SIXTEEN of the Island’s top junior squash players, put in a strong showing representing Jersey at the Dorset Junior County Closed.
Susan Turpin, committee member of the Jersey Squash and Racketball Association, reflected: “The juniors really did us proud.
“They really rose to the challenge of competition, rather than being overwhelmed, and they absolutely exceeded all of our expectations.”
The group managed to bring home a wealth of competition experience as well as a smattering of silverware in an event that has not been attended by a Jersey contingent for seven years.
The opening day saw Tyler McAllister breeze through the Girls U17 Junior County competition, comfortably outclassing her cohort and going one better than her younger brother, Lucas, who was runner-up in the Boys U15 event.
Falling just shy of Lucas in the Boys U15 draw was Patrick McMahon, who ended up losing in the semi-final stage and finishing in third place.
Meanwhile, the Turpin brothers, Alex and Will, made their way through to the Boys U17 and U19 finals respectively, which would be played the following day.
Alex saved five match points en route to his final, being 6-10 down in the last set of his semi-final clash, while brother Will was largely untested on the day.
The final day saw the U13 Boys and Girls events as well as any leftover finals from the day before.
Evelyn Boleat was a joy to watch as she smiled her way through the competition, finishing in a very respectable fifth position.
Gerry McMahon showed composure beyond his years to reach his final, beating second and third seeds in the process.
In his semi-final affair, McMahon triumphed in a phenomenal five-set tussle, beating his opponent 11-9 in the do-or-die game.
Up first in the finals afternoon was Alex Turpin. Despite fighting well and winning his fair share of points, he succumbed to a 0-3 loss to a more experienced competitor.
Unfortunately, McMahon’s final had a similar outcome, as he went down 0-3 to a very strong opponent.
It was, however, Will Turpin who turned the tide for the Jersey squad in front of a venue packed with spectators.
The 17-year-old ended up claiming the Boys U19 Dorset County Championship crown, joining an elite group of former champions in the Jersey squash scene including: Ian Furness, Mike Hopkins, Mark Le Roux and Guy Tupper.
“It was a fantastic event,” Susan Turpin added.
“There was a great buzz amongst all the juniors and parents.
“I think it’s really bonded the players and there’s great enthusiasm to do more tournaments in the UK.”
The results will help Jersey’s cause in putting their players in contention for future junior county teams.
