Barry Carson wins epic Handicap Tournament Final

The final of the 2024 club Handicap Tournament was played out on Saturday 13th July with the only two unbeaten players facing each other. Barry Carson (handicap +2) played James Rowson (handicap -2) in a 5-game classic, which proved the accuracy of the SquashLevels-generated handicaps by producing a match that went right down to the wire.

The first game was level pegging until, with the score on 12-10, James pulled away to win 15-10. The second game was closer with James winning 15-12 – but he always led and looked confident at 2 games up. In the break, Barry took advice from a family member and this seemed to inspire him and he raced away to 12-0 lead. Although James started to claw his way back, Barry took the game 15-9. Both players were moving really well and anticipating where the other player was going to hit the ball, leading to some extended rallies, thrilling the small but enthusiastic audience. In the 4th game Barry inched ahead until a final burst of 5 points in a row gave him the game 15-8, taking the match score to two games each.

Both players were tiring now, but if anything Barry seemed slightly more tired and was taking deep breaths in the interval to get his wind back before the final deciding game. Nevertheless, Barry raced away to an 8-0 lead before James dug deep and started to pull back, causing a nail-biting finish. Barry led 13-8 and then 14-11, before James took the next two points to make it 14-13. But the next rally went to Barry and he had completed a memorable victory coming back from two games down.

The Henley Squash Club Handicap Tournament uses handicaps generated by the SquashLevels system, designed to make every match as close as possible, giving every player an equal (in theory) chance of winning the whole tournament and allowing players of all abilities to play each other – players who may never come across each other in regular League matches or in the inter-club teams. The draw is completely random, with one round being drawn at a time with approximately one month between rounds – sort of F.A. Cup fashion!

After the conclusion of the final, the players were congratulated by Tournament organiser, Duncan Nightingale, who presented the Henley Squash Championship cup to Barry. Barry commented “It took a lot out of me… James played an amazing game…I had a bit of luck… but it was one of the best games I’ve played.” James Rowson generously conceded “anyone who can come back from two games down like that deserves the win.” James is now ‘in the mix’ for winning the Plate competition – for players who have only lost one match throughout the tournament – but that result needs to await the completion of other final round matches. As does the winner of the groups for players with only two and three losses during the tournament.

Jill wins British Open

Jill Campion last weekend won the British Open over 65s Squash Championship, beating arch-rival Karen Hume 13-11, 12-10, 11-5 in a closely fought final. This is the the sixth time she has won this tournament in her age group and this title comes shortly after her victory in the National (Closed) Championships in February and the European Masters Championship last summer, which means that she has won all the major titles this season.

Commenting on her win, Jill, who lives in Bix and plays at Henley Squash Club based in Henley Leisure Centre, said: “This is a great way to end what has been one of my busiest – and most successful – squash seasons! The final was a re-run of the British Closed final, in which I beat Karen 3-2, coming back from 2-0 down. This time I went in with a clearer game plan, focusing in particular on my serves and returns of serve. I edged ahead in the first game mainly by playing the ball hard to the back, but Karen fought back using her low hard kills. I’m not quite sure how I managed to sneak that game 13-11. The second game was a different story, with numerous lets and what we both felt was inconsistent decision-making, and I quickly found myself 5-9 down. Fortunately I managed to regain focus and concentration, pulling back to win that game 12-10. Being two games up gave me the confidence I needed. I quickly established a clear lead by varying my shots, making Karen twist and turn and keeping her guessing and won that game comfortably, 11-5 and therefore the match 3-0. The match was far tougher than the result suggests!

“I’ve adopted a different type of on-court training this season, Gevolution Squash developed by Tony Griffin, which seems to have improved my shot choice, my focus and my reactions. I find it rewarding that after playing squash for more than 40 years I can keep learning and improving aspects of my game.”

Campion helps Wales Women’s Masters Team achieve best results ever

Jill Campion represented Wales in four age groups at this year’s Home International Masters Squash Team events. She played three matches on each of the four weekends, winning 9 and losing 3, helping Wales win gold in one age category and silver in two others.

The event, which is held annually over four weekends in late Spring, pitches teams representing England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland at age groups from over 35 to over 65 for when and to over 75 for men.

The first weekend, hosted by England in Nottingham, included a women’s over 65s team for the first time. With Campion playing at 1 and number 2 and 3 both experienced international players, Wales went in as favourites and clinched the title, beating England 2-1, Scotland 2-1 and Ireland 3-0.

The following weekend Campion, again playing 1, captained the Wales over 60s team in Edinburgh. With the English team looking particularly strong, coming second seemed to be a realistic objective. However it was not to be and he Welsh team finished fourth.

Next up was Dublin for the over 50s, where again the aim was to finish second. Campion, playing number three in a team of five, was on top form. She won her match against Scotland, narrowly lost her match against Ireland, and took the English number 3 and current over 50s European Champion Sarah Parr to two games all, with Parr unable to complete the match due to a serious shoulder injury, The rest of the Welsh team also delivered and they got their silver medal.

And finally, at the over 55s event in Cardiff on the final weekend, With England looking very strong, the objective was to get silver. Campion, playing number 2, won her matches against Ireland and Scotland but England’s Izzy Bramhill was too dexterous for her.

“The Masters Home Internationals are great events to play in, with men’s and women’s teams from two or three age categories at each venue. I was somewhat daunted by the idea of so much squash in so little time – last year I competed in three of the weekends and that seemed like plenty! Playing in all four weekends gave me the opportunity to play women I hadn’t played before and playing in lower age groups and I was was delighted to be able to hold my own against them. These matches certainly sharpened me up for the British Open Masters.”

Spring 2024 Update

After an enjoyable and successful winter season, Henley Squash club are looking forward to an active summer of squash.

The club is currently buzzing with all manner of squash activities including a monthly club player league, an open Friday evening club night, a handicap tournament, dedicated junior and adult squash coaching sessions, Oxfordshire county and Berkshire veteran teams, as well as elite level player participation in several domestic and international tournaments.

In the Oxfordshire leagues, Henley’s 1st team, captained by Harry Carr, finished second in the Oxfordshire first division behind Brackley. An excellent result against the best teams in the county. Richard Brown and Harry Carr played the most matches, whilst Adam Edge had the best win ratio winning all 7 of his matches played.

The second team, captained by Steve Dance, had a creditable season finishing joint 4th alongside Hithercroft in the Oxfordshire fourth Division. During the season 14 different players played in the team with Tim Budden playing 11 out of the 12 matches whilst Richard Little had the best win ratio.

The Veteran team, captained by Richard Little, in their first season playing again after the covid lockdown, finished a creditable fourth in division 3 of the Berkshire Winter Vets league. Jim Reay and Steve Dance played the most matches. The team had an enjoyable season winning seven matches and travelling to away matches across several counties.

During the winter, Jill Campion had an absolutely outstanding season including winning her Masters age category at : The European Championships, The Welsh Masters closed Championships, British National Masters Championships and the prestigious RAC Vintage Squash Tournament.

Over the summer the club is looking forward to fielding two teams in the Oxfordshire County leagues as well as seeing the results of the final rounds of the internal handicap tournament.

In addition over the next few weeks several Henley Squash Club financial supporters and sponsors are expected to be announced.

Squash has been announced to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the club is keen to take advantage of this announcement where possible to promote and make available the enjoyment of the sport at all levels to the local Henley community. All are welcome. The club plays out of the Henley Leisure Centre in Gillotts Lane, details can be found at www.henleysquash.co.uk

Jill wins RAC Vintage tournament

Jill Campion, the reigning European and British over 65s squash champion, has won the prestigious Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) Vintage squash tournament for the third time, beating Dr. Keith Bush, a highly experienced player and former RAC Open, Handicap, Veterans and Vintage title-holder. The tournament is open to men over the age of 65 and women over the age of 60 who are members of the RAC.

Jill, who lives in Bix and is also a member of the Henley Squash Club, said: “I played Keith in my first final in this tournament, when, unfortunately, he pulled a calf muscle when I was leading 2 games to 1. I knew this year would be different as Keith had been doing some serious training in the run up to the final and had had a very good semi-final win.

“My aim was to take the ball early and drive him to the back of the court, putting him on the defensive which would hopefully give me the opportunity to play the ball short. I knew that I had to be unpredictable, and vary the pace. This seemed to work and so I stuck to the game plan using variety to make Keith wish and turn. I won the first game 11-6. In the second game my nerves settled and I continued to use variety and pace to wrong-foot Keith, winning it 11-5. Keith struggled to get into the third game and I kept to my strategy, winning it 11-4. I was absolutely thrilled to win this title for the third time, in a match that was mentally a lot tougher than the score line would lead you to believe.”

After her match, Jill had just enough time for a quick shower before going back on court to play the final of the Ladies’ tournament, in a repeat of the three previous finals of this tournament, her opponent was Shane Ballie, who, like Jill, plays international masters squash.

“Shane has always been a better player than me, plus she is 15 years younger, so the odds are always against me in this one! Last year I got a game off her and that was my target this year. But it was not to be. Shane was on top form, hitting the ball hard and accurately. She won the first game relatively quickly, I had my chances in the second but as usual Shane powered through and kept the momentum going in the third to win 3-0.”

Jill clinches 5th British Masters Title

Hot on the heels of her recent victory at the Welsh Squash Masters Championships, Jill Campion, who plays squash at Henley’s Better Leisure Centre, has won her age category in the iPROSPORTS British National Masters Squash Championships, the fifth time she has won the title.

The tournament, which was held at the nine court Nottingham Squash Rackets Club, attracted over 250 participants in age categories ranging from over 35 to over 65 for women and over 35 to over 80 for men. In her semi-final Campion, who was second seed, played Lynne Davies, a re-run of the Welsh Masters final. This time Campion dominated from the start, varying the pace and taking the pace off the ball and won comfortably 3-0.

On the other side of the draw Karen Hume had a similarly comfortable semi-final. Campion and Hume both have masters world, European and national titles under their belt. As is often the case, it was a high quality match. In the first game Hume used hard, low balls to the back of the court, with Campion taking the ball early and using variety to counter-attack where possible. However, Hume dominated, winning the first game 11-9.

Hume continued to dominate in the second game, with Campion clearly struggling to find a way back in to the match. At 1-7 down she seemed to find her stride, outpacing Hume on tight drives and intercepting more on the volley. She managed to draw back to 7 all, but lost that game 8-11.

Campion was now looking more comfortable and confident but at 0-2 down, there was no margin for error. “I found my game plan during that second game, so I went back on the the third with a different mind set. My lob serves started going well which immediately forced loose balls from Karen. I was hunting for volleys, playing them short when I could, and I tried to keep Karen guessing. Once I got a reasonable lead in the third my shots were flowing. I was able to maintain this during the next two games, which followed a similar pattern. I was thrilled to win. Karen and I tend to have highly competitive matches which can go either way.

“I would like to thank my training partners at the Henley Squash Club, which is based at Better Leisure, Henley, and Tony Griffin’s Gevolution Squash method which has helped me so much in the six months I have been working with him.”

Campion won 9-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8.

Jill is Welsh Masters Champion for 3rd time

Jill Campion, who lives in Bix and plays squash at Henley Leisure Centre, where the Henley Squash Club is based, won her age category at the 2024 Karakal Welsh Masters Closed Championship for the third consecutive year.

Campion’s age category included other, highly experienced Welsh international masters players. She needed her famous lob serves and touch shots to be working on the hot courts at Rhiwbina Squash Club where the tournament was held. In the semi-final she was able to do this, outmanoeuvring former Welsh number one Sian Johnson 3-0 in a match that was tougher than the score suggests. The final was against Lynne Davies – a repeat of the European Masters final last year in Hamburg. With her lob serves compromised by a lower ceiling, Campion was unable to dominate and Davies’ soft game combined with her excellent retrieval resulted in a cracking and very close match, which Campion just won 12-10, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8.

Speaking after her win Jill commented: “I beat Lynne relatively comfortably in Hamburg at the Europeans, but this match was totally different. Lynne was faster, and more disruptive in her approach. I struggled to find my rhythm but managed to win the key points that mattered thanks mainly to the Gevolution Squash training method I have been using for the past six months. Hopefully this win will stand me in good stead for the British National Masters Championship which takes place next week in Nottingham.”

“Winning the Welsh title means a lot to me as my mother represented Wales for many years and I was born there. However, when I started playing masters squash aged 35 I was asked to play for England and continued representing the country until 2019. With no international matches taking place 2019 – 2022, I met the World Squash Federation’s three year rule for changing representative country. In 2022, the first time I was able to play for Wales, we won the Home International Tournament (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) at my age group for the first time. You can imagine the emotion.”

2023 End of Year Review

2023 has been an active year for Henley Squash club with teams playing in both the Oxfordshire and Berkshire squash leagues, a successful club handicap tournament, a developing junior section, active monthly internal box leagues, Jill Campion winning the Womens’ over 65s European Championships in Hamburg and with the support of GLL/Better and Oxfordshire Squash, the reintroduction of a Friday evening club night, at the end of the year, open to anyone interested in playing squash, novice or experienced.

Handicap tournament
The handicap tournament was played over several months, using a “Swiss System” that allows players of different abilities to play each other and have a productive and often challenging match. Unbeaten players proceeded to the next round in a normal knock-out process, resulting in one overall (and unbeaten) winner All other players were grouped according to how many matches they had lost so far. The rounds were played in ‘F.A. Cup’ style – that is the draw for each round was only made after the previous round was completed, with one round per month and no seeding. In addition, handicaps were applied to all players (calculated by the “SquashLevels” system) to ensure close matches between players of different abilities, and to allow participation of all club members.

The emphasis was on fun, with the draw throwing up some matches between players of very different abilities – with the stronger player having to play with precision, since only a few mistakes would hand victory to the weaker player because of the handicaps!

Ceramic trophies were kindly created and donated by former Club Chairman, David Wright and were awarded to four category winners.

The overall tournament winner, and the only unbeaten player, was Adam Hurst, who received the Henley Squash Club Championship Cup as well as a ‘to-keep’ trophy created by David Wright ceramics.

The winner of the Plate competition was Peter Rivers, who was the player with the lowest “SquashLevel” score from the group of players who had only lost one match. Peter received the Henley Squash Club Plate, as well as a ‘to-keep’ trophy.

Richard Esau was the winner of the so-called 2nd Plate – for players who only lost two matches during the tournament. Richard was the one from this group who had the lowest “SquashLevel”and he received another ‘to-keep’ trophy from David Wright ceramics. The last category was the 3rd Plate for players who had only lost three matches. Alistair Robbie was the one from this group who had the lowest SquashLevel and he also received a ‘to-keep’ trophy.

Following the success and enjoyment of the 2023 tournament the club plans to run a similar event in 2024.

Team matches
The club ended the year with 2 teams competing in the Oxfordshire squash leagues, The first team, captained by Harry Carr, played in the Oxfordshire 1st division and were lying second just behind leaders Abingdon by a very small margin at the end the Winter 1 season, and all to play for in the forthcoming Winter 2 season in the new year. The second team, captained by Steve Dance stepped up a league to play in the Oxfordshire 3rd division, however despite some excellent very enjoyable matches found the standard a little rich and will again be playing in the 4th division in the forthcoming Winter 2 session.

In addition, for the first time in several years the club entered a Veteran/Masters team, captained by Richard Little in the Berkshire Veteran League division 3. At the end of the year the team is well placed at the top of the league ready to complete the second half of the season’s fixtures in the new year.

Junior squash
With support from local company Invesco and Oxfordshire Squash and Racketball Association, and seeking to offer an introduction to squash for younger members the club has hosted regular junior squash sessions on Sunday mornings during the year. The sessions have been run by volunteer qualified coach Paul Niedusynski and professional coach Adam Edge, and have proven popular fun and successful.

Box leagues
For all members regardless of age the club runs internal monthly box leagues, where the opportunity to play players of similar abilities assists in the development of skills with players promoted demoted or maintaining league position each month dependent on results.

European champion
Any summary of 2023 should also include mention of the club’s European over 65 Women’s’ Champion Jill Campion. In addition to competing in and winning international tournaments, during 2023 Jill has regularly played at the top of the club’s monthly box leagues as well as for both Oxfordshire league teams.

Way ahead in 2024
As well as wishing all members and supporters of Henley Squash club season’s greetings and a happy new year, the club is looking forward to an active and successful 2024 and welcomes anyone interested in playing squash to come and join us.

In addition, the club would be delighted to speak to any sponsors who wish to be associated with an active and growing local Henley Community Sporting club.

Trophies awarded for 2023 Handicap Tournament

The 2023 Handicap Tournament was wrapped up in December with the awarding of trophies for the four category winners.

The overall tournament winner, and the only unbeaten player, was Adam Hurst, who received the Henley Squash Club Championship Cup as well as a ‘to-keep’ trophy created by David Wright ceramics.

The winner of the Plate competition was Peter Rivers, who was the player with the lowest SquashLevel score from the group of players who had only lost one match. Peter received the Henley Squash Club Plate, as well as a ‘to-keep’ trophy.

Richard Esau was the winner of the so-called 2nd Plate – for players who only lost two matches during the tournament. Richard was the one from this group who had the lowest SquashLevel and he received another ‘to-keep’ trophy from David Wright ceramics.

The last category was the 3rd Plate for players who had only lost three matches. Alistair Robbie was the one from this group who had the lowest SquashLevel and he also received a ‘to-keep’ trophy.

The tournament used a version of the ‘Swiss-system’ that allows all players to play in every round. Unbeaten players proceeded to the next round in a normal knock-out process, resulting in one overall (and unbeaten) winner. All other players were grouped according to how many matches they had lost so far. The rounds were played in ‘F.A. Cup’ style – that is the draw for each round was only made after the previous round was completed, with one round per month and no seeding. In addition, handicaps were applied to all players (calculated by the SquashLevels system) to ensure close matches between players of different abilities, and to allow participation of all club members.

The emphasis was on fun, with the draw throwing up some matches between players of very different abilities – with the stronger player having to play with precision, since only a few mistakes would hand victory to the weaker player because of the handicaps!

Full details of the tournament draw plus all match results can be seen here.

The ceramic trophies were kindly created and donated by former Club Chairman, David Wright. You can find out more about David’s ceramic wares here.

Jill wins European Masters

Jill Campion, who lives in Bix and plays squash at the Henley Squash Club based in Gillotts Leisure Centre, won her age group at the European Masters Squash Championship held in Hamburg last week. This is the second time that Jill has won her age group, having won the title in Malmo in 2015.

She beat long-standing rival Lynne Davies, from Wales 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 in the final of the over 65s category, both finalists having won all their initial round robin matches. Speaking after the final Jill said, “Lynne is always a tough opponent. She has an unorthodox game which is very effective as it disrupts the normal flow of the game and prevents opponents from attacking. I was lucky to come in to the tournament on good form, and I was able to build my confidence further in the round robin match, which I won very comfortably. The final was different. I dominated the first game but then Lynne got into her stride and I had to fight hard to regain control in both the second and third games. I am delighted to have won this major title again and to have been part of what is a fantastic celebration of squash for all ages.”

Over 600 people from countries around European competed in the European Masters Championships, which are held every two years, with age groups starting at over 35 right through to over 80.

Jill Campion has won major squash titles at over 50, over 55 and over 60 age groups. This is her first over 65s win.

Another Big Win for Jill

Jill Campion, who lives in Bix and plays squash at Henley Squash Club, which is based at Gillots Leisure Centre, last weekend won the British Open over 60s squash tournament, the third consecutive time she has won this tournament in this age group. This win comes shortly after her win in the National Championships in February and in last year’s British Open, which means that she has won her age group in all the major tournaments this season.

The British Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international squash. The masters event took place in the the Allam Sports Centre in Hull, running alongside the main event in which the top players in the world compete. Speaking after her victory Campion said; “This has been a very good season for me. Having won the two other major tournaments I was very keen to make a clean sweep of this season’s majors. It is great to be playing in the same venue as the pros, and I find watching the best players in the world truly inspiring – not that I could be or ever have been close to their standard though!”

Campion had a bye in to the semi-final in which, with her typical style of focused and accurate squash, she was too strong and quick for Iris Hoefling of Germany, who she beat 3-0. IN the final she faced Lesley Sturgess, who she had beaten in one British Open and two British National finals, each time 3-2. This one proved to be another tough match. “Lesley is a highly experienced player who reads the game well and has excellent racket skills. As has recently been the case in our matches, Lesley won the first game, keeping the rallies short with tight, accurate shots. I started getting in to my stride in the second and managed to level the match at one game all. Lesley slowed the game down and went ahead in the third, but I clawed my way back, finally losing it closely, 10/12. I could see that this long game had taken its toll physically on Lesley and so I played a game that combined fast-paced drives with slower deceptive shorts to win the last two games. I was thrilled, and very relieved, to secure another British Open age group title, my fifth in all.”