A full draw of 32 players with two last minute dropouts down to 30 players descending on the Wessex squash club to complete for the Wiltshire Closed Senior Championships. James Ryan the winner in January as the number 1 seed and Calli Smith in at number 2 seed. Followed up by the ever-improving and youthful Simon Lucas and the Wiltshire stalwart Nigel Rowe, making up the top 4.

Three fantastic matches in the first round John Watkins against Gary Burton, a bit of a surprise here for most people with John taking a titanic battle 3/2 13/11 in the 5th with 3 other tie breaks in the match, Nev Buckle against Johnny Carne was another classic battle, Johnny taking the match in 5 with 3 tie breaks. And the other 5 setter was Dan Francis winning 3/2 against John Walker. These youngsters starting to make a big appearance in these championships. However, please note for future reference, all under 30 years old have to pay their own entry fee, not rely on bank of mum and dad…….Josh, John, Dan Francis take note.

In the second round Calli the number 2 seed was pushed really hard by Adam Percy eventually winning in 4 14/12. But Adam showing he was going to be a handful in the plate. Two seeds knocked out Dave Ridgway losing to Rob Clarke from Devizes an unknown player to most of us, but a really tidy and durable player, and Charlie Galton taken out by Dan Binns, Charlie pushing really hard but making a few too many errors but Charlie really improving every year.

The first round plate was now in full swing with two 5 setters, Brian Brock beating Neil Harries 13/11 in the 5th and Nev Buckle taking out Dave Burns 3/2. Brian was very tired facing Gary Burton in the next round Gary winning comfortably 3/0. Nev Buckle following it up with a 3/1 win against a very lacklustre Joshua Watkins. Semi finals Gary Burton against Ben Taylor and Nev Buckle against Gary Preston. All to play for on the Sunday.

The main semis first on Sunday with Nigel against James Ryan, some fantastic squash great hitting and great retrieval. A great effort in the 2nd with Nigel getting to game point, but James just too strong taking the game and winning the 3rd comfortably. Simon Lucas against Calli was a great match, most people having their money on Calli. But Simon has put a great deal of effort in training over the last couple of years and is getting better with age. Calli made the mistake of playing into Simon’s hands trying to bludgeon him off court. Simon talking the first and second. Calli taking a very close 3rd game, but Simon digging in to take the 4th and win the match.

The second round plate first round was all 3/0 wins with Adam getting his revenge against Dave Ridgway winning 3/0, with the semis to be played on Sunday Callum Ray v Dan Burns and Adam Percy v Johnny Carne. Callum making a great effort om the first game but was really struggling with a quad injury by the end of the first, Dan winning comfortably 3/0. Adam v Johnny was a harder battle but Adam was looking really sharp winning 3/1. Adam v Dan Burns in the final. This was a great match with two youngsters all over the court with some great hitting and retrieval. With Adam Percy taking the honours 3/1.

The first round plate semi finals was now in play with Gary winning against a tired Ben Taylor 3/0. Nev against Gary Preston was always going to be a battle with Nev eventually winning in 5. The match seemed to take it out of Nev and in the final Gary swept into a game lead 11/2, Nev putting up a much better fight in the 2nd just losing 11/8 but taking the third. All a bit late with Gary taking a comfortable 4th 11/5.

The final match was James Ryan against Simon Lucas. Simon putting everything into it, taking the second game to a tie break but James was getting everything back and took the second game for a 2/0 lead. Simon really needed that game. James keeping the pressure up and winning the 3rd to make it consecutive championships. A great result to end a great tournament.

Thanks to the Wessex for hosting, all the helpers who made it run so smoothly, A special thanks to Brian Brock whose organisation is legendary and also Chloe, Neil and Joe for sorting out the food on Saturday. And a final thanks to the players.

Again a fantastic tournament with some great battles, but James looked too strong all weekend and he won without dropping a game………