The Karakal West of England Masters 2019 was played at Winchester Lawn Tennis and Squash Club from 29/11 to 01/12/19. The Club has superb facilities and an entry of over 170 players took part in age groups from 35 to 75.

Starting with the Women’s events, in the over 60s there was a Welsh invasion and the final between two top Wales players. Sian Johnson confirmed her place as she overcame Lynne Davies in the final. The 55s was won by Avon’s Pippa Green who upset the form book by beating Scotland No.1 Fiona McLean 3/1 to claim her second Regional title, some five years after her first.

Cheshire’s Nicky Fowler won the 50s after a very competitive match in the final with Izzy Bramhall ((NOT) taking the fourth 14/12. Izzy had earlier in the week taken a Silver Medal in the World Rackethon Championships and a team Gold. Buckinghamshire Pro Sam Mueller recorded her ninth Regional win in the 45s overcoming a spirited challenge from Louisa Dalwood (HFD) who for the second time this season just fell short of the title. Hot favourite for the 35/40 title was former National, British Open and European Champion Keeley Johnson of Kent. She did not disappoint and her all action game took her to a ninth Regional Championship, defeating the talented Nicky Green of Norfolk.

The Scots raided the English again in the Men’s 75s as Scotland No.1 Ken Reid took his first title after four final losses. He came back from 0/2 down to beat Leo Kingston (LNH) in a five game, very tight match. There was an upset in the 70s as top seed and winner of 30 Regional titles, two this season, Barry Featherstone, went down in a fierce contest with Sussex’s former National Champion Ian Graham. The Hampshire player failed to convert game points in the first and a good lead in the second but Graham came through in a very high quality match.

It had been an up and down season for Cumbrian Terry Belshaw but this weekend was definitely an up. In a fascinating final he edged out Geoff Redfern (WKS) 12/10 in the fifth game to notch up his fourth Regional win and deprive Redfern of two in a row.

Former National and Open Champion Jeremy Goulding (AVN) was favourite for his 10th Regional and third of the season in the Men’s 60s. Returning from injury was Nick Gollaglee (SOM) who won his last Regional before injury deprived him of an England place. Back to good form he stormed into the final but found Goulding a match too far, 3/0 to the Avon man.

Eammon Price of Hertfordshire makes the game simple. He does the simple things very well. A former Open and National Champion he is a quality act and here he notched up his 17th Regional title with a controlled four game win over John Parkes (WKS) in the 55s. The match of the tournament had to be the Men’s 50s Final. David Youngs of Norfolk, a National Champion with every shot in the book and a few more besides, up against Winchester star Jon Foster, still playing at the top level. In a match of sublime skills from both players it went from one to the other until Youngs prevailed in the fifth to record his 20th Regional in a particularly competitive group.

The 45s had a number of upsets as National Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) crashed to the powerhouse that is Ian Cox (NFK) while Joss Hargrave (LEC) upset the seeding to oust No.2 Michael McLaughlin then 3/4 seed Matthew Stephenson (YKS). It was Cox’s power that came through in the final however, as he took his second title of the season.

The Men’s 40s saw a debut title for Matt Holland (HPH) who played a smooth and effective game to win through against Middlesex’s Mick Biggs. He had survived two very tight five game game battles against Ben Thornton (HPH) then Tim Richards (SOM). Holland, meanwhile had edged past Scotland’s Stuart Ayton 15/13 in the fourth. The Blue Riband Match, the Men’s 35s pitched perennial Champion Jamie Goodrich (NFK) against former Open and National Champion Darren Lewis (LEC). Lewis, a former circuit pro looked to be home in the fourth, but an injury stalled his progress and he lost the game 13/11 before having to retire at 2/2. A remarkable 23 Regional Titles for Goodrich- all at over 35 events. An exceptional player.

There was a lovely tribute by Isabel and Maisie Johnson, Keeley’s daughters for John Rae of Scotland, a regular Masters Champion who passed away recently.

Also thanks were given to Roz Brock who covered for husband Brian as he has recently had knee replacement surgery, Nick Sheppard, Alison Goy and Ros Featherstone who all filled the gap on the tournament desk.

Presentations were made by Phil Ashman of the Winchester Club and thanks given to the Club, staff and the referees who worked tirelessly and helped make the event a success.

Finally, thanks to our sponsors, Karakal, for their continued support of the Masters Regional Events.