Ollie takes junior one-day squash title

OLLIE Dudley-Heidkamp, a Year 10, Lord Williams’s School student, finally showed his class by winning all his matches at the Racquets Junior One-Day Squash Tournament which took place on Saturday, (July 16) at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame.

Ollie was in a group of seven teenagers in the top grade ranging in age from 10 to 16, some from Racquets and some from other local clubs. Ollie just pipped Molly Woods by one point to win the grade. The match between Ollie and Molly showed how much the regular squash training sessions has improved the quality of their shots and their fitness. Previous winner, James Portsmouth, showed strength-of-mind staying focussed and calm while still recovering from surgery in the last four months.

In the lower grade, another seven players fought hard to try to bring down Chris Watts. Sue Martin-Downhill, coach of many of the juniors in the tournament, said: “Chris was too strong and will be moving up to the higher grade next tournament. He played all the matches in a fun and friendly manner making the tournament enjoyable for everyone.”

New comers to the game, Colm and Cameron Lambert, did extremely well. They both grasped all the concepts of returning to the T between shots and hitting down the line to keep the ball tight to the side walls. Cameron Law, a young player from Racquets, showed great confidence in his matches. Despite being much smaller than Colm and Cameron he managed to come out on top in very close matches.

Sue made special mention of young  Cameron Law (bottom left) who overcame his initial nervousness before his match to go out there and play, and visibly grew in confidence as he took on older players in his matches that followed.

Sue concluded: “All the players joined in the spirit of the tournament with everyone competing strongly and having great fun. Every one learnt how to referee the games and made the job of the organiser, 12 year old Ollie Cartwright, much easier.”

Racquets is offering coaching,playing and training every weekday morning throughout the summer holidays. Give Sue or Simon Martin a call at the club on 01844 261754 if you would like to get involved in this great indoor sport.