November kicked off the Army Squash (AS) 2019/20 Season proper when 131 players converged on Aldershot Garrison Leisure Centre to enjoy three days of competitive squash and a social curry supper. Committee members and Corps representatives also held the Annual General Meeting in the salubrious surroundings of Headquarters Home Command and put plans in place for an exciting year ahead.
The Inter-Corps Squash Championships 2019 saw a total of 21 teams entered which were placed in three Divisions of seven 5-7 player teams. The seedings were based on results from last year and the intent for all was to play well enough to secure promotion or the Division One Champions title.
Day One kicked off with the Team Captain’s brief from AS Chair Lt Col Yvette Ashman, reiterating the rules and requesting sportsmanship at all times. She formally introduced the ‘new’ AS Secretary (Lt Col Dave Campey) and AS Administration Officer (Carol Williamson) who had been in post since the previous April and had aligned all ducks for what would prove to be an efficient, enjoyable and well executed event.
With the mandatory safety brief delivered by the AS Secretary 10 hours of competitive squash then ensued until gone 1900hrs on the first day. All selected players having the opportunity for two best of 5 game rubbers. All teams returned for their next matches on Day 2 less a couple of players who had been called back to work for ‘flood duties’ and other operational necessities. The teams used their reserves to maximum effect and clear favourites for each of the leagues started to emerge by the end of the day.
The AGM was well attended, ROADs to follow in due course (watch this space), and covered areas such as the Academy, Coaching, Fixtures, Future Tours and Finances. This was followed by an excellent social event and delicious curry supper in Garretts Clubhouse. Most players played it sensible and left early(ish) to rest their bones for the final day of competition.
So came the climax of the Championships. The seedings and draw had tried to predict who would be in the running for the major honours and deliberately paired the main contenders for the Division titles together and also married up the teams who would be fighting against relegation. This resulted in some of the best squash of the week which was enjoyed by all, including guests from England Squash, the Army Sport Control Board and the civilian community.
Director ASCB Gen Shaun Burley was on hand to present the trophies to the Division Winners and the new Player’s Player Award, despite the late hour of the Awards Ceremony the AS family stayed in numbers to congratulate the winners and be given encouragement to attend the next major AS event which will be the Army Individual Squash Championships in Winchester (21-23 January) and will include the Annual AS Dinner on the evening of Wed 22 January. Registration and Payment details will be available on the ASCB Army Squash page in the coming days. All players from Novice level to Elite are encouraged to enter.
A list of full results and match scores will be published on the Army Squash Sharepoint site and Defence Connect Army Squash page. A summary can be found below:
DIV 1
1st – RA ‘A’ (115 pts)
2nd – REME ‘A’ (94 pts)
3rd – RE ‘A’ (81 pts)
DIV 2
1st – R SIGS ‘A’ (105 pts) – Promoted to Div 1
2nd – RAC ‘A’ (83 pts)
3rd – RE ‘B’ (80 pts)
DIV 3
1st – REME ‘B’ (120 pts) – Promoted to Div 2
2nd – RAPTC ‘B’ (93 pts) – Promoted to Div 2
3rd – RA ‘B’ (85 pts)
Players’ Player Award – WO2 Martin Brown, RA.