Truro Junior Squash Grand Prix —

Although the number of entries were down on the last tournament this did not 'squash' the determination and drive of the 24 Cornish junior squash players who battled it out for the the top spot in their leagues, writes David Fairclough.

In league 4 Sophie Thornton (Bude) gained some important experience and points in a league of mixed ability players. Throughout the day she gained in confidence to win her last match and assign her opponent to the wooden spoon. It wasn't until the end of the tournament that she realised she was the only girl to enter. Well done Sophie and where are you other girls!.

Charlie Gliddon (Bude) found things in League 3 pretty comfortable taking 2nd place with a good solid performance, losing only to the third place player but then beating the eventual league winner. Charlie has shown a great improvement over the last three months well done and keep practicing.

James Eason was the only Bude player in League 2 and had a mixed bag of results. His final placing was 4th position. To James' credit he took on board the coaching advice given to him between each match and put it into practice when required.

League 1 contained three of Bude's established junior county players and they brushed aside the others in the league to battle it out amongst themselves.

Again Tony Pepperell showed his superior power and pace around court but dropping his concentration at match point allowed Mark Page the opportunity to gain some valuable points before Tony finally finished him off 15/11. Ben Fairclough was not awarded such a luxury against Tony only winning 5 points in their match.

So with Tony winning the league it was down to the final match of Ben v Mark and due to the way the tournament was being scored, Ben had to beat Mark by 6 points to claim the league's second place. In a scrappy but entertaining game the score was 15/9 to Ben, narrowly winning him the 2nd spot.

Well done to the Bude players and look out for the next Grand Prix which will be held at Bude Squash Club on February 28.