Day 5 - Sunday 9th February 2025 - Finals Day
All the terrific Squash, all the tension with the victories and defeats were leading to today, Finals Day. The coveted National Masters titles were up for grabs and for all the very fine squash players who have played all week and won through, today was the decider.
WO65 - Now a strong group and it looked to be a very even match between Julie-Anne Pegram (SFK) who had removed the top seed and now faced second seed Lesley Sturgess (DYS). They were very evenly match and using height very well both women vied for ascendancy. There were only points in it all the way but Sturgess found the right shots at the vital time to clinch the fifth game 11/9. Her second National title after an o45 win in 2007!
WO60 - Top seeded Heather Tweedle (MSY) was another player who had a previous National title but had not been on the circuit for a while. Her win was 2011 and she was looking for one here. Tammy Bennett (SRY) playing at her home club had played beautifully to set up a final with Tweedle but lost the first two 11/9, 11/9. She rallied well to take the third but the woman from Merseyside was too good in the fourth and the title went to her.
WO55 - The final was a Wales - Scotland affair with British Open Masters Champion Helen Barnard (WAL) taking on Scottish champion Donna Cruickshank. Barnard seemed to be in charge but the Scot hit back to take the third 11/9. She could not maintain it, however and Barnard closed out the fourth for the title.
WO50 - Rachel Calver (LEC) has won Nationals before and is the current British Open Masters holder. Her opponent, Louisa Dalwood (HFD) was the defending National Champion, so no slouch! Neither woman produced their best squash but that made a terrific match and the first four games all being 11/9 before Calver sorted out the fifth. A third for her.
WO45 - Catherine Ruffle (KNT) the 2024 National Champion was the player to beat and Kate Bradshaw (CBE) has been close on her heels this season. Ruffle took the first 11/9 but Bradshaw struck back with the second. Both women played some great squash in the third but it was Ruffle who had the edge taking it 11/9 and she used the impetus to stay ahead in the fourth for the win.
WO40 - One of the best finals of the day, with two very good athletes playing top squash. Lizzie Little the Scotland no. 1 was slight favourite but Emmeline Gale (SRY) took the first then edged home 14/12 in the second. The Scotswoman showed tremendous resilience to battle back to take the next two but the effort cost her and Gale re-established herself and took the title with the fifth. A great match.
WO35 - The outstanding favourite was Wales No. 1 Stacey Gooding, a former pro player. She lived up to her reputation and proved too good for everyone. Kirsty West (CHS) is herself a very good player and has wins on the Masters Circuit this season, but she had no answer to the Wales star's power and precision. A straight-game win and the title went to Wales.
And so, onto the Men.
MO80 - The Elder Statesmen, the Gentlemen's over 80s was played in a round robin group of four and the top two emerged for the final. Allan Whittow (BUX) has improved his game in the last few years and he needed to be on form against Leo Kingston (LNH). The first three games went 11/9, 9/11, 14/12 with, as you would expect some very crafty shot-making. Whittow was able to keep the pressure up to take the fourth and a first National title for him.
MO75 - After the fireworks of the Grover - Featherstone semi final it remained to be seen how much effect it would have on Larry Grover (HPH) the current World Masters Champion. Against a twice former Champion and top seed Ian Graham (SSX) he played very well only just falling short in the first two games 11/9, 11/9. But then it was all over as Graham, an accomplished player maintained the pressure to close out the third. A third National for him.
MO70 - John Hithersay of Northamptonshire had already beaten the No.3 and No.2 seeds in this tournament but in the Final he had to play No. 1 seed and British Open Masters Champion Stuart Hardy (WLT). Hardy had won the Open and three Regionals this season without dropping a game and his three wins here were 3/0. He nearly faltered after losing four points from 10/6 in the first but took that game and always remained in control after that. A first National title for Hardy in a dominant season.
MO65 - A really interesting group with a number of players capable of taking the title on their day. Among them the dangerous shot makers Richard Millman (NOR) and Open Champion Nick Gollaglee (SOM) - they fell earlier. Local star Dermot Hurford (SRY) a former over 55 British Open Champion removed Millman and James Ockwell (MDX) but lurking in the other half was three time National Champion Allen Barwise (CBA). A powerful player he always had the edge in mobility and after a 13/11 second game the end was in sight. A fourth National for Barwise and three over 65s in a row. That doesn't happen very often.
MO60 - Top seed Eammon Price (HFD) is a three time National Champion and won the British Open Masters earlier this season. The man to beat. And no one could. Second seed Jon Foster (HPH) the Winchester pro is himself a former winner of this event and although does not compete regularly on the Masters circuit is always dangerous when he does. On the day, Price was in imperious form and did not let Foster into the match. Straight games and the Championship to Price.
MO55 - Stephen McLoughlin (HPH) is obviously a big event player. He won the Open Masters this season but was hot and cold on the Regional circuit. But here he defeated the six time National Champion Yawar Abbas (DCL) and in the final met Wales No. 1 Steve Evans who had a series of brutal battles to reach the final. The superb fitness and mobility of the Hampshire man kept him ahead and to the title in straight games. A third National.
MO50 - One of the matches of the tournament was Surrey star Wayne Beglan edging home against top seed and former Champion Nick Staunton of Ireland in a semi final. In the final he had to contend with the talented two time champion Paul Boyle (BUX). Beglan has improved his fitness of late and plays a powerful game that nearly got him there. Boyle, with some relief, edged home 13/11 in the fourth for victory. More to come from the Surrey man.
MO45 - This group has been dominated by another Colets player, Matt Holland (HPH) who has won three Nationals and three British Opens at o45. He was top seed here but had a terrific struggle in the semis against Mick Biggs (MDX) winning in five. His opponent also had a damaging semi final. Paul Warner (BUX) had a gruelling five game win over second seed Alistair Coker (HFD) to reach the final and having lost the first he made a supreme effort to take the second 13/11. He did not have much left after that, and Holland playing his accomplished game mopped up the last two. Possibly a unique four National titles in one age group.
MO40 - Top seed Phil Rushworth (SRY) the Wimbledon professional and top seed here was giving masterclasses in squash and needed real challenge in the final. He got one as Paul McDonald (LNH) despatched former British Open o35 Champion Alex Preston and the very good Michael Waight (SRY) on his way to the final. A wonderful match full of powerful shots, beautiful touch and towering lobs. At one game all it hinged on the third which the Surrey star took 12/10 and keeping just ahead, took the final in four to add the National title to his earlier British Open Masters.
MO35 - There are some excellent players playing in the Masters over 35 events. And then there is James Snell (DVN). For those who watch Squash Levels, he is around 25,000 to 30,000 and plays the game as you would see the Pros play on Squash TV. He has two British Open Masters o35 and is defending the National title. Jamie Douglas (NLD) is an excellent player and a winner of the Jesters Amateur title and Regional Opens. He is fast, powerful with great shots. He nearly had the second game but there was a certain inevitability after that. Straight games to Snell and the National Championship
At the presentations thanks were given to Andy Murray and his iPROSPORTS, the sponsors and to Colets Health & Fitness for hosting the event. Especially to Head Professional Neal Brooker for his organisation and help throughout the week.
Also, thanks to the England Squash Referees, the ESM Committee, Roz Featherstone our Admin Support and of course, to our Event Manager and IT Guru, the irreplaceable Brian 'Badger' Brock.
And of course to the Players from all over England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales who made this a memorable National Masters Championship.
Day 4 - Saturday 8th February 2025
Today it got really serious as the top players in the country battled out for a coveted place in the British National Championship finals. Some great match ups in store and another fantastic day of top Masters squash.
WO65 - There was an upset here as former World Champion Karen Hume (KNT) just returning from injury lost out to the improving Julie-Anne Pegram (SFK) in four good games. In the final she will meet Lesley Sturgess (DYS), the second seed, who again was just a bit better than Wales star Lynne Davies although the second 14-12 game was crucial.
WO60 - Former Colets Club Champion Tammy Bennett (SRY) continued her fine form with an accomplished display against England team mate against Polly Woodward (CHS) where Bennett played the court beautifully and did not let her opponent use her strength. In the final she will play Heather Tweedle (MSY), the top seed, who had a bit too much for Isobel Smith (HFD) winning in four.
WO55 - British Open Masters Champion Helen Barnard, the Wales No 1, maintained her hold over Fran Wallis (LCN) with a straight games win although the second went 13-11. In the final she will meet Donna Cruickshank, a Scottish star, who proved to be too good for Izzy Bramhall (NOT) and the former world ranked player won through in four games after Bramhall saved the third 14-12.
WO50 - Rachel Calver (LEC) is firm favourite here and continued her imperious run to the final with a 3-0 win over Kate Smith (YKS) although the third, which she won 12-10, could have gone the other way. In the final she will meet defending Champion Louisa Dalwood (HFD) who had a great win over Christine McMullen (CHS) and after two tight games edged home 16-14 in the third.
WO45 - Top seed Catherine Ruffle (KNT) has been near unbeatable in this group this season and she continued to be a bit better than the opposition as she won in straight games against Caroline Hazelwood (OFE). Three close and well contested games. In the final she will meet second seed Kate Bradshaw (CBE) who has won on the Regional circuit already this season. She was too good for Natalie Townsend (WKS) and booked her final place in straight games.
WO40 - Scotland star Lizzie Little is the player to beat and no one has so far. Natalie Davenport-Husdan (CHS) came close only losing the first 15-13 and taking the fourth 12-10 but could not sustain the pressure and went down in four. Little will play Emmeline Gale (SRY) in tomorrow’s final.
WO35 - Top seed Stacey Gooding of Wales is the defending Champion here and continued to power through the draw this time beating Keeley Peacock (ESX) in straight games without being unduly troubled. Tomorrow she will play second seed Kirsty West (CHS) in the final.
MO80 - The elder statesmen of the game continued their event and top seed Allan Whittow (BUX) kept his head in front of the rest with a straight games win over Nigel Belle (KNT) although the third was a very close 13-11. In the final match he will meet Leo Kingston (LCN) who similarly was too good for Ken Brittain (SRY) earning his final slot with a straight games win.
MO75 - Top seed and former Champion Ian Graham (SSX) showed why he is favourite as he outplayed current European and British Open Champion Ian Ross of Scotland. The other semi was a classic and a replay of the World Masters Final in August. World Masters Champion Larry Grover (HPH) was the Pro at Colets in the 1980s. He and Barry Featherstone (HPH), a former Open and National Champion, are always close and tense. Featherstone took the first two 12-10 but Grover struck back in the third and saved a match point to take the fourth 13-11. Featherstone had two more match points in the fifth but Grover somehow found the right shot and pinched the game and match 13-11.
MO70 - Top seed Stuart Hardy (WLT) played his old friend and rival Geoff Redfern (WKS) and powered through in straight games, his serve being particularly effective. The other semi final was much closer as second seed David Matthew (CNL) lost the first game to John Hithersay (NHM) and Hithersay edged home the second before Matthew found some range and took the third. Hithersay re-established himself and took the fourth for his first final.
MO65 - Allen Barwise (CBA), the top seed, is looking for three in a row National Championships and he moved a step further with a straight games demolition of George Kousseff (HPH). In the final he will meet Colets player Dermot Hurford who won through a see-saw match with James Ockwell (MDX). Hurford stormed through the first game and Ockwell did the same in the second and third. The fourth was the best of the match with both playing some great squash and Hurford just coming out ahead 11-9. The fifth was again one way traffic and Hurford took it to earn his finals spot.
MO60 - Eamonn Price (HFD) is a three time National Champion but he had a stern test from Richard Murphy of Wales who took the first and went point for point with Price in the second. From there Price managed to take the second and establish his effective controlled game to reach the final in four games. The other semi final was a fire cracker with Darren Withey (BUX) taking on second seed and former Champion Jon Foster (HPH). The scores tell the story as Foster saved two match balls in the fifth and eventually won 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-14, 12-10.
MO55 - Steve McLoughlin (HPH) has two Nationals as well as this year’s British Open and is very much a big tournament player. Up against top seed and six time Champion Yawar Abbas (D&C) they played a full blooded game that went the full distance before McLoughlin emerged victorious in the fifth. In the other semi Steve Evans of Wales took on Sam Hanbury (SSX) and also had a fantastic match that went the full distance with Hanbury pushing every inch of the way but Evans clinched it in five.
MO50 - The always entertaining Nick Staunton of Ireland was in full flow with outrageous winners and unforced errors but Wayne Beglan (SRY) played flat out with pace and power to put the pressure on his talented opponent. In the end it paid off and Beglan clinched the last two games 13-11, 11-9 to win in five. Second seed Paul Boyle (BUX), another former Champion, took on Scottish star Richard Campbell and came back from losing the first to control the match and secure his place in the final in four.
MO45 - Matt Holland (HPH), another Colets player, rarely loses on the Masters circuit and has had some tremendous battles with Mick Biggs (MDX). This was to be another one with Holland controlling the game but Biggs fighting back to take the second and fourth 11-9. The fifth was a point for point battle but eventually Holland came through 11-9 in a tremendous squash match. In the final he will play Paul Warner (BUX) who edged home against second seed Alistair Coker (HFD) by the same score 11-9 in the fifth. Coker recovered from 2-0 down to almost take the match.
MO40 - Phil Rushworth (SRY) is hoping to do the Open and Nationals double this season, it is only when you know how good a player is and is comprehensively outplayed that you realise the class of the player meeting him, so it was with Rushworth and Neil Cross of Norfolk. He will have a stern test however in the final against the very good Paul McDonald of Lancashire who proved too strong for Michael Waight (SRY) winning in four hard hitting games.
MO35 - Another player looking to do the Open and Nationals double is James Snell (DVN) who in two seasons has been unbeaten on the Masters circuit. The beautifully controlled player who just does everything extremely well, he was too good for John Welton (AVN) winning in straight games. In the final he will meet second seed Jamie Douglas (NLD) who had an incredible battle with the unorthodox talent of Gbenga Adiya (BFD) who seems to be able to hit the ball from anywhere to anywhere. In the end Douglas was just a bit more consistent and took the fifth 11-8.
An amazing day of semi finals with so many matches going right to the wire. Some fantastic finals in prospect and spectators are very welcome at Colets to view.
This is quarter-finals day and it gets even more serious as the contenders vie for their places in the semi-finals. All the top seeded players are in action and more great Masters squash on display.
A superb day of great competition and some incredible squash across the age groups. There’s more to come tomorrow with the semi-finals and spectators are welcome at Colets in Thames Ditton, Surrey.