The Karakal South of England Masters 2020 was played at Colets Health and Fitness, Thames Ditton, Surrey from 17-19th. January 2020. One of the largest entries in the 15 years of England Squash Masters with 205 entries played between Colets and Sandown Club. 14 age groups were played in the Men’s and Women’s events.
The Women’s 60s has become a very strong group and the Final saw two World Masters Champions meet. Karen Hume (KNT) took on the current World Champion Jill Campion ((MDX) and on this occasion, Hume took the title recovering from 1/2 down to win in five. Her 12th Regional title.
Fran Wallis (LCH) is the most successful player on the England Regional circuit and had won earlier this season in the East of England notching up 25 Regional wins. However, on the other side of the draw, Isobel Smith (HFD) caused the upset of the weekend beating top seed and multiple Champion Mandy Akin (KNT) before reaching the final and overcoming Wallis in five hard-fought games. The first title for Smith in the Women's 55s.
A star in all racket sports and recent World silver medalist in Rackethon, Izzy Bramhall (NOT) is a real talent. She ploughed through the draw here and defeated Warwickshire No. 1 Rachel Woolford in straight games in the final of the Women’s 50s.
In the Women’s 45s Louisa Dalwood (HFD) has been on the verge of the titles this season. She finally overcame Sarah Parr (BUX) and was due to play Sam Mueller in the final but unfortunately, Sam was injured and had to concede the final. A well-deserved title for Louisa.
Lauren Briggs of Essex is a former top 20 in the World player. A legend in the few years she has played Masters Squash she has won National, British Open, European and World Masters Championships. This was her first foray into the ESM Regional circuit and she met Sarah Jane Neller (ESX) who matched her in fitness and skill. A tremendous final that Briggs took 3/1 from one down and a close 12/10 in the third. A spectator said during the match, “It’s like watching the Women Pros on TV!”
To the Men’s:
Adrian Wright (YKS) has four World Masters Championships and a host of titles. He also has the most Regionals with 35. That’s now 36 as he was far too good for the rest here as he powered through. The runner up Allan Whittow (BUX) almost defaulted in his semi-final, but his opponent Leo Kingston very sportingly agreed to play later. Allan then came through to the final to reach the unstoppable Wright.
The Men’s 70s was a strange affair. National, British Open and European Champion Howard Cherlin (MDX) was top seed but struggled for form and lost to Hampshire’s multi-championship winner Barry Featherstone in the semis. But in the other half, England Captain Larry Grover beat Squash Legend Phil Ayton, a former GB No. 1, then former National Champion Ian Graham (SSX) before edging Featherstone 12/10 in the fifth game for his 4th Regional title.
The 65s saw the return of former World Champion Mark Cowley (MDX) and he duly powered through the event. Simon Evenden (NHT) had done well to get to the final surviving five-game matches in the quarters and semis but was outgunned in the final.
Hampshire’s George Kousseff had played some 30 Regionals without reaching a final. But here he struck a rich vein of form and despatched top seed and former National Champion Allen Barwise in the quarters, England player Mark Taylor in the semis and 2 seed Neil Harrison (DCL) 17/15 in the third in the final. A testimony to hard work and perseverance. An England debut this year for him!
The two outstanding players in the 55s took their places in the final for the third time this season. Always an action-packed match, Eammon Price (HFD) was looking for a third title of the season as was Alex Betts (MDX). The Queens Club man - Betts - always in all whites as his club dictates! took the first, but the relentless Price pegged him back to take his 18th Regional title.
The Men’s 50s is particularly competitive with several players capable of winning in any week. Both Steve McLoughlin (HPH) and Andy Murray (WKS) had won on the circuit this season and we’re hunting a second title. Both survived stern tests in the semis from Surrey’s Andy Normille and Durham’s Tim Clark respectively but in the final McLoughlin had the edge and won though in four for his 9th Regional.
National Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) is a very classy squash player. He again showed that class taking his 9th Regional against the talented Ashley Bowling (OFE) in the Men’s 45s.
Meanwhile, duty commitments denied Police Champion Nick Freer a chance of playing the 40s final against National Champion Matt Marshall (BUX) as the Police Officer was called to work overnight. A great first outing for Freer who scored some memorable wins.
The Men’s 35s again saw the evergreen Jamie Goodrich of Norfolk dominating the event. In a sport where the five year age groups are virtually impregnable, Goodrich at 48 has won 24 Regional titles all in the over 35 events. He is a phenomenon. He won this one beating another superb player in Jason Varrie (OXE) in five scintillating games that saw Squash at its very best as an all-action sport.
Thanks were made to the hosting club, Colets for their superb facilities and all the bar and catering staff. Also to the Referees and the Sponsors, Karakal for their continued support. It was also great to see our Events Manager Brian Brock back running the event in his usual calm and effective way after his knee replacement operation.
Announcements were made concerning the National Championships at Nottingham from 11th to 16 February- entries close 29/01, and the British Open in May. All details on our website.
Stuart Hardy.
Vice Chairman