourth game well and took a 7-3 lead before Callum dug very deep to come back to make it 2-2. Callum started the fifth game the stronger and got off to a good lead before Emyr then stuck in well but Callum edged home. Special mention to Lloyd Rutter from Aberdare who, seeded 5/8, defeated both 3-4 seeds George Thomas and Liam Stafford.
In the U-15 Girls final Sophie Alderman of Rhiwbina was unfortunately struggling with a virus and a tight chest and was forced to concede after going 2-0 down to Lauren Williams of Newport.
In the U-13 Boys event, favourite Liam Eason from the Rhondda, defeated Elliot Morris-Devred in another tight encounter with Liam winning 3-1 and 13/11 in the fourth game.
The U-11 Boys final was also evenly contested with John Kamel of Bangor defeating Kieran Hillman of Newport 3-1.
There was a real evidence of many players closely battling for titles, which shows the structure is producing a depth of quality players within Wales.
Thanks to all and special thanks to sponsors MetalMin UK.
Words by Andrew Evans, Squash Wales
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